4 - The Welcoming Ball

LIRA

"Yes. Lady Lira Vale. Is there a problem?" I asked, trying to sound calm even though my heart was still racing.

The Royal Instructor shook his head. "No, no. I'm just surprised. As you know, your grandfather hasn't been to court in many years. We weren't sure he would honour the invitation."

I nearly sighed in relief. So that was it, just curiosity.

"We live far away from the palace," I answered. "It's a three day journey from the mountains on horseback. My grandfather's health wouldn't allow him to make such a long trip, but he sends his good wishes."

"I see..." he murmured, still looking at the letter one more time.

Then he looked up at me. "Well, welcome, Lady Lira. You may go to the grand hall. The welcoming ball has already started. I wish you luck."

I gave a quick nod and walked away, careful not to move too fast and draw more attention. I just wanted to disappear into the crowd before he changed his mind and called me back. My shoulders relaxed slightly once I left the line.

The grand ballroom was glowing with golden light. Chandeliers hung high above, casting a soft shine over the girls in their gowns and the nobles already gathered. Everything shimmered like a dream. But to me, it was a dream built on lies.

"Lady Lira Vale?" someone called.

I turned toward the voice. A court attendant stood there with something red in her hand.

"Yes?" I answered, keeping my tone polite.

She stepped closer and held up a rose.

"Here. Every lady in the Dragon Queen Selection has to wear this rose, so the court knows who you are," she explained.

She carefully pinned it onto my emerald green dress. I looked down at it, feeling the weight of it press against my chest. Not just the fabric, but the secret I was carrying.

"Okay. Thank you," I said softly.

The court attendant looked at me a little strangely before giving a short bow and leaving. Maybe she noticed something was off. Or maybe I was just being paranoid again.

The hall was buzzing with excitement, but beneath all that, there was tension too. The air almost felt too heavy. We were being led into the centre of the palace, our first official appearance as contestants.

The welcoming ball.

Each of us had the same red rose pinned to our dresses. A single flower that marked us as part of the Selection. A symbol of our chance. A symbol of the fight ahead.

I touched mine lightly. The silk petals were soft, but they felt sharp to me. A warning. I wasn't here for a crown or for love. I was here for justice.

The other girls stood in perfect rows, all of them so beautiful, polished, and confident. They wore shimmering silks and jewels that sparkled under the lights. I had picked the best gown I could find in Lady Lira's wardrobe, but even then, it didn't come close. I had no handmaiden to help me dress. No court tutor to tell me how to act. I hadn't even put on makeup. Just a simple braid in my curly brown hair. I looked... plain.

But I stood tall anyway. Because I had to. Because I had come this far.

Then the great ballroom doors swung open, and silence fell like a thick curtain over the room.

The royal family had arrived.

Dragon King Edric Valemont and Dragon Queen Seraphina walked in first, regal and calm. Their presence filled the space, even without saying a word.

Behind them came Crown Prince Cassian.

And just like that, every eye shifted.

He walked in like he didn't care to be there. He was handsome, just like they said. Unfairly handsome, really. His dark hair was neatly styled, and his sharp jawline caught the light as he looked around, clearly bored. He barely even glanced at us.

Still, I saw the way some of the girls looked at him, like he was already theirs. I didn't blame them. There was something magnetic about him, even in his disinterest.

But I wasn't here for him. I wasn't here to fall in love.

I was here to make the royal family pay.

Queen Seraphina stepped forward and raised her chin slightly before addressing us.

"I welcome you all. One of you here is the future Dragon Queen of Aurelia," she said, her voice strong and elegant.

"One of you stands a chance to marry Crown Prince Cassian and rule alongside him. One of you will be his bride. One of you will become a dragon rider."

Her gaze swept over all of us, her words hanging in the air like a challenge.

"And I must warn you the stakes are very high."

My hands clenched at my sides, the red rose brushing against my fingers.

Yes. The stakes were high.

But I had not come here to play fair.

.................

CASSIAN

My mother's speech droned on, but my thoughts were far from her words.

I stood to the side, half-listening, pretending to care as my friends nobles from the most powerful families in Aurelia gathered around me. They were talking about the girls, of course. They spoke with the same excitement they had when betting on duels or choosing horses before a hunt. Only this time, it was my future they were dissecting.

"Lady Calista Harthwell is a top contender," Lord Benton leaned in, flashing a knowing grin. "She has fire magic. Taheer might like that. Her father practically owns the council. You'd be mad not to pick her."

I offered him a half-smile. "She's well-prepared, I'll give her that. But this isn't just about magic or who her father is. The dragon trials will decide in the end." I let my eyes drift over the room, scanning the women.

"She'll have her work cut out for her."

"And Lady Vivienne Trevanne?" another friend asked.

"Brute strength. That girl could probably throw you across the training yard. Sharp as a blade too. Not something you often find in a woman."

I raised an eyebrow, the corner of my mouth twitching into a smirk. "Is that supposed to impress me?" I muttered. "I've heard she's a bit... intense. I'll have to see for myself."

Then came the mention of Lady Elora.

"She's timid," Benton said again. "But her father's name more than makes up for that."

I turned toward her. She stood near one of the columns, trying her best not to be seen. Beautiful, yes, but painfully shy. Benton wasn't wrong.

"My parents would be thrilled if I married her," I said quietly. "The Dorne family practically feeds the entire kingdom. They control the farms and crops. But still, there are a lot of contenders here. I intend to give them all a fair shot. Any one of them could be queen."

Benton scoffed. "Not just anyone. It has to be someone worthy enough to ride a dragon. You think everyone here is equal? No. You're bonded to Taheer, the most powerful dragon living. Whoever stands beside you should be more than just a pretty face with a famous last name."

I opened my mouth to argue that I didn't care about power and politics, but before I could say anything, a steward beckoned me forward for the introductions.

Here we go.

One by one, the girls lined up, offering their best smiles and fluttering lashes. I nodded, smiled politely, and repeated the same dull compliments. Gods, it all felt so performative.

"Your Highness! I'm Lady Juliette Crestfall. It would be an honour to be chosen as your Queen!" one girl practically shrieked into my ear.

I blinked. "Yes... Lovely to meet you," I said, my voice flat, already looking past her.

"Lady Elora Dorne," the steward announced.

She stepped forward, eyes downcast. "Y-Yes, Your Highness. It's truly an honour to be here," she whispered, barely audible.

I gave her a small, neutral smile. "I trust you're enjoying the evening." When she nodded, I moved on.

Then came the name that made me pause.

"Lady Cassandra Evernight."

That name... I knew it.

I turned, and there she was. A tall, striking woman in a gown cut so low I had to make a conscious effort to look anywhere but at her full breasts. Her presence was... calculated.

"Lady Cassandra," I said slowly. "Forgive me. I was under the impression that you were married."