I groaned as I lay awake in my bed; wondering how long I could pretend to be asleep before being dragged from my bed and into reality. I heard a small giggle and opened my eyes to see Sparrow at the end of my bed. "What are you doing in here? Your chambers are a few doors down..." I said. Rowen and Sparrow and been given a smaller chamber to share while my brothers all shared one. Emree had her own as well.

Sparrow grinned. "I wanted to be the first to see you! It's my first Nivetarian ball and I want to have all the time possible to get ready!" she said, bouncing up and down on my bed.

Reaching out my arms, I quickly wrapped them around her waist and pulled her onto the bed holding her close. "Just lay with me for a few minutes, then we will get up," I said. She argued for a moment then lay still. Smiling to myself I soon realized that she had fallen back asleep. I carefully slid from the bed and made my way to the window seat. Sighing, I felt for the necklace around my neck. "I wish you were here," I said, thinking of Nikolai. I told him it would be better if he stayed, but I truly wanted him beside me. I felt myself start shaking as the task ahead caught up with me. Not only was I in an unknown country seeking out the man who had murdered my family and countless others, but I was also tasked with mending a wound between two countries that had grown deeper each year. I sat contemplating what was ahead until a soft knock brought me back to the present. Quickly gliding across the floor, I cracked the door open to find Benedict standing on the other side. He went to say something, but then must have caught the look on my face. He remained quiet as he walked into my chambers then pulled me close.

After a few moments, he gently released me from his embrace but kept a hand on my shoulder. "Has everything finally caught up to you?" he asked. I nodded and he moved his hand from my shoulder to my hand and led me back to the window seat. "I know our situations are very different, but there was a time when Orion first told me I would become a lieutenant and that had me shaking in my boots. I had always been a follower. Even in my first two and a half years as an apprentice, I was a follower. I wanted other people to make all of the decisions. However, Orion saw leadership qualities within me and guided me to start to fulfill my potential," he said, pausing to smile down at me. "You have those same qualities and so much more. From the very beginning, we all saw your gift of leadership. We saw the way you cared about everyone and would give of yourself to make sure others succeeded. For a while, we all thought it simply meant you would be one of the finest Dragons ever," he said, chuckling as I ducked my head in embarrassment. "Then, when we discovered your true identity it was clear that you not only were born into the role of leader, but had been raised to fill that role," he said reaching over and lifting my chin. "You have not only filled that role, but you are thriving in it. The way you have handled all the tragedy and chaos thrown at you has proved you have more than enough to lead Auroja and make it into a flourishing country and I'm pretty sure you are still going to manage to be one of the finest Dragons ever," he said smiling at me.

Taking a shaky breath, I nodded. "Thank you. There are so many days I question whether I am truly the right choice for the throne. There are so many others that have more training and knowledge."

"Yet, none of them have the heart for our people and our country that you have," he pushed.

"And none of them have all the supporting family that I have," I said smiling up at my brother. "I could never have come as far as I have without you and all the Dragons. To have not only your loyalty to the throne, but to have your friendship, is one of the reasons I have come this far," I said.

Benedict smiled at me taking my hand in his. "And we are honored to have a sister such as you," he said, squeezing my hand. "I just came to make sure you were awake," he added, going to stand.

However, I caught his hand and pulled him back down. "Sit with me for just a little more. Today is only going to be filled with chaos when I get off this seat and I could use a few more minutes of peace."

"Why are you so nervous?" Emree asked as I emerged from the bath wrapped in a towel that could fit two of us.

"Nervous?" I asked, as I nodded my thanks for the slip that would go underneath the dress that the girls back home had packed. Emree nodded as she sat on the edge of one of the couches in my chamber waiting for her role in my ball preparation. I sighed walking over with a new towel now wrapped around my hair drying it a bit. "Everything is simply hitting me at once. I am a nervous wreck at balls back home. Now I am attending a ball in a culture I hardly understand with a fourth of the friends I am used to having beside me," I said.

She nodded again as she took the towel from my hand and dropped it to the floor starting to brush my hair out. "I can't say I understand the feeling. I can say I do dread balls as well, for different reasons, but dread them the same. Remember that, although you don't have everyone you are used to, you have enough. I've only known you a few days and could confidently say that even if you were on your own you'd charm the crowd tonight. However, you are not alone. You have your brothers, you have Sparrow, and now you have me," she said, smiling down at me. "Now, let's get you ready," she said, taking my hand and guiding me to the mirror where she would do my hair and makeup. When Emree was finished with my hair and makeup she smiled at me in the mirror. "I'd say you are the prettiest queen around, but please don't tell my own queen I said that," she giggled.

I laughed with her, nodding my head. "I wouldn't dream of it. Thank you, Emree," I said, looking at myself in the mirror. Anytime I was dressed up for a ball, I hardly recognized myself. Today was no different. Emree had put my hair up in a high-messy bun with a few curled strands framing my face.

