Chapter Twenty Four - Once Felt Unwanted
KIERAN
The grand ballroom shimmered with golden light. Candlelit chandeliers cast their glow across velvet banners and polished marble floors, and the hum of music floated gently above the rustle of silks and the clinking of goblets.
Laughter danced in the air, bright and hollow, filling the spaces where sincerity had no place.
It was the Spring Bloom Ball—an annual celebration to mark the turn of seasons. Nobles and royals from the high courts of allied kingdoms mingled in opulent clusters, their perfumes heavy with spice and flowers, their smiles sharp-edged and false.
At just nine years old, I stood near the corner of the ballroom, dressed in a finely tailored silver doublet with navy trimming.
My light brown hair, neatly combed back, framed my gentle features. There was a hopeful gleam in my mismatched eyes back then—one black, the other a striking gold—as I watched the crowds.
I have practiced how to bow all week. Learned the right compliments to offer. Smiled, the way my tutors said made people feel “at ease.”
And still… they passed me by. Or is it because my fangs are a bit long? I just smiled and closed my teeth.
When I greeted Lady Annera of House Vellane with a cheerful, “Your gown looks like starlight,” she gave a dismissive nod and turned back to her conversation.
When I offered a napkin to a noblewoman who spilled her wine, she gave a strained smile and whispered something to the man beside her.
They both laughed.
I stood a little straighter, still holding the napkin.
Nearby, a group of boys a few years older loitered by the refreshment table—Alistair at their center, as always. The future duke stood tall for his age, with his chestnut hair slicked back and an arrogant glint in his eye.
I had barely begun approaching the long buffet when Alistair’s voice rang out.
“Look! It’s the little puppy playing prince again.”
The other boys chuckled.
I faltered but kept my smile. “It’s a ball. I’m allowed to be here.”
One of the others, red-haired and smirking, nudged Alistair. “Didn’t know we invited stray mutts.”
The second boy leaned in. “Maybe he’s here to lick up spilled wine.”
Laughter erupted from the trio, loud enough to draw attention. A few adults glanced over and then quickly looked away, choosing not to interfere.
My smile cracked, my fingers curling into the hem of my tunic.
Alistair stepped closer, eyes glinting with cruel amusement. “Tell me, little dog… Do you pretend they like you? That you're just like us?”
“I'm... I'm like you, brother,” I whispered, though my voice trembled. "Brother?"
“I belong here.”
“Oh?” Alistair sneered. “Then why does my dad scowl every time he looks at you?"
I turned my head, and my gaze found the dais at the end of the ballroom. The king sat with a goblet of wine, watching the dance floor with a bored expression. His eyes brushed over me just then… and turned away with clear irritation.
Alistair wasn't done.
"I'm not your brother, Kieran. You're just a dirty, just a dirty-looking dog picked from the street.”
Kieran's stomach twisted.
“Go back to your cage, mongrel,” his friend on his left said under his breath, his words like thorns. “Before someone reminds you you’re nothing but a cursed stain on a noble floor.” Alistair said
The boys cackled again.
“Stop it!”
The voice rang through the air like a silver bell, cutting clean through the music.
Renese, Kaira’s closest companion, princess of Auradell, her father was my dad's closest friend. She strode forward with her hands on her hips. She was only seven but already carried the confident poise of someone twice her age.
She pushed past the boys and stood between me and Alistair.
“You’re just jealous because Kieran has better manners than all of you put together.”
Alistair scoffed. “Stay out of it, Renese. Go braid Kaira’s hair or something.”
“And you go do something better than bullying,”
"Watch your tiny mouth, Renese,” Alistair thundered, then another voice—this one sharper, younger, but no less fierce.
Kaira stormed over, her gown of soft lavender swaying with her determined strides. Her blond curls bounced with each step, her cheeks flushed with anger.
“You're a disgrace,” she said, pointing a small finger at Alistair. “Bullying someone just because he’s different? You’re pathetic. All three of you.”
Alistair’s nostrils flared. “Mind your place, Princess.” he said
“I am in my place,” Kaira snapped. “And I say you're all cowards.”
For a moment, it looked like Alistair might argue—his jaw clenched, eyes narrowing—but before the confrontation could escalate further, the Queen appeared, flanked by two guards.
Her expression was cool and unreadable. “What is going on here?”
The boys shrank under her gaze.
“Nothing, mother,” Alistair muttered quickly, bowing.
“Then disperse,” she said with steel in her tone. “This is a celebration, not a brawl. You two—return to your families."
She shot at Alistair. "Back to your place?" He hesitated, looking mad at me before he left. "Kaira, Renese—come,” she said.
The girls hesitated, looking back at me, who stood still, quiet, and crumpled in the corner. The Queen looked at me, too—her eyes flicked over me briefly, neither warm nor cruel. Just… neutral. Uninterested.
And then she turned away.
Kaira followed her but Renese stood close to me, as I staired at the Queen and Kaira. She stretched her hand forward then stopped like she had to think twice before touching me.
“Kie.. Kieran are you okay?” Her voice low and smooth. “You should go with them, to avoid embarrassment for yourself”
“I just want to know if you're ok” I sniffed “I wasn't beaten. At least you can see for yourself. I'm fine” I gazed at her then she looked away. Feeling bad “Okay then” she left.
I exhaled shakily, shoulders folding inward. The music resumed, louder now. The crowd swirled in dazzling colors and elegant spins. I watched them all for a moment longer… and then turned, slipping quietly from the ballroom.
I walked down the silent corridor, my soft leather boots making no sound on the marble floors. No one followed.
The laughter and violins faded behind me, and with each step, the walls seemed to rise taller and colder.
I didn't cry. Not then.
I just walked.
Alone.
This isn't my first time being bullied by Alistair.