Without Choice || Group

They are looking at Princess Sophia, not her... Cordelia told herself and kept telling herself as she and Princess Sophia walked into the ballroom with no less than every pair of eyes on them. Her hands grew clammy and she found herself rubbing them once again along the skirts of her dress, it suddenly feeling very heavy on her lithe frame. How did she do it? Cordelia wondered about her best friend. The stares, the gawking, the attention. Anytime the King or Queen of Fredonia merely acknowledged her Cordelia felt like she was going to faint. Now, as they roved through the ball she was grabbing stares from every royal, every nobleman. Dozens of eyes gazing at her, or more so her and the beauty in red at her side, leading her through all of this.

God, they were going to eat her alive.

Sophie was cut out for this -- the mingling, the flirting. Cordelia definitely wasn’t. And, even though she tried to keep her princess’s words rolling through her mind, “Lady Cordelia, of House Valentine, a distant cousin to the princess,” Cordelia felt anything but relieved. She could feel the heat rising to her cheeks, the prominent blush that was raging underneath her jeweled mask. Even with Sophie offering her a glass of wine, the redness in her face didn’t falter.

Breathe, dammit, breathe.

She tried, but the corset constricted most of her attempts.

Doing what she did best, Cordelia tried to slowly sink behind the princess, being sure to keep her shoulders back, her jaw relaxed, just like the other women roaming past. When Sophia handed her a glass of wine, Cordelia practically whimpered at the sight. She had only drank a handful of times, mostly when Sophie had convinced her enough to sneak glasses within the safety of her bedroom as they played dress up and talked about her future husband through giggles. While she wasn’t entirely a fan of drinking, she hated not being in control of herself or her mind, Cordelia took the glass gingerly, staring at its contents for a moment.

“Princess Sophie, I really shouldn’t--” Cordelia had started, only to be cut off by one of Sophia’s knowing glances and a toast. The clink of their glasses rang through her ears and Cordelia sighed once before bringing her glass to her lips, taking a small sip of the wine. The sweet aroma, as well as the sharp taste, sent a wave of surprise through her. Oh, it was good.

Cordelia took another sip.

She was savoring the drink so much that she had not noticed the quickening tempo of the music or the bustling of the other royals around her. Only the princess’s hand interlacing within her own pulled Cordelia back into reality, back into who she was supposed to be.

Tonight, Cordelia Bennett would not slink into the shadows. She would be prevalent, gracious, and a little daring — it was about time she let her hair down, after all.

“A dance?” Cordy asks, eyes darting to the other members of the ball already starting to run to their places. “Princess Sophia you know for a fact I have two left feet, it’s a celebration in itself that I’m managing to walk in these shoes right now.” Cordelia pulled her large skirts to the side to reveal simple and nude-colored heeled shoes that were slightly too small -- considering they were Sophies.

As Sophie started to snake away from her, getting lost in the bustling crowd with everyone began to form lines to start the dance, Cordelia froze in place. Her hand gripped the glass tightly, only releasing it when a puzzled looking butler extended his tray for her to set the glass down upon. Cordelia stammered but quickly downed the wine before practically shoving the glass on the plate, hoping the butler didn’t recognize her. “Um, thank you,” she uttered before rushing to find the last spot available, across from a broad-shouldered young man with curls that looked gold under the chandeliers.

Even through the mask, Cordelia practically sighed at relief at the kindness she could see in his blue eyes.

Due to her staring and realizing that she was about to dance with a prince, Cordelia was late to her curtsey. Her brown eyes darted back and forth between the other women next to her in line, following every one of their movements. As the line started forward, she tried to effortlessly follow suit until she came face to face with the kind-looking man.

“Hello,” she offered quietly, passing him a small smile, praying to God that her nerves weren’t as prominent on her face as they felt. “I apologize, I’m a little rusty.” She graciously took his hand, circling him and trying her best to maintain eye contact, although she couldn’t help her gaze as it wandered to the other party-goers as they danced in circles around the glimmering ballroom.

She was here. At a ball. In a dress.

And she felt beautiful.

She tried her best to keep her composure as she and the steady prince swayed to the music, him leading her through it all, and Cordelia trying her absolute best to keep up. If the prince was unsatisfied with his partner, he didn’t seem to show it. However, he was also royal and Cordelia knew best that they were experts at hiding their emotions.

Suddenly, the pace of the music changed and the man then sent Cordelia spinning across the slick and tiled floor. Her auburn hair whipped through the air and her large dress shimmered under the chandeliers as she turned right into another pair of steady arms with a gasp.

“Oh dear,” she whispered to herself, catching her breath from the unsuspecting turn.

However, lifting her eyes from the man’s jacket -- which had traces of black and white dog hair at the collar -- Cordelia, once again, had the breath knocked out of her.

Every man here was handsome, the most beautiful and exquisite men she had ever seen, even with the masks. Sultry gazes, strong shoulders, full mouths. Cordelia was practically a walking bundle of nerves when she stepped into the ball. But this man? This man with depthless blue eyes that swam with intrigue, the kind yet coy smile that unfurled across his lips as she took his steady hand.

This man-made a simple servant girl feel like royalty herself.

Clearing her throat, snapping herself out of her daze, Cordelia softly said, “Thank you for catching me.” Her rose colored lips turned upwards into a shy grin as she tried to hold his gaze. She could feel the flush underneath her mask and she gripped the man’s shoulder a little tighter as if it were the only thing keeping her upright at the moment. By all means, it could have been. “I promise, I’ll try to not step on your feet.” She bit down on her bottom lip for a moment, eyes darting to their feet until the dance lead her eyes back to him as he flawlessly led her.

Maybe Princess Sophia should drag her out more often.

An impish expression tugged the corner of Sebastian's lips at his friend Finnick as he spoke poorly of his father. This hadn't been the first time or the last time that Sebastian had listened to the prince speak lowly of either one of his parents and in complete honesty, the knight couldn't blame him. Having successfully led Finnick in the right direction and with glasses in their hands. Sebastian found his drink nearly choking him when Finnick insisted that the last that he had seen of him last night during their usual night-crawls was near a rooster. Coughing, Sebastian's brow furrowed as his mouth turned grim in realization. "That explains the angry farmer," Sebastian noted and took another sip as to make up for the one that nearly shot out of his nose previously. The deep crimson liquid coated his tongue in a bitter-sweet dryness that caused a rather rewarding feeling. Now, it wasn't to say that Sebastian was exactly an alcoholic - at least he would never admit to such a thing - but it was more so the distraction that it brought to him. It helped him sleep on the nights his brother's death came to haunt him and it made him let loose. The only problem was that Finnick was the only one to understand that part. He was the only one who knew how his brother died on the battle-field that day. Sebastian would never forgive himself.

Shamefaced by his thoughts, Sebastian took a long drink from his glass when he noticed the girl he had pointed out. The brunette in the rosy-pink dress. The knight had not exactly expected for Finnick to have the reaction that he did though, it was different in a way. He watched his friend's demeanor change in a way that was still primal as always, but the hunger. He had never seen that hunger in his friends gaze before.

When Finnick began sauntering forward, Sebastian knew that he was on the prowl and his own blue-gaze shifted towards the sudden movement that was occuring on the ballroom floor. Bodies had begun shifting and eyes glued themselves to the staircase where a young woman in a scarlet dress entered. Her hair framed her face and the darkness of it contrasted with the blue hue in her eyes. For a moment, Sebastian felt himself pause his breathing as he searched the depth of her beauty, and even had to fight to pry his eyes from her. Beneath his mask, his brows lowered in frustration. He needed her name.

Setting the empty glass of wine on a platter, Sebastian wasn't sure if he was actually going to go and speak to her. He wasn't the type to settle down with anyone. At least not now. Not with his guilt. Not only that, but he was a knight. No woman wanted to be with the man that could be killed the next day.

Stopping in his tracks, Sebastian decided against his actions and just like that, the music switched up and he knew exactly what was going to happen. Shaking his head, Sebastian tried to get out of the way from the line of people who quickly scattered to get to their places.

"Oh, Hell no." Sebastian muttered and when he turned around, he was facing a girl with blonde waves of satin-like hair. She was a pretty little thing and she was already in line. He had to be the one to start the line. Really? Trying to hide the sullen look on his face, Sebastian simply accepted his face. One dance wouldn't kill him.

Raising his hand up to meet her own, he began circling the blonde. Her blue eyes locked with his own and he offered her a clipped smile as they danced in tune with the music. It was when she broke the silence between them that Sebastian suddenly felt a wave of relief. Surprisingly, her taunting was just what he needed. The last thing he wanted was for her to be a mousy girl with zero personality that he had to smile and play the part with. This would work for him, and to top it off she was offering him a glass of wine? A girl after his own heart.

"Ah, see now you've hurt my feelings, m'lady." Sebastian fiegned hurt, a half-smirk dancing on his lips as he reached out to accept the glass of wine from her smaller hand. Once he had the glass, he used his free hand to push her away as though she were too terrible, yet too wonderful to be near, yet he held onto her left hand with his right, catching her as their arms pulled taut as he spun her out and all at once he was reeling her back into him, completeing her twirl. With a breath, Sebastian smiled and brought his glass to his lips, taking sip before offering her one.

"I'm a rather talented dancer if I do say so myself," Sebastian insisted. "Just not exactly a fan, but you're quiet an adequate dance partner I will have to make an exception." he joked, his modulated voice was playful and full of mischief.

As the two of them continued dancing, Sebastian had glanced towards Finnick, he may have been dancing, but he had to keep track of the prince regardless of what he was up to. Trying to remain respectful to his partner all the same, he noticed out of the corner of his eye that Finn had been dancing with the girl in the ruby dress from before. Glancing between the two of them, Sebastian felt his gut twist in an awkward way. Why did he care who his friend was dancing with?

It was when Finn shot Sebastian a look that he knew why. He knew Finn. He was the sleep-around type that usually got who he wanted without having to put in much effort. Don't get him wrong, he cared deeply for his friend and didn't blame him for having charm, but there was something about the girl in the red dress that made Sebastian feel a sort of possession. Licking his lips, Sebastian turned away and forced himself not to watch. Looking over his dance partner, he sighed.

"I apologize, my friend is just a bit of a handful sometimes." he explained, hoping she wouldn't be upset with him not being fully present during their dance.

A soft giggle caused Katerina to blink owlishly down at her younger sister Olivia who suddenly was stood at her side with a rosy-cheeked smile and a powder-blue dress.

"That man was completely doting over you and you over him." the sixteen year old insisted with a sheepish grin. Katerina's eyes rolled skyward in declination of her sisters words before setting her empty glass down on a passing platter.

"I haven't a clue what you're talking about," she insisted and found herself picking up her dress and manuevering herself deeper into the crowd when she noticed her mother looking around like a chicken without a head. Katerina was more than sure that she was looking for Olivia, but she didn't want to take any chances.

As the princess of Belladona offered soft smiles and "pardon me's" while making her way throughout the sea of bodies, she first noticed the change in the music around her. Simplicit live ballroom instrumental that could make just about anyone feel like a butterfly in a soft breeze, both uplifting and subtle had quickly dimished and now a much more intimate and alluring instrumental began starting up softly. Many of the voices that had once roared throughout the room had hushed and many bodies began shifting to create a well known line of men and women.

