Chapter 50

Looking at my reflection in the full length mirror, I do my best to make sure the hickey Sky had given me is hidden. Today is the day of my first ball in the Palace and I do not need tongues wagging within the Nobles gossip circles. Lidia had done a good job choosing the gown I would wear today, a dusty rose coloured gown made from organza and lace with a slit up the left side of the gown. The sleeves were full length that started flaring out at my elbow and thankfully the material hid the mark on my shoulder. My hair was kept in loose curls with a decorative clip keeping the strands out of my face while my bangs were styled with a small flat iron.

Millia and Clarice wanted me to wear stilettos but I opted for a pair of rose gold peep-toed kitten heels. It will be a long night tonight and I wanted comfortable shoes that I could dance the night away in or fight if something happens.

Since the broadcasting three days ago, I have been feeling uneasy. Max and his men promised to stay in the dungeon until the date of the execution but when Sky told me about Max's concerns the day after our date I have been feeling anxious.

"Will you be wearing any jewelry Princess?" Millia's voice calls me from my thoughts and I turn to face her. My hand instinctively reaches for the necklace with my crest on it. Ever since returning from the cabin with Sky I have worn the necklace I wore for fourteen years again. Something inside me screams for me to keep it close and I need to figure out why.

"A gold tiara that matches this necklace please." I answer my Maid, getting a small bow before she returns to my closet and returns moments later with a simple tiara with small crystals twinkling under the light. She helps secure it on top of my head before producing two dainty hoops. I chuckle, carefully removing the silver studs from my earlobe and bend down for Millia to place the hoops in. She takes my studs and shuffles into the closet once more, most likely returning the jewelry to their rightful place.

"Allisara, are you ready?" I blush as my bedroom door opens, turning just in time to watch Sky step inside my room. He is dressed in a dark grey suit, the amethyst pin pinned to his breast pocket where a dusty rose handkerchief pokes out. His hair is slicked back into a half up pony-tail held together by a matching dark grey ribbon. His steps faulter as he takes in my appearance. His smile fading as a look of awe and adoration takes its place.

"Wow." He whispers out, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. I burst out laughing as his lack of words and step down from the platform, carefully lifting the long gown so as not to step on the hem.

"I am so getting you a dictionary and thesaurus for your birthday." I say while making my way towards him. He takes my left hand in his, bringing it to his lips and pressing a soft kiss to the back of my hand.

"It's not my fault you're so breathtaking that I forget how to speak properly." He teases, making me blush.

"Well you don't see me loosing my ability to speak even though you are extremely handsome." An amused smile takes over my lips as I tease him back, Millia and Clarice giggling behind me as Sky blushes.

"Is everything ready for tonight?" I ask, my tone turning serious. I need this ball to go off without a hitch.

"Yes, security is in place and your guests are arriving." Sky reassures me, letting go of my hand. He reaches into the back pocket of his pants, causing me to tilt my head to see what he is doing.

"I have something that will go great with your outfit." He states, pulling out a small box and giving me my favourite easy going smile.

"Sky you shouldn't have." I mumble, looking down at the black box in his hands. He just smiles at me, taking my hand once more and gently placing the box inside it.

"I wanted to give you something because I love you." He whispers. My head snaps up at this statement, our eyes meeting. I can feel tears welling in them and do my best to not let them spill. He loves me. Sky loves me.

Looking back down to the box, I open it to reveal a gold bracelet, a rose charm evenly spaced around it with dainty chains holding it all together. I gasp at how beautiful it is, watching as small crystals glitter in the middle of each rose.

"Please don't take this the wrong way, but I did have a craftsman place a tracker inside one of the roses." He mutters out, rubbing the back of his neck.

"Why? I never leave your side." I ask, letting Sky take the bracelet out and place it onto my left wrist.

"I don't want to loose you again. But always know I will always find you." He whispers, pulling me against his body and placing a kiss on my forehead.

"I see." I whisper, resting my head against him. I did not miss the word again and wonder what he means by it. Sometimes I get the feeling Sky is hiding things from me, but I don't push him for answers because I know he will never hurt me.

"We should get going." Pulling away from Sky, I loop my left arm through his right holding on tight to him. The bracelet catches the lights overhead and the crystals sparkle as we move. Millia and Clarice send us off, telling us to have a fun time tonight before they turn to go to their own rooms. I gave them the night off, telling them to go do something fun since the ball will be going on well past midnight tonight.

