The mage judge's eyes darkened as his lips pulled into a tight line. "How do you know who Ash Atractas is?"

Oh? Am I that notorious? Ash stifled the glee that notoriety filled him with and kept a serious, threatening look on his face. "Who doesn't know the inventor of the space bag? Authentic ones are expensive, but the quality can't be beaten. He and his family are well known in the Federation."

At this point, the Magic Tower and its minions should've already investigated Guillermo von Sails, who hailed from Carthage Harbor.

The mage judge continued to frown as he turned his head away. "Who knows if your hairpin is authentic."

Ash smirked and gave an indifferent shrug. "Well...when these two wake up, you can ask if them if it felt authentic."

"Guillermo." Cyrus called him back, likely to keep him from antagonizing the mage judge further. Ash gave the mage a small nod of his head and slid the hairpin beneath his gauntlet. He followed Cyrus to the master of ceremonies and the judge from Dareisol.

Their names were announced once more as the winners, further confirming the outcome of the mage duel. As the audiences cheered, Ash looked at the master of ceremonies. The man was smiling, but there was some disappointment in his eyes.

"I do hope our performance at this mage duel was worthy of being the main event at Soljek's Gladiatorial Arena," Ash said. "I know the final round went by quite fast, but I tried to make up for it with some...interesting magic."

The master of ceremonies seemed to have a tired smile as he nodded. "I've never seen such a mage duel before. It'll be one for the ages."

After they were named the winners, Ash and Cyrus returned to the waiting area to gather their things. It would take a bit of time for the arena to be emptied, and more time than that for the betting courtyard to finish paying out the winners.

Their guests would have to meet them outside the arena, and the designated place had already been selected. In the meantime, they waited in their waiting room.

A knock came from the door as Ash was showing Cyrus the hairpin. He lifted his head and narrowed his eyes. They weren't expecting anyone.

Cyrus handed him the hairpin and went to answer the door.

Ash pretended he didn't see a man in a purple robe standing outside.

"Can I help you?" Cyrus asked, neither alarmed nor curious at their unexpected guest.

The mage appeared to be an older man with a neatly trimmed white beard and thick white brows. He gave Cyrus a respectful nod of his head.

"I am Mage Graham Turing of the Magic Tower in West Iveria." The lack of arrogance and dismissiveness in his voice caused Ash to pause for a moment. "I would like a moment to speak to you two mages."

Cyrus didn't move from the door. His eyes narrowed slightly. "May I ask why?"

Mage Turing bowed his head. "Of course. There were many of my peers in the audience today and we are impressed with your abilities. Both of you. We rarely find mages with your skills independent of the Magic Tower. I've only briefly discussed with my peers, but I came to ask if either of you have any interest in joining the Magic Tower."

Ash crinkled his eyes and turned towards the door with an incredulous look. Was the Magic Tower crazy or did they just have an abundance of audacity. "Mage Turing, we were just challenged by two of your Magic Tower's mages. Not only did they challenge us and set up a mage duel without our knowledge, but they had also been insulting us continuously since we crossed paths," Ash replied in a firm voice. "You will forgive us for not humoring your request."

Cyrus nodded in agreement. "We are not interested in joining the Magic Tower, Mage Turing. Being independent mages is more suitable for us."

Mage Turing didn't shrink back. He remained firmly in place, as if ready for their rejection. "I understand your concerns and apologize sincerely on behalf of the Magic Tower for any offense. However, we should still like to keep our doors open to you." He held out his hand and presented Cyrus with two metal coins, each with the symbol of the Magic Tower. "Please consider our invitation. If you are ever interested in joining, bring this to your nearest Magic Tower."

Cyrus appeared hesitant to take the coins. He looked over his shoulder at Ash, expecting Ash to refuse.

Ash remained seated, his lips pursed, and his eyes narrowed, but he nodded once.

"Thank you for thinking of us, Mage Turing." Cyrus turned back to the man and accepted the coins. "If we change our minds, we will be in touch."

