Palette's POV a few days later

"Are you ready, Captain?"Tony, the head treasurer, asks

"Yeah..."I say, watching the scenery pass by outside the window

It was silent as he shuffles through his papers in the carriage seat.

"Do you know what you're going to discuss?"He asks

"Environmental concerns, training proposals, art and defenses."I say, fidgeting with my necklace

I've sealed 1/2 of it back together over the last few days but there are still plenty of cracks to fix as I carefully wear it around my neck. I've put a new locket around the fused gems to protect the broken pieces, making it look like a golden heart when shut. When opened, the cracked gem is visible as well as a small picture of Goth and I tucked away inside.

Silence falls once again. Tony clears his throat.

"Not to say that I don't enjoy your company, which I do, but don't you find it odd that at the last minute Madame put us together for the ride?"He asks

He has a point. The original plan for the trip to the ball was for me to ride with Tina as her right hand companion. I haven't really seen or her or had the chance to speak with her since the issue with my father at the gate. We've both gotten so busy. I don't even know what happened to Goth, which has me concerned. The sorcerer said that Dream had put them in my head so it made me wonder. Did he get out as well? Did the spell go right? Or did something go wrong and he is in my head still? Or is he free, just not in the same condition? I have noticed a young lady that I haven't seen before wandering around tending to some things around the halls recently. She lives in a tower higher and opposite of my room, visible from my window.

I didn't pay much attention to it but just this morning I got a letter from Tina saying that someone else is riding with her so I'll be riding with Tony.

"It is, but it's also reasonable. We are heading into neutral lands and don't want rumors to sway how they treat or think of us. If I came out with Madame Tina, rumors and questions unrelated to the issues at hand may rise. So she probably has one of her close maidens or ladies in waiting with her for good appearances while I ride with you so nothing is questioned. Are you nervous?"I ask

He nods.

"I haven't spoken in front of a group so big before...."He says

"Why don't you practice with me?"I suggest

He nods with a smile, thanking me. He proceeds to rehearse his lines on what he will say regarding various financial issues that he took note of, from trades to high spending and budgets, he covered them with solutions as well.

I smile at him once he finished and give him a thumbs up.

"You'll do great."I tell him, which seems to ease his nerves

The carriage stops and the door opens. We climb out, finding a carpet rolled out before a large castle that had fences blocking crowds of onlookers. Tony trembled under all the attention, pushing his sets of glasses back into place and shielding his six eyes from the blinding lights or flash of cameras. I hook my arm through his, locking at the elbows and smile at him with a nod. He nods back at me and we walk in together.

Tina walks in front of us, her arm interlocked with another lady's arm. She wore a professional red dress that looked eleventh but also demanded authority or respect. It wasn't long or extravagant, but the designs with the layers on the skirt or sleeves that naturally flow allow for her tail to peek out and gave a sense of confidence with her. She has some necklaces on but also a sash adorned with medals from her service before and during her reign. Beauty and power wrapped together for the people to see and she marched confidently. I know that's exactly what she was going for in order to be taken seriously by the other leaders here who don't always listen to women as closely. She didn't want her authority questioned one way or another so this style solves both issues in a single go.

I couldn't see much about the lady with her but she wore a longer dress than Tina, covering up more than her. She had a bonnet to tuck away her head under and her black hair just barely rests on her shoulders. Her lizard tail was only a bump near the bottom of the long gown. The most I saw of her from behind were her large, pearly white wings.

Within seconds after we enter, the crowds of nobles and leaders rush to get our attention or time. I get swept away to a group of noble artists to discuss techniques or mentorship while financial groups take Tony away. One second I'm discussing art styles, the next I'm making proposals for mutual training and defenses. It all was a blur as multiple voices fought to be heard. I keep getting pulled to different groups as I lose sight of Tina or those who accompanied us. That is, until the group of noble poets I was speaking to fall quiet, staring off to the actual space for ball-dancing at this ball.

"What are you all looking at?"I ask

"Our next muse for our poems..."One says

Another snickers.

"Poor lass seems more lost than a duckling without its mama."The second says

The other four glare at the second one, slapping him on the back of the head.

