ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗩𝗘
─◌✰್ 𝖽𝖾𝗌𝗉𝗂𝗍𝖾
❝𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗺𝘆 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗿?❞

The decor in this room was worth more than your life.

The ballroom was decked out in all the Moonstone and Obsidian colors, every surface coated in lavish creations you had never seen before. Silver-encrusted vases, pearl and diamond chandeliers, black tourmaline-lined curtains and sapphire-blue carpets. The dance floor was made entirely of marble, engineered specifically so dancers would not slip and fall. Dozens of tables lined the walls, covered with pure white silk. They were stuffed full of every kind of food you could imagine, from Asian delicacies like fatty bulgogi and Wagyu beef, to Western classics like mini quiches and even a five-tiered chocolate fountain, with all the fixings. Dining tables sat on the opposite side of the room, dressed with deep blue and black cloths over the tops.

Each place was set with a pure white plate and gray napkins. Only the royal families of those who were courting were invited, and each family could only allow one adult, making this event incredibly exclusive. And as always, no commoners were allowed.

As you entered the room, you gazed around in awe. Even you had not seen something as extravagant as this. The kings and queens had outdone themselves this year. Clearly, the new shared income of both kingdoms upped their budget.

"Holy shit!" Riley appeared behind you, and you turned to face her. She had changed into a slightly less lavish, tighter black dress than her courting ceremony gown. It was plain silk with a slit up the right leg, and a gauzy neckline that created a romantic silhouette. Her hair was down in waves, instead of the proper pinned-up style she had during the ceremony. "This is wayy nicer than any of the Obsidian balls we had. Were yours this nice? I'm jealous!"

You shook your head. "Hell no, ours were nice but not this nice. It's good to know it wasn't just us. Where's Laska and Mya?"

Riley rolled her eyes. "They're still in the bathroom fixing their makeup. I got bored so I came out here to wait. Might snag a cream puff or something."

"I'm officially obsessed with the Moonstone-Obsidian partnership." Lanhua, accompanied by Changbin, walked up to you both. He was still dressed up in a suit, but this one was less fitted, better for dancing. Lanhua dressed to impress, as always, in a stunning sparkly silver gown, the neckline dipping so far it almost went to her bellybutton. With her three inch heels, she was four inches taller than Changbin, but neither seemed to mind. He held a dangerous presence no matter his height.

"You both look so fancy!" You gushed, reaching out to play with Lanhua's hair, which was tied in a perfect ponytail with a silver ribbon to secure it.

Lanhua motioned up and down at you. "How did you get cleaned up so well and so fast?? It was Changbin and I rushing as fast as we could to look this good. And you did that by yourself??"

You shook your head. "Oh hell no! I had like twelve maids helping me with my hair, shoes and makeup all at the same time. You think I can do any of this??"

You and Eun-Ji had decided on a bolder, slightly more fun dress for the ball. Since there were less constraints on what you could wear, you wanted to let loose a bit. So you chose a matcha green dress with 3d fabric leaves all over. The sleeves looked like vines, and the bottom was made entirely of a sheer fishnet-like fabric, so your legs were mostly exposed. The top was a corset-style top with more leaves adorning your chest. You felt like a woodland fairy, but sexier. You hoped to stand out front the crowd tonight, and judging the other dresses, you had succeeded.

"What's going on?" JJ was the next to enter, followed shortly by Alaska and Mya, who were giggling loudly.

"Ooh, can we dance yet??" Mya gazed longingly at the dance floor, squeezing JJ's wrist without invitation. JJ glanced down, but just shrugged and didn't say anything. Her other hand tapped against her thigh, which was clad in a tight strapless maroon dress that shimmered when she moved in the light just right. She rocked a half up half down hairstyle, with a clip that looked like a dagger to hold it up. Her makeup was more daring than at the ceremony, with matching dark red lipstick and severe eyeliner, making her look like the dictionary definition of a femme fatale, or maybe Jessica Rabbit, as much as she would hate that.

Mya wore a bolder bubblegum pink dress with gorgeous puff sleeves and an almost petal-like bottom that ended at her knees, with matching pink gloves and a pink bow in her hair. She looked kind of like Princess Peach from the Mario games. You thought she would like that comparison.