This caused Katerina to be exposed once again and she could feel her mothers eyes on her even beneath her mask and so without thinking, Katerina rather quickly stepped into the line of women where there was space and stumbled slightly into a man who was now facing a dark haired man who had eyes like an ocean beneath his stunning musical mask.

"My apologies," Katerina whispered and glanced over her shoulder at her mother who she could tell was irritated with her, but at least when she was dancing, she wouldn't be able to cause a scene and bother her. Turning back towards the handsome man, she found a bright red dress catching her attention down the line. It was far too bright to be ignored quite frankly, but it was the man who stood in front of her that made her breath hitch in her throat for a moment. The man from before. Although, it seemed that the girl in red wasn't all too happy with him. Katerina couldn't tell why exactly, until her eyes reached the stain that coated her back. Katerina's eyes widened and she pursed her lips as she turned to look up at the man in front of her instead. She wasn't sure whether to feel horrible for that girl or to laugh at the goofiness of the incident.

Clearing her throat, Katerina offered the man she was to be dancing with her small hand. "You look very dashing and I must say that I adore your mask," she insisted politely. "Shall we have this dance?" she murmured with a joking smile as the dance had begun.

As the two had begun circling one another, eyes locked, Katerina couldn't help but realized that even though she was in front of a beautiful eyed man who's stature held success and pride, she couldn't shake the feeling that had filled her when she locked eyes with the man standing before the girl in the red dress.

As if by fate, she could feel eyes lingering on her, but judging by the lack of a tickle on her spine, she knew it wasn't her mothers. Turning slightly, she found her emerald gaze pursuing the mystery mans face and to her surprise, he was looking right back at her. Katerina felt her heart stop for a moment and she blinked her dark lashes beneath her mask as he nodded towards her - something that wasn't encouraged during this dance. It was considered ill-mannered to look anywhere but your partner, but Katerina had turned back towards her partner and noticed he must have had his eyes on a different girl as well. One with beautiful red hair.

A soft and knowing smile formed on Katerina's lips as they continued the dance. She knew that soon, the partners would all disperse from one another like blooming petals of a flower and then the partners would be exchanged. Katerina wasn't one to play the match-maker, but she knew she wanted the man before her to get to the girl he was eyeing.

Being already on her third glass of wine, the blonde's blue hues began wandering throughout the ballroom. Everyone was dressed so beautifully. The gowns. The suits. The men. The men were her favorite part and they were everywhere. For whatever reason, the crowd of people slowly silenced their chattering and turned their attention towards the entrance causing the blonde to follow their gazes. At the top of the stairs, was a young woman, dressed in a gorgeously red gown. To be honest, she looked like an over grown cherry. But like, a beautiful cherry. Her small frame in the large dress. Yes, she was like a cherry.

She was clearly grasping everyone's attention with pure ease and it was odd because although yes Adelina was a princess, she could live without any sort of attention drawn to her. Blue hues looked to the side a little ways and noticed two males, friends it seemed like both acting like everyone else and being drawn to the new woman to enter the room. Both men, from what she could see, were gorgeous. Like drool worthy. She was lucky she was far enough away to where neither of them could see her stares but she was more than positive she wasn't the only staring. So it really didn't matter if they caught her or not.

It was almost on cue that as soon as the new person walked in, a song began to play. It was time for the dance of fate. Where everyone split into two lines across from each other. Men on one, women on the other. And whoever they were across from was their partner for the dance. Giving a sigh, the blonde took her wine glass with her, taking sips here and there as everyone began forming lines. And just her luck, she was across from one of the men she was gazing at from before. Tall. Dark and handsome. Ebony locks. Deep blue hues, contrast to her ice blue. Sun kissed kiss. He was gorgeous. But it was also very clear that the male wanted absolutely no part of the dance.

It was funny really. The blonde knew this dance like the back of her hand. Eyes closed. If she were to loose the ability to walk, she would still be able to find a way to do the dance to perfection. Her mother made sure to drill it into her skull for hours on end to make sure it was perfect. That it would impress the man she would one day be betrothed to. Rolling her eyes at the thought of her mother, with a sly hand, the female grasped a wine glass from one of the servants standing off to the side and held it out for the male to take. A grin gracing her plump pink lips as she looked him over, her feet carrying her gracefully across the floor keeping with the beat. "Come on princess, it's just a dance. Loosen up a little." The blonde taunted, only in a friendly tone as she continued her dance, even if he wasn't apart of it.

"Unless you don't think you are capable of dancing with one hand? Then by all means I'll have this drink for myself as well." With a glint in her eye, she raised her glass to her hand, waiting to see what the male would do.

“The only thing that is out to get my father is a migraine, considering his head is shoved so far up his ass,” Finn drawled as he rolled his eyes. Only King Robert’s son could speak so illy of the ruler of Riften, and even then Finn’s attitude towards his parents always seemed to cause widened eyes and shocked gasps no matter how repetitive and idiotic his insults seemed to be.

Talking about his father had turned his sour mood even more distasteful and Finn was very thankful for the lowcut necklines and the plump lips that belonged to the pair of women that sauntered by. If there was anything Finn enjoyed more than wine it was enjoying wine with women. He would have almost started up a conversation with the ladies if Sebastian hadn’t intervened and started talking some sense into Finn’s ear. Same old, same old.

“Christ, I hate it when you’re rational,” he murmured to Sebastian, giving his friend a sly grin of his own. He willingly followed as Seb steered them towards the butler with an outstretched arm.

“Speaking of being rational,” Finnick started as his partner in crime stopped the butler, grabbing far too many glasses of wine to be considered proper. Damnit, he loved that kid. “Where the hell did you end up last night? Last I saw you were trying to woo a rooster and I will say, it was a valiant effort.” As he spoke, Finn’s eyes danced with amusement, watching the once half-full glasses of wine become filled to the rim with Sebastian’s quick thinking and his knowledge that if either of them were going to enjoy tonight, they needed to drink to their heart's content. He willingly let Sebastian lead him away once more and he gripped the delicate glass gingerly, clincking it against Seb’s own — cheersing him.

Finn chuckled after taking a generous sip of the rich, red wine. Intoxication slowly crept in, familiar and growing even more inviting by the second. He had never been a man to act accordingly — Finn’s idea of a party was very much different than the one going on currently. His would involve lower morale and far fewer inhibitions with the help of alcohol and his own ability to not take things so, well, seriously. It’s not that Finn didn’t know how to act like a well brought up royal or like a proper gentleman who said all the right things, made all the right moves. It was simply the fact that he didn’t want to. He stopped seeking his father’s approval years ago and the only time Finn seemed to make his mother smile was when he brought her gifts or complimented her. He certainly knew where his bit of arrogance steamed from.

Sebastian’s voice broke Finn out of his daze and he offered the guard a lowly smile and a simple shrug of his shoulders. “Without you, I would be far less drunk and not having nearly as much fun,” he joked with every bit of intended sarcasm.

Following his friend’s gaze, Finn’s glass stopped in mid-air just as he was about to take another sip, his wayward eyes suddenly landeding on it's target. He noticed her own eyes first, an emerald just like his own except much more rich and alluring. They locked onto him and the corner of his mouth quirked up slightly. As she assessed him, Finn did the same to her. The swoop of her gown as it grazed the marble floor, the flowers weaving through the light rose fabric, how it hugged her waist. Her dark hair bouncing as she quickly turned away after noticing his own stare.

His eyes glistened, but with a whole new type of intoxication. None that had to do with wine.

Even though Sebastian spoke again, Finn’s eyes still remained transfixed on her. He brought his wine glass down slowly, his mouth in a full grin now rather than a curious smirk like before. “Poor thing, indeed,” he whispered back, taking a step towards the enticing girl. The ballroom around them seemed to shift -- attention turning towards the grand staircase and conversations dwindling until they were nothing but soft hums. Finn acknowledged that he should be paying attention to who or what was entering the ballroom, but some force kept pulling him towards the girl in the rose-colored dress with eyes that held the same devious glint that lingered in his own.

Before he was able to take another step a large tomato intervened.

Well, it wasn’t exactly a tomato. More or less a tiny little thing wearing a large sum of a dress just as bright as one. She surely stood out from the crowd and Finn finally realized why the other party goers had stared.

It seemed like Finn wasn’t the only person who was unfamiliar with the word subtle.

Her eyes held the same excitement as the other princesses that waltzed through the party. Even through her extravagant mask, Finn could see the wonder that flowed across her face. She was oblivious to the stares, just like a true princess and his eyes left the girl in pink and focused on the one in red before him. He commended her bravery and confidence. She was going against the grain, a tactic he was all too familiar with.

The woman was moving past him so fast, rushing to get in line with the other women as the music shifted to start the dance, that he wasn’t able to catch his feet. Before he knew it, Finn’s arm bumped into her shoulder and the contents of his glass spilled down the back of her gown -- the darker red of the wine slithering across the fabric, a stark contrast to the ruby color of the dress. Even though no one could see through the mask, Finn cocked a brow and whistled once.

“My God you’ve made a mess,” he sighed, his fox-like grin still prominent as he glanced at her from beneath lowered lashes. “Dare I say it’s an improvement?”

Yes, he was definitely drunk.

Vaguely aware of the other royals shifting around the room, forming two lines across from each other, Finn backed into the line of awaiting men, right across from that bright red dress and the small girl it held. He downed the rest of his wine and shoved the glass onto a nearly full tray as a butler circled the group one last time. Hands behind his back, Finn mockingly bowed to the girl as the music started, struggling to keep his mouth shut the entire time.

In time with the others, he strode forward. He knew these steps about as well as he knew his own name. Balls and parties were a necessity for a prince and even though he was drunk at a majority of them, he had still managed to remember every step of the dance along the way. Of course, remembering grew more and more tiresome as the night progressed and the wine glasses grew less full. Let’s just say that he was thankful that the waltz was being performed early in the evening -- for his and his poor partner's sake.

With daring eyes Finn circled the girl in red, his hand outstretched, his palm against her own. From the corner of his eye he could see Sebastian’s stare and he shot his friend a knowing look. There was no hiding his taunting grin and the devilish way his eyes shone. While Finn could already tell that the girl under that vivacious dress and elaborate mask was nothing short of attractive, he could also tell that she was the picture-perfect version of a princess.

Ugh.

"You certainly know how to make an entrance, Princess." he purred to the woman, although his eyes drifted from her to find the other girl, the alluring one with the flowered dress. He found her from across the ballroom, dancing with another man, but her eyes met his once more as if one cue. He knew it was rude to do so, but Finn inclined his head to her, nodding once as he gripped his partner's hand while the other sat on her waist. He led her the best he could while the effects from the large sum of wine took over even more. He could feel the damp fabric on her dress where his wine had spilled and Finn pressed his lips together, suppressing a chuckle. "Sorry about the dress."

“Doesn’t this all just seem a little silly?” Sophia mused, standing on a pedestal in nothing other than her underclothes, arms stretched out to either side of her as room full of women danced around her - pinning here, stitching there, all necessary to create the perfect fit. While this may have made even the most comfortable of girls a tad insecure, to have so many strangers staring at her in the mood, Sophia was unphased. If the girl were anything at all, she was confident. Across the room, an older woman stood from her seat. “You’ll meet your husband tomorrow, our future king, don’t you want to look nice?” The woman purred. Sophie and her mother shared a striking resemblance - the same dark hair, the same doe eyes, and the same petite stature. But where they once could have been twins from looking at old portraits, the Queen now had streaks of silver running through her dark locks, and crows feet accenting the corners of her eyes. Sophia was no fool, her parents were aging and needed to lock down the line of succession, thus they needed a son in law. A man to hand to the throne to, while keeping their own blood there as well.

