"Hell no! Barked Celia, you're definitely not going like that to the ball, Bella why didn't you talk some sense into her.
"I tried," Bella shrugged, " You know how she is," she doesn't listen.
"Come with me, Celia said grabbing Sarah by the arm and dragging her up the stairs, Like usual she was in a high quality black pants and quite the sturdy looking shirt, on her back was strapped a longsword, she tried fighting back but her strength was no match to that if her mum's.
"I'm more comfortable this way," she groaned as she was pulled back upstairs.
Mark and Andrew laughed at the sight, even Bella couldn't help but laugh, they had all been preparing meticulously for the day of the ball, Marco their father had been extra ordinaryly busy with the preparations, he was here and there and all over the kingdom, he was the last to desend down the stairs aside from Sarah and Celia who just went back up the stairs, His black robe fluttering about him, he stared at them all, a smile broke on his stone cold face.
"I just came across the most spectacular sight as I was descending, it would seem Sarah isn't gonna make going to the ball easy for us," he smiled.
Bella and the two brothers burst into laughter,"they could hear Celia's yell of disapproval up above, Sarah had picked another outlandish dress.
After some minutes Sarah was back looking like she had been fed mud, her blue hair in a long braid, she was tucked in a blue dress that covered her heels, equally blue jewels were placed on her neck, she stared at them embarrassed.
"Sarah? Snarled her mum behind her.
She sighed, held both ends of her dress and bowed,"I'm Sarah Rose nice to meet you, she said softly.
"Now that's more like it, Celia beamed, you're like a dignified lady when you really want to be aren't you.
The rest of the family stood in shock, Bella broke the silence first and lunged herself towards Sarah, the Black cape of her ash dress everywhere.
"I have no idea you could be so adorable, she squealed, holding Sarah tight, of course you had always been cute but this is on a whole other level.
Sarah stood like a mannequin being treated like a fluffy adorable pet of some sort.
"So the mad Alchemist can actually look dignified, at this point nothing surprises me anymore, Mark laughed.
Andrew scoffed.
"Well if that's all we should get going,I'm sure the royal family is already waiting for us, and Sarah I'll hold on to the sword, Marco smiled, seeing Bella and Sarah carrying the sword together m, when you need it just ask.
"Sarah reluctantly allowed him to take the sword, she hadn't unwrapped it so even she didn't know how it looked, they all walked slowly towards the white marble entrance of their home in flashes of white, Ash, blue and black, Flashy carriages with white horses were waiting for them, they boarded slowly, Sarah, Andrew and Marco took one, Bella, Mark and Celia took the other.
Sarah looked out the window as buildings sped fast, her eyes trailed to Andrew who sat opposite her, he was staring.
"What? She asked.
"Nothing In particular, Andrew smiled, I was just hoping you wouldn't trip and hurt yourself during the ball. I mean you seem u steady on your feet wearing those high shoes.
Sarah sighed tiredly, she curled up on her sit, her eyes drowsy,"how's that any of your concern. She had a hard time staying away and eventually succumbed to sleep.
Andrew made a move, but his father stopped him not looking up from the pile of documents he was reading," leave her be, that girl's always working, it's really hard to catch her sleeping, if she's finally letting her guard down like this means she's extremely tired, sometimes I find it hard to believe she's a kid, it's like she's preparing for something.
Andrew stared from his father back to Sarah who was long gone in sleep," about the people being killed on the outside the kingdom, any leads? He asked. His father tossed him a piece of paper. On it was a very ugly drawing of something he couldn't quite make out.
" Apperantly someone saw something, A poor farmer, what he described was what the artist could draw, in it's own words a monster dragged his wife into the woods and barely left him alive, he was mortified, honestly we think it's bandits but seeing the state of his carriages and wounds you'd definitely draw that conclusion out of your mind.
"Monsters uh, Andrew said slowly, looking at the gruesome drawing of a creature that didn't seem alive.
The carriage slowed to a halt half an hour later, Andrew tapped Sarah awake, she stared at him blankly then out the window, she curled back up, trying to go back to sleep.
"No, Andrew barked.
"Do I have to, she moaned, On the court yard of the castle stood the royal family, all dressed in white, Mike looked extra ordinaryly pleased his white outfit suited his black hair and red eyes well. Sarah clambered down from the carriage awkwardly, her family was staring at her, her hair was partially disheveled, Celia and Bells were on here in three steps, they fawned over her hair and dress, she stood like a dress me up doll letting them work their magic, seconds later they let her be satisfied.
They stood together and bowed towards the royal family, The king and queen waved them up with dignity, Their face cold but pleased.