"Don't be so rude to such a beauty!"A third snaps

I glance over to where they were staring, seeing the lady that accompanied Tina wandering around the floor. She paced between the crowds, seeming to have lost sight of the group as well. I shake my head.

"Pardon me."I say, going to help her

I go over, politely tapping her on the shoulder. She turns around to face me and this is my first time seeing her face. Her scales sculpt out a beautiful white face with a gentle smile, emphasizing her eyes. One was a dark black and glassy while the other twinkles as white as snow. Black hair frame her face in braids with red at the tips. No makeup, just natural beauty beneath that bonnet.

"Hello there. I see you are lost from Tina. Are you alright?"I ask

She gazes at me and her wings unfold, flapping gently. Luckily nobody is nearby to get hit. Her posture straightens up stiffly and her cheeks turn a faint purple.

Goth...? No, not possible. Goth can't be the only one who blushes that color...

She nods shyly.  I offer her my hand and she grabs my hand hesitantly, shifting to hug my arm as her wings shut. She rests her head against my shoulder, her bonnet shielding her face from sight.

"I'm guessing that you weren't looking for a public event like this, yet you already have gained some attention from some groups here."I say, unsure what to really talk about

"What?"She whispers faintly

"Yes, some find you very beautiful. The art groups claim that you're their new inspiration in fact."I say

She looks up at me, then her gaze drops to where my necklace is.

"Everything okay?"I ask

She looks up and nods, turning her head away.

Strange...

"HEY PALETTE! Bring the muse over here please!"Voices shout

I glance over, seeing some of the artists and poets waving to me to come over.

"Let us see some more of her!"Some shout

Ugggh...

Their expressions disgusted me. Their gazes went beyond just artistic curiosity and some bit their lips as they grin, sizing her up already. They had no shame in staring as if they're already undressing her and joking around loudly to hint as much. I bow my face, pinching the space between my eyes in frustration. I didn't want to be associated with them, having seen their....violating and inappropriate topics of artworks that they showed off at such a formal event. I could hear other groups whispering in disgust or surprise as well, pointing to the group.

She clings to me, seeming uncomfortable by that group. I glance at her, frowning before marching over to the training group of nobles that I had spoken to instead.

"May I know your name?"I ask her

"....hy.."She mumbles

"Hm?"I say, tilting my head

"Gothy.."She says a bit louder

Wait...

I stop in my tracks and look to her as she hugs my arm.

"Did I hear you correctly?"I ask

I get a nod in response.

"Goth..."I say, honestly surprised.

He hides in my arm, hugging it tightly.

Splash! Hisssss!

"Whoops! My hand slipped! I'm so sorry, young lady! Here, let's go get you cleaned up!"A lady says

Without a word she took Goth away after her beverage stained his clothes, burning him as well as it sank through the fabric. It took me a few moments to process what happened, thinking that it may not have been an accident as some other ladies took the chance to come over to me. But then I see some of the not-so-innocent artists leave after the girl who took Goth away. An image of one of their paintings flashes in my mind.

Oh hell no!

I push the other people away, marching through the crowd after them. I get into the halls and hear a scream, then a second scream. I head towards the scream, finding the lady who took Goth running past me with a look of fear. She presses against the wall, readjusting her clothes and hugging herself. She looks at me and shakes her head, pointing down the hall.

"Get the guards."I tell her

She nods.

I continue down the hall where I could hear laughter of the artists from a slightly open door.

"Let us see those pretty wings, dear.~"

"Come on, don't be shy. There's nothing to be scared of.~"

"Come on pretty lady, show us some more.~ Quit fighting.~"

I push the door open, seeing them cornering Goth, who looks distressed and had been in the middle of changing clothes. The burn from the spill is visible on his side and his wings are the only things keeping them from him.

"Get away! Don't touch me!"He keeps snapping at them

"What the hell are you all doing?"I snap

"Oh, just seeing our muse up close, Palette!"One says without thinking

"We're going to see plenty of her, Captain!"A second says, grabbing Goth's wing roughly with a yank that made Goth cry out in pain

"Wait....Palette?"A third says

They all freeze and slowly turn to me. I march over and rip their hands off of him, glaring at each of them coldly.