Mage Turing gave them another bow of his head. "Thank you for your consideration." He stepped back and turned around to leave. Cyrus closed the door behind him and walked back to Ash.

"You accepted?"

"Let me see them." Ash held out his hands, his brows furrowed as Cyrus placed the coins in his palm. He touched the coins and turned them around in his fingers twice before nodding. "They're normal calling coins." Part of him expected them to have some sort of magic feature, such as tracking them or listening in to their conversation.

"Do you believe he is sincere?" Cyrus asked, raising a brow.

Ash nodded. "The Magic Tower is always looking for promising mages, and after what happened in the arena, we have been deemed as such. I'm not surprised they're trying to recruit us."

Of course, how they would be treated once recruited was a different story. Being new to a highly stratified organization aside, they'd just knocked two above average mages unconscious, as well as upstaged their skills. It was not a good look, and other mages could resent them for making the Magic Tower look inferior.

Cyrus took a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Then, you expected this?"

"I did, but I'm still surprised at their temerity. After losing that much face, who'd want to approach their opponent?" Ash let out a small scoff. "Shameless."

"You also revealed a Traceras relic. They're likely curious or want you to give it up," Cyrus replied.

"It's not a relic. The person who gave it to me is still alive," Ash replied.

Cyrus' brows shot up. "Your master is still alive?"

Ash nodded. His chest ached a bit thinking about the beautiful, warm blonde woman who loved him as if he were her own son. "I just can't see her right now."

Cyrus seemed to notice Ash's distress and his voice softened. "Is she all right, at least?"

Ash nodded once more. "Momma has birds watching her residence. Since her son died, she has retired to a secluded tower. However, because of her status, she lives in modest luxury, eats well, and doctors care for her if she becomes ill. It's just that she misses her son." Cyrus lowered his eyes. "May I ask how he died?"

"Snake bite," Ash replied, staring blankly ahead of him, reliving the moment he watched a small sarcophagus being carried into a tomb. "It gave him a fever...he...um...eventually passed."

"I'm sorry for your loss," Cyrus said. He patted Ash on the shoulder. "Were you two close?"

The corner of Ash's lip twitched as he smiled, a gentle, sincere smile. "Very close," he replied, looking at Cyrus with joy in his eyes. "He always has faith in my magic."

Another knock came from the door. "Effie got her money and invited Asal and the others to join us for dinner." Henry's voice came from the other side of the door.

"Tell them I'm paying!" a proud little voice added.

"The door isn't soundproof, Effie. They can hear you."

"Oh."

Ash shook his head and stood up. He and Cyrus gathered their things and headed to the door. Outside, Henry was holding the hand of an obscenely proud Effie who couldn't seem to stop smiling.

"So," Ash said as he looked at his little sister. "Are you a little rich woman now?"

Effie replied with a smug chuckle and smirked. "You are, too. Don't worry, you can thank me later."

"And why would I thank you?" Ash raised a brow as he reached down to take her other hand. As they walked, Effie would occasionally swing herself between her brothers.

"Because I asked Momma for an advance on your allowance, too, and made a bet."

"Technically, I made the bet for you," Henry told her as she squeezed their hands so she could hang instead of walk.

"It was a collaborative effort," she replied.

Ash's eyes were wide. "How much did I, I mean, you win for me?" Effie gave him a nod that showed she was satisfied with his answer.

"Enough to invest in Moonflower," his little sister replied. "You're welcome."

Ash laughed and pulled her up, lifting her off the ground and carrying her in his arms. He placed a kiss on the side of her head and nuzzled it affectionately. "Thanks, Effie. I have the best little sister in the world."

"Hehe." She hugged her brother and beamed.

He carried her outside, around the back entrance where challengers and staff typically exited to avoid being crowded by the masses in front of the arena. Their carriages were waiting for them there. Effie gave Cyrus serious instructions on where they were going to eat, reiterating that they needn't pay, as it was 'on her.'

Cyrus patted the puffs of silver-white hair on her head and thanked her in advance before getting into the carriage with his party.

The door closed and Effie shuffled to sit next to their mother's side.