Soph thought the entire idea of having to legally belong to a man in order to inherit her parent’s throne was a load of shit, quite frankly. She’s studied at her father’s side her entire life, as well as attending the etiquette classes and woman’s lessons her mother thought was appropriate for a blossoming young girl. She’d been trained to be a dutiful Queen, loved by her people and complacent. But she’d also learned to be a powerful king, whom no one could question her authority. She didn’t need a man - no, she could be both.

However, Sophia loved her mother more than anyone else in the entire world, and she knew that the woman’s health was beginning to fail with old age. So, she decided to bite her tongue and swallow back the floor of curses she wanted to spill at her mother’s words, instead simply nodding and offering a pleasant smile. “You’re right mom. I’m sure the dress will be lovely.”

The journey to Belladona had taken nearly a week by carriage, and would have been relatively pleasant had her mother not been fretting the entire time that they’d be late to the ball. Sophie’s reckless side, the one who craved adventure and to experience new things was thrilled with their travel. She’d spent the majority of the time leaning out the window, watching as the terrain or the weather changed the farther they got front home. But the best part by far was when the villagers and peasants lined the roads, waving goodbye to their beloved royal family and tossing them flowers and baked goods as they went.

By the time they actually arrived in Belladona, Soph was more than exhausted. The climate was chillier here than her home, and she clearly hadn’t been prepared. She’d shivered nonstop for nearly the entire day, and was thankful when they could finally escape the cabin of their carriage for the warmth of the castle. They’d arrived very early in the morning of the day of the ball, and despite the big day ahead of them Sophia demanded that she be able to take a nap. The brunette made the necessary acknowledgements, greeting Belladonna’s king and queen, thanking them for their hospitality, blah blah blah, before escaping to what would be her temporary room for the time they spent here.

The princess wasted no time at all crawling into bed, and passing tf out.

Sophie was woken by her mother, insisting that it was time to prepare for the ball. “Just a few more minutes.” She groaned in response, tossing over and pulling the covers over her head. Though worth a shot, Soph’s protests had been short lived, and she was shortly drug out of bed and forced to begin what felt like the walk towards her prison.

She spent entirely too much time in the bath, laying in silence and just soaking up what felt like the last few moments of peace and privacy she’d ever have. After this night, in only a few short hours, she would return to this room as an engaged woman - promised to some stranger in exchange for a throne. The thought made the girl’s stomach curdle, but she held it together in hopes that the man she’d soon marry wouldn’t be a complete asshole.

She didn’t even know the half of it.

“Cordelia?” Sophie called, rising from her bath and wrapping herself in a towel. As silly as it seemed, the bathroom had become hers and Cordelia’s little rendezvous spot, the only place they could really get any privacy. The redhead had been Sophie’s handmaiden since they were small children, and the two had become fast friends. The maids and other staff had a bad habit of spreading gossip - but never Cordy. Cordelia was loyal, and quite possibly the only things keeping Sophia sane at this point.

Seeing the slender woman slip into the room, Sophie couldn’t help the mischievous grin that slipped onto her face. “I have an idea, but I don’t think you’re going to like it.” She giggled, reaching out to catch the other’s girl hand and give it a squeeze. Cordelia had always been the one to follow the rules, unsure of any plan that sounded a little too risky - it was Sophie who had always dared her to step out of line a little, to live in the moment and just have fun. “Come with me tonight.” She blurted, jumping to cut her off before she could refuse. “Oh please please please Cordy, it’ll simply be unbearable without you, please don’t make me go alone.” She pleaded, offering the maid her best pout. It wasn’t often you found a princess begging her servants for something, but Cordy was the exception in the princess’s heart.

It had taken an embarrassing amount of convincing, and maybe even a little bit of groveling, but Sophie had finally managed to convince her closest friend and confidant to sneak into the ball with her. “Oh Cordy you’re going to look like a princess!” The girl squealed, lacing her friend into a dress from her very own closet. In all honestly, Sophia had the dress made weeks ago, with no intention of ever wearing it. No, the color was chosen to compliment Cordelia’s complexion, the embroidery to match her hair, the fit to hug her body, not Sophie’s. Little did Cordelia know, Soph had been concocting this plan since the moment the ball had been announced.

If she were going to make it through the night, she was going to need at least one friendly face around. Even if it were masked.

Taking a moment to soak in this feeling, Sophie wrapped her arms around her friend as she gazed at the two of them in the mirror. Sophia couldn’t remember a time in which she’d ever felt so pretty, and silently she thanked her mother for insisting they spend so much time making the gown for tonight perfect. It was a red so bold that it couldn’t be missed, the low neckline and corseted waist giving the illusion that she was much more endowed than she really was, and swished beautifully with every move she made. Her dark curls had been loosely pinned back to accent the sharp features of her face , a few stray strands falling to frame it. Her eyes were rimmed with black liner, making her large doe eyes pop. Not only did Sophie feel pretty - she felt like she could rule the world.

It was a stark contrast to the delicacy and light tones of Cordelia beside her, looking elegant and regal in a more muted fashion than Sophia’s boldness. But with hair like her’s, it was hard not to look at her anyways. “Lady Cordelia of House Valentine.” Sophie began, giving the redhead a quick squeeze. “If anyone asks, you’re a distant cousin to the princess.”

Positioning the mask, the final part of her alias, on Cordelia’s face, Sophie offered the girl a devious grin. “Tonight is about fun - maybe our last chance until I join a new household.” She insisted, giving her friend one last squeeze before they left the safety of Sophia’s room, and made their way to the ball.

Normally at these type of events, there would be a page to announce the entrance of anyone holding a title - but tonight was all about anonymity. No one knew who anyone else was, and that was half the fun of it. There was no going out of your way to impress a certain someone, there was only room to be nothing other than yourself - and that, if anything, brought Sophie a little bit of comfort.

Even though there was no one there to announce her, Sophia still managed to make quite the entrance. Walking through the double doors, Soph’s dress was a start contrast to the muted tones and pastels of the other women and princesses throughout the room. Sophia demanded attention without even realizing it, and just as she’d practiced since she’d been a small girl, she never faltered, even as nearly every eye in the room turned towards herself and Cordelia before ducking away in hushed whispers as they tried to figure out who the girl in the red dress could be.

Slipping through the crowd, Sophie plucked a goblet of wine from a waiter’s tray, snagging a second for Cordelia as well. “To a night of fun, and an unwavering friendship.” She toasted, clinking here glass against the other girl’s before taking a few deep swallows. The sound of the musicians switching to a more upbeat song caused a burst of excitement in Sophie’s chest, and she quickly grabbed Cordelia’s hand. “Oh they’re playing a dance!” She whispered excitedly, pulling Cordelia towards the center of the room as women and men began to sort themself into two lines. “It’s a dance of fate - you don’t get to choose your partner, the dance choses for you! You have to try it Cordy, you’ll catch on!” The princess insisted, downing the rest of her wine in one quick gulp before disappearing into the crowd to find her place in the line of women.

Outfit Aesthetic // Mask

________________________________________________________________

"We have to be ready for anything gentlemen. Regardless of our current disposition in Belladona, I want eyes and ears alert at all times." the low voice belonged to King Robert. Sebastian had been pulled into a meeting when he was on his way to replace his attire for something more fitting for the ball he was to attend at Finn's side as to watch over him.

The small room wasn't at all like their normal meeting room back in Riften, but it was the best that they could afford at this time being that they were no longer in their own territory. It made sense for Robert to be weary with all the kingdoms joining together. This occasion was not one that happened often.

"Now, get to where you're needed," the King finally dismissed the men and Sebastian quickly slipped out of the door, hurrying towards the room he was staying in. Once inside the room, Sebastian craned his head to look at the clock hanging on the wall. With a sigh, he realized he was later than he wanted to be. He stripped himself out of his armor and gear, grabbing the attire which laid out on the bed waiting for his return.

The dark red spirals which collectively formed the knights vest complimented his dark attributes and was tied together rather well with the gold offered by his mask. Once Sebastian was dressed, he reached for some of the knives that he had been carrying on his previous attire and slipped them inside of his jacket, concealing them from the eye but keeping them in reach if they were to be needed.

Sebastian's deep blue gaze had searched the halls beneath his mask for any sign of Finn or the Queen, after a couple turns, he had given up and decided that they had entered the ballroom already, he'd have to search for Finn there.

Being late was nothing new for Sebastian, however, he knew what this day meant for his friend and not only that, but he knew that there were some not so acquainted kingdoms roaming around a small space together, he had to be on high alert, whilst also helping the prince to keep his cool tonight. All of that combined wasn't exactly something that Sebastian was feeling up to after the hangover he had brought upon himself, but Finn was a brother to him and so he was going to power through tonight. Not that he really had much of a choice.

Reaching the grand ball room, Sebastian was greeted by brighter lighting and music which had vibrated his shoes against the marbled floors. Straightening out his vest, Sebastian looked over the mass of bodies and finally his gaze landed on Finn who was walking away from his mother with a look plastered on his face that made it rather evident to the knight that they had just gotten into another argument. Normally that would seem like a bad thing, but Sebastian knew better and he knew the Queen and how she could be, so instead of being worried, Sebastian found his lips tugging into an impish half-smirk as he sauntered over towards the prince who seemed to already be drowning himself in alcohol. He could't blame the guy.

Coming to a halt at Finn's side, Sebastian let his eyes float over the people before them all chattering up a storm and dancing with one another before he turned towards Finn who was obviously upset by his lack of back up and wine. His cerulean eyes followed his friends emerald ones towards his mother who stood with a grimace at the top of the stairs and he couldn't help but feel a knot of delight form in his chest at the sight.

"Ah, yes, my sincerest apologies, I was a little busy with your fathers persistent thinking that everyone is out to get his kingdom." Sebastian's tone was sarcastic, but it was carried away as he watched Finn's attention be stolen away by a group of girls that looked like they were enjoying the wine just as much as he was. With a roll of his eyes and a smirk, Sebastian followed beside the flirtatious prince as he 'stalked his prey'.

"Be careful Finnick, if you follow any closer they might smell your desperation." Sebastian whispered and gave the prince a small nudged with a growing grin before steering the two of them away from the girls that obviously weren't princesses by the quality of their clothing and maneuvered over towards the wine. If he was going to be babysitting, he could use a glass himself. Or two. Okay, who's really counting?

Once the pair reached one of the butlers whom were walking around with silver platters, Sebastian reached out and grabbed a hold of the butlers arm to stop him from walking away. Reaching out, Sebastian grabbed two glasses of wine and handed one to Finn before grabbing two more glasses to fill them to the top brim. The butler eyed the two with a concerned look on his face while Sebastian set the empty glasses back on the platter and patted him on the shoulder.

"Appreciate it," Sebastian muttered to the butler and wrapped an arm around Finn's shoulders as they walked away. "What would you do without me?" he cheers his friend and laughed before taking a sip of his wine. Feeling a pair of eyes on the two, Sebastian turned and noticed a brunette in a pink dress covered in floral designs. She had turned away rather quickly and Sebastian arched an eyebrow before looking to his friend.

