CHAPTER NINE: The Crimson Dance
The castle had never looked more alive.
Candles floated mid-air, casting golden glows on the high-arched ceilings of the Grand Hall. Crystal chandeliers shimmered with every movement. Velvet drapes the color of midnight framed the tall windows, and soft orchestral music drifted through the air like a whisper of secrets yet to be told.
Every noble, dignitary, and power-seeker in the kingdom had come for one reason—to witness the triumphant return of Prince Alexander.
But what they didn't expect, was to be caught off guard by a girl in red.
Earlier that evening, behind the closed doors of her chamber, Esterphania stood before the mirror, still and composed. A sea of dresses had been brought to her by Melody—but none of them felt… right.
Until she saw it.
The red gown.
Velvet and silk with a high slit, golden embroidery tracing the bodice like ivy, and a plunging back that left little room for modesty. Bold. Loud. Almost defiant. But it fit her—too well. As if it had been stitched for the fire in her blood.
"Isn't that a bit too—" Melody had begun.
"I'll wear it," Esterphania said, cutting her off, her voice low, but final.
And so she did.
---
Melody descended into the ballroom first, her baby-blue gown modest and ethereal, befitting her usual charm. Though not of royal blood, she was still respected—and envied. Whispers trailed behind her like perfume:
"She'll be queen someday."
"Maybe, but she's not his erasthai, is she?"
"She's perfect, but…"
The doubt lingered in the air like dust refusing to settle.
Still, she smiled, offered greetings, charmed elders, and curtsied with grace. She was always the favorite. But even she knew tonight wasn't about her.
Because then came the hush.
A guard's voice boomed across the hall.
"Presenting His Majesty King Lucien, His Royal Highness Prince Alexander, and Her Highness Princess Esterphania."
All chatter ceased. Forks paused mid-air. Heads turned as one.
They entered like royalty should—proud, tall, terrifyingly elegant.
King Lucien in regal black, eyes sharp and proud. On his right, Alexander, his black-and-gold attire sharp, dangerous, and magnetic. On his left…
Esterphania.
The room held its breath.
Crimson. She was clothed in crimson. Hair in a braided crown, eyes painted with gold dust. Her skin, pale and glowing under candlelight, her expression a fortress of pride. She looked no older than eleven in years, yet carried herself like a twenty-five-year-old empress bored with conquest.
And though no one liked her—they couldn't lie to themselves.
She was the most beautiful woman in the room.
She didn't smile. She didn't wave. She didn't try. And still, every eye followed her.
The royal trio ascended the dais, and for the first time in the kingdom's history, three thrones sat before the people. Alexander to Lucien's right, Esterphania to his left. A balance of flame and shadow.
Magnificent.
The ball began.
The orchestra swelled with life, couples flocked to the dance floor, wine was poured like rivers, and laughter filled the air. Alexander descended from his throne and took Melody's hand, sweeping her into the first waltz of the night.
Polite. Beautiful. Expected.
But then, he let her go.
And headed toward the girl in red.
Esterphania sat with her legs crossed, hands gloved in silk, gaze fixed on no one. People whispered about her again. She didn't flinch. She'd grown used to scrutiny. It didn't sting anymore.
Until he stood before her.
And stretched out a hand.
"Would you grant me a dance?" he asked, voice velvet-smooth.
Her mask cracked, just for a second.
"You're kidding me right now?" Her eyebrows lifted.
"It's a gesture of appreciation," he replied, eyes glinting.
From his throne, the king leaned forward, intrigued.
"Yeah, no… thank you," she said dryly, waving a dismissive hand.
"Esterphania, take my hand," he said again, voice firmer now. "I'm not asking anymore."
"You can't tell me what to do."
Alexander inhaled sharply, then turned his gaze to the king.
"Pardon me, Father."
Lucien blinked once. "What are you—?"
But before anyone could react, Alexander swept her off her seat and flung her across his shoulder like a sack of precious gold.
Gasps erupted.
Laughter too.
But Esterphania was not amused.
"Put me down right now! I don't want to dance with you!"
Alexander smiled politely to the crowd, never breaking stride as he carried her down the steps.
"Ignore her," he told a passing noble. "She's just shy."
"You insufferable son of—!"
"Language, princess. We're in public."
Once on the dance floor, he finally set her down. She stumbled briefly, then straightened her gown with more fury than grace, fixing her hair with gritted teeth.
"What is wrong with you? Can't you take no for an answer?"
"Unfortunately not," he replied smoothly.
"You're an—"
"Ah, ah, ah," he cut her off, taking her gloved hand before she could curse. "We're in public, remember? Let's dance and get it over with."
She narrowed her eyes. "If I step on your foot, it'll be intentional."
"I'd expect nothing less."
They moved in rhythm, and slowly, the hall faded around them.
Red and black became a whirl of fire and steel. Two forces that refused to bend, but somehow moved in perfect sync. She moved with power. He moved with precision. Together, they moved like a storm.
People watched, mesmerized.
Two beings who clearly hated each other, and yet—there was something more.
Something dangerous.
"Why are you doing this?" she asked under her breath.
"Because you needed to be seen," he said simply.
"I don't need your help."
"I know," he said. "That's why I did it."
For the first time all night, Esterphania was speechless.
The music slowed. The final twirl brought them close—too close. Her breath fanned his jaw. His hand lingered a little longer on her waist. Her lips parted, but she said nothing.
And then she stepped back.
He bowed.
She turned without another glance and climbed the stairs like a queen offended.
The crowd was still buzzing, unsure if they'd witnessed a duel or a dance. Maybe both.
Alexander returned to his throne, a smirk tugging at his lips.
Lucien leaned toward him. "What exactly are you doing with her?"
Alexander's eyes followed the girl in red as she took her seat again.
"…I have no idea."