Helena could not believe Yale was the Crown Prince. She had been using informal speech toward him and was indifferent to him. He stepped down the stairs and walked in her direction. Helena must escape, but she was one step too late. Yale already called her name.
"Greetings, Lady Helena Blackmore."
Now everyone's attention gathered around them. Her chance to flee had gone. Helena turned her head toward Duchess Vermillion, asking for help through her eyes. She noticed her plea but ignored it by looking in another direction. Even the First Prince was too much hassle for the Vermillion.
Helena had no choice. She curtsied to greet the Crown Prince. "Greeting, Your Highness."
"I'm sorry. You must be shocked since the Crown Prince greets you out of nowhere. Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Sapphire Aurelius."
She swallowed her own saliva down on her throat. "What-what do I do to owe this pleasure?"
"I heard the Saint of Angles Street will attend this ball and want to meet her. I want to offer my personal gratitude for your hard work. Thank you for coming."
Whisper flooded across the dancing hall. Now almost everyone in the kingdom learnt about her title. Helena trembled in fear as she felt hundreds of gazes piercing her skull. This was not what she had in mind. That girl wanted to gain new acquaintances, not the attention of the whole kingdom!
"I hope it's not a burden, but I have a request."
Helena was relieved when she heard it. The First Prince just inquired about her assistance and had no interest in her. She might evade being bullied by envious ladies. Maybe Helena was not doomed.
"Can I have this dance?"
Nope. Helena was doomed, after all.
If she refused him, she would be ripped out for being disrespectful. If she accepted him, she would be torn by jealous ladies. Helena could even feel Ethel's wrathful glare at her. Either choice was awful, but the offence of rejecting the offer received a harsher punishment.
Helena accepted his offer with a heavy heart. "Yes..."
The music played a beautiful melody. Helena had a hard time enjoying the dance despite the ambience. She must focus on her movement to avoid stepping on the Prince's foot. One mistake and her life would be over. She would be the head of embarrassing headlines in the news.
"Remember your dancing lesson, Helena! Remember your second life!"
Helena made a mixed face of panic, confusion and nervousness. He chuckled at her expression. "Don't be alarmed, Lady Blackmoore. I am just doing this because Duchess Vermilion makes me curious about you."
"Your Majesty, you can just call me in private. This attracts too much attention."
"Oh, but isn't this what you need? I know about your struggle in high society."
Helena was dumbfounded. "How..."
She twirled and leaned back. He supported her body and whispered into her ear. "I have my spies on every corner of the kingdom. It was fascinating to hear a young noble lady looking out for cult information."
If Helena was an ordinary lady, her heart would flutter. After all, she was dancing with the Crown Prince of the Kingdom. Alas, his proclamation resembled a warning instead of a confession of love. It was his way of saying, 'I'm watching you'.
"In my defence, I didn't know Paradise Star was a cult."
He laughed at her reply. "I was confused since Duchess Vermillion told me to let you go. Now, I understand her reason. You are a pretty clumsy woman. No one in their right mind would find information about the dangerous cult in public."
"Is this why you dressed up as a knight? Do you investigate the cult by yourself?"
"In my defence, I was on duty doing my job. I am forced to hide its existence to prevent the public from going on a rampage. The cult is such a slippery and annoying opponent. "
The song finally came to an end. Both of them received loud applause from the guests. Helena was glad the torture was over. Someone called her name before she slipped in and disappeared from everyone's sight.
"Lady Helena!"
The youngest member of the royal family, Prince Heliodor, waved his hand at her. He was dressed in a royalty outfit and looked enchanting. If the First Prince had a dashing feature, the Third Prince had a beautiful feature. His eyelashes were long, and his rosy lip was small. Were he born female, everyone would spill blood to be his partner.
Prince Sapphire asked him a question. "Do you know him, Heli?"
"We met before in the library, brother."
Helena almost forgot to greet him. She bowed toward the Third Prince. "Greetings-"
Prince Heliodor chuckled. "Don't be too formal, Lady Helena. It feels awkward."
The Third Prince had the weakest position as king candidate. Her mother was a maid from the palace and took the attention of the King. She had no ambition and remained satisfied as a mere concubine. As a result, the Third Prince did not receive any support from any side. However, he was famous among commoners. Just like Helena, he contributed to charities and built many public places for people. Perhaps they were kindred spirits because they shared the same roots.