"I think you've caught someones attention," he insisted to the prince before smirking. "Poor thing," he added jokingly and nodded his head towards the girl who had her back to them now and a wine glass in her hand.

Semper paratus. Always prepared.

That was the unofficial motto of the House of Claremont, and that was why Henry had been up every morning at dawn in the week leading up to his family’s arrival in Belladona. His days had been filled with council meetings with the King and his advisors, extra lessons on the history of Belladona and it’s monarchs, and fittings for new suits they were having tailored for the festivities. The Claremont family had always been one to ensure every detail was in its proper place. They thrived on order and planning — Henry included. However, even he was growing tired of the near-constant flurry of tasks and preparations.

Henry’s sisters, Abigail and Amelia, would be accompanying them to Belladona. Apparently, attending a foreign court would be good exposure for them since they were ‘coming of age’ — though they scarcely acted like it. His brother James, had stayed behind. Their father said that there must always be a Claremont in Adriena, and James had jumped at the chance to be interim king. Henry would have much rather stayed, but since this was an event honoring the eligible royals, he didn’t have much choice in the matter.

It wasn’t that Henry was dreading the ball, not at all. In fact, he thought the idea of it seemed rather romantic. The music, the dancing, the masks — and therefore, the anonymity. When you didn’t know who you were speaking to, you could be your true self more than if you were trying to make an advantageous alliance. He’d rather meet someone with whom he could actually speak to — who he could love. Or grow to love, at the very least. Though it was the idea that he would be walking away from this event with a fiancée, no matter what, that made his stomach churn. It wasn’t up to him who he spent the rest of his life with. And despite the fact that he was to be King, perhaps sooner rather than later as his father had been of ill-health, Henry was still being treated as a pawn that could be sacrificed if it meant gaining the advantage against an opponent. Still, Henry knew that his personal happiness in exchange for the prosperity of his country was a sacrifice he would be willing to make.

The trip to Belladona from Adriena had taken the family several days by carriage, and by the end of it, the usually patient and mild-tempered Henry was about ready to murder his sisters — who had done nothing but gossip and bicker the entire way. Then there was his mother who had questioned him mercilessly on which suit he was going to pick for the night as though she hadn’t already picked which was her favorite, and his father who wanted to ensure that Henry knew every lord and lady who would be attending the ball by name and title. Like he hadn’t been stressed enough about the whole affair without his family breathing down his neck. Thankfully, after they had all been properly received, Henry was able to retreat to his own rooms. He loved his family, more than anything, but Henry had never been so grateful to simply be away from them for a moment. Once he had the opportunity to get settled he slipped from his room, intent on exploring his new surroundings. He wasn’t going to sit around all day and wait anxiously for the ball.

The halls were grand and bedecked in gold and art on nearly every square inch. His family’s home in Adriena rivaled this one in size, but it was nowhere near as ornate. This castle was elaborate as well. Henry felt like he’d been walking for ages, turning down new corridors every now and again, feeling as though he were a rat in a maze. Eventually, he found his way out to the gardens which were decidedly his favorite part of the palace. The lawns were expansive and well-maintained and he could have spent ages out there had he not been required to return and get ready for the ball. By the time Henry found his way back to his rooms, he found his father waiting for him, sitting in a chair by the fireplace.

“Your mother is quite put out with you,” He told him, looking over the edge of a leather-bound book and giving Henry a sideways smile.

“Oh? Why’s that?” Henry closed the door behind him and saw a red and gold embroidered suit waiting for him beside his bed. Likely put there by his mother — he’d expected no less from her.

“Her and your sisters started getting ready hours ago and you were nowhere to be found,” The King seemed far more interested in the book than in Henry’s whereabouts.

“I was out for a walk, and—“

“Plead your case with her, not me.” He smiled again at his son and Henry rolled his eyes.

“Well, why are you here then?” He asked, picking up the suit and beginning to change.

“I'm hiding,” The King said decidedly, which caused Henry to laugh. “I adore that woman, but I tend to be caught in the crossfires when she’s cross with someone.” The older man shut the book and went to stand. He’d grown slower and grayer over the years. Where he’d once stood tall, now Henry had to look down when he spoke with the man. Though he couldn’t tell if that was from his father’s age, or if Henry had simply grown. His father used to have a full head of dark blond hair that matched Henry’s own, but it had faded to a crisp white that was in stark contrast to his darker complexion.

“I’ll be sure to see her before the ball, that way she’ll yell at me instead of you,” Henry offered with a smile, pulling at the collar of his suit as he looked in the mirror. His father appeared behind him and clasped a hand on his shoulder.

“A selfless sacrifice, indeed.” Which caused him to laugh again. Then his father’s expression became more solemn — more wistful. “I remember when I attended this very ball as a young man, where I met your mother,” He trailed off as though suddenly overcome with old memories, but he cleared his throat and continued. “You’re a good man, son. Be yourself and you’ll meet the right woman — I know it.” Henry took a steadying breath. His father had meant to be encouraging, though the pep talk only seemed to frazzle his nerves even more.

“Thank you, father,” He said anyway. The pair then exited Henry’s rooms just as his mother and sisters were entering the hallway as well. Even from several paces away, Henry could see his mother’s eyes welling with tears. Though only moments later, as though she had willed the tears away, she set her mouth into a tight, thin line.

“I had been looking for you everywhere,” She scolded, but lovingly straightened his collar. Henry cast his father a sideways glance and a small smile twitched at the edge of his mouth. “Well, it doesn’t matter much now, at least you’re dressed and ready on time.” The woman looked around as if she’d misplaced something only to spot the object in Amelia’s hands. “Don’t forget this.” She handed him a plain, gold mask that matched the gold detailing of his suit.

“Don’t embarrass yourself,” One of his sisters said just as he was about to depart and he rolled his eyes.

“Abigail!” His mother exclaimed.

“Such encouraging words from my sister, thank you,” Henry told her sarcastically, but he had to smile. He knew it to be more of a wish for good luck than a slight toward him. With a deep breath and a wave he turned on his heels and walked down the hallway.

He’d been glad for the hours he had spent exploring earlier or else he wasn’t sure he would have been able to find the room in time. These halls were confusing and looked different by the candlelight than they did by day. Before he entered the ballroom, Henry secured his mask to his face. He found it suddenly very hard to breathe but he pushed passed the feeling and walked through the doors.

The ballroom was glittering crystal and gold, the light from the candles reflecting off of the chandeliers and casting a bright and dreamlike aura over the room and it’s occupants. Though despite the size of the room, the number of guests made it difficult to navigate. He swallowed hard and plucked a glass of wine from a passing tray. He wasn’t normally one to drink, but apparently alcohol was known to be ‘liquid courage’ and he’d need all the help he could get in that department.

{attire} {mask}

"Beaux! Beaux!" A voice called the slumbering male. Peeling his blue hues open, the brunette tossed in his bed before turning towards the doorway to see his father, the King of Velaris. "Would you oh so kindly, wake from your never ending slumber and take care of this." The older male stated, pointing down to the male's companion, who just sat there, smile on his face ready for love and attention. Giving a soft whistle, the overly excited pup came barreling over to it's owner which just caused the male to smile at the sight.

"Bernum is not a thing father. He is my pet. My friend if you will. He is almost like my child." The male spoke, reaching down to pick up the wiggling canine who thanked him with kisses.

"I don't care what he is. He follows me around everywhere and it is rather......irritating. Just take care of him will you?" Giving a small nod, the male watched as his father soon disappeared before turning his attention towards the fluff ball beside him.

"You are quite the trouble maker aren't you Bernum?" The male watched as the dog paid little to no attention to him as he began ruffing up the blankets, trying to get underneath them so he could sleep as well. Giving a laugh, the male lifted the covers and watched as the small dog happily crawled underneath and plopped down in a little ball. The male peeked his head underneath and grinned, running his hands all along the pup's face before sighing. "Sorry dear friend. But unfortunately, I have to get up and get ready to find my Queen. You know, someone else who will spoil you just like I already do." And with that, the male rose from his bed, giving his limbs a good stretch, waking them from their slumber before rummaging through his clothes looking for what he would be wearing this evening.

"Your clothes are right here your highness." A female voice spoke, drawing the male's attention to the door. Looking at the red headed maid in the doorway, a nice folded pile of clothes placed atop of her arms, she gently made her way across the room and placed them oh so gently onto the male's bed. "Your mother picked this out for you, so I'm sure you will like it." Giving a small nod, the female started to back away and leave the room.

"Thank you Bernadette. It's like you read my mind." The pair shared a small smile before the female disappeared back into the castle. With a small sigh and a thought of hope that the male would find his Queen, he began dressing, every so often looking towards his bed where Bernum still resided. Except the canine had moved atop of the covers and began watching his owner getting dressed. Tossing his head from side to side when the male stuck his head through the white shirt he wore underneath the vest.

With one last look in the mirror, the male looked towards Bernum with a smile, giving a small spin. "What do you think bud? Am I ready to go?" Lifting his head, the small pup let out a few yips before jumping up and running towards his owner. Giving a laugh, the male picked up the wiggly pup and began carrying him off through the castle. "I'll take that as a yes."

------------------------------

It was hard for the male to leave Bernum. The poor pup yipped and whined as the male rode off in he chariot that was bringing him to Belladona. He was nervous. Excited. Ready to meet someone. Fall in love. Beaux was kind of a romantic. And was more than ready to woo his future bride and make it known that he isn't just in it because he was told to. He is ready to find love. Happiness. Rule the kingdom how he wanted. His father was a good King, a great King. But some of the ways he handled things, well Beaux would just do it differently.

As the male reached the castle, he slipped the mask over his face, swiftly tying it around his head so that no one knew who it was. Unless he told them of course. But it was the point of the masquerade ball. Was to wear masks. Keep your identity hidden for a night. Stay mysterious. As the male headed inside, his deep blue hues caught sight of fiery red hair. The white gown with the gold designs all around looked....absolute stunning on the fair red head. Sure, he could only see the back of her as she followed off behind a brunette but one thing was for sure. He was determined to find out who she was.

{gown} {mask}

Today was just like any other day. Well, sort of. For the princess it was just like any other day, avoiding her parents, running off into the woods escaping the life that she was forced into. The blonde wanted simply nothing to do with the responsibilities of running a kingdom. The weight of peoples lives and problems being carried on her shoulders. Being forced to be married to a man she never met. She was glad that her parents had her little sister to distract them from her. To give her time to escape without being noticed. It was a usual occurrence. The blonde would slip 'past' the guards at the back of the castle, which she would just give them some food from the meal they had just eaten and in exchange they wouldn't tell a soul where she was. It was nice. Being in nature. Exploring life that lives beyond the walls of the castle.