"I want to eat first!" Alaska protested. "I haven't eaten since breakfast, all that standing around and waiting is exhausting!"

"Wait, didn't you eat a bunch while you were getting ready?" Riley countered. "I swore I saw you eating ramen and kimchi like an hour ago."

"Oh yeah..." Alaska's brow crinkled. "I forgot! I guess I'm hungry again." She rubbed her hands along the fabric of her butter yellow dress. The top was form-fitting, with small yellow beads adorning the edges, and the bottom flared out into a stunning tulle train that trailed down to her feet. The bottom of the train was covered with embroidered daisies, giving the effect that she had just been running through a field.

"We do have to eat first," you agreed. "Or that's what we had to do last year. I have to admit, I'm hungry too. I think I saw mini egg rolls. I'm gonna need at least eight of those."

"Can us girls all sit together??" Mya gasped.

"Heyy, can all the dating show girlies join together?" Robin came to stand on the other side of Changbin, who grinned at his friend.

"What about me??" Changbin protested.

Robin rolled her eyes, shoving him in the arm. "When we say 'girlies', you're part of that, obviously. You're basically attached to Lanhua at this point so you wouldn't leave even if we asked."

Changbin glared at her, but didn't say anything. Anyone, barring Lanhua, would have gotten a cuff to the head - if they were lucky - but Changbin had a soft spot for his friends. You wondered what it took to worm your way into his heart. You'd have to ask Lanhua how she'd done it.

The eight of you headed over to one of the tables at the far end of the ballroom. The tables were all set with eight placemats and chairs, so it was perfect. You took a seat between Mya and Lanhua.

More people were starting to file into the ballroom, oohs and ahhs circulating through the air like birdsong. You turned around, watching the procession of royals in their expensive clothing and generally cheap personalities with interest. It was a bit like a zoo, seeing all these people clad in ill-fitting outfits and discomfort, getting ready to disingenuously kiss ass all night long.

You saw Jisung and Christopher walk in together, both stopping to admire the food table. You remembered from school that Jisung had a love for cheesecake, and there were at least five different kinds. Maybe you'd have to try them together.

Jeongin and Hyunjin arrived together as well. You didn't know either of them well, but they seemed to be close. Alaska had mentioned that Jeongin's family worked with the Hwangs very closely, so it made sense why her brother would get along with him so well.

When those two men arrived, you noticed Mya stiffen next to you, her gaze fixed on them. You hoped she didn't have a thing for Hyunjin. That would just make friendship with Alaska infinitely awkward. He was definitely hot, but you'd keep those thoughts to yourself.

"You good?" You asked her as casually as you could. You didn't know her very well either, and didn't want to come off as nosy. Which you were, of course. But she didn't need to know that yet.

Mya immediately snapped out of her daze, glancing at you, eyes flicking back and forth. "Oh yeah, I'm fine! Why??"

You shrugged. "Ah, no reason. Go back to your staring."

She did without protest.

Hundreds more royals arrived, sitting down at the tables in groups of eight. Royals were very easily cowed, instantly following the social norm.

Seungmin arrived by himself, waving at JJ, who grinned back. He went to sit with Hyunjin and Jeongin, who had awkwardly called him over. You wondered when those three had had time to speak to one another. They weren't even from the same kingdom. They must have met after the interviews.

All of the men that were to be part of the dating show had arrived, aside from Felix of course. You hoped he was having a bearable evening. Knowing that Alaska was here, looking stunning, and dancing with other men must suck. All the other guys were there.

Well, all except one.

"Where's Minho?" Alaska asked, glancing towards the door curiously. "He was at the ceremony, wasn't he?"

"I'm pretty sure he was." Riley looked in the same direction as her friend. "Maybe he's late. For the first time like, ever."

"He talked to Tessa," Lanhua commented, raising her eyebrows at you suggestively.

You tried your best to ignore your friend, but you felt your cheeks heat up in spite of yourself at the mention of both your names in the same sentence. You peeked at the door out of the corner of your eye, not wanting to be too obvious. Where was he?