"You know you didn't have to wait for us on the courtyard before going to the ball, Marco said respectfully.
"Oh come off it, the king said cheerfully walking towards them, his wife giggled, What are friends for, he slung his arm around Marco and led him towards the entrance of the boardroom.
The queen Myrtle stared at Celia, they both laughed and led the kids together towards the ballroom.
"You know I can't help but be transfixed by you, Mike said beside Sarah. Her face paled.
"Don't you think Bella looks better, she said moving out of the way so he could see bella in full view.
"Yeah you could say that, he sighed, Bella looked down at her feet, Mike scratched his head and tugged on his pants, " here",he said handing Bella a small red chest.
She stared at him confused, then slowly took it from his hand.
"I know Sarah might have told you I liked Thorny roses, Sarah flinched from behind,"but I actually prefer Orchids, he smiled nervously.
"Can I open it? Bella asked slowly, staring at the little box in her hand.
"Go ahead the prince smiled, though I don't think it'll be much to your liking.
Bella opened it at once flushing,in it was an extremely small orchid with golden stem twisted Into a ring, her eyes brighten, he made to say something but Mark Interrupted.
"Just what da hell am I looking at, he was above the flight of stairs, looking down at them, is that supposed to be some sort of proposal? He laughed. Andrew came along.
"Leave them be Mark, he said slowly, but his eyes were cold and unforgiving.
Sarah observed the whole ordeal and couldn't quite believe her eyes, is he taking an interest in Bella? And so soon? Is he trying to toy with her or something, or maybe it's genuine, she thought.
Bellaas bright as a tomato chased her brothers till they go to the entrance of the ballroom, by the time Sarah and Mike made it up the flight of stairs, Andrew and Mark were holding their heads in pain.
"Quit foolish around, Celia boomed, we're about to make an entrance.
"We're not groaned Mark, it's Bella she got a- Bella covered his mouth instantly.
"It's nothing mum, they're just being a nuisance as usual.
Andrew made to talk, But his eyes caught Sarah smiling and flashing her sharp teeth at him, he went cold instantly, Yh it's nothing, Mark is just being annoying is all, he muttered under his breath.
Mike couldn't help but laugh at their energy.
Now shuffle together, they're about a make the announcement, Celia grabbed hold of Marco, Sarah thought she saw a slight bit of flush on his face, but disregarded it, The Kind and Queen linked arms, Mike behind them.
"NOW FOR THE HOST OF THIS MAGNIFICENT BALL AND THE RULER OF " STRAVA " I WELCOME KING VALD ASTROL THE NINETEENTH, QUEEN MYRTLE ASTROL AND THEIR SON THE LOVELY PRINCE MIKE ASTROL, The large golden door flung open, the inside was a marvel, everything and everyone seemed to sparkle, even the food on the table and the butler's going around from table to table.
The rose family waited outside, NOW FOR THE GUEST OF HONOUR, THE MAN OF FEW WORDS BUT HIS ACTIONS HAD LED TO GREAT DEEDS IN THIS KINGDOM, I WELCOME MARCO ROSE AND HIS STUNNING WIFE CELIA ROSE, TO THIS YEARS ANNUAL BALL. Sarah listened to the announcement attentively, they stepped in Into the ballroom, even she was impressed.
"What an utter waste of funds, she sighed. She stared at her parents leading the work, they were as dignified as hell and a match made in heaven, after greeting a few people, they were allowed to wonder the ball and interact with other kids their age.
Andrew and Mark dissolved into the crowd Instantly, no doubt looking for some mischief, Sarah scanned the crowd more so that she hadn't noticed Bella staring at her.
"What is it? She asked.
Sarah after looking at every nook and canary of the place and not spotting Carl sighed, "it's nothing," her face dropped.
"You sure? I mean you look like you just lost your lab, Bella said softly taking two glass of orange juice that passed by, she handed to Sarah who took it reluctantly.
"Oh sorry I forgot you don't like oranges, Bella laughed.
" No it's fine, I don't like them doesn't mean I'm allergic to it, She sighed taking a sip from it.
"Oh, I can't believe I forgot, Bella suddenly yelled, Sarah couldn't help but notice the ring in her finger, You're looking for your pal aren't you, I don't think he's here tho, she said scanning the crowd, she was much taller than Sarah and it made it easier for her,yeah I don't think he's here, she concluded.
"Yeah figures, Sarah sighed," now the sword is going to go to waste.
