Welco! Ewan and Albert chorused as they stood in the foyer in their togas with a gray and brown palla wrapped around them, respectively. Their animal masks went over their faces, leaving their mouths exposed, as smiling eyes looked at Ilyana from the eye holes. Happy birthday!
Ilyanas eyes were wide, and she almost took a step back as her face lit up. Its a masquerade! Oh, I didnt guess that!
Happy birthday! Sonia and JP appeared by the entrance to the hall that led to the dressing rooms, also dressed in their costus and masks. Sonias light-yellow horse mask with gold detailing covered her entire face whereas JPs fox mask covered up to the tip of his nose.
Ilyana clapped her hands with glee. Amazing! I knew it had to be good when Tori told it was a secret!
You have a dress, too, Sonia said as she hooked Ilyanas arm. Madam Midstrom will help you change into it.
Ilyana seed to barely hold back a squeal of joy as she happily followed Sonia down the hall.
Tori peeked from the entrance to the courtyard, clutching her black and silver palla against her. She lifted her hand to her earpiece.
Cat to Raven. Cat to Raven. The Owl has entered the building. Over.
Tori, do we need to use code nas? Henriks tired voice asked. Tori stood up straight and glared at the space ahead of her. Henrik was on the floor above.
You said you were fine with the code nas.
I didnt think you were serious.
I like the code nas, Ewan piped. All their earpieces were linked. I think theyre fun.
Theyre also easy to rember. Theres only one of each animal.
Henrik sighed. Why cant we just use our nas?
All right, fine! Tori tilted her head back. Ilyana arrived. Give her five minutes and then have the musicians start playing the ambient music.
What about the lights?
Lights can start now. Have Master Holloway start with the low level display. Well increase the display levels through the night. Tori walked around the porticos. Pairs of knights were stationed at all entrances into the building from the courtyard. There were a dozen second tier imperial knights patrolling the inner halls.
Most of the interior of the pavilion was still under renovation, but Tori didnt want to risk any security breach or injury. There were plenty of tools and construction materials laying around, as well as so dangerous areas that needed major repairs. There were more second tier imperial knights stationed outside all the entrances to the pavilion itself and third tier imperial knights patrolling the plaza outside and in the stables and carriage house.
Piers told her it was unnecessary, but Tori had opened the main restaurant as the security room. It was a break room for the knights to rest during patrols, drink water or coffee, and have light als. Tori had asked Piers and Gideons escort knights to spread news about the security room to attract knights.
She heard that Gideons knights offered to assist Piers assigned knights, but Piers rejected their offer. Sir Dobchek had been smirking when he told Gideons knights that they need not co except as guards to Gideon, which ant they would be working the entire night and not be allowed into the security room or have access to the promised food.
Tori had morized the locations and patrol routes of the knights, as the sa knights, providing nothing happened to them in less than a week, would be assigned during Piers ball.
Horse to Cat. Owl is ready to enter the nest. Over. Tori heard Sonias voice in her ear.
Cat to Horse, wait for my signal. Over. Tori rushed around to gather the guests who had already arrived and herd them towards the center of the courtyard, near the entrance. Their friends gathered under the portico. Tori lifted her hand to her earpiece. Cat to Horse. Proceed with entry. Over.
The music was playing in the background and the courtyard was illuminated with white light while light crystals pulsed waves of different colors across the sides, like a pulse coming from the entrance.
Tori excitedly held her breath as Ilyanas tall, slender figure dressed in white and silver entered the foyer and turned towards the entrance to the courtyard. She took hesitant steps, occasionally looking back at Sonia who was ushering her from behind.
Ilyana took one step out and gasped. Her yell of glee was drowned out by the shouts of her friends, family, and guests as they welcod her and wished her a happy birthday. Ilyana squealed as she was engulfed in a hug by her mother and brother.
Everythings glowing! Its beautiful! Ilyana couldnt stop looking around, distracted as she was warmly greeted by those who had arrived.
Do you like it? Tori asked as she casually slipped by her side. Ilyana threw her arms around Toris shoulders and hugged her.
I love it! And I love you! Youre the best! Ilyana pressed her masked head against Toris shoulder and held on to her tight. Thank you....