And then there he was. Hair a little more ruffled than when you had last seen him, donning a suit instead of a tux, he looked more relaxed, comfortable. And while you knew "comfortable" was decidedly not Minho's thing, you couldn't help but stare. Dammit, he looked good. Mouthwateringly so.

He scanned the ballroom, face frozen in his usual expressionless guise of disinterest. If the grandeur of the room couldn't impress him, you weren't sure what could. What a stuck up prick. You snorted inwardly.

Suddenly, his eyes were on you, zeroing in on your face like a magnet. You couldn't avert your eyes fast enough, and there you were, gazing at each other like you were the only ones in the room.

You caught yourself before you could look too deer in the headlights, and carefully formed your face into a cool smirk, before turning to face the table, and look away from him.

But despite your act of (hopeful) nonchalance, you couldn't stop your heart from pounding out of your chest, into your ears. It was so loud you missed what Lanhua was saying. You turned, seeing her mouth move, but the thudding that echoed through your mind was just too much.

"Tess?" Lanhua prodded you with a manicured fingernail. "You good?"

You swallowed, and the sound gradually dissipated, your breathing calming along with it. "S-sorry, what did you say?"

Lanhua's brows furrowed in concern, but she didn't say anything. "I asked if you knew when you parents should be here. We're starving."

You shrugged, trying to play off your moment of panic like it was nothing. "Ah, I'm not really sure. It should be in the next few minutes. They're not usually late. My mother would rather die than let my dad be tardy anywhere."

Lanhua sighed, patting Changbin's leg in a consoling manner. "See? You'll be able to get that grilled chicken real soon," she chuckled when Changbin rolled his eyes at her.

"How are we gonna be served?" Mya asked, eyeing the towering fruit platter on the far side of the room, "I hope we're not last, what if stuff is all gone by the time it's our turn??"

"Well, last year it was buffet style, like this," you replied. "I think it was popular with the royals. They like the idea of roughing it, just for one night. Even though a buffet like that is far from roughing it."

"They want to feel what it's like to be poor," JJ joked, "but they want to eat filet mignon and caviar at the same time, of course."

"I do love filet mignon," Lanhua sighed. "I hope we get to go first. Just imagine all the jealous looks everyone would give us."

"Maybe I should take the whole plate of noodles, see what they say," Riley laughed.

The entire hall went silent, and both kings and queens entered. They walked to the front of the room in all their glory, ready to make a speech.

While you should have been paying attention to what they were saying, you couldn't stop your mind from wandering. Or rather, your eyes from wandering. Towards a certain brunette prince sitting at the table across from you.

He was staring resolutely forward, listening to his father speak. Always the perfect son, no surprise. He would never be caught dead laughing or smiling, or getting distracted in any way.

"So, we will start with the table on the right, and work our way across the room," your dad said, pointing at your table to start first. "Please, make your way to the buffet and serve yourself."

The eight of you arrived at the line of tables covered with food. Your eyes could hardly take in everything in front of you. You wished you could grab at least three plates all at once, but unfortunately that wouldn't exactly be proper.

You piled your plate full of as much as you could, ranging from a dozen egg rolls you couldn't resist, to three different kinds of quiche and even chicken tenders, which you had never seen at a royal function before. But even then, the plate just didn't hold enough. You knew your appetite, and one plate wasn't going to cut it.

"Excuse me?" You said politely to the server in front of you. "I was hoping to get another plate. Would you be able to help me?"

The young man scrambled around to stand next to you and nodded, bowing low. "Yes, of course Your Highness."

When you were finally done pointing at food for the server to add to your second plate, you both headed over to the table. He set down the plate at your spot, and bowed again.

"Is there anything else I can get you, Your Highness?" He asked, not meeting your gaze as he stayed in the bow.

"Actually, I would love some water," you agreed. "And maybe a whiskey and coke."

The server's head shot up so fast you thought his neck might break, his eyes so wide you could practically see in the back of his head. "I-I'm sorry Your Highness, but we can't-"

You shot him a grin. "I'm just kidding. I'm sorry, that was mean. I'll just have water and a ginger ale please."

