Broken Crown (WIP)

i

A crown lay upon an untuned grand piano, a choir of joyful dancers fills the ballroom. King and Queen Lysandre sit in their thrones watching around them. The throne beside them is empty, a sight which makes King Lysandre sigh and stand. "I should cane the tardy damsel, watch for me beloved." He says to his concerned wife. Queen Lysandre simply nods and continues to watch the ball proceeding; she seems to scan the crowd in search of someone specific before her eyes land on a young man sweeping ladies off of their feet. Her attention shifts as his eyes meet hers and she looks around again, this time spotting an older couple standing to the side. Queen Lysandre smiles and stands, raising her hand into the air and clearing her throat. The crowd calls to attention and all look at the Queen. 

"I pray you are all enjoying your evening, in a moment, we shall begin the ceremony. Worry not." Queen Lysandre calls out over the crowd. 

"Well, let's speed things along, we did not come out all this way to wait longer for this!" One of the old couples respond, the couple that the Queen was searching for. They continue "We brought our son in his best, what right do you have to keep us waiting any longer." 

"Now, now, your excellency, a time was never agreed. The princess is merely on her way- " The queen is suddenly interrupted. 

"Your princess has arrived, Prince Hanish." King Lysandre announces as he enters the ballroom with the princess' hand in his. He glares at his daughter for a moment, and she perks her head up, before walking down to the impatient prince. He watches as the two hold hands. 

Prince Hanish leads their dance, slow steps and flirtatious grins while the princess nervously follows, she exchanges anxious glances with her father before closing her eyes. The king backs up to his throne, guests making way for him and waiting for him to allow them to continue. He claps his hands before sitting on his throne and staring at his daughter who is dancing her best with the prince. The queen nudges him and keeps her voice quiet. "You didn't truly-"

"Victoria, silence. We have a celebration to start shortly, let us enjoy the view." The king interrupted. 

"Yes, my beloved" Queen Lysandre whispered. 

Meanwhile, another body becomes present, blending in but taking no part in the dances. The figure eventually joins the dances, hushing all of their dance partners before swiftly trading partners with the prince. Their hands gently take the princess' as they survey around them. The prince's behaviour didn't change at all as he kept dancing, kept smiling. The stranger took a look at the king and queen before suddenly leading the princess to the main door, which remained open to greet more potential guests. A glance at the guards and they looked away, allowing the stranger to lead the princess to the palace grounds. The princess was still startled, looking the stranger up and down before realising and pushing herself away. "You aren't- I'm supposed to be with-" The princess began to yell. 

"With Prince Casanova, did you not see how he didn't try to return to you. You're with me now, Veronika" the stranger cut her off, looking her up and down before looking around them. 

"Why did you bring me here?"

"Well, not the question I was expecting to hear."

"Who are you then?"

"Now that's more like it. But I'm afraid I can't answer you, your grace. I'd like to play a little game with you, you used to adore games." The stranger smirked behind their lace masquerade mask, the princess drawn to their mouth. Veronika studied the stranger's appearance. They- no, she- had black lips, they were wearing a hood, a long black dress and her eyes were golden. "Your excellency?" The stranger called for her attention. "Are you ready to play?" She asked, holding out her hand and smiling coyly at the princess. 

"What should I call you for now then, until I've beat this little game of yours?" Princess Veronika asks, taking the stranger's hand and glancing back to the palace. 

The stranger took Veronika's chin in her hand carefully, looking into her eyes. "Teliria, darling princess. Now, look for me in the house of roses on the night of the next new moon." She whispered before kissing the tip of the princess' nose. 

The princess closed her eyes for a moment, suddenly hearing the cheering of crowds and opening her eyes to see Prince Eugene on one knee. He holds her hand and starts sliding a ring onto her finger. Veronika stands frozen, her mind racing and her heart singing. Prince Eugene clears his throat and gestures to the king and queen who are watching and gesturing "keep going" to Veronika, who looks down at Eugene and thinks of her encounter from a second ago. She shakes her head slightly and feigns joy, moving her hand forth. The ring slides further down her finger, a silver engagement ring with a sizeable ruby centred on it. Prince Eugene stands and takes the princess' hand, and she flinches. The king and queen walk closer to the newly engaged royals and place their hands on Veronika's cheeks, their faces moving closer as they shower their daughter with praise. "You are going to make a fine queen, sweetheart." whispers Queen Lysandre. The king nods and the two peck Veronika's forehead.