Louis didn't know why he listened to the man, but he did.

Louis kept the ring on like he was told to, and hadn't been separated from it for a whole year. Somehow wearing the ring made him feel calm.

He could attest to that as he sat on his throne, twisting the band of gold around his finger.

"Smile, Louis. It's your birthday!"

Louis looked over and smiled softly at his uncle. "Sorry."

"Well dont apologize." Liam glanced at the soldiers standing by his nephew and approached him. "How does it feel to be seventeen?"

"It's great; hopefully I don't get attacked this year too."

"You have the soldiers and Eversio to keep you safe, don't worry." Liam reached down to pat Eversio's head, only pulling away when a warning growl came from the hound.

"I just think after what happened, it wouldn't be a smart idea to throw a masquerade party, but who am I to make Mother's favorite day of the year boring," Louis sighed, leaning back against the throne and swinging his feet.

Liam couldn't help but chuckle at that. "She just wants you to have a good birthday, Louis." He adjusted his mask and dusted the glitter off of his hands. "You know she wouldn't purposefully put you into danger."

Louis nodded and mumbled, "I know." Louis swept his vision over the hoards of people socializing, soon enough his uncle joined the crowd.

It was safe to say that Louis was in a bad mood. Last year's situation made him hesitant to relax and actually enjoy his birthday. It also didn't help that Louis was annoyed at his Father for yelling at Eversio just before the celebration for growling at him.

So Louis spent his time sitting on his throne and twisting his ring in silence.

The sound of glass being tapped with silverware was what brought him out of the trance. Louis looked up and sighed at the sight of his Mother walking up the steps to overlook the crowd.

"I would like to make a toast," Catherine said with a brilliant smile, and of course everyone in the ballroom turned to look at her. "I am so proud of my son Louis, and how much he has grown."

Louis lifted his champagne colored mask to scratch at his cheek and hide the roll of his eyes.

Catherine turned to look at her son, holding a hand out to him. "Come, my son."

Louis stood from his chair and made his way toward his Mother, not even looking down when Eversio bumped into his leg.

"I love you so much, Louis." Catherine took Louis' hand in hers. "I hope you have a beautiful birthday"

Louis looked up at his Mother, frowning slightly when he noticed tears welling in her eyes. "What's wrong, Mother?"

Catherine quickly wiped her eyes and kissed Louis' cheek, bending down to whisper into his ear. "I love you, Louis. Never forget that."

Louis looked back at his Mother with concern, only becoming more worried when she avoided his eye contact and raised her glass.

"To Louis." Catherine took a sip of wine and looked over at her son. "May your future hold the happiness it deserves."

"Mother-"

"I'll be back, my Love. Keep that thought," Catherine rushed out, kissing Louis' forehead and disappearing into the crowd.

Louis sighed and looked down at Eversio. He didn't want to be in the overcrowded ballroom anymore.

"I'm going to take Eversio out," Louis said, glancing up at the soldiers.

"We will come with you," the largest man demanded.

"If I have Eversio with me I'll be fine-"

"But Prince Louis, I was ordered to-"

"You were also ordered to respect me, I may not be an adult but I am a Prince and you will not interrupt me," Louis snapped, turning away from the guard and walking away quickly.

Louis mixed into the crowd and put his head down, hoping that no one would stop him to talk. That of course didn't work as he had a giant black dog following after him, and it somehow caught the attention of everyone.

Between the guards trying to catch him and the people trying to start conversation, Louis grew frustrated. He began pushing through silk dresses and expensive fabrics to make his way to the balcony, shutting it behind himself once he did.

Louis glanced back at the soliders guarding the door and let go the breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Louis looked around the empty balcony. "Finally-" Louis adjusted his suit and looked up at the stars decorating the navy sky. "-some peace and quiet."

Louis walked over to the railing to lean against in, continuing to marvel at the specks of twinkling lights.

Cooled breezes caressed at Louis' cheeks, inviting the Prince to continue his curious gazing.

"It's beautiful isn't it?"

Louis jumped at the unexpected comment, whipping his head back to confront the stranger. "You can't be here, you need to leave right now."

The man was in hidden in the shadows. He was leaning back against the stone wall, taking a drag of his cigarette without a single care in the world. "Why?"

"Because... because I said so!" Louis crossed his arms. "Now step away from the shadows and let me see you, what's your name?"

"My name doesn't concern you."

"It does, this is my party."

"I know, Prince."

Louis glared at the man's figure. "Were you even invited?"

"Of course not."

Louis glanced down at Eversio, who was sitting at Louis' side and staring at the door. Louis nudged the dog with his foot, waiting for him to pick up his distress.

"Why are you here?"

"To meet you formally."

Louis stilled. "Why?"

The man dropped the cigarette and smashed it with his shoe.

"Why?" Louis pressed his back into the concrete railing when the man began walking out of the shadow.

He was tall and dressed in a perfectly fitted maroon suit. His face was hidden behind a black mask, only revealing pale skin, and impossibly red eyes. "Because one day we will be properly acquainted, I want you to remember this moment when that time comes."

The man stood a foot away from Louis. He reached for Louis' hand, emitting a dangerous growl from Eversio. The man pulled his hand away and glared down at Eversio. "Watch yourself. You know what my intentions are."

"Who are you?" Louis questioned, he was pressing himself up against the railing so hard that it hurt; he didn't understand the strange man and his intentions.

Red irises turned to Louis', and Louis suddenly began to regret bringing the man's attention to him. "I'm the one who gave you that ring."

Louis lifted his hand to look at the band in question. The crimson gems shone as bright as ever, even in the night.

"I have something for you this year as well, Prince."

Louis looked up at the mysterious stranger once again, this time with confusion more than anything.

The man took out a small black velvet box from his coat pocket and handed it over to Louis.

Louis accepted the box, glancing at the man's hand. "You have the same ring too?"

"Yes, now look at what I got you."

Louis opened the soft box and picked up the pure onyx ring from the silk. Louis slipped the black band onto his right pointer finger.

"Do you like it?"

Louis glanced up at the stranger. He was smoking again. "Yes."

The man took a drag. "Don't take it off," he breathed out, smoke following his command.

Louis nodded once.

Nobody treated Louis this way, like he was just a regular person. The man intrigued Louis.

"Will I see you at my party next year?"

The man smirked. Louis glanced at his red velvet lips.

"Only if your theme is good."

"Prince Louis!"

Louis looked at the solider at the door.

"People are looking for you, you must come inside."

"Yes, I just-" Louis looked at the space where the man used to be. "Um... yeah, I'll come inside now."

Louis would've assumed the strange interaction was a figment of his imagination if it wasn't for the crushed cigarette bud on the balcony floor.