His face relaxed in relief, and he nodded eagerly. "Y-yes, right away, Your Highness!"

"That wasn't very nice."

You turned, your heart quickening, because you knew that voice. You would know it anywhere, anytime.

"Minho." You nodded curtly, refusing to let him see your apprehension at his presence.

He was close, too close. You could see the two beads of sweat gracing his perfect forehead, a few creases at his right brow as he studied you. Your eyes dipped down to his lips, which had always been one of his best features. He noticed where your gaze was, and smirked. Your eyes snapped back up, and you glared.

"Enjoying the food, I see," he observed, glancing down at your two plates. Your cheeks burned, but you refused to back down.

"Of course, that's what I do," you responded, then nodding at the line, which had shortened. "Looks like it's your turn to go."

Minho grinned, an almost smug look etched across his face. You felt the urge to slap him.

"You're right. See you later, Tessa."

Before you could start mentally panicking, all of your friends arrived with their plates. Everyone started eating and talking merrily.

You stared down at your own plate, trying to force yourself to eat. All this incredible food, and no appetite. Just your luck.

"I can't wait to dance!" Alaska exclaimed as she finished three spring rolls covered in peanut sauce. "I might not seem like it, but I can bust a move."

Riley rolled her eyes. "If by 'bust a move' you mean kill everyone around you, sure."

Alaska glared. "Like you can talk, you stepped on that duke's foot last week during dance practice, and he sprained two toes!"

Mya smirked. "Yeah, both of you failed at ballroom dancing. Suckers."

"Ooh, I love dancing," Lanhua agreed. "But only when I'm super drunk."

"And then you're a menace to everyone around you," Changbin grumbled into his plate.

"It's pretty funny," JJ added. "You have to admit that, Bin."

Changbin shrugged, but did not object. "It's bad for you, that's what it is." Was all he said.

"Men, am I right?" Lanhua laughed pointedly at Changbin, who just glowered. She nudged him with her arm to let him know she was joking.

Men, am I right, indeed. You thought bitterly.

No, fuck Minho. He shouldn't get to dictate your mood, let alone on such an exciting night. You'd been anticipating the ball since it had been announced. No matter how many shitty things had happened to you over the past week, the ball was something you could count on. Who gave a damn if you were getting married tomorrow? You weren't married yet, were you?

"These egg rolls are better than sex," you motioned to your plate as you finished your fourth one. "I would 100% recommend."

You worked your way through your dinner. You even laughed with your friends because Jisung, at the table next to you, had swallowed an entire handful of cocktail shrimp in one bite, and had to be given the heimlich by Christopher. You felt your spirits grow and grow. Tonight was fun, you would make sure of it.

"All those of courting age, you are invited to begin dancing at your leisure. Please continue to enjoy the food and atmosphere, but if you are asked to dance, I recommend taking advantage of the opportunity!" Your dad chuckled at his own words, causing your mother to shoot him a withering look.

"Oh, I hope someone invites me to dance!" Mya gasped, glancing around at the tables where most people were still eating.

JJ grinned at the girl, raising an eyebrow. "You wanna dance?"

Mya's eyes widened, but she just turned pink and looked away, unable to formulate a response.

JJ stood up and offered a hand to her. "C'mon, let's show these losers what they're missing out on."

Mya wordlessly nodded, and accepted her hand. She looked back at her friends, unable to hide a giddy smile spreading across her face.

Alaska and Riley shared impressed looks as they both finished their food.

"Damn, has JJ always been that smooth?" Alaska said around bites of glass noodles.

You shrugged. "Oh yeah, she's definitely the smoothest out of us. Girls and guys fall at her feet."

Jeongin, who sat at the table with the other dating show boys, was none too impressed. You watched as he shoved his chair back and marched out of the room, fists clenched at his sides. Hyunjin sighed, and ran out after his friend.

"My Lady?"

Your entire table wheeled around to see who had arrived.

Seungmin, one of JJ's close friends, had approached Lanhua, his hand extended. He looked dashing in an entirely white suit, which he had somehow managed to keep stain-free so far.