Tori smiled as she heard Ilyanas sniffled voice. She lifted a hand and patted Ilyanas arm. Happy birthday, Ilyana. She tilted her head and rested it against Ilyanas. For a mont, Ilyana stood at the edge of the portico, embracing Tori.
You always outdo yourself, Ilyana said.
Everyone had a hand in helping. Even your mom kept you occupied so we could prepare, Tori said with a helpless grin as Ilyana hesitantly peeled herself away. Dont hug too tight. Youll ss up your mask.
Im an owl, Ilyana said with a light sniffle.
Auntie Ilyana, were both birds! Fiona rushed forward and jumped up and down. Im a chicken! She pointed to the yellow face paint around her eyes.
Ilyana laughed. Yes, yes! Youre the cutest chicken!
Ily, Im a cat! Riri said, trying to draw his sisters attention. His face was painted as a white cat, whereas Ava was a gray cat. She had described Alexander to the face painter in as much detail as she could, but the words 'fierce and a natural killer didnt exactly translate into cute face painting.
What a cute cat! Ilyana bead as she stroked her brothers hair back. Too bad Daddy isnt here to see it.
Riri puffed out his chest, proud. Ava elbowed him gently. He gave her a confused look. What?
Ava rolled her eyes. Arent you going to ask her? Riri stared at her blankly. Ava stomped her foot. You know! That! She motioned towards the dance floor and Riris eyes widened.
Right! He stepped back and bowed to his sister. Ily, can I have a dance?
Thats not how you say it! Ava threw her arms in the air. Its like this! She marched in front of Tori. My lady, she began in a regal voice as she took a step back and bent forward, extending her small, chubby arm. May I have this dance?
Tori laughed and took her cousins small hand. It would be my pleasure, my lady.
Ava stood up straight and gave Riri a proud look. See. Thats how its done.
Riris face flushed as Ava dragged Tori to the dance area. Ilyana giggled and took her brothers hand. I will still love to dance with you, Riri. He bead and led her to the dance floor.
The dancing was all over the place, at least for Tori and Ava. The two seed to just make random movents as they laughed while Riri tried his best to lead his sister into a dance. The music was folk and what they usually danced to in the delta, but Riris only dance lessons were formal.
Tori lifted her hand to her ear. Cat to Raven. Have them play so waltzes.
I thought we werent using the code nas.
Just play the waltzes, Henrik! Tori hissed as she tried to keep a smile on her face. After about a minute, the music began to fade, signaling that another song was going to start.
As the first notes hit, Riris face lit up. I can dance to this!
Oh, really? Then show . Ilyana encouraged her brother.
Tori stepped out of the dance floor to check on the greeters in the foyer.
Why didnt we get animal masks? Gideon was frowning. Tori rolled her eyes as she saw him, Fabian, and Montan standing in the foyer. They were invited by association, though Dimitri was not due to Ilyanas personal grudge against him.
I dont know, Your Highness. Tori said that animal masks were only for Ilyanas friends and mother, Albert replied.
Dont complain. You have been invited. Piers spoke up behind her and she wondered when he had appeared and how he managed to sneak up behind her. He and Axton were also allowed to wear togas with Axton in a hunter green palla and Piers in a deep purple. Both of them wore animal masks that stood out even amongst the others.
Axton was sowhere in the courtyard wearing a gilded deer mask that Mr. rced had brought him from Nassaun House. Piers was in a white rabbit mask with so gold detailing. His masks ears were upright and went far above his head.
Piers! You got a mask? Gideons voice, as well as face, were filled with envy. Tori didnt know why. His brother was a rabbit. It wasnt exactly the most majestic animal fit for the first prince of Soleil.
I am a friend of Lady Ilyana, Pires replied in a smooth, almost taunting voice. Tori rolled her eyes behind her black cat mask and touched his arm.
Dont aggravate the situation, Tori said. She looked back at the three love interests who had arrived. Were also giving guests the option of putting on a costu-
Where do we get the costus? Gideon asked as he stepped forward.
Down the hall. Master Midstrom can help you, Tori said, motioning her arm down the opposite hall.
Gideon led the other two away and Ewan and Albert continued greeting guests, checking their invitations, and then letting them pick masks.
I knew Gideon would want an animal mask, Piers said. He enjoys this sort of thing.
