Chapter 4

Princess Knallia stood on the royal viewing platform in the ballroom next to her father while looking out over the crowd of guests below. There were just too many people, and she was already nervous. There were many small tables set around the dance floor, and a buffet against the far wall for people to get refreshments during the evening. To her left was a mammoth balcony overlooking the royal gardens, with the doors thrown open so that people could go out and enjoy the view and cooler air. Overall, it looked as if it would be a grand time. Or, it would be, if she didn't have to find someone to marry.

"Princes, and other gentlemen of the nobility," called out her father. "I present to you my daughter, Princess Knallia."

There was polite applause from below, and Knallia looked down to see her friends Lady Oncya and Lady Lowen looking up at her, smiling and clapping in support. She was glad they were here; she might just have to hide behind them for the duration of the event. Right behind them stood the unmistakable Prince Martin, who's mask was so small that everyone was sure to recognize him. Knallia was sure that was the point, he seemed to think that she would want to know it was him. Not that any size mask could hide his stench, though perhaps he had rolled in a vat of perfume this evening. She smiled to herself at that and noticed him smile too. Oh no, please tell me he didn't think I was smiling AT him! The night was off to a wonderful start.

"The Princess is hoping to meet you all, as you know she is hoping to find an eligible suitor from among you to marry. So, no rush, you have all evening to introduce yourselves!" he chuckled grandly, enjoying the moment. "If she chooses you, you will be presented with this ring!" he held up the little silver ring she had given to him for the speech. "If you accept it, then you're committed to marry her. So, do not take this lightly!" he said gruffly. "Of course, you also have the lovely ladies of the nobility to meet." He gestured with his hands at the throng. "So, don't be shy, please go have a good time. He waved at the royal band, next to them on the viewing stand, and they started playing some lovely dance music. Many of the people down below started to find partners for the dance, though she noticed that a pack of princes, Martin included, moved to the bottom of the stairs she would have to descend to join the party. A lamb to the slaughter she thought to herself.

She never even made it to the dance floor, as Martin walked up three of the stairs to greet her. "Princess Knallia, it would be my honor to take the first dance with you," he said with a bow. Taking her hand, he tried to lead her out to the floor, but she slipped out of his grasp.

"Now my dear Prince Martin, no rushing. There are many people here that I would like to meet before I do any dancing. I can't get worn out too early."

Martin visibly preened at being recognized, or perhaps calling him dear, or maybe he noticed shrimp on the buffet, she really didn't know or care what went through his mind. The other princes at the foot of the stairs smiled though, obviously realizing that they would have a shot at the first dance. They didn't realize that none of them would get it though, she had no intention of dancing at all tonight unless some miracle happened.

"Princess Knallia, I'm Prince Patrick, it is so nice to meet such a beauty as you!"

"Princess Knallia, I am Prince Harris, you're so beautiful."

"Princess Knallia, you're so beautiful!"

This was becoming monotonous already, they obviously didn't think of anything useful to say. Luckily, Lady Oncya and Lady Lowen came to her rescue, pulling her away from the horde of princes and over to a table. Lowen pressed a cup of water into her hand. "Drink, you're going to need it."

"Are you alright?" Oncya asked, worry in her voice.

"Nope. Not even a little. But the night is young, maybe I can pass out and end it soon," she replied with a grimace.

"No way, you're going to find someone amazing!" Lowen promised.

"Oh, right, they just grow on trees, right?" Knallia asked, trying not to roll her eyes.

Perched in the top of the tree, Aven listened carefully for the beginning of music in the ballroom. She was hoping that would signal the general mingling of the crowd and allow her to slip in unnoticed. The last thing she needed was for someone to see her scaling the wall or vaulting over the railing. Getting up to the garden had been much easier than expected. Most of the citizens were out in front of the castle, hoping to get glimpses of the arriving nobility, so the streets were almost empty. Even the shops had closed early since they shopkeepers wanted to go gawk at them as well. The first section of ivy-covered wall that she checked was in deep shadow, and the guard was looking back towards the crowd.

She had scrambled up the ivy in just a few seconds and paused at the top of the wall. There was a small drop into the gardens, but no guards here. She could see the balconies across the garden and up another ivy-covered wall, and she had no doubt she could scale that too, though she would have to be more careful. While the gardens were currently empty, she knew there would be people at the top of the balcony.

With nobody in sight, she had lowered herself into the garden with her rope, and then sprinted over to the next wall. She then climbed a lovely magnolia tree situated near the balcony and waited. Which was where she still was, waiting for the music. There was a speech going on, but it was too far away to hear what was being said. Hopefully, it was something like, hey, leave all your money on the balcony and then come ignore the lady in the tree! Well, she could have her wishes.

She leaned back on a strong branch in the tree looking up at the moon and the stars, they were beautiful tonight, and made the garden a wonderful place to spend time. She wished she could be here under better circumstances, but perhaps she could spend the night back in the hunting preserve tonight, it would still be wonderful. The thought filled her with a little happiness, and it took her a bit to realize that the music had already started. She looked about for witnesses again and finding none she slipped down out of the tree and over to the wall. Taking a firm grip on the ivy she started to climb, though a little slower now so as to not make noise if anyone was on the balcony. Her hope was that nobody would be out on it this early in the party, but would all be getting to know each other instead.

Aven reached the balcony and peered between the stone rails. The ends of the balcony were in deeper shadows since the light from inside didn't reach them, so she had a little bit of cover. Not seeing anyone on the balcony, she scurried up and over the railing, then tried to act naturally while leaning against it. She peeked around the corner and saw the ballroom, packed with people, and then pulled back quickly, her heart beating like a drum.

She couldn't do this!

You're already here, you have to try!

She closed her eyes and breathed deep, trying to steady her breathing. She took a step towards the open balcony doors and stopped short, darting back over to the railing. She hurriedly pulled the mask out from inside her shirt and slipped it over her face, that would have been a disaster! Her heart was hammering against her ribs again at the near miss, and she stepped forward again, turning in to the party. She saw a buffet and made her way towards it, perhaps she could survey the room from there.

She tried to remain calm, but inside she was terrified.