The time had finally arrived. The ballroom was lit up by blinding lights and decorated with bright colors. There were a lot of nobles already there; they were all dancing, despite the ball having just begun. It made Harry wonder just how many more people would come as the night grew older.
The guests of honor had yet to arrive. Harry stood at a table, her transparent jewel jewelry constantly clung together every time she moved. She felt like she had come a little too early herself.
Harry hadn't seen her family or anyone she knew yet. She wondered if she would recognize them even if she did meet them. She thought she was unrecognizable.
She was dawned in an icy blue flowery dress and had on very uncomfortable glass heels. She'd had her straight hair curled into waves by Leona, who had just discovered how to create this new hairstyle and insisted that Harry let her try it out. She also had silver butterfly hairpieces fixed around the side of her head. She smelled strongly of roses and had a sort of sparkle to her face.
A few boys had turned their heads to look at her while some attempted to approach her. It was the same with the girls, but it was more extreme with the boys. She escaped to a food table so that she was certain to be left alone there. After all, the food tables at balls aren't the best places for conversations.
Harry tapped her fork to her empty plate. As she debated whether or not to leave and then come back later once the party actually began, that's when they appeared.
Harry's eyes widened at the sight of the Taram royal family. Put together, refined, the very definition of what a royal family should be. The first to enter was Lianne, much to Harry's surprise, Lianne was wearing a color other than black. It was a dark purple color this time. But it was so dark that it still appeared to be black.
The next were the king and queen. Standing at the top of the stairs in his dressed-up state, Henry finally looked like what he was, a king.
Harry laughed at the thought of the foolish king but stopped the moment she laid eyes on the queen. Lianne had told Harry that she would understand the reason why she hated her hair so much whenever Harry met her mother.
Indeed, Harry now understood. She had an image of what the queen looked like, but contrary to Harry's imaginary image of the queen-a queen with dark hair like her oldest daughter's and light, possibly, green eyes not exactly like the royal family's emerald ones-or brown. The queen in front of her was completely different.
A fancy gold and red gown, many pearl jewels around her hands and neck, golden earrings that were likened to the ones Lianne had once worn, but without the rubies. She had very light blonde hair that almost appeared white. It was pulled back into an equally as fancy bun. She looked poised and elegant as she walked and looked down, smiling at all of the guests.
None of the royals had dark hair like Lianne's at all. It made Harry wonder how Lianne got it. As she pondered about it, the final members of the family came in, the guests of honor. The king gave a brief speech about the twins and thanked everyone for coming. The twins stood at the top of the stairs, and their family went on their way. They were matching in color and style. They both wore white and purple. Unlike their sister's, their hue was extremely light.
Everyone watched and clapped as the twins took each other's hand and proceeded down the stairs in a slow, but graceful manner. As soon as they were off the last step, the clapping stopped, and the crowd receded. They went back to their dancing, and Harry watched the twins to make sure she wasn't missing something. She looked for Lianne, who had disappeared into the crowd, and then looked at the king and queen who sat comfortably in their thrones.
Harry still couldn't locate her family. She decided not to worry too much about it. If something important happened, then they would find her. She stared at the table. She no longer wanted to remain at the table, but she didn't know where to go.
"Harry."
When she heard her name, she quickly turned around. She could've guessed who it was, and she would've been right. It was Varian. He was still in the role of a little duke and not her knight. This time, he didn't even have a sword. He was dawned all in white from head to toe. He wore his hair as Melody suggested he should-tightly slicked back. He held out his hand for her to take.
"Have you danced yet?" he asked.
Harry smiled and answered as she took his hand. "No."
"Then, can I be presumptuous and ask to be your first dance for the night?"
The two headed towards the dance floor hand-in-hand. Harry grinned another one of her foolish grins and answered, "Of course! Am I going to be your first dance too?"
"Yes," Varian answered. He returned her grin. "It is quite an honor to have your highness let me be your first partner."
They let go of each other's hands temporarily to bow and then began their dance. Harry had expected it since their first dance at the night market, but Varian was indeed a wonderful dancer. As the two glided across the ballroom, they became the stars of the show and set the standards high for the other couples for the rest of the night.
Harry and Varian spared them no glances. They continued to dance without missing a beat as they struck up a conversation.
"You followed Miss Melody's advice, I see," Harry said with a laugh.
"Yeah, I thought it was worth giving a try," Varian answered. He leaned close to Harry and asked, "How do I look?"
Varian's face was so close to hers that if she leaned forward, their lips would definitely meet. She was a little relieved when he pulled back.
"You look nice," Harry replied. "But."
Varian's face froze, and his body tensed. Harry reached her hand over and patted his head; his hair was hard and greasy.
"I like you with your hair down a little bit better."
"Is that so?" Varian asked as he once again leaned closer to her. "Then I'll have to wear my hair like that often."
Harry felt her face getting red. "Y-yes...and...you look good in fancy clothes like this too."
"Maybe I'll change the knight's uniforms then."
Harry couldn't win against him, but luckily for her, the music changed, and their dance ended.
"You dance well," he commended her.
"You do, too."
"Did you enjoy your dance, Princess?"
"Yes?"
Harry wondered why Varian was acting so different tonight. She decided to ask him. "Var...Varian?"
He smiled and cocked his head to the side. "Hm?"
Harry looked away. She no longer had the confidence to look him in the eyes. "Why are you-" Before she could fully her get question out, her family finally found her.
"Harry," called Kahil. "What are you still doing on the dance floor? Are you waiting to dance with your amazing brother?"
"Kahil," Harry greeted. "And Mother and Father. Where have you all been?"
"We've been watching you dance, of course," replied Caroline. She turned towards Varian and nudged his arm. "Who knew your knight here was such a great dancer?" She then nudged her husband. "Well? Do you think we can beat them, your majesty?"
"I don't know about that," he answered. "My daughter has improved quite a bit since her first ball."
Harry was glad to hear him say that. It made her feel like all her efforts had been worth it.
"Save a dance for me later, Harry," the king said.
"Me too," said Kahil.
"It's been a while since I've danced with Harry," sighed Caroline. "What do you think? Shall we dance again, Harry?"
Harry laughed and answered, "Yes, let's do it!"
Harry ended up dancing with her family. She loved her dances with them, but her dance with Varian held a special place in her heart. Soon, her feet started to ache in her glass heels. She wanted to sit down, but the tiny guests of honor approached her.
"Harry!" called Claire as she wrapped her arms around Harry's waist. "Dance with us?"
Harry looked down at the two and gave a small laugh. "How could I say no?" she asked softly.
"Come on!" Claire giggled as she and Collin led her to the middle of the dance floor.
As much as Harry wanted to tell them no, she decided not to. The night was still young, and she was having so much fun. Her feet could wait. She could deal with the consequences later. The ball was not so bad, after all.