Nera looked Ash up and down, her eyes narrowed and lips in a line as she assessed to make sure he was safe. Satisfied that there didn't seem to be much injury except his somewhat singed hair, she nodded.

"Now that this is over with, we have some things to discuss," Nera said as the carriage jerked forward.

Henry and Ash both nodded and spoke up at the same time as Nera. "The ball-"

"Ashtar's expansion." Nera squinted at her two sons who turned their heads away and avoided eye contact.

Effie smirked. "They forgot why we're here."

Nera rubbed her forehead. "After the ball, we will discuss where to go next. Emperor Augustino has raised concerns that Ashtar is trying to make some settlements in foreign territory near the mines. Those smaller territories may not care, nor realize what Ashtar is trying to do, but Dareisol does and wants to intervene before there is an influx of Ashtar settlers."

Henry raised a brow. "Do they want us to intervene?"

"This is where it gets a bit complicated. If Dareisol confronts them directly, it can be seen as a direct attack, not just a defense of their leased land," Nera replied. "They'd be fighting over land Dareisol has no ownership of. Ashtar could then blame Dareisol and bring in more military, claiming they are defending their settlements, which opens the gate for more Ashtari people to flood the area."

"Why can't the territories where this is happening do something?" Ash asked. "Cease leasing or demand additional payment to push them out?"

"First, those territories that have little industry need all the money they can get. They have some populations that are primarily agriculture based. They consume most of their food, so what are they going to import?" Henry asked. "They need some sort of money coming in, which is why they lease mines in the first place. Breaking a lease would require them to return the money, and pushing to increase the rent could push a renter out and into another territory, resulting in a loss of revenue. They also do not have militaries set up for conquest."

"Trade and conquest are the main ways for a country to make money," Soraya replied as she sat across from them with her legs and arms crossed. "They can't afford conquest, so leasing mines becomes one of their major sources of income."

"Why can't they mine their own mines?" Effie asked.

"They lack the technology and manpower to do so," Henry replied. "And they wouldn't make as much money if they did have a limited output, and considering they'd be competing against all the other kingdoms and principalities in the region."

"Therefore, I'm going to throw out this problem to you, Henry," Nera said as she leaned back against the carriage bench. "As a third party, if you were to get involved to remove, and prevent, the settlements in order to avoid military conflict, what would you do?" Henry knit his brows together and leaned forward. He lowered his head and stared at the floor, to think.

Ash took a deep breath and sank back into his seat, relaxing after his battle. "Also, avoid using magic at this time, in case Ashtar tries to befriend the Magic Tower."

Henry rolled his eyes. "Dareisol needs a third party to intervene in order to avoid direct conflict.... The third party can't simply insert themselves and fight to send Ashtar back. They'd need to have to willingly go back and make it so settlement is difficult, if not impossible."

"And what do they need to build a settlement?" Nera asked.

Henry's eyes narrowed. "Supplies and support." He lifted his head. "Break their supply chain and isolate the current settlements."

Nera gave him a small nod of her head. "And how would we do that?"

"Instigate the territories to charge for entrance and rob the supply chain outside of them...." He narrowed his eyes. "Do we have a map of their routes?"

"Not in the carriage, but I can tell you that they are using some routes our caravans travel," Nera replied. "Including the west to east southern route into Suna."

Henry nodded. "I'll reassign some caravans to hold along the route and make sure no one gets through. That will cut them off, but what about those already there?"

"If they signed the same kind of documents as Dareisol did, they could demand payment for allow non-miners to settle. The price will add up," Soraya told him.

"Then, all that's left is the military already there," Henry said. "We don't want to fight them so...divert them."

"To where?" Nera asked.

Henry drew his lips inward and bit them, hesitating before answering. "To a location that appears unstable, but you have control of."

Nera gave him a look that silently asked if he really dared. Ash laughed and opened his eyes.

"You want to send them to the unified territory?" Ash asked.

"They will eventually send forces there to destabilize the situation during the transition to the Celestial Kingdom, since they're aiming for a suitable port city," Henry said. "Ashtar's army is not used to the type of climate or mountainous landscape. This is disadvantageous. In addition, aren't you moving part of the Lunapsar army there?"