He seems the type that would, Tori said. She turned around and found that Piers offered his arm. She took it and they walked back out into the courtyard. I should check on the knights.
Sir Dobchek will make sure that the knights are in place and following their orders. The captains are also inspecting. You neednt worry about them, Piers told her as he led her out. Should there be any blind spots or weaknesses, they will take care of it.
There are many high-profile visitors coming for your ball next week. Security must be as close to perfect as we can get, Tori said as she narrowed her eyes. She scanned the guests who dotted the courtyard. Ilyanas birthday party had fewer guests than Piers planned ball, but Tori still watched their expressions carefully.
Countess. Tori turned her head and saw Duchess Fekete, who had changed into a costu, coming over. In the year or so shed known the Duchess, Tori knew one thing: this woman loved parties. Ive never seen the light decorations before. Are they new?
They were developed over the last few weeks on Anahata Island, Your Grace, Tori replied. Were still working on the coordination, as ideally, I would like the lights to change color and pulse with the beat of the music.
The Duchess nodded and looked around. As it is, its already quite magnificent. I love it when the lights turn green, and the ceiling lights are dimd; it reminds of the forest. And the music accompanying it is quite fitting, too.
I dont believe weve seen anything like this before, Duke Fekete said at his wifes side. Impressive work, Countess.
Thank you, Your Grace. Tori gave them a gentle bow of her head.
Are the light crystals going to be used in a similar manner at His Highness Harvest Festival Ball later this week? the Duchess asked.
Yes. In the coming days, the imperial musicians will co to practice, and we will coordinate the lights with the music, Tori replied.
The Duchess smirked. My lady, is this a show of power to our visiting allies?
And to the dostic political ones, yes, Tori said with a slight smile. Technological advancent with crystals can have quite an effect.
Indeed, it will. Duchess Fekete gave her an approving nod. When the guests at the ball see this, there will be many questions.
His Highness will undoubtedly have an increase in supporters with this show of technology and your support, Duke Fekete said.
As expected of Senior Antonias daughter, the Duchess let out a knowing sigh. She looked at Piers and smiled. Your Highness is lucky to have such an ally.
Piers gave them a respectful nod and the ducal couple wandered off. He glanced at Tori. You did this for ?
For Ilyana, but then I thought that if we can display how well weve managed to utilize the crystals, it would be a good way to show off to your guests. Theyll ask questions and you can let them know that we are researching uses for crystals. The carts that will be bringing food to the table will be heated and there will be a dessert table with frozen fruit cream. They will also find that the temperature inside the courtyard will be a bit more bearable, Tori told him. I dont know if you noticed, but its sweltering outside the pavilion. The temperature is just coming down for the night.
I did not, Piers replied. Hed been inside the entire day under the guise of helping set up. You will show how crystals can be used to manipulate temperature, heat, cold, light, and sound.
Im building on existing technology, Tori said. There is still more that can be done. Unfortunately, weve just started looking into powering ships in Anlar, so that cannot be shown yet. Also, any predominantly military use for crystals will of course be classified information.
Piers nodded. My guests will be impressed.
Thats the goal. Its your first ball that youre throwing. It has to make an impact. It must be bold. Dramatic, even, Tori said as she clenched her fist in front of her. The corners of Piers lips curled up.
You have worked hard.
The organizer always works hard, Tori said, proudly. Most of the guests shouldve arrived. Well give it a few more minutes and well start having guests take their seats so we can serve dinner.
Piers nodded and Tori led him to a table just to the side of the head table. He took a seat and Tori got up to begin preparations for dinner. The kitchen was notified, and the servers prepared to bring out the food. The musicians began to lower the music and Tori and the others helped direct people to seats.
At this point, the entrance to the pavilion had been closed and guarded. Late guests would need to check in with an imperial knight to even enter the premises.
Ilyana was led to the head table and before they ate, she gave a small thank you speech, becoming teary eyed at the ntion of her friends hard work to make such a morable party.
Her brother and mother sat to her right while Tori and Sonia sat on her left. The dinner began with servers bringing in specialized carts of food. The courtyard grew loud as guests were served. Ilyana received her array of favorite potato dishes.
Riri made you a chicken nugget today, so its included, Tori said when she noticed the small brown lump on Ilyanas plate.
Ilyanas face lit up even more as she praised her brother and thanked him. Riri flushed and buried his face in the food.