"This is why I didn't bring her near you. You all disgust me. Give some respect and get lost."I growl

"Ooor, *hic* what?"One asks, clearly too drunk to understand anything

"Dude, you did not just challenge the captain!"Another snaps

"Oh guards!"I shout

Some guards march in.

"Show these nice fellows a nice scenic route, will you?"I say sarcastically

They nod, catching what I meant and drag the group out of there. Then the king that invited us here enters and facepalms.

"Captain, I deeply apologize for their behavior. It is shameful and unbecoming of them, but I swear it does not in any way-"He begins

"What? Reflect your nobility? Reflect you? Two of them got assaulted! They have been making artworks and brag without shame about it for weeks! Have you not seen the portraits framed in the halls? Have you not noticed it? Or have you just turned a blind eye to it because the victims, these muses, were not nobility that could get you in trouble? Oh but when a noble woman and a guest accompanying a powerful leader gets assaulted, then you're quick to make a fuss and swift to punish them and apologize! You're either really oblivious or really stupid for it to come to this! You're just scared that this may sway our decision in the alliance that you need so badly! You're all disgusting! Now leave! Angel here deserves some privacy!"I snap, blocking Goth from his prying eyes

He bows his head, nodding before leaving. I take a few deep breaths, shutting the door behind him. I turn the lock with a shake of my head.

"Are you okay, Goth?"I ask

"Palette..."He calls out, his voice cracking

"I'm sorry...I shouldn't have let you leave alone with-"I begin

I feel him hug me from behind, tears hitting my shoulder. I glance at him, seeing him cry into the back of my shoulder, hugging me firmly as if he fears letting go. His wings fold, allowing me to see him better. His arms are covered in scratches and torn sleeves. He only had a small corset, undershirt and thin skirt over his lower body. So close to complete, violating exposure. He peeks up at me, his tears shining in his eyes as he sniffles. I see pure fear and relief in his gaze.

"Th-Thank you....Palette..."He says softly

"Nobody is ever allowed to put their hands on you like that."I say

"I...was not thinking someone would hear or come..."He says softly

"What best friend would I be if I didn't look out for you?"I ask

"Calludo. That's who you'd be. No best bud of mine....So violating like those men."He says

My eyes widen in shock.

"Goth...did he....?"I begin

His wings tremble.

"He didn't like it when I rejected the kiss...When I still held onto you or waiting for you...It took summoning and swinging my scythe to get him off of me."He says

I feel my soul miss a beat. And I actually thought that he'd be with...kiss the guy that I said was no good for him? That did that to him...? Snapped at him for it...?

"Gothy, I-"I begin

"We were both hurt by him, Palette. Don't apologize for feeling and getting upset. We're only monsters."He sighs, his breath tickling my neck

Too close...Give him privacy...

My face burns, gripping my necklace at my thoughts.

"You okay, Palette?"He asks

"Y-Yeah Gothy...Of course..."I say

I hear him muffle a squeal in my back.

"Are you?"I ask

He lifts his head, peeking at me shyly.

"I can't help it...You look so charming and that nickname drives me crazy..."He whispers

"Oh really?"I say, feeling my face burn even more

He pulls me closer against him.

"Yes."He says with a grin as his tears dry

I smile, giving into his touch for a moment before stiffening and focusing ahead at the door.

"Palette?"He calls softly

"I'm not looking at you, Gothy. Not until you get changed. I want to give you privacy."I say

His body trembles.

"Can you get me some bandages then?"He asks

I nod.

"That beverage was definitely too hot.."He says

I go out the door to get the bandages, slightly opening the door to hand it to him. My face is still burning once the door shuts.

Dear stars Gothy....Wait, he actually read the letter that I dropped! Oh gosh so I confessed already! And was he serious then when he said he loved me? Was into me? Gay? Where do I go from here? What should I do from here?

I space out in my thoughts and snap back to reality when I hear the door shut.

"Palette? Are there any bandages sticking out?"Gothy asks

TBC