Soon Sparrow arrived to finish preparing with us. Emree kept Sparrow's hair to her regular look with a braid falling in front of her shoulder. She then put her own hair up in a mixture of braids and free strands. "Now for the dresses!" Sparrow cried running over to where our three dresses hung. Emree's dress was a simple, yet elegant red, one-sleeved dress with a lace cape and lace around the skirt. Sparrow's wore the wine red dress we had bought her the day before, as for me, I had a royal blue gown on with a gold flower belt and matching embroidery on the chest. Then a cape that draped over my shoulders with the same gold embroidery. "We're all so pretty!" Sparrow cried, spinning in her dress. Emree and I's laughter increased as she grabbed our hands and had us spinning with her. A knock on the door brought our spinning to a halt. I went to answer it, but Emree grabbed my hand.

"I'm your lady in waiting tonight. We start acting like it now," she said shoving me back a few steps before heading for the door. She opened it a crack and after a few short words opened all the way to allow my brothers to enter.

"You three are beautiful," Louis said smiling at the three of us.

"I'm always impressed at how well you doll up," Nate said, earning a glare from Emree as he walked over to me. "Are you ready for tonight?" he asked ignoring the glare burning a hole in the back of his head.

"No," I said honestly. "However, through conversation with Benedict and Emree, I know I'm not alone and can get through tonight," I said with a small smile.

They all nodded. Rowen walked forward. "I know I'm not your prince, but I was wondering if you would allow me to walk you to the ball?" he asked.

"What about Sparrow?" I asked, glancing to where she stood showing off her dress and shoes.

Rowen smiled. "She's taken a fancy to Nate. He's already said he would escort her," Rowen explained.

"Then in that case I would be grateful to have your arm as we enter into the unknown tonight," I said. He then reached out his arm and allowed me to slip mine through his.

"Are we ready?" Benedict asked.

"I've got our stowaway," Nate chuckled as Sparrow glared up at him before taking his arm with a smile.

"May I offer you my arm?" Louis asked walking over to Emree who for once didn't seem to have a quick comeback, but simply nodded and slipped her arm through his.

"Whose arm do I get?" Alakay asked with a playful look in his eye.

"You three will be the customary guard entrance. Meaning, you walk ahead of the queen's lady in waiting. Then we will follow. Nate and Sparrow will be behind us and then Sam's guards will take up the rear," Rowen explained the Nivetarian custom.

As we neared the great hall we were met by King Syrus and his guards. He smiled at me stepping forward. "You look beautiful, Scarlett. You're going to do just fine," he said taking my hand and placing a kiss on it. "Now, King Tathrow's herald is ready to announce us. He has asked that I walk you in to show our united front," he said offering his arm.

I nodded my head. "Thank you, Rowen," I said as he released my arm so I could take King Syrus.

As soon as the heavy wooden double doors opened the trumpet sounded and the noise below quieted. "Announcing our royal guest of honor; his majesty King Syrus of Eskalay and her majesty Queen Scarlett of Auroja," the herald called from the side. Then we were descending the stairs. The rush of people caught me off guard. Rowen had said that there would be no men throwing themselves at me, yet the first handful were men seeking me out for dances and conversation. That was until the crowd parted and King Tathrow and Queen Layann walked forward.

I dropped into a curtsy with King Syrus bowing beside me. "Thank you again for the honor of being welcomed into your home and at your ball," I said smiling up at the royal couple.

Queen Layann stepped forward with a smile across her face. "It is an honor to have you with us. We need some more youth around to keep ourselves on our toes. I do hope you will find our ball as enjoyable as your own, however different they may be," she said.

"I'm sure I will. I've heard tell of your balls and look forward to experiencing one first hand," I said.

King Tathrow nodded. "I've heard that you have practiced our dances as well," he said.

Nodding I turned my attention to him. "I wanted to be prepared for if I got a chance to dance. I am not the lightest on my feet so thought it best to be prepared," I grinned.

His laughter filled the hall. "Well, shall we see if your practice paid off? May I have this first dance?" he asked, extending his arm.

Slightly shocked by the offer I nodded. "Of course. It would be an honor," I said taking his hand and letting him lead me to the center of the dance floor praying that the few hours spent with Rowen would be enough to keep me from embarrassing myself.

At the end of the dance, King Tathrow lead me to the side where King Syrus was escorting Queen Layann. "I'm not sure where you got the idea that you weren't light on your feet. You are an excellent dancer," he said bowing before excusing himself to mingle with his people.

I felt my arm being grabbed and turned to see Queen Layann smiling at me. "I would like to introduce you to a close friend of the family," she said, leading me to a group of young men, one's looks separating him from the rest. They quickly stopped their conversations and bowed their heads when we approached. "Could I borrow Lord Dokken for a moment?" she asked. The handsome young man nodded and stepped forward. "Lord Dokken, I would like to introduce you to Queen Scarlett," she said, releasing my hand. "Scarlett, this is Lord Dokken. His family is one of our closest friends," she said. Then a smile spread across her face. "I'll leave the two of you to get acquainted," she said before slipping off. As she walked off I realized what her intentions were.

I gasped my hand coming to my mouth. "Oh, I'm so sorry, Lord Dokken," I said, scared of the repercussions. In Nivetara until you were married did people try to set up matches? I wasn't prepared for this.