The cake was a light sumr berry layered sponge cake with cream and Ilyanas na was written out in sugar letters. The food was distributed and then the lights were dimd. Tori heard a wave of confusion go through the courtyard as the music started off with a clash of cymbals.
Several people jumped in their seats as flashes of light crystals were manually triggered by Master Holloway and Master Hansen on the upper floor. The musicians played a long song that ranged from dramatic, to sad, to light and happy, all with synced light crystals. When it ended, the lights dimd one more before slowly returning to their earlier brightness.
Applause filled the courtyard and Ilyana grabbed Toris arm.
Is that what youve been working on the island?
We cant really have fireworks, so I had to do sothing, Tori said with a casual shrug, as if she didnt spend weeks painstakingly carving crystals and swearing at pieces in a sad effort to get them to work.
Ilyana hugged her arm. Youre the best, Tori.
A low chuckle ca from the front of them. I am always happy to see my sister appreciated, Kasen said behind a cobalt and black mask.
Kasey, did you finish your al already? Tori asked with a bright smile. How was it?
Excellent. The children want to know if there is any more cake, but I told them only one serving tonight, Kasen replied, speaking as a responsible parent.
There are a few smaller cakes for snacks later if they want, Tori told him, speaking as a responsible fun aunt. Her brother raised a brow, but didnt chide her.
He looked at Ilyana and gave her a respectful bow of his head. Lady Agafonova, in light of your birthday, would you do the honor of a dance?
Tori and Sonia watched the fork in Ilyanas hand drop onto the nearly empty dessert plate. Her eyes were wide as she looked at Kasen.
? she asked in a tight voice. Tori and Sonia crinkled their eyes, trying to restrain their grimace.
Kasen had one arm behind him and the other extended forward. He leaned into a graceful bow once more. If Lady Agafonova sees so fit as to humor and Fiona. Fifi says she wants to see her Daddy dance and it is your birthday. I thought it was fitting. He smiled, his eyes sparkling beneath his mask at the thought of his little girl, and Tori watched Ilyanas pale neck fill with color.
I love Fifi.... Ilyana said in a breathy whisper before she shot up from her seat. She scurried around the table, nearly tripping over her own feet as she scrambled to take Kasen's extended hand. Kasen had to help steady her before escorting her to the dance floor.
Fifi, are you watching? Kasen asked as he passed the table where his children were seated.
Fiona perked up her seat and clapped. Daddy is the handsost! She looked at her cousins with a shaless expression. Watch my dad. Hes good at everything; even dancing!
Tori grinned as Kasen led Ilyana, but Ilyana, who normally was a competent dancer, kept tripping over her own feet.
Im sure this is the best birthday Ilyanas ever had, Sonia said as they watched their friend try her best to collect herself in front of Kasen. Tori nodded her head.
Yet.
Sonia chuckled and got up. Claire was in attendance and seated with Albert and Madam Martin. A mont later, she got up to dance with Sonia. Tori held back a laugh as Madam Martin seed to point out single young won to a red-faced Albert.
Tori. A pair of white rabbit ears appeared in front of her, and Tori tilted her head to the side to muffle her chortle.
Piers, she said with an amused smile and nod. Can I help you with sothing?
Dance?
Thats not how you ask! Ava said as she passed. She shook her head and went off to play with Riri. This is why youre a sidekick...
Piers stiffened as Axton snickered from the table where they had been seated. Tori pushed herself back and stood up. She walked around the table and extended her hand in silence. She gave Piers a small nod and he took her hand and walked her to the center of the courtyard.
I will practice for next ti, Piers said.
Its fine, Tori told him. Do you plan on dancing at the ball?
No, I will need to speak to various guests throughout the night. I will not have ti, Piers said. Will the light crystal presentation also happen?
Yes, but well give proper warning so as not to alarm the guests, Tori said. Are you nervous for your first ball?
They stopped by the fountain, and she turned to face her, putting her hand on his other shoulder.
I am unsure. From tonights example, I am confident in the presentation. We will review the security tomorrow and the musicians before the event. However, how the guests will react is never for certain.
Tori furrowed her brows and nodded. I will do my best to ensure that it goes well. At the end of that night, I want the entire empire to know who the next crown prince will be even without your father announcing it.
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