The Third Prince looked at Sapphire. "Brother, do you mind if I dance with her?"
"Sure. I am going to go back to my seat."
Before Prince Sapphire left them, he tapped Helena's shoulder and whispered to her."
"Keep our conversation from others."
"Don't jest, Your Highness. I know when to shut my mouth."
The Crown Prince went back to his seat. Now, the whole attention gathered toward Helena and Prince Heliodor. The Third Prince offered his hand with a sweet smile on his face. "Lady Blackmoore, would you like to dance with me?"
Helena chuckled at the offer. "Yes."
The musicians played a beautiful song. Helena and Prince Heliodor danced to the flow of the music. They had a small conversation during the dance.
"Lady Blackmoore, what did you talk with my brother?"
Helena thought about her conversation with Prince Sapphire. She could not say anything about her looking for cult information and how the Crown Prince pretended to be a knight to investigate them. That would be a disaster.
"It's nothing. We only talk about our hobby."
"Urgh!"
Helena was surprised when Prince Heliodor looked hurt in the middle of the dance. She almost stopped moving. "Your Highness, are you all right?"
He held his pain and continued their dance. "Don't worry, Lady Blackmoore. My hand was injured from horse riding. I fell from my horse."
"Prince Heliodor, I think you should take a rest."
"Hahaha, I'd love to, but I must attend this ball. I have a responsibility as a Prince."
The music was finally over. Helena and Prince Heliodor bowed at each other. She had a pleasant dance with the Third Prince. "Thank you, Your Highness. I have fun."
He was flustered. "No, I'm the one who is supposed to say it. You are a good dancer."
The ambience of the ballroom was warm until someone clapped his hands. The atmosphere dropped, and everyone went silent for a second. A man with bright red hair walked toward them. Helena became anxious when the Second Prince appeared between the crowds. Her body went for curtsy in an instant.
"Greeting, Your Highness."
"Ah, Lady Blackmoore. It's been a long time. How do you fare?"
"Thank you for asking about my well-being. The Blackmoore family has been good with me."
Prince Ruby leaned closer to her face. He whispered to her with a smirk on his face. "You're dancing with both of my brothers. You won't reject my offer, right?"
It was a threat, but she took it as a challenge. She had a personal grudge against the Second Prince. He was the one who sent her to the guillotine. Helena gave him a fake smile and accepted his offer.
"It will be my honour."
If Prince Sapphire danced because he was curious and Prince Heliodor danced because of admiration, Prince Ruby danced because of envy. The prideful man always snatched every woman from his brother's arm. It was backed up by his appearance and ability. She heard his dancing skill was the best among the Princes.
Helena followed his step perfectly. She grinned and swayed her body. Prince Ruby was surprised, but she leaned in and supported her to look good. He prevented Helena from ruining their dance. Helena must admit his intelligence for quick thinking. They returned to their standard dancing poise. A glint of passion appeared in his eyes.
"A feisty one, huh? I don't expect you to be a tomboy."
Helena gave him a charming smile. "Your Highness, I have plenty of sides you will never know."
He tried to tame her by changing their step, but Helena did the same thing. Two could play the same game. Everyone was mesmerized by their dance. Even the Queen was amazed by Helena.
"What a splendid dance. I never see Ruby dances like that with a young lady."
The King laughed. "Really? For me, they look like they are fighting."
The dance was finally over. Helena and Prince Ruby were out of breath. Yet, they received the loudest applause from nobles. The King even stood from his seat to clap his hands. It was considered the highest form of praise in the Eluvuris Kingdom.
The Second Prince kissed her hand and smiled with satisfaction. "You are a great dancer."
Helena hated to admit it, but Prince Ruby was a remarkable dancer. "The pleasure is mine."
He left the premise to mingle with other nobles. Her heart was still beating fast from the dance. Helena wondered if dancing with the Princes was a blessing or a curse. Before she took a rest, a bunch of nobles introduced themselves to her.
"Lady Blackmoore, I am from the Count family."
"Helena Blackmoore, remember me? We met at Lady Verdant's salon!"
She was bombarded by greetings and had enough of it. "Excuse me! I need to go to the restroom!"
Helena was exhausted. This was way too much for her capability. While dancing with the Princes of the country was a great way to gain a new connection, it also made her vulnerable to jealous nobles. Perhaps she made acquaintances and foes on the same night.
