The grand ballroom stretched endlessly, its high vaulted ceilings adorned with intricate gold filigree that gleamed under the crystal chandeliers. Velvet drapes in deep crimson framed tall arched windows, through which moonlight spilled softly onto the polished marble floor, reflecting the flickering candlelight. Ornate columns lined the walls, each carved with ancient symbols telling tales of the kingdom's glory. The air was thick with the delicate scent of roses and jasmine, mingling with the faint melody from the orchestra tucked in a corner. Guests in lavish gowns and tailored suits murmured softly, their footsteps echoing as they moved gracefully, anticipation and excitement shimmering in the air.
King Draelos sat tall upon his throne. The ballroom had ripened into its full splendour, and the clock struck seven. As though on cue, the trumpets blared through the halls, signalling the official commencement of the grand ball.
The king rose, his regal frame commanding silence as the room fell still. He cleared his throat, his sharp gaze sweeping across the sea of guests.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests from far and near, noble royals, and honoured allies; welcome.
Tonight, our kingdom does not merely celebrate the accomplishments of my daughter, but we gather in honour of hope, unity, and the bonds that shape our future.
As the towers of Duskhelm gleam with light and laughter, let us remember that this ball is more than tradition, it is a symbol of alliance, of peace among nations, and the enduring strength of our people.
We open our doors to you with gratitude, for without your presence, this night would lose its brilliance. Let friendship blossom, let vows be whispered, and let love, perhaps, find its mark.As my firstborn daughter prepares to step into a new chapter of her life, among suitors, allies, and dreamers alike, I ask you not only to behold her grace, but to honour the strength and wisdom she carries... the true legacy of our house.
Let this night be remembered, not just for its splendor, but for the bonds we create, the dreams we share, and the hope that guides us all forward."
Immediately King Draelos said his speech finished, and was about to raise his wine for a toast. A presence suddenly filled the ballroom, and then,
CLAP! CLAP! CLAP!
Rhonex stood at the entrance of the ball. His crimson hair, golden eye, and sparkling blue attire all shining. After a slow, deliberate clap, he then said:
"Such lovely words, Your Majesty. A pity that hope and unity rarely survive when someone like me enters the room. Peace and unity, such noble words, Your Majesty. You see, I am not a guest of honor. I am the reminder that behind every smile, there's a scheme, behind every alliance, a knife. "Hope" it's a lovely concept, truly, but beings are rarely driven by hope. They are driven by hunger, for power, for control. Even love is bartered like gold. Tell me, how can there be unity when everyone here secretly hopes to leave with more than they arrived with?
No, I didn't come to dance in your illusion. I came to remind you of the truth. I am not your doom. I am simply the shadow cast by your own desires. "King Draelos was very angry, but kind of amused. He then asked the herald, his jaw tightening, "Who is he?"
The herald, who was holding the scroll for guests, fumbled through the list, and trembling, his eyes widened as he saw the name which had not been seeked as he read:
"Lord Rhonex... the Demon Lord."
Everyone gulped at the name and said, "Some say his bloodline is cursed, and his very presence brings misfortune. No one who meets him lives unchanged. Some lose their minds, others their lives. A curse upon us all, if he seeks the princess... They say darkness itself obeys him."
Rhonex didn't even mind the words they said and just went to sit directly at the VIP seat, which was directly in front of the royal family.
King Draelos, who saw that everyone was getting loud, decided to hush the crowd.
SILENCE!
"Let us continue the celebration. Cheers."
The crowd in the ballroom all raised their wines on their table, including Rhonex, and drank. Then the king said:
"I shall now call Aralyn, princess of Duskhelm Kingdom, to open the dance floor with a dance."
The first word that came to Aralyn's mind...SHIT...
She had been trying to mind-link her father, pleading silently that he shouldn't call her, but to no avail. He had blocked his mind, and she could no longer reach him.
Everyone started clapping, including the handsome, arrogant, and dramatic man who had just entered.
She walked out and stepped onto the dance floor. Suddenly, all the lights in the upper room went off. A single spotlight landed on her. The musicians, seated at the edge, with violins, pianos, harp, flutes, tambourine began to play.
She took a deep breath and whispered to herself, Please, Aralyn, don't embarrass yourself.
As the first note of the orchestra drifted through the grand hall, all eyes turned to the center where Princess Aralyn stood alone. Her hands clenched tightly, her posture stiff with tension. She took a hesitant step forward, too fast then another too slow. Her movements were jagged, off-beat, her feet out of rhythm.
As the music continued, a few guests exchanged glances. Still, she kept going.
She had been keeping her head down, but suddenly she looked up, drawn by faint laughter and murmurs. Her hearing was sharp, too sharp. The noise stung.Then her eyes locked onto a pair of golden eyes, staring intensely at her.
How can someone's eyes be this beautiful… and yet feel so empty? she thought.
In that moment, she became lost, glued to his gaze. The crowd, the whispers, even the music faded into nothing. It felt as if time rewound.
She remembered how the violin which her mother played used to make her dance with joy.
And suddenly, she moved.
Her body flowed with the rhythm, twirling in time, her gown catching the light, purple silk sparkling like stars spilling across the sky.
Her hips moved with power, her steps hit the floor in rhythm. By the time the music reached its final note, the entire hall had fallen silent, entranced. She bowed suddenly. That was the end of her dance.
Applause erupted around the room. She had danced, incredibly.
Aralyn returned to her seat, breath steady but heart racing. There was something strangely familiar about the man with golden eyes, though she couldn't quite place it. She could feel his gaze still burning into her, but she forced herself not to turn. His eyes were just too addictive, one glance, and she knew she'd be lost again.
The king stood, his voice carrying with regal authority.
"I know you are all gathered here to celebrate my daughter Aralyn for achieving her first tail," he began, his tone proud. "And also to prove yourselves worthy of her hand in marriage.
But before we begin the part where each of you presents what you deem worthy in exchange for my daughter, allow me to speak briefly about our kingdom... and the princess."
"My friends," he continued, "it is no longer rumor, it is truth. Beyond the eastern mountains lies the old shaft, sealed by our forefathers a millennium ago. They called it a tomb, but it was no tomb.
It was a prison.
A prison for powers that should never walk this world again.
Already, the seal stirs. Already, the music fades into silence. Already, shadows rise from the mines. Entire villages have vanished overnight. And whispers though I pray they are false, tell me that there are those, even among noble courts of other realms, who dare draw strength from that darkness. Demonic strength."
His voice deepened.
"Our kingdom cannot stand against such evil alone. One by one, we will fall. That is why our alliances must hold. That is why oaths must be honored. That is why hands must join, for if that shaft opens fully, it will not be one crown that falls.
It will be all.
A moment of silence passed.
"I do not know what exactly lies in that shaft... but I know this, it is pure disaster. An abomination that must never be allowed to walk again. We must find a way to seal it, for the sake of all realms."
He looked out across the crowd.
"With that being said, I hope Duskhelm gains more alliances in the days ahead."
Rhonex, who had heard every word, leaned back slightly.
The hall grew quiet.
A shaft sealed a millennium ago… why does this ring a bell?
So this is the great threat the kingdoms whisper about… and the Celestial Council, those sworn to protect the realms, have done nothing? Perhaps… what lies inside that shaft… even they cannot face.
His thoughts were interrupted by the king's voice.
"Now," King Draelos declared, "I will call upon the suitors who seek my daughter's hand. Let them come forth, one by one, and present their intentions."
The herald raised the scroll one that contained thousands of names. Names of men who feel like they are worthy of the princess hand...and will present what they want to offer in exchange.
He began to read them aloud:
"The first to be called is…"