Sky helps me to descend the stairs so that I do not trip over the hem of my dress. He remarks that Lidia should have given me something shorter, but I remind him that the dress code for women is ball gowns. He mutter something about dress codes being stupid and laugh, nearly tripping over the hem of my gown because I am distracted. Sky takes this as a reason to scoop me into his arms and carrying me down the rest of the stairs.

"We should change the dress code when you are Queen." He states once we reach the bottom of the stairs.

"And why is that?" I question as he sets me on my feet, making sure I am steady before letting go of me.

"Because that dress is heavy and bulky and it's hard to carry you when you wear it." I blush at his words and decide to stay silent as I loop my arm around his again, this time I am more conscious of the hem and carefully use my right hand to lift part of it up so that I can walk. Sky is right, these dresses are heavy but at least I decided to wear a pair of comfortable shoes.

We make our way to the ball room, the large solid wood double doors closed indicating all of the guests have arrived. The Guards stationed there bow as Sky and I approach them, a smile on their face as they look between Sky and me.

"Are you ready to face everyone?" Sky asks, turning me to face him. I look back at the double doors and take a deep breath. Am I ready? No, absolutely not. But I do need to face the Nobes. I have a few announcements I need to make so that Liz and Ron will be safe and so that Sky and I can one day marry each other.

"I am." I state, turning to give Sky a reassuring smile. He grins back at me, pressing a quick kiss to my lips before we turn to the Guards. I nod, and they grin back at me, telling Sky and I to have fun before they slowly push open the doors. One walks inside, most likely informing the Butler of our arrival, before he returns.

"They are ready for you two." The man states, giving Sky a fist bump.

"Thank you Derik. Make sure you two rotate shifts in three hours so you can both go home and rest." Sky thanks Derik, and I am happy to learn the name of another Guard under my employment. I thank them both before Sky escorts me into the ball room.

"Presenting Her Royal Highness, Princess Allisara Nimair and her escort, Captain Skylard BlackHawk of the Violet Guards." The Butler announces our arrival and the music comes to a stop. The guest turn to face Sky and I at the top of the staircase, bowing and curtsying in greeting. I spy my family standing at the foot of the stairs and I smile at them. Ron and Liz are with my grandparents, the two dressed in a lovely gown and a black suit. I nearly laugh when I see that Ron wore a bow-tie and not a regular tie.

Taking a deep breath, I turn to face the crowd. Before the ball can begin, I need to announce a few things.

"Good evening ladies and gentlemen of the Nobility." I begin, taking a step forward.

"I welcome you to my Palace for the first ball since my return. I know we would all like to get right into the festivities and allow me to get to know each and every one of you, but I have a few things I need to announce." The crowd begin to whisper after my words and I do my best not to smirk. I knew this would cause a bit of a stir but I don't care. I want to be with Sky.

"As you all know, many people have been striped of their titles due to their family members being in cahoots with Juden Trilavantas. It has been a bit of a hassle trying to figure out who I can trust to be in control of the lands closest to the capitol city Zalaris and I come to the decision that Skylark Blackhawk and his family deserve them." I turn to see Sky stiffen at my announcement, his head snapping towards me and our gazes meet.

"He has been a loyal friend and protector since my return and nobody deserves the title of Duke more than him and his father." I continue, holding out my hand towards Sky. He hesitates for a moment, but then Sky steps forward and takes it, his face filled with smiles as he looks at me.

"I present you all to Duke Skylard BlackHawk. Sky, please tell everyone what you wish to name your lands." He takes a deep breath before he turns to face the crowd. I can see from the corner of my eye their hesitation at me proclaiming a new Duke.

"Considering the lands there are known for growing the most beautiful of flowers, Blume Dukedom." Sky announces to the crowd.

"It is settled then. May I present the Duke of Blume." I state happily, watching Sky smile widely as the crowd cheers for him.

"My final announcement before we dance the night away is I would like to welcome Elizabeth and Ronald Rinmer as Lord and Lady of Castilla Estate." I watch as Ron and Liz look at me with shock. I let go of Sky's hand and carefully walk down the ten steps towards them, taking Liz's hands in mine as I look at both her and Ron.

"These two brave citizens took me in when I had no memory of my life as Allisara. They protected and raised me without hesitation when we met twelve years ago." I spy a tear slip from Liz's face and quickly wipe it away for her, feeling my own eyes fill with tears.

"They are my adoptive grandparents and will be added to the Royal Genealogy as such. They deserve everything and more for being there and teaching me."

