TEPHINOR

Vessiye's Special Military Quarters,
Jeruvael,
Illearia.

Wolbie and I made our way downstairs rather noisily. I was determined to revolt against the system, or maybe I just did not care much about first impressions.

The four, tall, young men stood backing me but, facing the princess, who was now smiling and addressing the tallest in the group. I was an inch taller than him.

Wolbie, as was his usual fashion, ran ahead of me to launch himself into the princess' arms. She bent down to hug him, laughing as he peppered her with slobbery kisses.

        "Yes, I do love you too." She managed. Then her eyes met mine, and she stood, Wolbie settling down at her feet.

           "Asaph, I'm glad you could join us. Lords, meet Asaph; he's the fifth."

The four youths immediately turned to face me. The tallest one was staring at me as if he had seen a ghost. The look on my face mirrored his own.

I was staring at Ascar, at my best friend.

Impossible.

                           ~
             "Is there anything wrong?" The princess addressed me. She couldn't see Ascar's face.

            "You're not having second thoughts, are you?"

            "Not at all. I gave you my word. Everything's fine." I assured her.

           "Great." The princess nodded at me, she seemed content with my answer. Then she started to speak to the lords.

              "There is to be a masked ball tonight. You all must be in attendance."
              
            "A masked ball?" One of the young men asked. He had curly dark brown hair that stopped at the nape of his neck and he stood at about six feet and two inches.

             "It is a party, a Chestland concept. It has been organized by your Vessiye in my father's honour. Tonight, you will dress like typical Chestie gentlemen. Not to worry, if you do not want your parents to see you that way. You will all be wearing masks."
The princess finished lightly and the four young men laughed, understanding the joke.

I got the joke too;the dressing of an Illearian blue blood was his pride. However, I was in no mood for jokes now. What in heaven's name was Ascar doing here?
Then it hit me; royalty. Of course! Each of the young men here were sons of governors and councillors.

Why didn't I think of this before? If I had, I would never have agreed to be here.
It was too late now, I had troubled the princess enough. I wasn't going to create a scene anymore. That was a vow.

                             ~