Lord Dokken chuckled, shaking his head. "Please don't worry yourself. My queen has been trying to play matchmaker for me for many years now and if I have learned anything, it is when the young lady in question already has a lover," he said. I blushed, my hand, dropping down to my ring. "And this time I am spot on, you have even received an official proposal," he stated. When I nodded he smiled at me. "Then let me congratulate you on your recent engagement. Proper engagements are hard to find for people in our ranking and even more so one of love," he said.

"Thank you," I said relieved of his kind response.

"Although the position of husband is taken would you have room for perhaps another friend?" he asked.

I smiled at him. "I do believe I have one or two more slots available for that, Lord Dokken," I said.

He shook his head again. "If the slot of a friend is the one available then we must get one thing straight. I may have the title of lord, however, I would ask that you call me by name," he said.

"And what name would that be?" I asked.

"Morr-El," he responded.

"Alright, Morr-El, I can do that, but only if you agree to call me by mine, Scarlett," I said.

"Only if you promise to dance with me," he said holding out his hand.

"You drive a hard bargain, but I do believe I can manage a dance," I said, taking his arm and once again being led to the dance floor.

Between dances with my brothers, King Syrus, Morr-El, and other Nivetarian gentlemen I hardly had time to rest. The dances were much different than back home only adding to my exhaustion.

Sighing with relief, I stood to the side with a drink in hand watching the crowds dancing. "A beautiful night for a ball," a voice of nightmares said from beside me. I quickly turned going for my knife when my wrist was caught and I was forced to stare into the eyes of La Fray. He chuckled, but the look one normally gets from joy never made it to his eyes. "Now princess, I wouldn't try that if I were you," he said, taking my wrist and squeezing it tightly.

"I'm not a princess," I hissed trying to free myself from his grasp only causing him to tighten it.

"Now, now, we don't want to cause a scene. I mean the death of a child would be a dreadful way to end a ball," he said, causing my body to freeze. "Look to where your little birdy is dancing," he said, pointing to where Sparrow was dancing with a handful of other children. "Good, now look to the right. You see that man enjoying the ball against the wall. Well, if he gets a signal from me his sword will find a new sheath," he said.

I gasped turning back to face La Fray. "No! I will never let that happen! My brothers will never let it happen!" I said. His laughter sent a shiver down my spine.

"Look around. Your brothers and your guards are absent. Now, before they return all I ask is that you dance with me," he said. Then without a second to respond, he was pulling me towards the floor. His hands slid onto my back and I nearly screamed. "My, how you have grown. Nearly three years ago was it that we first met?" he asked as he spun me around. "I was quite shocked to hear about your near-death experience, so glad that you made it through, my dear niece," he said.

I glared at him as he pulled me close. "You sicken me. You call me family, yet you murdered my parents and have attempted multiple times to do the same to me," I said.

"Only with the best intentions. Our country needs a strong leader and my cousin was not the one for the job, nor are you," he said, squeezing me a little too hard.

"You will only tear our nation to the ground! You will never succeed in obtaining the throne. No one will bow to your rule. You will not make it back to Auroja to hurt her people again," I said, trying to pull away, but his grip was too firm.

La Fray smiled a wicked smile before leaning in his breath tickling my ear. "No, it is you who will not be making the voyage home," he whispered. Then spun me away releasing his hold on me.

When I turned back he was gone. My body shook. From his words, from his touch, from his threats. My eyes quickly found Sparrow and after seeing the man guarding her was gone I made my way to the wall where I let my body collapse.

"Sam!" I heard a voice call out, but did not recognize it. Arms touched mine and I started to fight. "Sam, it's me, Rowen," I heard him say. Looking up I saw him standing above me. Quickly, I stood and threw my arms around him. His arms wrapped around me and held me tight. "What happened?" he asked.

His question brought me out of my state of panic. "We have to find him," I said, releasing Rowen. "La Fray was here. He forced me to dance with him," I said.

The anger quickly showed on his face, but he caught my hand as I tried to walk out of the room. "You will not be looking. That is what he wants, to get you alone," he said, pulling me towards where King Tathrow and Queen Layann sat.

"No! I will find him and I will end it!" I said, trying to pull away. However, by the time I had stated my argument we were in front of a very concerned looking royal couple.

"Your majesties," Rowen said, bowing low. "We have not formally met, my name is Rowen. I am a Dragon alongside my queen. La Fray was just within your ballroom dancing with Scarlett. I must request that you keep watch over my queen as I locate our brothers and track down La Fray," he said in Nivetarian.

The king quickly stood. "Wait! The man you just danced with was La Fray?" He questioned me. I nodded. He pounded his fist on his throne. "He has wormed his way in as Lord Hanson, an Aurjoian lord chased out of land and home!" he growled. With a deep breath, he reached out his hand and took mine. He guided me to his throne which I tried to decline. "I insist you sit here with my wife and guards while we track down this spurious devil," he said. Without further words, he and Rowen departed leaving me shaking on a foreign throne.