"A drink, my lady?"
"Oh, thank you. All of these dancing makes me thirs-"
Her word stopped when she saw Adham in a servant outfit. They pointed at each other.
"YOU! "
The nobles around them were surprised at the scream. Helena dragged him to the balcony to have a private conversation.
"What are you doing in here?"
"Working. What about- Oh, right." He forgot Helena's status for a moment.
"Mercenary take this kind of job too?"
"This is obviously not in the description. Remember when I refuse the gold reward from the knight? I asked for an invitation to the royal ball, but they refused. They gave in after hearing my reason for wanting to see the Third Prince. However, they let me enter the palace under the guise of being a temporary servant. They are lack of people during big events like this. Thanks to my good looking, I'm working as a footman here. I can see my idol from afar and still get money from working!"
She rolled her eyes. Well, the uniform did make Adham look handsome.
"But I never expected the knight I begged to visit the royal ball was the First Prince." He was embarrassed recalling his shameful moment. "Did you know how dumbfounded I was when the Crown Prince greeted me and asked how I was faring? The other servants glared at me!"
Helena could relate. She remembered the glare of envious nobles. "I know how you feel."
"Talking about the Prince, which one is your favourite?"
"I don't have one. My family is neutral. I cannot gush over one Prince since people will think I am biased."
Adham grinned at her. "I can't believe you are the same depressed woman who almost drowned the other days. You sound more... lively and ballsy today."
She laughed at his statement. "Let's just say some bastard pissed me off. I can't wash away the bad taste."
His pure brown eyes stared at her. "I think this personality suited you more. When I first met you, I could not help but think you are mourning. You looked like you lost something important."
Adham was right. She was mourning herself. Helena lost her will to live. She lost her life twice. Only her memories remained. That day, death felt like a nice escape from her suffering.
Adham scratched his head. He thought Helena was mad at him through her silence. "Uh, am I being rude again? Old Hag has been reprimanding me for it. Sorry if I make you upset. I don't know how to speak to noble."
"It's nothing! I am not angry, just lost in thought!"
"Well, if you are not angry, can I ask you a question?"
"Go ahead."
"How does it feel like to be a noble from a commoner?"
Helena was surprised, but she answered him with honesty. "I moved from the maid's room to the mansion after becoming a noble. For the first time, I bathed in a bathtub, wore a fancy dress and slept in a warm bed. I cried in my sleep that night. However, I felt guilty living in luxury while others tried to survive in the alley. My past followed me like a shadow. Yet, I never want to go back to the old time."
Helena remembered her past. In her first life, she always hesitated to buy expensive items because of the price. As a result, some nobles mocked her for not following the trend. The habits died in her second life because she tried to get the attention of the noble. She changed her dress every day and mocked other people by wearing shabby dresses.
Helena smiled bitterly at her experience.
How foolish of her, being in a high place still could not save her from death.
"I guess being a noble has its own upside down, huh?"
"Well, I miss running around the street and playing with my friends."
Adham was silent after hearing her response. Those two were different yet the same. They shared the same root but walked on distinct paths. One was raised to nobility, while the other lived in the street. They did not speak to each other and just watched the starry sky.
They heard the sound of music. Helena still wanted to dance, but she refused to go back. Helena was going to be bombarded by noble introductions. She did not want to handle it with a mixed mood.
Adham bowed down to her. "Can I have this dance?"
Helena chuckled at him. "Are you good at dancing?"
He shrugged. "Not really. I allow you to step on my foot if I make a mistake."
"You are lucky I am a good dancer and teacher. Let me help you learn the steps."
They were dancing on the balcony. He was flustered since he never had a formal lesson before. Helena gave him a few instructions step by step. At the end of the practice, he became better at dancing. Adham grinned at the progress. "Hey, I think I get it!"
She always loved that smile.
The night was over with a good memory. However, the next day was chaos for her. She became a hot topic in one night. Her mother badgered her about the night while the servants whispered about her chance to marry into royalty. She received way too many letters from nobles after the royalty ball. Even after one week of busy attending saloon and gathering, the letter still pilled up. Helena rested her head on the table. She was exhausted but still needed to sort the letters. A fancy envelope caught her interest.
An invitation from the King and the Queen.
"Can someone please give me a break..."