Ciaran appeared in his dimly lit room in the guest palace for the entourage of Kardin.
He held the hair strands in his hair, thinking of what happened back there with her. When he went closer to her, he felt something strange and got an almost imperceptible scent from her, but then it was gone. But he brushed it off as maybe the scent of a flower there since they were in the garden, but he is sure to confirm.
He sent a voice transmission through magic and a figure in dark clothes appeared and dropped to one knee with clasped hands to show respect to Ciaran.
"Rise, take this and find out the origin of the person it belongs to, what clan it belongs to and anything special you can find about it"
"Yes, your grace" the figure bowed and disappeared from there to do what he was asked to.
Ciaran stood in front of the big windows staring outside while his long silky silver hair danced along with the slight breeze, he stood in comforting solitude for a while before turning around and leaving the room. He had to attend the ball that evening so he had to prepare to meet those fake people, especially that evil man.
Darren was just entering the mansion when he spotted his best friend coming down the huge spiral staircase, he gave a cheeky smile and moved to hug Ciaran but Ciaran side stepped him with a scowl.
"Ouch, you just broke my heart, I thought you'd be happy to see me and you were missing me".
"In your dreams, stop messing around. What have you been up to these days?"
Ciaran asked while staring at the man in front of him with loose shirt with the first two buttons undone and a jacket hanging over his shoulders
"Well since you wouldn't give me any attention, I thought I'd wander around and find some fun here and there, you need to see the beauties of this kingdom, I bet they're up to your tastes " Darren replied shamelessly. "I'll pass" Ciaran replied, unamused.
"Well it seems you prefer ugly dark skin girls, it'll be difficult to find girls like that around here but I'll try my best" he teased with a hand under his chin.
"Get lost"
Ciaran didn't want to give any information concerning the maid to his best friend because he knew how he could be. He might seem playful and easygoing but he is the cruelest and coldest person he knows, and he would meddle in anything he knows is connected to Ciaran, eliminate any threats and get to the bottom of everything.
So Ciaran wanted to confirm things on his own first, if he gets to know that the girl is somehow connected to the king, he will know how to handle things.
But before then, he can't be rash.
He seems very cold but he is actually more rational than Darren, and that is why he doesn't let his best friend handle some things.
Darren is also a demon from the underworld, his parents were brutally killed and since then he has been stuck with Ciaran, still on the quest for revenge but a lot of factors are on the way that needs to be taken care of.
They have endured a lot together since they were kids and would always look out for each other, they are more like brothers than friends so anyone that crosses the other is just looking for death.
Darren laughed and walked ahead inside to go and freshen up. He always found it fun to tease his cold friend. Ciaran frowned and continued on his way outside the guest mansion.
****
It was getting later in the day when the guests from different kingdoms started arriving at the venue of the ball, clad in impeccable attires. The men wearing the most stylish and noble party clothes representing their culture, while the ladies, dressed elegantly in colourful and beautiful ball gowns representing their different kingdoms, with soft or fierce makeup, each trying to outdo the other.
With their luxurious carriages, they arrived at the venue, some with their dates. They were welcomed by a man who instructed for their carriages to be taken away and parked properly, while he led them to the entrance where two nobly dressed knights welcomed them inside.
Announcements were made for each guest, especially royals and representatives to honour the different kingdoms.
The hall was brightly lit, with beautiful crystal chandeliers handing above, adding a touch of elegance. There were different tables arranged at some corners with different delicacies from each kingdom, there was no shortage of food or drinks and snacks.
The hall was big enough to house one thousand people with extra space.
This was to show that the kingdom of Varre was not small and could treat their guest well.
Different families including royals and nobles were announced, entering the venue with their head held high in pride. Some were already mingling with others, conversing and building relationships from people from other kingdoms, servants were always on standby to attend to their various masters, and even servants provided by the kingdom of Varre were available in case they were needed randomly by any guest.
The king of Varre King Magnus The Third arrived with the crown prince Lenard, the Queen Prisca and her two daughters, the princesses Kira and Mira.
Everyone paused what they were doing to honour them as they made their grand entrance, but soon everyone went back to their conversations.
Some approached the royal family of Varre to talk and build connections.
The first half of the ball was going well until the announce of new guests were made, and the identity of those guests shocked everyone.