Currently, the blonde was sitting underneath her favorite tree, atop of a hill just a good enough distance away from the castle, but it was still in sight and it wouldn't take her very long to get there if she was needed. A soft nicker escaped the princess's stead, giving a soft nudge with it's large head. "Oh Sylvie, " The blonde spoke, running her slender fingers across the dapples head. "Sometimes I wish we could switch places. Just for a little while." Closing her ice blue hues, the blonde rested her head against her friend, giving a soft sigh not wanting to return to reality. Not wanting for her to head back to the castle, deal with her parents, get ready for some ball she didn't even want to go to only to meet a stranger that she is forced to marry. Sounds marvelous doesn't it. What felt like forever, was only a mere few seconds before the echo of a bell started ringing through the land. Which only meant one thing. Her parents knew she was gone and it was time for her to return home. With one last breath, collecting whatever strength she had to go back, she swiftly mounted her horse, and rode off.

The closer the female got, the more she just wanted to turn around and head off into the woods. Never to be found. Start a new life. Like it would be that easy. All she had to do was turn the reigns just enough and her equine would just follow. Do what she was told. Take the blonde wherever she could. But it wasn't a simple as one would think. Once the blonde reached the entrance to her castle, she slid out of the saddle with ease. "Jusqu'à la prochaine fois mon cher." (Until next time my dear.) Handing the reigns off to one of the stable boys, the blonde watched as they lead her equine back to the stables, only to turn around and damn near jump out of her skin as she was greeted by her rather angry mother. "Que crois tu faire? Avez-vous une idée de votre retard. Une telle nuisance tu es." (What do you think you are doing? Do you have any idea how late you are going to be. Such a nuisance you are) The older woman growled out, snatching the blonde by her forearm and nearly dragging her back into the castle. Rolling her blue orbs at the older woman's cruel words, she allowed for her mother to drag her back inside, not feeling like fighting her.

"Can I not enjoy my last few moments of freedom? Before you force me to marry some stranger?" Being only met with a scoff, the blonde could only assume the lecture her mother was giving her in her head. Keeping up with the fast pace of the taller woman, the young blonde was soon led to her room where she was being waited by a few of the maids that tended to her during the day.

"Get her ready as fast as possible." With curt nods and quiet 'yes your majesty' the three woman quickly guided the blonde over to the mirror in her room before undressing her from her more casual attire and began dressing her. All the while, the blonde just stood there, letting the woman move her limbs as if she was some sort of toy they could dress and play with however they wanted. When it came to tying the corset around the blonde's slim figure, one maid, a brunette began pulling, and pulling until she deemed it was tight enough. But the blonde's mother on the other hand was not pleased with the work and pushed the woman out of the way before re-doing the corset herself.

"Mère c'était bien comme c'était." (Mother it was fine just how it was.) The female hissed as she felt the air being squeezed from her lungs.

"Silence. Soyez bon pour quelque chose et taisez-vous." (Silence. Be good for something and hush.) The older woman scolded, which only caused the blonde to close her mouth and not dare to mutter another word. But she was oblivious to the sad looks she got from the three maids. After what felt like an absolute eternity, the blonde was ready. The gown fitted her figure perfectly, the grey blue that blended nicely with the pink flowers that seemed like they were climbing their way up the dress. Her golden blonde locks were tied up with clips giving it some volume before she was handed a black and silver mask. "Regarde toi. Ressemblant vraiment à une reine pour une fois. Vas y. Vous allez être en retard." (Look at you. Actually looking like a queen for once. Now go. You're going to be late.)

----------------------------

Everything was starting by the time the blonde had arrived to the ball. Belladona. A beautiful kingdom suited by a very beautiful name. Heels clicked softly against the marble floor. The once quiet chatter of everyone soon grew as she got closer to the ballroom. The train of the blonde's dress swayed ever so slightly with every step she took. The nerves started to build the closer she got, the more she could start to see everyone. Well apart from half of their faces being covered with a mask. Upon reaching the entrance of the ballroom, Adelina took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the room before her. The candle lit chandeliers, the gold pattern placed across the marble floor. "Magnifique." The blonde breathed. Looking around, her fingers found themselves playing with the fabric of her gown, finding some sort of way to calm her nerves.

Scanning the room, her eyes caught sight of just what she needed. Wine. And lots of it. Lifting the front of her gown, just enough so she didn't step on it and either fall or rip the gown, the blonde made a very determined effort to get to one of the servants to give her a glass. "A drink madame?"

"Yes. I would love one." Before the male could walk away, she quick downed one glass and took another. No regrets. If this is where she needed to be for the night, surrounded by a bunch of other royals, just waiting to see who she is forced to marry, she was going to enjoy herself. Even if that meant not acting very Queen like for the night.

Clothing: dress, mask

Wrong. All of this felt wrong.

Cordelia Bennett, servant of the Valentine family, smiled when spoken to, always carried herself with grace around the royal family, and never -- absolutely never -- broke the rules. She was no noblewoman of power and she most certainly was never the one to attract attention. Her place in life was to be nothing but a shadow, simply background noise.

Princess Sophie of Fredionia was hers to serve and care for, not the other way around. Having grown up with the beautiful and poised girl, Cordelia looked up to her Royal Highness and treasured their relationship as if it were a precious jewel. It was her favorite part about living in the castle -- hers and Princess Sophie’s fondness of each other. But, Cordelia was no lady in waiting and her time with her princess had grown slim over the years as the ladies took a more prominent part in Sophie’s life, due to her engagement.

So, when the princess had called her to her royal bedroom, Cordelia eagerly obeyed and was thrilled to help Sophie into her gown for the ball that evening.

What she hadn’t been expecting was to find another gown, along with a matching mask, thrown across the bed next to the ravishing red of the dress that her highness would wear.

While Cordelia could be strong-willed and had grown more comfortable with speaking her inner thoughts aloud to Sophie, there was no arguing with a princess, whom Cordelia also considered as a friend. They had spent nine years together running around the castle as children and playing dress up in the dozens of dresses Sophie was gifted. Most of their endeavors were done in secrecy, but there was absolutely no denying that the relationship the two had was nothing short of the best friendship Cordelia had ever experienced. So, as Sophie insisted that Cordelia sneak away from her duties that evening and join her anonymously at the ball, Cordelia found it hard to say no -- though there was an attempt.

In a way, Cordelia felt as if she owed Princess Sophie everything under the sun. She was so kind -- so welcoming to her that Cordelia thanked whatever Gods above that she had been lucky enough to work for her. It was Sophie that encouraged her to speak her mind, it was Sophie that helped her learn how to read, and it was Sophie that had laced up her beautiful champagne colored ball gown to wear that evening.

Cordelia was close to tears after she had first looked at herself in the mirror.

Where a tightly knotted low bun usually sat, long and cascading auburn curls took its place. Small and jeweled clips pulled the sides of her hair away from her freckled face, resting gently against the back of her head, tying in the ribbons of her sparkling mask flawlessly. The sleeves of her gown reached her wrists, covering the few scars of burns from the long hours serving in the kitchens back in Fredionia. While her hands were still calloused and nowhere near as dainty and soft like Sophie’s, the intricate stitching across the sleeves provided enough femininity to where Cordelia had almost forgotten about her rough and work ridden hands.

Although she was no match to the breathtaking looks that belonged to the princess of Fredionia, Cordelia did feel, for once, beautiful.

“Your highness, I think this might be a very bad idea…” Cordelia whispered to her princess as they stood on the edge of the dance floor in the great ballroom.

Belladona was an interesting place. There were mountains and hills and the weather seemed to change as often as the royals and their dresses. Even though she was thankful to have been brought along with Princess Sophie and her quest to meet her betrothed, Cordelia had felt like a fish out of water wandering the halls and trying to remember the twists and turns throughout the expansive castle. It wasn’t home, but the Valentine’s generosity and kindness had helped make it feel like it.

Wringing her hands and her brown eyes darting through the party, Cordelia chewed on her bottom lip nervously and tried to straighten her back and keep her composure. Princess Sophie made it look so easy -- she had never seen someone hold such power without ever having to say a word. Cordelia tried her best to match her mannerisms and the fluidity of her movements, but she was a lifetime’s out of a practice.

And if she were caught…

Shoving that possibility out of her mind, Cordelia swallowed a tight lump in her throat and tried to distract herself by eyeing the other princesses -- noticing how they walked, what they said and didn’t say. Cordelia even tried to take note of the dance steps and their feet positioning, but that only offered her a twisting sensation in her stomach and her heart to flutter nervously. She didn’t belong here, these weren’t her people and a tinge of guilt overcame her. She should be down in the kitchens or readying Sophie’s room for when she returns. She should be helping the other servants in the castle -- not parading around a ballroom, pretending to be something she was not.

Thank God for Sophie and her kind gestures and comforting words, otherwise Cordelia would have melted into herself hours ago.

Passing a timid look at Sophie, Cordelia smoothed her dress down for the hundredth time. The thick fabric and the exquisite stitching still felt foreign underneath her fingertips. “I don’t know if I can do this. And how do you breathe in this thing?” Cordelia placed a hand across her waist, trying to lengthen her spine to relieve some pressure from the tightly fit corset, binding everything but her legs together, so it seemed. Her back already ached. “I can’t believe you let me lace you up into one of these nearly every day.” A soft smile fiddled on her lips as she turned to face Sophie again.

However, the Princess was already gone.

“Princess Sophie?” Cordelia whispered, eyes frantically scanning the ballroom for that bright red dress. She surely would stand out in such a gown -- considering most of the others were dressed in pastels and muted colors. “Your highness?” Cordelia called again, gripping the fabric of her dress tightly in her hands as she took a few steps deeper into the party, where she soon became engulfed by the other royals.

Her hands shook slightly and Cordelia stood in the middle of the dance floor, watching bodies pass by with drinks and flowers and all sorts of items Cordelia could never have imagined. Glittering jewels and gems littered the dresses and necks of princesses from afar, while velvet jackets and charming smiles of princes brushed past her. She caught sight of a few wandering gazes from beneath the masks and Cordelia was thankful that her own covered the majority of her flushed cheeks.

Reeling her shoulders back, Cordelia straightened slightly. Tonight, she would not be Cordelia Bennett -- faithful servant of the Valentine family. No, tonight she would be what she had always dreamed of. A girl in a dress without a care in the world. A girl whose dreams could come true -- all she needed to do was want them bad enough.

But, unfortunately, dreams were also very frightening.

Twirling the sparkling gold ring she had stowed away in her trunk, a ring that had belonged to her mother and the only item Cordelia had left of her family, the redhead took a deep and much needed breath.

“It’s just a ball…” she told herself, swallowing her nerves and finally lifting her eyes to meet the gazes of others passing by.

She could do this. It may be wrong -- but it also felt so right.

Ball Gown >> Mask >> Belladona

_______________________________________________________________

Her reflection looked quite different today. The brunette let her eyes travel over her own figure as her servants continued to tug at her corset rather aggressively like their main mission was to make sure that she wouldn't be able to breathe - spoiler - it was working.

"There we are, Miss Williams," one of the blonde servants smiled happily at her work, using her forearm to wipe sweat from her brow.

Katerina brushed her finger-tips along the sumptuous fabrics which collectively were stitched together to create her ball gown. She couldn't wrap her mind around all that was about to become of her and so soon. It felt as though since she was a small child she had all these dreams and elaborate plans for her future, only for them all to be contained in a concealed box, forgotten on the highest shelf of a closet to collect dust.

The princess of Belladona was known for her rather eccentric personality. She had the label of a royal and she could very well act like one, but when it came to what held true to her heart, she was drawn to nature and all that lied beyond her castle. She loved people watching and often found herself gazing out at the villages, wanting nothing more than to show them all that she too was like them. Regardless of her wealth or status, she wanted them to know they would be heard by her, unlike her parents.