Lanhua gaped at the man, for once unable to come up with an intelligent response. You'd heard from JJ that he was infatuated with Renee, her maid. He must just want to have a bit of light-hearted fun, since she wasn't there.

"Would you care to dance?" He grinned that boyish smile of his, and Lanhua laughed.

Lanhua took one fleeting glance at Changbin, who didn't say anything, his brows pinched in a frown. She shrugged and nodded to her mutual friend. "Hell yeah, let's go," she said, before allowing him to lead her onto the dance floor.

Changbin seared the two with a look like he wanted to turn Seungmin into the consistency of a smoothie, but he couldn't get up to chase her. He was just her guard, not a royal.

A slightly nervous Christopher approached Riley and offered his hand to her. After a moment's hesitation, she accepted, although she didn't meet his gaze.

Robin, who had been staring across the room in silence - unusual for her - this entire time, suddenly stood up. "Erm, if you'll excuse me, I have to go uh... powder my nose. Bye!" And she leaped up, leaving the ballroom in a hurry.

Couples were forming around you left and right, but you didn't notice any of them, until Minho arrived at your table. You could scarcely look at him for fear that he was going to ask you. Because who else would he ask? You two were getting married tomorrow.

And you found yourself, against your better judgment, hoping that he would ask you.

It was in slow motion as you watched Minho walk over to you. His brow was shiny with sweat, his face slightly red, eyes shifty and nervous. You wondered what in the world could have made him like this.

Or who, rather.

Because Minho walked right past you...

And over to Alaska, who was sitting by herself, wiping her fingers on her napkin, tapping her feet to the music. She wore a lonesome look on her face as she gazed out the windows next to your table.

"My Lady," Minho said, and you could detect a breathless quality to his voice, as if he had been running. Or more likely the case, he was working up the courage to speak to her. "Would you uh... like to dance? With me?"

Alaska gaped at him, her mouth actually opening and closing like a fish on a boat. For a split second, her gaze cut over to you. But then she looked away, so fast you thought you imagined it. "Erm..." she paused, indecision painted on her face.

"Ah, I get it if you don't-" Minho started backing up, like he instantly regretted asking.

And for a second, a sick sensation of satisfaction washed over you. He had been rejected, yet again. And he deserved it. Asking another girl to dance, when you two were supposed to get married tomorrow, was the most douchey thing he could have done.

"N-no, it's okay, we can dance," Alaska managed a smile. She glanced over at you again with pleading look.

A heat bubbled in your stomach, threatening to overflow and burn both your friend and Minho. You didn't care that it was clear Alaska didn't want to dance with Minho. You didnt care that her first choice wasnt there. It didn't matter. She shouldn't have accepted. She should have left Minho alone, rejected him, and embarrassed him. And Minho deserved a slap in the face, at the very least.

But as you watched the two of them twirl around on the dance floor, Alaska's infectious laugh wafting over to you like a sickly sweet scent, you knew you couldn't blame her. She was doing the right thing, being nice. Maybe even pitying Minho a bit.

Before you could stop them, before you knew they were coming, tears forced their way into your eyes. Your vision blurred, but you didn't blink them away. Because you knew if you did, they wouldn't stop, and everyone would see you crying right here, in the middle of the ball.

You jumped up out of your seat, ignoring Changbin's grunts of protest, and ran out of the ballroom.

Tonight would teach you, you thought as you blindly raced to the bathroom. Hope breeds eternal misery. You dabbed at your eyes desperately, trying to get rid of any evidence of your tears.

You exited the bathroom to head back to the ball, maybe ask Changbin to dance just for the hell of it.

And you might have done it, too. If you hadn't been distracted by voices down the hall.

laska's note —
ooooh! who do you think it is??? there's so much potential for tea, it could really be anyone... ;) but i bet you can narrow it down to a few people! and what about minho? why is he out here asking alaska to dance when he's about to be MARRIED tomorrow? shame on him tbh. give me all ur thoughts down below! more exciting stuff is happening in the next few chapters so stay tuned. 😈

𝖭𝖤𝖷𝖳 𝖴𝖯：
𝟭𝟯 - 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿
┊ ⇄ ◁◁ II ▷▷ ↻ ┊