"They're already there," Nera said. "For the very purpose of keeping Ashtar from subverting the Celestial Kingdom during this time. They will face strong opposition if they try to enter."

"Their military shouldn't be very organized at this point," Soraya told them. "They won't know where to go." She looked at Henry and then at Nera. "It will at least buy time."

The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

"Time can be in our favor," Nera said. She gave Henry a nod. "I will speak to Emperor Augustino and prepare to isolate Ashtari's settlements and military. You send the order to move our caravans in place."

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Their suits and gowns for the Solstice Festival ball were ready and reflected the most current trends of that ball season. Nera had jewelry for them to wear to accessorize, and after Effie's spy birds reported what Elka was purportedly wearing to the ball, Nera selected a few gold and emerald pieces for Henry to wear.

As ridiculous as it sounded, most of the day was spent preparing for an evening ball. The family was staying at the property close to the imperial palace, in a wealthy neighborhood where many nobles and aristocrats had their city homes.

By late afternoon, carriages began to appear on the streets and driveways of the homes. The higher one's social class in Dareisol, the more horses they were permitted to have pull their carriages. Different embellishments on the carriages themselves also represented a family's class.

As foreigners, they would've been limited to two horses, though their carriage could be as extravagant as they wanted. However, since Nera and Effie traveled into the empire via carriage, their carriage was outwardly modest. This was for safety reasons, as they didn't want to stand out and be targeted on the road.

The interior of the carriage was as luxurious as possible, with spells to keep the climate controlled, soft fabric over supportive cushions, seats that reclined into beds and folding tables. There were cabinets, including an external one that kept food chilled. Their driver and footman made sure everything was ready for that evening.

The Dowager Empress had sent servants to assist in readying her guests.

Nera, who had long silver hair, required a particularly long time just to have her hair brushed out and then put into a popular updo for ladies in the capital. Effie had insisted on keeping her hair 'cute,' but uncomplicated, as she planned to be active that night.

Nera narrowed her eyes. "What do you mean by active?"

"I'm going to play with Prince Max and the others," Effie said. "We may go outside to play."

Henry raised a brow. She said 'may' as if it were just a possibility and not a certainty. He knew his sister. He would bet money that she'd return to them with parts of her dress torn or stained, perhaps both.

Nera's dress was a dark silver with gray and white patterns and accents. A high neckline, long bell sleeves, and down to the floor. Effie had something similar in color, but more fitting for a little girl. Unlike her mother, her gray satin shoes with star embroidery were flats and had some grip at the bottom.

Ash had gone with a dark blue suit with similar gray and white accents as his mother and sister. His crisp white shirt was layered beneath a gray vest and then the dark blue coat. His shoes were shiny black leather, which matched his black rim glasses. This pair also changed the color of his eyes to blue. The biggest change was his hair.

The lightning attack from Mage Gorantla had singed the tips of Ash's hair, making it an unfavorable texture, so he had it cut. His thick, straight silver hair was now neat and cut above the ears and just above the neck. A few stray bangs still fell over his face, making him appear more boyish than he was.

Henry was the family member who stood out with his dark red hair in a low ponytail. His suit was a slightly more elaborate, and dark green, version of Ash's suit. There were black accents with just a few pieces of gold hardware on his coat and vest buttons.

He paced the formal living room of the house under the unimpressed gazes of his two siblings.

"And you're sure she's going to be there?" Henry asked for what would've been the tenth or twelfth time.

Effie was sitting slumped back on the big plush sofa with her legs protruding forward from beneath the hems of her dress. She looked bored as she tilted her head up and stared at the vaulted ceiling. "Yes. If you don't believe me, you can ask Void. He identified her at the marquis' estate. She's the only woman in her family here that has pointed ears."

Henry nodded his head, distracted. "Right...right.... And she's wearing-"

"Forest green velvet," both Effie and Ash replied.