She could remember a time when she was a little girl that she had snuck out of the castle to play with the village children. A small princess in a dress tailored just for her covered in dirt and mud with the biggest smile plastered across her face. Her father was rather unimpressed and her mother could have been on the verge of a heart attack by the time they found her. Regardless, Katerina couldn't find herself ashamed.

Turning away from the full-length mirror, Katerina's brunette waves of hair bounced healthily while she reached towards the elegantly carved table beside her where her masquerade mask sat delicately on top of.

"You look stunning, Princess," her other red-haired servant chimed in and Katerina offered her a soft smile before raising the mask to her face. Once she was all decorated and dressed, she released a soft breath before nodding more-so to herself.

"I think I'm ready," she announced, her voice silky and modulated. The servants quickly gathered all the material lying around and got things back to how it was originally as she exited her master-bedroom. The hallways were wide in width and the towering walls were painted white with gold trimmings and elaborate designs. Every few feet hung alluring paintings that were framed with gold as well. The marble floors were recently shined and the reflected light beamed off them from the spaced chandeliers which glittered with glass and candles. Every window had a flowing white curtain which all flowed against the breeze of fresh air that entered the extravagant building.

In one of the windows that Katerina approached, a shadow could be seen through the curtains. A small grin formed against her pink lips as she pulled the curtain back and was greeted by a small trilling sound escaping from her slightly over-weight, orange striped feline friend, Tiger.

"Good morning," Katerina scratched behind his soft ears and his jaws stretched out into a large yawn, lifting his rear end up in the air. "We have a big day ahead of us, are you going to the ball looking like that?" she teased him and his nose twitched curiously, taking in all the scents around him.

"Katerina! Leave that cat and get yourself to the ballroom immediately, most of our guests have already arrived!" her mother's voice entered her ears like nails on a chalk-board, causing her to quickly avert her gaze from Tiger who hopped down from the window ceil. Katerina sighed and grabbed the sides of her dress, lifting the weight up off the ground so she could continue making her way towards the ballroom. If she wasn't stressed enough before, she definitely was now. Her mother definitely had a way of ruining just about any sort of good mood Katerina had with her constant bickering and nagging.

Once Katerina made it towards the grand staircase, she stood at the top, letting herself take in all that was set up before her at the bottom. The colossal room was cluttered with bodies, all dressed up in stunning attires and all of their faces were masked, hiding their identities for the night. Truly anything could happen, but most of all, they could all be themselves without the worry of their reputations being diminished.

Deciding that there was no other logical way to get through the nerves, Katerina made her way over towards the drinks, hoping to keep herself busy as she observed her guests. As stated before, she loved her people watching, it helped her to protect herself oftentimes, but in this circumstance, she simply was lost in thought, worried about the fact that very soon - too soon - she would be betrothed to someone she didn't even know. Tonight was her last night to be her own person to an extent.

Once she reached a servant who was passing out platters of drinks, Katerina scoped one up into her fragile fingers and lifted the glass to her lips, eyeing those who passed by and offering short-lived smiles when her emerald gaze landed on gentlemen a few paces away. She swallowed her sip of wine a bit too quickly, his eyes were beautiful and alluring. She had never seen anything quite like them before and she found her gaze traveling along his figure before she quickly looked away when he was turning as an attempt to not be caught gawking so openly.

"Smooth," she whispered to herself, shaking her head.

Clothing: outfit aesthetic, mask

On nights like these specifically, Prince Finnick Radcliffe of Riften was thankful for wine.

Granted, the boy was grateful all the time for the intoxicating drink that made him even more mouthy than he already was, but tonight was at the top of his list. Seeing his mother’s, The High Queen Margaret of Riften, face as red as her ruby encrusted necklace was a vision that would hopefully stay with him for the rest of his time in the kingdom of Belladona. The Queen of Riften took in his disgruntled appearance and then her glare turned to the wine, as if the goblet in his hand was to blame for his less-than-spectacular attire.

It seemed that his mother needed a glass of her own -- it surely made his mood better and her more tolerable.

A gaggle of guards trailed them as he and Queen Margaret made their way down the grand hallway -- oil lamps their only source of light. The shadows darkened the emerald velvet of his jacket and the black and silver stitching only shimmered slightly. Finn swished the half-drunken glass of wine in hand as the Queen scolded him. During his attack, Finn noticed that Sebastian was not with the entourage of guards and the prince cursed his tardy friend under his breath. Managing his mother would be entirely less difficult with Seb to accompany him.

“You should take more pride in your appearance…” She sighed, brushing off the shoulder of his rumpled jacket. Finn batted her hands away in annoyance and his mother gasped. “My goodness, green is your favorite color!”

“Ah, yes because that makes everything better!” He hissed sarcastically, mocking her exasperated tone with a daunting grin across his mouth followed by wide eyes.

That in return granted him a roll of her own eyes and mumbled words particularly unfit for a Queen. At least Finn knew where his exquisite vocabulary came from. “Please, button up, Finnick. Anyone with half a brain will recognize you by your trashed appearance. Not even a mask could hide that.” She gestured to the black mask tied around his face. Finn only shrugged and took a sip.

“And here I thought I would be recognized by my enchanting eyes and luscious hair. It surely has worked out significantly well in the past.”

Ignoring his statement and attempt at his own flattery, the Queen huffed. “Honestly, you look like you just rolled out of bed,” she fussed, adjusting the black lapels of his jacket and buttoning the rest, the shirts and dressings now suffocating his neck. Finn winced at the uncomfortable strain against his throat.

“That’s because I did, mother deary.” He circled the wine in his grasp again, his voice already thick with intoxication. They were now outside of the grand ballroom and elegant music was pooling out of the room and the bustling murmur of voices could be heard. He was late, as usual. Finnick might have missed the whole ordeal if his mother hadn’t come searching for him and ordered a small slew of guards to bombard his room and practically drag the young prince out of his chambers.

“I suppose you found an easily impressed girl with low morale that accompanied you in your bed? Is she still there now, awaiting your return?” She asked, focusing again on what Finn does in his free time -- or who, for that matter.

Finnick’s eyes darkened. He smiled slowly and swished his wine in answer before leaving his gaping mother in his wake.

Departing the grand hallway and then rounding a corner and slinking into the shadows, Finn leaned his back against the wall for support, his head then following suit. The prince closed his eyes and sighed once, counting down the minutes until he had to plaster on a strained smile and act like a reasonable and responsible man of power, although the latter was exceptionally difficult for him.

His mother raised a hand, an order for the guards to stop, and she hastily made her way to him, disrupting his small slice of peace. Finn cracked an eye open and groaned at the sight of her. The light from the ballroom just to their left illuminated half of her face, showing off a pinched mouth and narrowed eyebrows. “You’re going to get more wrinkles if you keep doing that,” he deadpanned, taking another sip of wine.

Snatching the glass of wine out of his hand, which resulted in a pained sound to erupt from Finn’s mouth, Queen Margaret shot her only son a look that could have frozen Hell itself. It seemed as if his comment about her appearance was the breaking point for his mother.

Women.

“Oh for heaven’s sake,” she growled, outstretching her arm with the glass of wine towards the guards. One of them hurried forward and took the drink and Finnick’s eyes glossed over as he watched his only form of entertainment being ripped away from him.

“That was mine.”

“You really shouldn’t be drinking so much, it’s not very noble of you.” Finn’s mother clutched his arm and began ushering him towards the ballroom, the screeching of string instruments drowning out her voice slightly.

“Well then how else am I going to enjoy my engagement party? Speaking of the party, where is Sebastian? That untimely and insufferable bastard.” Finn glanced around the hall, looking for a familiar mop of black hair and the same shit-eating grin he so often wore himself. The pair had created quite a reputation around Riften and already the two wayward boys delved into chaos as soon as they had arrived in Belladona. While their drunken endeavors last night had ended with Seb running off deeper into the tiny village they had explored while Finn left with an eager lady who he could not for the life of him remember the name of, Finn was growing quite curious on his friend’s whereabouts this evening. Of course, they were always getting into mischief and behaving more like children than men at times. Finn was just put out that the idiot had deserted him tonight, leaving him to deal with the horrors of being a prince all on his own. Having his closest friend with him in Belladona was Finn’s saving grace, even if his mother and father disapproved of him befriending a knight rather than fellow prince’s. But, he surely would have gone mad on the journey over if it weren’t for Sebastian and his playful antics, nonetheless.

“I don’t understand your fascination with that knight. He is reckless, vulgar, and a walking disaster. Everything the company of a prince should not entail.” Queen Margaret sounded off, breaking Finn out of his daze.

“Ah, and that’s why I’m so fond of him.”

“You’re lucky that boy is a decent guard and can hold his own in battle. Which is more than I can say for you.” Disdain dripped through his mother’s clenched teeth and Finn winced slightly. He didn’t meet her eyes. Instead, his stare found a home on the stone wall across from him -- candlelight flickering in his ivy colored irises. It’s not that Finn wasn’t acceptable with a sword, he actually enjoyed sparring with Sebastian during his training and while his friend had strength, Finn was more lithe and quick on his feet. However, he knew that without Sebastian to help him practice, Finn wouldn’t have held a sword in his damn life. Due to his own stubbornness or his lack of interest, he wasn’t certain. His father, King Robert, had attempted to train him at the ripe age of five. But, considering that the king had to be removed every ten minutes for meetings and other pointless agendas, Finn was left alone.

Until Sebastian came along, that is.

Tugging on the collars of his shirts, Finn glared at his mother as the buttons opened, revealing the rest of his neck and a bit of his collar bone. Even though he was masked, he made sure that his deadly gaze to her was prevalent. He took a step towards his mother and leaned in slightly, hands behind his back in mockery of a true prince’s stature. “I think he looks quite like his father, doesn’t he?” Finn said, his voice low and menacing. His mother’s hitched breath was all the answer he needed -- his cruel words hit home and Finn backed away from her slowly. He glanced at the guards and then back to the Queen of Riften. She had green eyes just like his own, except while his danced with sick amusement, hers were filled with rage and embarrassment.

Clearing his throat sarcastically, Finn spoke again -- sarcasm seeping through his words, saturating them just as the wine had done. “So, if you’ll excuse me, I have a betrothed to meet.”

Finn finished backing into the ballroom and he turned away from his gaping mother. A tinge of guilt quickly encompassed him and his jaw was set and locked as he descended down the grand stairway and into the mass of bodies parading around the ballroom. He had been too cruel to his mother, he realized that as quickly as those words left his lips. Finnick was many things. Disastrous, flirtatious, charming at times, and as reckless as the stallions he had back home in Riften. He had a sharp tongue, but rarely did he ever let his temper show. Maybe it was the fact that this arranged marriage would only secure his eventual ruling over Riften, and other kingdoms as well. Maybe it was the fact that he was signing over yet another piece of his life to royalty and rules and expectations.

The fact that he was here in Belladona only confirmed the realization that Finnick Radcliffe was nothing but a political tactic used by his father in order to gain more control. While his mother was a frivolous woman and about as uptight and stiff as a coat rack, she had never looked at him like an object to be used for her own advantage. That task was left to the King.

Finnick was thankful he hadn’t spoken to his father since their arrival in Belladona days ago.

