Chapter 54: the same dream

As I closed my eyes I saw the same dream again.

A large, magnificent ballroom had been meticulously set up for what seemed to be a very important and very high-class event. The chandeliers that dangled from the ceiling provided little sparkles of light from one end of the room to the other, giving the room a feeling of being under a bright, starry night sky. Many round tables were dotted around the room, decorated tastefully with a red and gold motif, colours of which represented wealth, prosperity and good fortune.

This masquerade ball certainly was a display of wealth and prosperity, from the crystal champagne glasses and silver and gold cutlery to the stunning paintings and decorations on the walls. But that wasn't what caught one's eye! Inside the ballroom were groups of people, each wearing millions of dollars worth of clothing, jewellery and other accessories.

The women's jewellery - their earrings, necklaces, bracelets, tiaras, rings - altogether shone brighter than the lights inside the room. Anyone who caught a glimpse inside the room immediately knew that this was a gathering of the most influential, rich and powerful people. And of course, this being a masquerade ball, each person, man and woman, wearing a mask which covered a part of or all of their face, adding even more mystery to the already mysterious identities of the people inside.

I was standing there with the prince, in a corner. I was already bored and wanted to go back, but the moment I took a step forward, my father's stern gaze fell upon me.

I gulped and stopped right there.

"It's not that bad, Cassius. Look at the beautiful woman there," said Prince Charles.

He wanted to scoff but maintained his poker face as he said, "I would rather prefer to look at horses and take a ride, your highness." my words stunned him for a second as he looked at me, dumbfounded.

Then the prince chuckled, "you never failed to amuse me, Cassius, future when I would be the emperor, I hope our relation stays this way."

``We have no relation, you just use me as your shield, your highness" I retorted without being afraid.

The prince chuckled again, as he nodded, "that I do" he admitted with a shrug as I kept my emotions at bay.

"Let's sit there at the table and eat something." I offered, as I knew I had to stick with Prince for the whole program as per the instructions of my father. But we had been standing there for a long time, without even eating and drinking and the music was on my nerves now.

"Oh my, Cassius, how could you think of eating at this moment!" he asked, exaggerating as I rolled my eyes at his drama, "royal dance could start any minute Cassius, and as a royal prince and the son of the archduke, we have to dance with the princess attending the program from other empires, or from the nobles here.

What impression would we leave on them if they saw us eating at the start of the royal ball, huh?" he chided me, but there was amusement in his eyes.

"A gourmand,'' I added, shrugging my shoulders. 'What was wrong in eating, if you were hungry. Let others think what they want.' i sighed, knowing very well I could not do anything.

"Ah, see. The beat has started." escalated the price as the music flew in the air.

Soon, men and women started mingling as the prince held my hand.

"Come, look at the girls, and ask a noble lady for a dance. It's your first dance after the coming of age ceremony. Are you hearing me do your first dance as an adult? Choose your partner wisely." he continued lecturing me as he subtly pointed towards the area where all the girls were waiting to be approached.

I sighed, already feeling bored with everything. But I knew I had no choice. So I nodded.

"Good, come, I already have a partner in my mind," he replied with shining eyes. If I didn't know any better I would have thought his eyes were as a girl in love.

I chuckled as the thought crossed my mind. The price looked at me confusedly and I shook my head, trying to stifle my laughter.

He pinched me to keep me shut and I nodded, maintaining my cold face again.

"Lady Roseland, may I have a dance with you." the prince asked, and I was surprised. Roseland was the daughter of a mere baroness. Yet the prince had chosen her for his first dance regarding all the princess and higher nobles who had attended the function and yet he had the nerve to lecture me again and again.

Rosalind smiled as she nodded shyly bowing her head down and raising her hand for the prince to take and they both waltzed to the dance floor.

Now it was my turn, I ran a gaze among the noble ladies who were all looking at me and other noblemen approaching them shyly. My eyes were filled with impatience. I wanted to choose a girl who was not that sticky and would leave me alone after the dance.

My eyes fell on the girl wearing a light beige dress, while all the girls were wearing red, blue or other colours that gaze for instant attention. Her eyes were looking out of the window where the snow was getting collected. She had a childlike innocence on her face, as her eyes were brightened just by looking at snowflakes. My lips crept upwards unconsciously while looking at her amused reactions.

I walked towards her but she still did not notice me, so I coughed to gain attention. She turned her face in annoyance, I was sure she would scold the person who had disturbed her. Finally, her eyes fell on me, as her annoyed face startled. Then she blinked and her expressions turned serious as she bowed her head. But the glare in her eyes was still there which made me more amused.

"Lady Elizabeth, may I have a dance with you."