Ash rolled his eyes. "I don't know why you're so nervous about this. You've seen her plenty of times. She even felt you up when you said good-bye in Carthage Harbor."

Henry paused in mid step and snapped his head towards his brother. "How do you know that?"

"Tch. I'm not blind."

Effie tilted her head at Henry. "At least you know she likes your body."

Henry's jaw dropped. "How do you even know what that means?"

Effie's lips pulled into a line and turned her head away, towards the foyer and stairs beyond the living room. "I wonder when Momma will come down...."

"Don't try to change the subject-"

"Brother, focus!" Ash snapped his fingers. "You know she's going to be there, and she'll be there with her cousins. Maybe one or two of her brothers, I don't know, but whatever happens, we have a plan."

Henry took another deep breath. "Yes...yes, a plan."

Ash shook his head. "You're nervous for no reason. She's already in love with you."

"I just want to fit in with her. This is my first Dareisol ball," he told them. "And it's a big one."

The Federation of Merchant Cities didn't have palaces or royal courtyards, as they didn't have royalty. Wealthy individuals often hosted parties at their private residences, and even then it was only for a select group of people, usually business associates and friends, not every noble family in the empire.

Festivals and other public celebrations were held outdoors in one or more of the many plazas in each city. There was a branch of government that took care of those public festivities, and they were always informal, with most people going in their everyday clothes.

In cities where the weather was not always suitable for outdoor celebrations, there were lodges built for them adjacent to plazas for that purpose, however, they were also casual events.

Dareisol's Imperial Family throwing a ball was different in guests, class, and formality.

"You've been to banquets," Ash offered.

Ash had been too young to attend any state events in Ashtar, but Henry wasn't. Except, state events that were banquets were different from the balls of Dareisol. In Ashtar, most people remained seated, mingling only happened in the beginning, before a grand meal, and entertainment was center stage.

Once seated, those who were of lower rank would circle in between dishes to socialize with higher ranked guests. Celebrations that could've been more casual and have more music and dance weren't done by the time Henry was old enough to attend. His mother and aunts had spoken of them.

"Those aren't the same," Henry said with a frown.

"Brother, she will be happy just to see you there," Effie told him. "Momma says that our attendance wasn't announced or anything, so aside from godmother and her family, no one knows we're going."

Ash nodded. "I'm sure when she sees you, she'll be excited."

"You think so?"

"Yes, anything to get away from her relatives trying to introduce her to other men."

Henry shot his brother a glare.

"Are you three ready?" Nera appeared at the entrance. A veil coming from a small silver headband shaped like leaves held up a thin, gauzy silver veil that rested just above Nera's dark red lips, covering her eyes and nose. She stood in place as a servant helped her put on her dark gray cloak for the evening.

"Ready!" Effie and Ash jumped up and began to put on their own cloaks. Henry was already wearing his.

As they climbed into the carriage, Nera chuckled. "No need to be so nervous."

"Auntie, I'm not nervous."

"Of course, not." She patted his shoulder, and he slumped back, embarrassed. The ride to the imperial palace, which was illuminated from the outside as banners proclaimed the solstice, was short. Their carriage joined a line of them entering the gates.

After the security check, they began the long ride up the palace driveway. Henry leaned forward and craned his neck to look outside. There were many more carriages than he thought there would be. As they headed towards the front entrance, they passed dozens of carriages that had been parked.

Their carriage rolled to the base of the steps leading up to the massive double doors at the front of the palace. There were many servants waiting in lines to escort the guests up the stairs and to the ballroom where the event would be taking place. The door was open, and Henry stepped out first. He helped Effie out and Ash followed after, who held out his hand to help his mother down.

The family of four looked up at the curved staircase leading to the massive, sprawling stone palace.

Groups of impeccably dressed guests with noble bearings were walking up the stairs, chattering amongst themselves.

Henry clenched his hands at his side and then forced himself to loosen them. "Ash, Effie," he said. "Remember the plan."

"Don't worry," Ash told him.

"No one can escape me," Effie added. Nera looked down at her daughter.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Good evening, Madam Atractas and family." A servant was handed their invitation by the footman. "The Imperial Family welcomes you. Please follow me."