Deciding not to delve into the throng of ball gowns and masks quite yet, Finn leaned against the railing at the bottom of the stairs. His elbow sat perched on the head of a lion and his thumb and pointer finger poked and prodded at his bottom lip out of pure boredom. Wandering eyes shielded by masks examined the frustrated prince, but he was too aloof and slightly too drunk to care.

However, the familiar stature and crooked smile of a Riften knight snapped him out of his daze and Finnick’s eyes darted sideways to glance at Sebastian standing next to him. Even through his friend's mask, there was no denying who sat underneath. Smirking, Finn whacked a hand on Seb’s arm playfully and pushed off of the lion. “Thank you for gracing me with your presence, you oaf. I could have used you about ten minutes ago.” He cocked his head back towards the entrance of the stairwell where his mother stood flanked by her guards -- seething. “She took my wine.”

A small group of fashionable young ladies waltzed past the two boys and, although it was hidden by his mask, Finn raised his eyebrows and shot Sebastian a look before leaving his spot on the stairs and following the giggling posse. “Well, let’s find me a damned wife, shall we?” Finn said with sudden interest. He gestured his head for Seb to follow and he delved deeper into the ball, his emerald jacket now gleaming under the chandeliers.

He would play the part tonight -- make his parents happy.

However, that did not mean that he also couldn’t show Belladona exactly what Finnick Radcliffe of Riften was made of.

But first: wine.

Sebastian Taylor was many things.

A charmer, a smart-ass, even a high-knight for the kingdom known as Riften and guard of Prince Finnick himself. One thing that he wasn't was good at following orders. Sebastian held up a lot of responsibilities, but as soon as people turned their backs on him, he was often found either helping Finn sneak from his kingdom walls so the poor guy could live somewhat of a normal life or he was getting himself into fights that were mainly started due to the old rumor that was still floating around regarding his father Arthur and the Queen herself. However, there was absolutely no proof of this encounter and no matter how much either party was pestered about the topic, it was never confirmed. Regardless, it still left Sebastian with drunken lower-class men at the taverns fist-fighting until they were bloodied and bruised.

That's why it wasn't surprising in the least when his sharp blue eyes slowly peeled open to the sunlight that hung high in the sky causing a sharp pain to emit through his skull. A low grunt erupted from the back of his dry throat as he raised a hand up to meet the tender cut at the top of his cheek causing himself to wince. With squinting eyes, Sebastian scanned the area, trying to collect any sort of memory that would help him to understand where he was and how exactly he ended up there.

The smell of hay was strong in the air around the young man and it didn't take him long to realize that he was laying in a heap of it. Slowly sitting up, it took him a moment to get over the dizziness that washed over him, he was hungover, again.

"Hey, you!" a man's gravelly old voice erupted from behind Sebastian and caused him to jump slightly, turning to see a stranger yelling at him from his front door. "What in God's name do you think you're doing in my cottage you damned fool! GET!" the man screamed, waving his hands around as he began walking towards Sebastian who was now on his feet backing up.

"My sincerest apologies sir," he began as he walked backward, hands up slightly to show he was of no harm to the man. It was a bit hard to do that when he was trespassing of course. Before he could stop himself, he was stepping onto an old farm cat's tail causing it to yowl and hiss which in turn scared a bunch of chickens into a flapping mess around Sebastian - all the while, the old man continued to yap. Sebastian cursed and apologized flatly to the cat before hopping over the fence and hurrying towards the Kingdom that he was currently staying at due to his job placement and requirements.

It didn't feel right to Sebastian that he wasn't living at his own home which was set up further out from the palace like most other lower-class civilians cottages. Even though it went against his morals, he still knew that he was doing right by his family by being away from them. He was the one thing keeping them healthy and able to put food on the table for his younger sister and themselves. He still got to visit them all on occasion, but it was always a bit of awkward conversation considering the rumors and who he worked for. Nevertheless, Sebastian felt like he owed it to his family to do everything he could to keep them safe and keep them going after the accident with his brother on the battlefield. The image of his mangled sibling caused his skin to go cold every time. It often overstayed its welcome and that was usually when the drinking began.

Once the knight had reached the palace and was maneuvering quickly down the opulent hallways, he passed many other guards and some servants here and there. They all gave Sebastian a glance as he had stained his white shirt with blood and dirt. He didn't care if they looked, but he did care if he ran into the royals like this - except for Finn of course. Finn would understand. A few more footfalls brought Sebastian to his room and he quickly stepped inside and shut the door behind him. He had to try and attempt to get himself presentable for the royals before he had to go through another talk with the Queen about his drinking habits.

Entering the shower, he got himself bathed and dressed in his usual working attire in record time considering his slight headache and the need to clean up the cut on his face which was probably received from the fist of a commoner. Once he felt that he looked presentable enough, he raked his fingers through his damp black and tousled hair while he reached for his sword, sliding it into its holster on his side before exiting his given room which consisted of a queen-sized four-poster bed, a fireplace, a bathing area, a dresser, closet, and few furniture to tie it all together. Oil lamps hung near each side of the bed illuminating the room just enough for when the sunlight didn't during the day. The lamps also clung to the corridors, lighting the way for the knight as he went to go meet with the royals for a special event that was going to be taking place at none other than the Kingdom of Belladona.

A masquerade fucking ball. Sebastian could feel the corner of his lips tug up into sly smirk at the thought of himself and Finn attending something so trivial. He could already tell that there was going to be plenty of entertaining trouble for the duo to get into and even better? Plenty of beautiful women.

"Mister Taylor," called one of the younger maids, waving around a towel in her hand to gain his attention. Sebastian stopped near her and arched an eyebrow.

"Miss Jones," he murmured, glancing around her for any sort of commotion since she seemed to be out of breath.

"The highnesses are looking for you." she began and Sebastian nodded.

"I'm aware, I'm headed there now." he insisted and was about to continue walking when he noticed Miss Jones looked as though she was holding back something she wanted to say to him. "Why are you doing that with your face?" he questioned.

Growing red in the cheeks, she blinked and shook her head. "Oh, Mister Taylor, I overheard about the ball!" she blurted and he could see the excitement on her face. Sebastian covered her mouth and sighed.

"Stop yelling, and stop eavesdropping, you know you can't come." he reminded the child. She had reminded him so much of his younger sister Elisa, so in love with the idea of being a princess in a dress at a ball with a prince. A stupid and unrealistic idea. He just didn't see the point in wanting something that could never be. Wouldn't that just be unnecessary pain on yourself? He could see Miss Jones' face fall into an upset state and he sighed, kneeling down. "I'll try to get you a souvenir," he tried, but she didn't smile so he added, "from a princess." while grinning slightly and her teeth showed as she smiled back.

"Thank you, Mister Taylor!" she whispered happily and Sebastian nodded and messed up her hair lightly before heading towards the Royal hall.

ᴏᴘᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғɪʀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Beaux

[ ᴍɪᴅᴅʟᴇ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] James

[ ʟᴀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Anderson

[ мᴀɪᴅᴇɴ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Anderson

[ ɴɪᴄᴋɴᴀᴍᴇ(ѕ) ] Bo

[ ᴏᴄᴄᴜᴘᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Prince

[ Age ] 23

[ ѕᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴏʀɪᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Heterosexual

[ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴѕʜɪᴘ ѕᴛᴀᴛᴜѕ ] Soon-to-be wedded.

ʀᴇғʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

[ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ] Male

[ ᴏᴄᴜʟᴀʀѕ ] Ocean Blue

[ нᴀɪʀ ] Dirty Blonde

[ ѕᴋɪɴ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ] Tanned

ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ] King Ryan Anderson

[ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ] Queen Matilda Anderson

[ ѕɪʙʟɪɴɢѕ ] Prince Jack Anderson

[ ᴏғғѕᴘʀɪɴɢ ] None

[ ᴘᴇʀѕᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ] I Refuse by Five Finger Death Punch

{X} {X} {X}

HENRY ALEXANDER CLAREMONT

Twenty-One • Prince • Heterosexual

Henry is the eldest son and heir to the throne of Adriena. He has three younger siblings, two sisters and a brother — who has been envious of his position as heir since they were children. His entire life has been an amalgamation of etiquette courses, training of all sorts (swords, horses, hand-to-hand combat), and lessons from his father on how to rule — and do it well. His father is a good man, a good king, and Henry has always felt the insurmountable pressure of filling the shoes of someone so beloved. Sure, the citizens of Adriena loved him as well but his father had been just, kind, and created a kingdom that was peaceful and prosperous where it had not been before. Henry admires him more than anyone else.

He is steadfast in his duties to his country, and he tries his hardest to be the man that his family wants him to be, tries to become the leader his people need…but sometimes that, too, causes a pressure he does not feel he can overcome. The fear of failure is something Henry has always faced, and not known how to conquer. Sometimes he can push it aside for a time, and sometimes it gets the better of him — but he always tries to do the best he can even when it seems impossible. He has barely experienced life beyond the walls of the castle, and while he’d never dream of leaving his responsibilities, or his kingdom behind, he still yearns to feel like he’s really living — not merely existing to sit on a throne. He dreams of traveling, and while he’s seen his fair share of the Adriena countryside, he wants to see the world beyond — even though he knows that’s hardly possible for someone in his position. He belongs in his country, serving his people, but that doesn’t stop him from dreaming.

To those around him, Henry attempts to be the perfect gentleman. He’s charming, mild-mannered, confident, and, on most accounts, thoroughly agreeable. Though, at times, these attributes make him seem boring, stiff and stuck up. When in actuality he is merely playing his part, afraid to make a misstep and embarrass his family and his country. Henry truly wants nothing more than to be able to let loose every now and then and enjoy himself, but he’s never had the occasion, or proper company, to do so. He’s never had someone to call a true friend, only acquaintances and political alliances, but once he warms up to people his mild-manner facade gives way to a dry and sarcastic sense of humor. Henry is also a bit of a romantic. He believes in true love — he thinks his parents have it, and he wants to find it as well. More than that, he wants to find a woman he would gladly entrust his kingdom to and who would share the burden of kingship with him.

Henry stands just over six feet tall and has broad shoulders from years of training. His hair is a mess of light brown curls that fades to a dark blond when he’s been in the sun too long. His eyes are a dark shade of blue framed by dark lashes and a tanned face from hours spent outside. When he feels the pressure of his position, Henry likes to walk, to roam, sometimes for hours at a time. He feels like he thinks better when he’s moving — it helps to calm his mind when everything becomes too much.

Open Self

[ ғɪʀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Adelina

[ ᴍɪᴅᴅʟᴇ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Juilette

[ ʟᴀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Brooker

[ мᴀɪᴅᴇɴ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Brooker

[ ɴɪᴄᴋɴᴀᴍᴇ(ѕ) ] Lina, Juilette

[ ᴏᴄᴄᴜᴘᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Princess

[ Age ] 20

[ ѕᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴏʀɪᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Heterosexual

[ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴѕʜɪᴘ ѕᴛᴀᴛᴜѕ ] Soon-to-be wedded.

ʀᴇғʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

[ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ] Female

[ ᴏᴄᴜʟᴀʀѕ ] Ice Blue

[ нᴀɪʀ ] Light Blonde

[ ѕᴋɪɴ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ] Olive Undertone, tanned

ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ] King George Brooker

[ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ] Queen Mable Brooker

[ ѕɪʙʟɪɴɢѕ ] Princess Sophia Brooker

[ ᴏғғѕᴘʀɪɴɢ ] None

[ ᴘᴇʀѕᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ] Imagine - Ariana Grande

Extra Appearance

{X} {X} {X} {X}

the princess

S O P H I A A N T I O N E T T E V A L E N T I N E

[ Sophie - Soph ]

twenty - royal - heterosexual

___________________________________________________

Sophia was born the third royal child of the Fredionia, a small country nestled between France and Italy. When her eldest brother and hair to the throne went to lead the war effort, Sophia’s parents decided to continue having children just incase they needed another hair. Next came another brother, and finally Sophia. Sophie was conceived as an insurance policy for the Valentine monarchy, as her eldest brother died on the battle field and the other fell ill as a small child. Her parents had hoped and prayed for a gaggle of sons to secure their lineage, but had been left with a daughter as their only shot at continuing the family line.

For the majority of her life, Sophie was heir to nothing, and instead was used as nothing more than a pawn in her family’s scheme to gain power. Her entire life had consisted of charming men and beguiling foreign diplomats to win the favor of their country, dancing with far away princes with no hope for ever forging a relationship that wasn’t rooted in some plot for gold or armies.

However, Sophia wanted to be more than just another pretty face in a dress to hang on the arm of some man. She spent any free time with her nose in a book or studying under her father - learning the ins and outs of ruling their country. Sophie is the picture of poise and grace, with flawless etiquette she would appear to be the perfect lady. A pleasantly passive smile is consistently resting on her face, another attribute that’d been trained into her since birth. The girl had been likened to a china doll, beautiful and dainty.

But underneath the pretty skirts and alluring face, Sophia is a force to be reckoned with. She’s the type to command attention as soon as she walks into a room, without ever having to say a word. She knows how to play the game of monarchies and royalty in order to get exactly what she wants, and she isn’t afraid to use her brain to do it. While once a soft-spoken girl, Sophia has developed a sharp tongue and witty sense of humor. She is clever and resourceful, and not to be underestimated.

Once her last remaining brother succumbed to his illness several months ago, Sophia was forced to step up to the plate in order to be fill his role as the reigning heir to the throne. But, before she could be seated as the rightful heir, she had to have a husband, a man, at her side.

Sophia is dainty, falling at just over five feet with a slim build. Large deep blue eyes and sharp features give her a cat-like appearance. She has incredibly fair skin, with a light spattering of freckles spread across the bridge of her nose and cheeks. Long brown hair reaches just past waist, and if left naturally will fall in loose waves - however it is often pinned back with jewels or braided with small flowers to keep it out of her face.

Sophia has an aura that’s hard not to like, and most who meet her grow to have some affection for the girl in one way or another. Although as of late, her outspoken attitude has gotten her in trouble with a few - mostly men who haven’t agreed with her more feminine point of view.

Sophie is loved by many, her family included - it’s just a shame that their love for power is stronger than anything else.

━━━━━ ❦ Cordelia "Cordy" or "Deli" Rose Bennett • Twenty • Heterosexual ❦ ━━━━━

Cordelia is generally a kind soul. She does as she is told and is not one to complain. Being more reserved, Cordelia is often wound up and carries a lot of stress and weight on her shoulders -- due to her just wanting to succeed in everything she does. Cordelia is a very driven girl and is never one to take things lightly. She is on the quieter side, although that is not from her being mousey, she simply knows how to hold her tongue and only say what others are expecting of her. In reality, she is strong willed and thinks very rationally. Although, Cordelia can become slightly flustered around royalty, except for the family she currently serves. She is comfortable with them and will forever be grateful for their kindness towards her.

Always the one to follow rules and guidelines, Cordelia doesn’t usually occupy herself with any other activities besides serving her princess. However, when she was younger, she had picked up the ability to read thanks to her princess teaching her and now Cordelia will often spend her time with a nose in a book at night -- staying up way too late being engrossed in stories about valiant women and charming princes. She enjoys her life and makes the best of what is thrown at her, but there is no stopping her constant dreaming of what living in royalty would be like. Cordelia isn’t envious, but she just wishes that she could experience life like her princess does and be by her side through everything and not as a servant, either.

Cordelia’s parents both died from a fever when she was younger. Her aunt had then raised her until she was around eleven years old. When the castle had openings for young servant girls, Cordelia was practically thrown into the arms of the royals and was expected to learn her place very quickly inside the castle. She kept her head down in her beginning years at the castle and almost had forgotten the sound of her own voice. But, with the help of a kind princess and a loving and generous king, Cordelia broke out of her shells just slightly. While she is a servant girl, her life inside the castle is way better than what she grew up with -- living on an old and dying farm. She doesn’t have any family, well, none that she speaks to. All ties with her remaining kin were cut off when she came to the castle.

Standing at an average height of around 5’4’’, Cordelia has a thin, yet curvy build. She doesn’t eat nearly as well as the royals, but she is always fed generously and has never gone hungry -- unlike some other horror stories she has heard from servants in neighboring kingdoms. She has warm auburn hair and darker brown eyes with an abundance of freckles across her cheeks and nose. She has soft features with a full mouth and a small nose followed by bright-looking eyes. Being a servant, her long hair is usually pulled back into a low bun.

Theme Song(s): Roslyn

━━━━━━ ♛ Finnick "Finn" Arthur Radcliffe • Twenty-Two • Heterosexual ♛ ━━━━━━

Finn has a very vain and lustful lifestyle. Most say that he is quite full of himself and that he cares more about who warms his bed than the duties of being a Prince. He enjoys playing tricks, never doing as he is told, and he often finds himself in constant arguments and tifts with his mother and father. His attitude is very aloof and he gives off the sense of not caring about much -- only himself. Finn enjoys the benefits of what royalty provides him, but he never wanted to be a Prince. He adores the parties and balls and events that being a Prince entails, however, the responsibility was something he was never a fan of. It’s not that he isn’t mature, even though some might think the opposite, it’s just that Finnick wishes to spend his life doing as he pleases and not worrying about what others think. He is very confident overall, except for when he speaks to his parents. Their roaring opinions and high standards usually drown the boy into silence and after speaking with his parents Finn will often leave the castle doing God knows what for hours. All in all, he is a fun and adventurous boy and he tries to live as much of a carefree lifestyle as possible while being a betrothed Prince. He was never keen on the idea of marrying, simply because he does enjoy the art of trying to woo women. He also knew that once he married, his life would forever be set in stone to follow his parent's shadow and one day rule as King.

Hailing from the kingdom of Riften, home to lush foliage and rich soil, the kingdom is hidden between a valley of two magnificent mountains -- a large river running through the villages that his castle overlooks. The weather is mild, staying on the warmer side but Riften gets an abundance of rain for half of the year. (Reference pictures: one, two, three) A few times a month Finn will manage to sneak out of the confinements of his castle and head into the small village nearby. He cloaks himself and dresses the part of a peasant and he simply wanders -- exploring the merchants and the taverns and drinking himself silly. He enjoys the simplicity of a life outside of the castle, but his privilege can often cloud his judgment on what that certain lifestyle pertains. Still, Finn will often tip bar maidens and workers generously and is prone to buying meaningless items he has no use for and usually paying double the price for them, as well. However, these late night adventures are very secretive and he is not a fan of being discovered.

When he is not flirting and drinking, you will most likely find Finn in the castle's stables. He absolutely adores horses and will spend hours away from the confinements of the large castle -- exploring the forests nearby or galloping through the rolling hills that sit behind it’s stone walls. He has an abundance of horses, but his favorite is a six year old dappled grey mare named Nyra that he was gifted on his fourteenth birthday.

Finn stands at around 6ft tall with a lean build and a decent amount of muscle, although his father constantly pushes the boy to train more. He isn’t burly and as strong as a Prince should be, according to his parents, but Finn carries his strength in his light green eyes that have a knack for staring. Everything about this boy is long -- arms, legs, eyelashes, torso. He has thick brown hair that has a slight curl to it that compliments his lightly tanned skin, followed by an array of freckles that riddle his body. Finn's voice is decorated with a rich accent and his tone is a crisp and light-hearted baritone. His clothes are usually rumpled -- as if he had slept in them. Whenever he does decide to wear his crown, it is never on correctly, always leaning to the side or tipping back slightly.

Theme Song(s): Feeling Good

Colored References: one, two, three

ᴏᴘᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғɪʀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Katerina

[ ᴍɪᴅᴅʟᴇ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Grace

[ ʟᴀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Williams

[ мᴀɪᴅᴇɴ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Williams

[ ɴɪᴄᴋɴᴀᴍᴇ(ѕ) ] Kat, Katherine

[ ᴏᴄᴄᴜᴘᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Princess

[ Age ] 21

[ ѕᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴏʀɪᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Heterosexual

[ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴѕʜɪᴘ ѕᴛᴀᴛᴜѕ ] Soon-to-be wedded.

ʀᴇғʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

[ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ] Female

[ ᴏᴄᴜʟᴀʀѕ ] Emerald Green

[ нᴀɪʀ ] Auburn Brown

[ ѕᴋɪɴ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ] Olive Undertone, tanned

ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ] King Henry Williams

[ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ] Queen Adelaide Williams

[ ѕɪʙʟɪɴɢѕ ] Princess Olivia Williams

[ ᴏғғѕᴘʀɪɴɢ ] None

[ ᴘᴇʀѕᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ] Touch - Sleeping At Last

Extra Appearance

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]

ᴏᴘᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғɪʀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Sebastian

[ ᴍɪᴅᴅʟᴇ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Charles

[ ʟᴀѕᴛ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Taylor

[ мᴀɪᴅᴇɴ ɴᴀᴍᴇ ] Taylor

[ ɴɪᴄᴋɴᴀᴍᴇ(ѕ) ] Seb, Sebby

[ ᴏᴄᴄᴜᴘᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Knight/Guard

[ Age ] 23

[ ѕᴇxᴜᴀʟ ᴏʀɪᴇɴᴛᴀᴛɪᴏɴ ] Heterosexual

[ ʀᴇʟᴀᴛɪᴏɴѕʜɪᴘ ѕᴛᴀᴛᴜѕ ] Single

ʀᴇғʟᴇᴄᴛɪᴏɴ

[ ɢᴇɴᴅᴇʀ ] Male

[ ᴏᴄᴜʟᴀʀѕ ] Deep Blue

[ нᴀɪʀ ] Ebony

[ ѕᴋɪɴ ᴛᴏɴᴇ ] Sun-Kissed w/Olive undertone

[ ᴛᴀᴛᴏᴏ(ѕ) ] None

[ ᴘɪᴇʀᴄɪɴɢ(ѕ) ] None

ʜɪᴅᴅᴇɴ ѕᴇʟғ

[ ғᴀᴛʜᴇʀ ] Arthur Taylor

[ ᴍᴏᴛʜᴇʀ ] Nadia Taylor

[ ѕɪʙʟɪɴɢѕ ] Matthew Taylor - Deceased & Elisa Taylor

[ ᴏғғѕᴘʀɪɴɢ ] None

[ ᴘᴇʀѕᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ] Mount Everest - Labrinth

Extra Appearance

[ 1 ] [ 2 ] [ 3 ] [ 4 ]