I'm not good at cute, but here is a moment of Alice and Kyler being awkward cute.
Boop cause it's kinda long
"Hello, Alice."
"Holy, gods," I jump around to meet the eyes of Kyler. He takes a step back before letting out a small thing of laughter. His outfit of choice is a light blue suit and dark blue tie. He looks dashing, and I can't help but feel a little bit taken aback.
"Sorry for the scare. I just noticed you're rather alone. May I take you on the floor for a dance? You look too stunning to be left alone with all these, perverts," I give a small snicker before putting my water down on a random table. It would likely be drugged before the end of the night.
He holds his hand out, and I gently lay my hand into it. We walk to the dance floor where other couples dance about. I lean into him as we slow dance to the orchestra playing in the background; we keep things simple and two a small two-step dance. Truth be told, I never really learned how to dance because I never thought I would ever attend Gala.
"You are looking extremely beautiful tonight," I let out a smile as a blush rushes across my face. Being complimented by a high-tier, handsome knight is something that doesn't happen every day.
"You look quite dapper as well," I can his face let out a small red color as we continue to dance. I can feel the eyes of the high-tiers staring me down, wondering who this mystery girl might be.
Kyler and I talk a little bit my steering clear of the thoughts of my impending doom. Deep in my stomach, I know that things are going to be --- dismal. But, what if Madam Zornem is wrong? Maybe she saw the vision of someone else? What if Mama and I are going to be just fine?
Kyler leads me off the dance floor and towards a table for two people. He seats me down and walks away, holding up a finger to signify to give him a second. I nod my head and take a moment to peak at the garden that we stand in. There is a castle entrance that is sealed off by knights; plants are scattered around as large vines and trees cover most of the skyline except a few scarce spots where the moon shines brightly. There are multiple tables spread about, some are for eight people all the way to tables for two. Servers are walking around with champagne, other alcoholic drinks, and little snacks. A dining area is set right near one of the edges of the garden, but the main courses will start when the moon hits the midst of the sky. Which should be soon.
Kyler comes back with a small platter of sweets and a glass of grape juice. He sets them down and takes the seat opposite of me. I cautiously take one of the small scones on the plate and nibble at it; it is delicious tasting, and I am sure Mama would absolutely love to have one.
"Kyler," I freeze for a second while shifting my vision towards the scones.
"I am fated to have a terrible path ahead of me tonight. I have one request that I must make of you. Please, send a package of these scones to my mom. For tonight, my life is to be taken according to an elder," Kyler allows his mouth to be left slightly agape as he takes one of my hand into his. He gives it a comforting grab as a loud trumpet captures our attention.
"Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I will ask everyone to take a seat before we get on with this evening's dinner, rewards, and dancing."
"Rewards?" I whisper to Kyler as he nods his head, his chocolate eyes dripping with intrigue.
"Every year there are rewards given for a handful of things. It varies year to year," I let at an "ah" before we continue to eat our little plate of heaven. People proceed to rush into every direction imaginable; there are mostly families sitting together at the eight seated tables while the in-love couples swarming towards the two seated tables.
Shortly after did waiters come out of the castle entrances with menus in their hands. They came around and handed a menu out to everyone. When one of the young lads got to me, he gave me a flash of a smile. I nod my head in thanks before he leaves.
I glance over the menu before letting out a sigh; I have absolutely no idea what any of these dishes are. Skinned-Elroymani? What in the name of Gala is an elroymani? I put my menu down and poke at Kyler, giving a nervous grin in defeat.
"I don't know what any of these are, can I just copy your order?"
"No problem, do you prefer anything taste-wise or is it just --- whatever?"
"Give me something, maybe, a bit savory," Kyler nods his head before we put our menus down and allow the waiters to come to pick them up and take our order. The same lad as before comes back around with a notepad and pen in his hand.
"Good evening lady and gentleman. My name is Everette Bradenton, and I will be your waiter for this evening's Gala. May I ask for your names before we get started?"
"My name is Kyler Halloswift, and this is Alice Bennet," the waiter, Everette, writes both our names down before turning his attention back to Kyler.
"We will both have the roasted mongona duck with a side of adrizlet greens. For dessert, each a small lava cake," Everette writes the orders down and collects our menus before heading off in the direction of the castle. I look towards Kyler, and I can see him gazing past me, almost like his mind is somewhere far into the night-time stars.
"Why did you join me, Kyler," I can feel my fingers playing with the fur edges of my dress. The bile that moves up my throat only indicates the worries that I have been holding in for the entire past few days. Only now do I realize the weight that lies on my shoulders --- I have to pray that Madam Zornem was wrong.
"Call it stupid, but a little spirit told me to be with you on this night."
"Are you a spirit whisperer?"
"I guess you could say that," he lets out a snicker before running a hand through his curly brown oak locks. I let out a breath as fascination dances its way into my eyes.
"What did it tell you?"
"Those little bastards talk a lot, but to put it simply, I was told to be with you the entire night. They never gave me a clear reason, though," he shrugs his shoulders while glancing around, looking for any spirits that might be lingering. Spirits come in all shapes and forms, from human to animal. Sometimes they choose to be visible whereas other times they like to stay hidden. The few select that can always see spirits are known as spirit whisperers; they have the gift to understand spirits and contact with them naturally. It can also be known as nature's kiss because spirits are the embodiment of nature.
"So you're going to walk me home?"
"Well, I suppose so."
"Thank the gods," I let out a sigh of relief before the blaring sound of trumpets once again take away our attention and bring them towards the centerpiece. The king sits on a makeshift throne as the empress sits beside him. I can't help but feel a bit disgusted at even looking at her face; if only she knew how many women the king took advantage of. What if she did know? I shake my head while the trumpets quiet down.