"Alli, we don't know what to say." Ron places his hand on my shoulder, his own eyes filled with unshed tears.

"You don't have to thank me. You're my family." I state, stepping forward and hugging the elderly couple. I feel a few tears slip past my eyes and I pull away. A hand quickly wipes my tears away and I notice Sky has join us, his smile wider than ever.

"With the announcements out of the way, lets enjoy our evening!" The band hired for the night begin to play, my grandparents and their friends the first to come and congratulate Sky, Ron and Liz. I greet Count Kaitelle when Eathan comes to join us, a woman with raven black hair linked to his arm. Her gown is a deep navy, the sleeveless dress flowing around her.

"Its nice to finally meet you cousin in law. My name is Blaine Blanchard, I am Eathan's wife." The woman, Blaine, holds out her hand and I shake it, finally happy to put a face to the name. Blaine was missing from the last ball, busy helping her sister with her first pregnancy.

"The feeling is mutual Blaine. Please, call me Alli-"

"Or Little Sara like the rest of us do." Eathan cuts me off. I playfully stick my tongue out at him, Sky chuckling beside us.

"I prefer just calling you Alli then." Blaine chuckles out. Her deep blue, eyes twinkle with mischief and I can tell right away the two of us are going to get along perfectly. Sky and Eathan decide to fetch us drinks, so Blaine and I leave the older generation to talk while we find a quiet place. I quickly learn that Blaine is one of the few women that is not a fan of balls, but still came to meet me in person finally. We both start talking about our interest and she tells me she owns two Clydesdale – Thorn and Roza – and loves riding. I grin, telling her that my grandparents are going to gift me the next foal of Romeo and Juliet and she goes into a tirade about how fun raising her two horses was. She invites me to come riding soon and I accept.

I tell her about how I secretly draw in my free time, my favourite medium being pastels. Her face scrunches up at the idea of drawing and I laugh. It seems she is more of a tomboy and I am okay with that. Eathan returns with two drinks in hand, but no Sky, and he gives me an apologetic smile.

"I think you need to save your boyfriend Little Sara." He chuckles out, handing a glass of champaign to Blaine.

"And why is that Eathan?"

"Because he is surrounded by a group of vultures." Curious by what my brother means, I excuse myself and go in search of Sky, spotting him easily with a group of women surrounding him. I can see he is trying to keep his distance, a drink in each hand. Pissed that these vultures would try and flirt with my boyfriend, I march my way towards them and push past the ladies. One went to confront me but quickly realized who I am. She whispers something to the girl beside her and soon the crowd of courtesans part. With no one blocking my way, I make it to Sky's side and take one of the glasses from his hand before wrapping my arm around his waist.

"I have been looking for you everywhere. I thought you were bringing me a drink." I pout as I take a sip of the champaign, catching a few women glaring at me. I make note of what they are wearing and plan to ask my cousin about them later.

"Sorry Allisara. I was on my way when these girls cornered me." Sky apologizes, wrapping his arm around me. His head dips and his lips connect with mine, his kiss filled with love as he claims me in front of all these people. I can hear those closest to us whisper and I try not to smirk into the kiss. They can whisper all they want. Sky is a Duke now and us being together is meant to be.

The music changes from the slow melody to a quick waltz and Sky pulls away from me. He passes his empty glass to a passing waiter before taking mine and handing it to the waiter as well. I smile, watching him glare at a woman as she tries to step close before directing his attention back to me.

"Shall we dance, beautiful?" He asks and nod, pulling away from Sky and placing my hand in his.

"We shall." I agree, Sky placing a quick kiss to the back of my hand before leading me to the dance floor. Sky pulls me close, his hand on my hip as he leads me in time to the waltz. I can feel eyes on us as we dance to the music, our eyes never straying from each other. As the song comes to an end, another one plays and Blaine and Eathan joins us. Half way through both sets of my grandparents join us, Ron and Liz sticking to the outside where they can avoid the other dancing pairs due to their mobility issues. My grandfather twirls my grandmama around, her letting out a carefree laugh.

The third song plays and the dance floor fills with more people. I laugh as this song is different and Sky twirls me around, careful not to let go of my hand at all times. By the end of the song I am ready for a break and pull him away, watching Blaine do the same with Eathan and drag him towards her father and a woman that I assume is her mother considering how similar Blaine and her look.

"That was fun." I grin, taking a sip of water as Sky and I cool off by an open window.