As they walked up the stairs, Nera spoke up. "Our family prefers not to be announced."

"Understood, my lady. I will bring you to the side entrance."

"Thank you."

Announcing guests as they entered brought a lot of attention, and the family wanted to remain low-key for the duration of the event. Ash didn't want to be identified as Guillermo von Sails, despite his haircut and glasses, and Nera didn't want to deal with nobles approaching her about Snake, Scarab, and Sons. It wasn't so much about the tea house or their expanding inns, but its vast trading network.

They diverted from the main hall to one of the side corridors. A door was open with several imperial guards standing by. A few people were entering, appearing much more relaxed than those who they'd seen out by the foyer, waiting to be announced.

A little boy in a white suit looked to be impatient, rocking back and forth on his heels while looking around. As soon as he saw Effie, he jumped up and waved.

"It's about time you got here!"

"Max." A beautiful middle-aged woman in a large gold and white dress beside him sent him a glare. Prince Max shrunk his head back a bit before letting out a small cough.

He straightened up and gave them a formal nod. "Good evening, Madam Atractas, Young Master Atractas, Second Young Master Atractas, and Effie-"

"Max." His mother's eyes bore into him.

"Young Miss Effie."

"Max!" His mother frowned and he groaned.

"I called her young miss!" he said, motioning towards the little girl.

"Call her by her name!" Crown Princess Johanna, the daughter and heir of Emperor Augustino, gave Nera an embarrassed and apologetic smile.

Prince Max looked confused. "Her name is Effie."

"Her full name," Crown Princess Johanna hissed in a low voice full of warning. Prince Max maintained his blank expression. "Euphemia."

"Who's Euphemia?"

"It's me. I told you a hundred times already, Maximilian," Effie told him with a dull look.

Prince Max scrunched his face. "What kind of name is that?"

"Maximilian, just take your guest inside!" Crown Princess Johana's face flushed with irritation. Her son nodded and motioned for Effie to follow him. The Crown Princess turned back to Nera and gave her a respectful, lingering bow of her head. "Your Majesty," she said in a quiet voice.

Nera lifted her hand and drew a symbol over the Crown Princess' lowered head as a blessing before pulling her hand back and holding it vertically in front of her and returning with a small bow. "Your Imperial Highness."

The Crown Princess beamed and then gave small nods to Henry and Ash along with a warm smile of an elder. "Please feel free to get started on the food, but Aunt Nera, my father and grandmother wanted to speak to you before the event." She paused as she took a step closer. "It is regarding what we discussed prior."

"What a coincidence," Nera said with a slight smile. She looked at her sons and then back at the Crown Princess. "We've recently discussed and have a proposal."

A glint of relief crossed the Crown Princess' eyes, though her serene expression didn't falter. "Wonderful." She stepped aside, allowing the two brothers to enter before leading Nera away.

The two brothers slipped into the side of the ballroom. While barely half full, the constant stream of names being called from the main entrance hinted that it was filling up fast.

Henry looked around the area for a familiar face.

Ash patted his shoulder. "I see some friends I want to greet. Will you be all right?"

Henry nodded, but gave him a serious look. "I won't call you over, but keep an eye out for possible distractions. I trust you know what to do."

"Don't worry," Ash told him before stepping away. "We'll stick to the plan."

Ash easily disappeared into the crowd and Henry made his way around to look for a server making his rounds with glasses of wine. He waited until he found a server with the white wine he wanted before taking one from the tray and making his way to an inconspicuous area where he had a good view of the entire room.

He stood to the side, just beside a pillar, and nursed his drink. He tried not to look too obvious as he craned his neck and looked over the crowds of people who walked around or gathered into small groups to catch up. The ballroom was filled with laughter and chattering. The music from the musicians in the stage area between the two sets of curved staircases was barely audible over the sound of people enjoying themselves.

Every time one of the stewards announced a name, Henry would perk up, only to be a bit disappointed each time.

"Marquis Arelias and family!"

