Author's Note: Stage_Whisperer Hey Queenie darling! This one is specially for you!😘

Also, Magicians, please go check out ZODIAC BOUND by my buddy cipatrick I promise you're going to love it! Thanks.
Without any further ramblings, the ballroom saga continues...

              TEPHINOR

The Ballroom,
The Vessiye's Palace,
Jeruvael,
Illearia.

      Although the ballroom had been constructed before I ran away from home. I had never seen it because, I hardly stepped outside the main house. For the most part, I was home schooled after Tora's death. The only outdoor learning I had was the militia training which by my Lija's insistence had always taken place at night in the camps here in Illearia and later on, in Aphighia.

After Tora's death, I had lived in isolation. Lija hadn't allowed me to have friends or meet with anyone outside family members, except Ascar. He had secretly hoped that the whole of Illearia would believe that, just like Tora, I too had died.
Now, his wish had come to pass.

I had been standing beside Minerva, laughing and just enjoying the moment. It had been a while since that had happened. Then just like that, the moment was over.
Lija had arrived, bringing me back to this grim reality.
Now, I had to go kneel before him as a stranger. I couldn't even politely excuse myself from the beautiful princess, my mind was preoccupied, what if he recognised me?
"Creator, don't let him realise who I am." I prayed silently.

     "Stand up my sons. I'm proud of you all. Four Illearian sons with royalty in their blood and one with the home soil in his veins. You must never, not even once, forget the traditions of Illearia and the teachings of your parents." He finalised.
Patting each of our backs as we stood.

Unlike everyone else, the Vessiye wasn't dressed in Chestland apparel. Even my mother was putting on a navy blue, silk ball gown, her hair held up in delicate curls, I tried as much as possible to avoid her gaze. Timore and Sisona where there too. Both looking spectacular in their Chestie costumes.

The three lords broke away to go spend time with their families. I saw Ascar's mother in the crowd looking for her son. I tapped Ascar who stood beside me discussing with someone.
          "Look to your right. Your Ma is searching for you."
He did as I told him and he couldn't help the fond smile that lit up his face.
         "I'll be right back." He patted my shoulder briefly and then went off to see his mother.

I looked around the ballroom casually and soon caught Minerva's eyes. She was discussing with her mother and mine.

          "Oh look mother, the tall young man over there. That's Asaph." She said softly, pointing in my direction. I quickly scanned the room, seeing my Lija reclining in a damask chair at the far end. Thankfully, out of earshot.

"Creator, don't let mother recognise me." I said another short prayer.
Noting to myself that I had prayed twice already that same night.
With a little anxiety, I made my way towards them.

                     ~