"It was. We should dance like this more often." He agrees, bending down and capturing my lips in a chaste kiss as soon as I put the empty cup down. A waiter walks up to us, offering a snack of fruit on skewers and I thank him, taking two. The sweet fruit are just what I needed to re-energize me and Sky takes his handkerchief out, dabbing at the corner of my mouth.

"I'd kiss you again, but the young Nobles here might get mad at me for stealing your time." He whispers in my ear, nodding his head in the direction of a group of Nobles. I sigh, realizing that I will have to dance with a few of them out of courtesy.

"Three dances with three other nobles and I am yours the rest of the night." I whisper to Sky while the Nobles edge each other on. I chuckle as one is pushed from the group, a bashful look on his face as he sheepishly walks towards Sky and me.

"I understand. Part of being the Princess." He tucks a strand behind my ear as he looks at me lovingly, placing a kiss on my cheek.

"Go. I will find Eathan and Blaine and wait for you. Three dances and you are mine." I smile, my heart feeling full as I lean on the tips of my toes and place a kiss on his lips.

"I love you." I whisper before walking towards the timid redhead who was forced to come seek me out. I offer him a dance and he takes it with a triumphant smile on his face. The song thankfully is fast paced, but so were his hands as the one on my waist kept roaming south. I warned him twice but when he twirled me and replaced his hand, it lands on my ass with a squeeze. I pull away, slapping the redhead across the face and calling the guards to come kick him out of my Palace for disrespecting me. The crowd watches as he begs for forgiveness and a man steps forward, a Lord, asking me to forgive his son. I warn him to get him lessons in how to not be a predator and how to treat a lady right before I go to the crowd of young Noblemen.

I tell them I have only two more dances left and one steps forward, his lanky frame screaming to me that he has two left feet when it comes to dancing and sadly I am right. He leads at first, stepping on my toes until I take charge and lead the dance instead. He apologizes about the first guy, saying that I did not deserve the treatment after the dance ends and I thank him before another of the young Nobles steps forward.

The third guy thankfully knew how to lead a dance, his hand never straying as he introduces himself as a Baron Cedric VonLicht. That he recently took the title from his father who retired.

"So what brought you to the ball other than my invitation?" I ask as Cedric spins me around the dance floor.

"A bride. I am hoping to meet someone and fall in love and marry them." He chuckles out. My eyes widen at his honesty. To think someone would use this event as a way to fall in love.

"Well, there are some vultures you should stay away from." He twirls me as I say this and I spy the women in the red dress that glared at me first when I found Sky. Of course the other girls would be with her, their eyes staring at me with contempt.

"Like that woman in red with the other four surrounding her." I continue, getting a scoff from Cedric.

"Patricia and her minions are on my do not date list. I know they wont make good wives." Cedric reassures me as the song comes to an end.

"Well, I will try to host more events so you can find love. I just ask for a wedding invite."

"Deal, Princess. Thank you for the dance but I think your Duke Blume is waiting for you." He nudges his head in the direction behind me. Turning, my eyes meets Sky's and I feel my heart skip a beat. He talks with Eathan, Blain and a woman I have met at the Blanchard Estate – my cousin Annalise. I smirk, looking back at Cedric and wondering if I can play match maker.

"Cedric, would you like to meet someone I know is single?" I ask, watching his eye widen in shock.

"A person my Princess knows personally, I feel honored." He gasps playfully. I roll my eyes, telling him to follow me if he wants as I make my way towards Sky, leaving Cedric where he stand. I miss being in Sky's arms already. Cedic quickly catches up to me when the lights flicker off. Something crashes to the ground and a few women scream in fear.

"Allisara, where are you?" Sky shouts, worry and fear in his voice. I rush towards the sound of his voice, calling out his name and hoping to find him in the dark.

"Sky, I am here!" I call out, hoping he would find me. Someone grabs my arm causing me to turn and send a punch towards them. I feel my fist connects with what I feel is their nose and I grin as they back away cursing. Before I can run though both my arms are captured by two more people, their rough hands locking my arms in place. I go to scream, to alert the guests of my predicament, but a sharp prick to my neck silences me as something is injected in to my veins. Dizziness quickly dissociates me, causing my legs to give out.

"Allisara, answer me." Sky's voice is close but I find myself unable to say anything. Tears well in my eyes as on of my captors lifts me into their arms like I weigh nothing to them.

"I have her lets go." The captor states quietly. I fight the sudden exhaustion that fill me, trying to say anything to attract attention to me but what ever they injected into me wins and I feel myself slip away into unconsciousness.