Henry almost threw the half empty wine glass to the side as he heard the name. He turned all his attention towards the top of the grand staircase to see a late middle-aged man with peppered brown hair coming down the stairs with a lovely middle-aged woman on his arm.

Behind him was a rather long train of Arelias children walking down in pairs, specifically those within marriageable age. Henry narrowed his eyes.

His Aunt Soraya had prepared them for this, reminding him that social events like the Solstice ball was a way for noble families to show off their children, look for any prospective in-laws, and make possible matches. The Arelias family was a large family with each of the patriarch's half dozen children having a half dozen children or more themselves.

Henry didn't recognize any of them, except for three of Elka's brothers, all of whom were a bit taller, leaner, and had pointed ears inherited from their elven mother. They were chatting amongst themselves, along with nine cousins. At least Henry thought they were cousins. They all had some similar features, and he wouldn't be surprised if they were related.

Amongst them was a familiar, beautiful young woman with long, braided honey blonde hair and sharp, somewhat annoyed green eyes, and pink lips with a cupid's bow that were frowning. Her tall, lean figure was dressed in a gorgeous forest green velvet dress with gold accents.

We match! He knew they would, but his heart still skipped a beat. For how long he'd known her, he'd only ever seen Elka in casual, everyday cotton and wool dress, pants and a tunic, or her uniform. This was the first time he'd seen her in something so formal.

He had to restrain himself from making a beeline towards her.

At the moment, one of her female cousins had hooked her arm in Elka's and was pulling her forward to other groups of young people. Elka looked bored and pulled back a bit, but allowed her cousin to lead her. Around the young ladies of the family were the young men of the family, who remained nearby, both chatting with familiar people and keeping an eye on their sisters.

Henry needed to give them time for the plan to start, so he took a step back, partially hiding behind the pillar to avoid being caught sight of.

He continued to sip his drink, peering from the pillar, and making others who noticed him uncomfortable, while he waited.

One by one, the people who were watching Elka, particularly her brothers and male cousins, were called away. In such an event, no one thought anything of it, and it wasn't as if it happened all at once or the same way.

Sometimes, one would be distracted by an acquaintance and be called away to talk. Another time, someone came, chatted one up, and then led them away. Once, someone leaned forward, whispered in Elka's third brother's ear, making him frown and walk off without a word.

In her frustrated boredom, Elka didn't notice that their familial group was dwindling. Even as her female cousins began to wander away, Elka remained appearing aloof as her cousin tugged at her arm to try to get her interested in the man in front of them.

The young man was also from a noble family and gave Elka a generous smile. He leaned forward to introduce himself and Elka's cousin looked pleased at her side.

Henry placed his empty glass on a passing server's tray before tugging his coat straight and taking a deep breath.

He straightened to his full height and began to walk forward at a calm, leisurely pace while wearing a pleasant smile on his face. His eyes were fixed on Elka as he walked through the crowds between them. Perhaps people knew he was on a mission, so they made way for him easily.

He ignored the curious glances and the few attempts to get his attention.

"...my family's lake house nearby, if you and your brothers wish to have a rest." The young man in front of Elka dangled the offer in front of her while giving her a playful smirk.

"Oh! A lake house!" Her cousin tugged at her arm, excited. "We should go! What do you think, Elka?"

Elka didn't look the least bit impressed. "I'm all right. I'm still on standby, after all."

"Well, surely you can make some time?" the man asked, taking a slight step forward. Elka drew her head back to put more distance between them.

"I don't have time."

"That's a shame," Henry said, cutting into the conversation. Elka recognized his voice at once. He saw the flash of surprise and excitement in her big green eyes as she turned towards his head, as he'd pulled her attention. He tilted his head and gave her a gentle smile. "And here I was, hoping for a dance."

Elka all but threw her cousin's arm off as she stepped around the man in front of her. She grabbed her full skirt and lifted it a bit higher so she could quicken her speed and not trip. Joy bloomed on her face, and he pretended he didn't see the dozens of eyes turn in her direction. "Henry!"

He held out his hands to welcome hers. "Young Miss Arelias."

