Chapter 12: The Ballroom of Noctarion**
The hallway of polished black stone stretched endlessly beneath gilded arches, glowing softly with enchantment. Stained-glass windows flickered with moonlight, casting swirling colors onto the shimmering floor.
The guards led the three women toward their designated chambers. Ravena walked in silence, her thoughts like knives behind her eyes.
They stopped in front of a gold-trimmed door carved with the sigil of the crescent sword.
> "This will be your room, Princess," one of the guards said curtly.
> "The maids will arrive shortly. You are expected at tonight's ball."
Ravena nodded, her voice quiet.
> "Okay."
She stepped inside.
The room stole her breath.
Soft velvet curtains billowed with fragrance from enchanted lilies. A bed shaped like a swan gleamed under a floating chandelier made of star-shaped crystals. Mirrors lined the walls, their frames molded from golden vines and obsidian petals.
Everything shimmered. Everything whispered luxury.
Ravena walked in slowly, her boots clicking against white marble. She touched the edge of the bed, not to rest—but to anchor herself.
> This isn't comfort, she thought.
> It's a cage wrapped in silk.
Then—
A knock.
> "Who's there?" she called.
> "My princess," came the reply. "It's the maid."
> "Come in."
The door opened, and a stunning young woman entered. Her hair flowed like chocolate silk, her eyes bright blue and sharp as sapphires. She wore a gown far too elegant for a servant.
Behind her, three other maids bowed in silence.
> "Prepare the princess's bath and dress," she commanded.
They moved quickly, their footsteps ghostlike.
The woman turned to Ravena and smiled.
> "I'm Princess Seraphina," she said warmly.
> "Welcome to Noctarion."
Ravena raised her chin.
> "Princess Ravena," she said, polite but guarded.
Seraphina examined her with amused curiosity.
> "You've met your sister and mother, I believe. You're... different. I like that."
Ravena said nothing.
> "Tonight is the Grand Ball," Seraphina continued, eyes twinkling.
> "My cousin has been eager to meet you."
> "I hope he's not easily disappointed," Ravena replied with a faint smile.
Seraphina laughed softly.
> "Oh, I doubt it. You're already more interesting than half the court. I'll see you tonight."
She turned gracefully and vanished behind the door.
Ravena's smile faded. She sat on the edge of the bed and looked around.
> A ball?
> What are they playing at?
> You gild a cage, but it's still a prison.
A voice chimed from the bathroom.
> "My princess, your bath is ready."
A maid entered with a towel folded perfectly.
> "May I assist you?"
> "No, thank you," Ravena said gently.
> "I'll manage."
> "As you wish."
She undressed slowly, stepping into warm, scented waters. Magic crystals glowed beneath the surface, soothing her sore limbs and pulsing gently against her skin.
She closed her eyes.
> "Finally," she whispered.
> "One breath… before the storm."
Time blurred.
When she emerged, steam trailing behind her, a maid stood ready. In her hands—two gowns. One a deep sapphire blue, the other crimson red embroidered with gold vines and a slit that danced with firelight.
> "My princess," the maid said, bowing.
> "Which do you prefer?"
Ravena eyed them both, then pointed.
> "The red one."
> "As you wish."
The maids surrounded her with silent efficiency. Her body was draped in silk. Her hair curled and pinned with rubies. Her lips tinted the shade of moon-blood. Her eyes outlined in black shimmer that made them look dangerous.
Her jewelry glimmered under enchanted lights—an empress wrapped in mystery.
---
### **Elsewhere…**
Solana twirled in front of a full-length mirror shaped like an enchanted icicle. Her maids bustled around, exhausted from her constant orders.
> "I don't want that one," Solana huffed.
> "I said the blue. It matches my beautiful eyes."
> "Of course, my princess," one maid muttered, forcing a smile as she reached for the sapphire gown.
Queen Seraphine sat calmly nearby, her dress already fitted—a dark plum robe of layered elegance and steel-threaded embroidery.
> "You look breathtaking, my love," the queen offered.
Solana spun proudly.
> "I'm always breathtaking, Mother. The world just forgets sometimes."
A knock broke the moment.
A woman in a simple but regal black gown entered.
> "Ladies," she said with calm grace.
> "The ballroom awaits. The king expects you."
Guards appeared.
> "Take them," the woman ordered.
> "The court begins."
Solana touched her hair, straightened her crown, and grinned.
The queen said nothing. She rose without emotion.