She flushed as her hands slipped over his palms. His large fingers closed around them and she smiled as she looked at their joined hands. She looked up, appearing a bit shy. "What are you doing here?"

"Business," he said. He leaned forward, bringing his head closer to hers. "And you." He suppressed his embarrassed flush at saying such cliched words.

Her eyes dilated as color rose from her bare shoulders and decolletage. For a moment, she seemed to forget where they were and muttered. "Oh, my gods...."

Henry chuckled. It looks like his lines worked. He lifted her right hand to his lips and prepared to kiss the back of her gloved hand, but she ripped her hands out of his. Before Henry could be surprised, she pulled off both gloves and shoved them into her cousin's arms. She then rushed to place her small, calloused hands back into his large ones, as daintily as she could.

He raised a brow. "Now?"

She nodded her head earnestly. "Yes."

His grin grew wider and once again, he lifted her right hand to his lips. His warm breath and soft skin touched hers. He could hear her whimper. "I'm dreaming...."

"Not dreaming," he said as he wove his fingers between hers. "May I have this dance, Young Miss Arelias?"

She nodded her head in a daze. "I will dance with you all night long if you want."

"Elka!" Her cousin gasped and looked at her with surprise.

Henry chuckled and pulled Elka away. He looked over the top of her head and gave her cousin and the awkward, embarrassed man Elka ignored, a slight nod.

He led Elka towards an area of the ballroom that was open, where a few couples were already dancing. He turned to face her and put one hand on her waist while the other remained holding her hand. Elka's other hand grabbed the wrist of the hand that had been placed at her waist.

"Elka. Higher," he said, amused.

"Oh...right!" Her hand went from his wrist to his left bicep. She drew her lips inward as she gently stroked his arm.

"Elka." There was a bit of scolding in his voice as he gave her a knowing look. She gave him a lopsided grin.

"Just kidding." She slid her arm up to rest on his shoulder. As he took a step, she followed his lead, appearing unable to get the smile off her face. She giggled and raised an eyebrow. "Or am I?"

"Elka, I'm here with my family." Henry told her with a helpless smile.

"So am I." The smile on her face slowly faded as she seemed to have come to a realization. "Wait...so am I!"

"I know."

Her wide eyes looked at him. "My brothers are here!"

Henry nodded. "Yes, I saw them."

Elka choked back a cry and looked over her shoulder with worry, as if expecting to see one of her brothers marching on to the dance floor to ruin her magical, romantic moment. They swept around once, and her brows furrowed. She turned her head once more. "Where are they? They came in with us...." She trailed off as enlightenment reached her face. She looked up at him and he smiled.

"Don't worry," he told her as he lowered his head and gently rested his forehead against hers. "I have a plan."

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Ash looked through the glass window from a brightly lit private room that overlooked the ballroom below. His head swayed from side to side with the faint music that reached them as he watched his older brother make slow circles on the dance floor with a beautiful blonde woman in his arms, as if there was no one else around them.

He smiled at himself and nodded. "Success."

A muffled yell came from behind him and Ash turned around. Several large wooden chairs from nearby rooms had been brought in, and seated on each one was a well-dressed young man with a glowing white paper slip sticking to some part of his body. They weren't tied to the chairs, but couldn't move. Their bodies were stiff, and their voices were temporarily silenced save for the occasional muffled cry of anger or frustration.

"Don't worry, you're not in danger," Ash told them. "I'll release you before the end of the night."

"Mmmh!" Two of the men glared at him as their faces turned red and veins bulged on their necks. Ash figured he'd get the most resistance from Elka's brothers.

"Okay, how about I go down and ask them when is a good time?" Ash offered, motioning towards the ballroom below. "That's fair, right?"

"Mmh! Mmh! Mm-mh!"

Ash nodded his head, as if he understood. "You mean your other brother?" he asked, taking a guess. After all, of three of Elka's brothers, he only had two. The two of the brothers appeared to try to nod their heads. "Oh, this isn't the only part of the plan," Ash replied. "Someone else got him."

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