ANNOUNCING DESCENDANTS OF THE GREAT HEROES AND ONE OF TEH MAJOR FAMILY THAT JOINED HANDS IN DEFEATING THE GREAT DRAGO YEARS AGO AND THE FINEST FAMILY OF KNIGHTS, WE WELCOME COUNT BALE HEILO AND HIS WIFE MELDA HEILO, TO THIS YEAR'S ANNUAL BALL, Sarah's eyes gleamed as they walked past, their blond hair shone brighter than the room, She sprang up immediately, She spotted him, Walking with a stone cold expression was Carl, she couldn't help but notice the girl beside him, A twin, she stared, she did know Carl had a sister, but a twin, he hadn't mentioned it to her, not even once.
Sarah watched them as they greeted the king then their father, Carl's eyes caught her for a second, then turned away, Sarah couldn't help but feel hurt, though she knew she was just being stupid.
"Aren't you gonna go talk to him, Bella whispered pressing the cold orange juice on Sarah's neck, she flinched and backed away in shock.
"You we're responding while I called your name so I had to use other means, Bella scoffed, "such identical twins, if either one of them cut their hair or the other grew his they'll be indistinguishable, Bella said in awe.
Sarah was walking around in circles at the edge of the ballroom, Bella was toying with her ring," I've never seen you this nervous before, she sighed, just go I mean it's not like he's gonna chew you out, besides I'll be there maybe I could get his twin off his back.
"Really? Sarah asked her eyes suddenly gleaming, Bella was taking aback, for the first time Sarah isn't acting like a genius but a normal girl.
" Umm..erh, yeah, Bella stuttered.
Sarah stared at Carl and his twin across the ballroom, they stood near one of the pillars at the edge of the room, not talking to anyone, or rather no one approached them.
" Perfect, Sarah sang and pulled Bella with her, after dodging some adults and running kids with a few butler's and waitresses, They arrived few feets away from Carl, And Sarah started freaking out again, Bella pull her by the scruff of her gown, she approached the kids, Carl's sister jumped Infront of him a defiant gaze in her eyes.
"What's that all about, Bella scoffed, I'm not going to bite I want to talk, she stood arms crossed around her chest, Sarah hid behind her hoping she'd just melt onto the floor.
"Talk? Or Mock? The girl asked coldly, Sarah couldn't help but notice her voice was hoarse.
"Why don't you drink something your voice is a little hoarse, Bella asked, I mean their clearly non alcoholic juices flying around for kids like us, the girl stared at Bella in the eye defiantly and didn't reply.
"Don't worry Lia, I don't think they mean any harm, Carl spoke slowly, his blue eyes made Bella flinch a little.
"B-But, they're here to poke fun at us, Lia challanged.
" I doubt that's the case, I mean they don't need to do it directly if all they want to do is poke fun at us, I mean they could just be within earshot and started insulting us, Carl said, don't worry Lia let's hear them out.
"Uh? Bells stared at him, what are you taking about, she pulled a limp and trembling Sarah from behind her, you don't know her? Isn't she your pen pal, why are you acting like a stranger?
"What? Lia barked, just what are you, Carl interrupted her.
"Oh I remember, he smiled, I guess I'm an Air head uh, sorry about that, but can I have a word with your sister pls, alone that is, Carl said slowly.
" But brother! They're no good, how many times are you gonna let people walk all over you, Lia asked enraged.
"Well that's enough of that, Bella sighed and grabbed Lia by her shirt, She struggled and scratched hissing out mean words as Bella dragged her away.
Carl waved at his still enraged sister as they went, then his gaze fell on a Still trembling Sarah,"are you ok? He asked, you're shaking so badly.
"W-wh-why d-did you help me? She asked stammering badly.
"Oh should I not? Carl asked confused.
" Oh no, sorry!, thank you!, my apologies!, Sarah blurted. Carl laughed.
"I remember you from the castle, though at the time I was in a hurry so I couldn't really respond to you calling my name, he smiled, he stared at Sarah," take a deep breath then try speaking again, you seem flustered or sick you're gonna bite your tongue at this rate, he said calmly.
Sarah took multiple deep breaths though she wasn't exactly calm she could now make meaningful conversation without stuttering, thank you, she muttered.
"No worries, he smiled, let's look for somewhere secluded, I think more eyes are on us than I'd liked, he said leading Sarah to an unoccupied balcony. He stared at her, now it's my turn for the questions.
"Just what are you playing at? His blue eyes washing over her, Just what do you want? There's nothing to gain from associating with my family, so why do you pester.
Sarah stood shocked by the sudden change in tone, but she gets it, if she we're in his shoes she'd feel suspicious too,"your survival, she muttered. She closed her eyes preparing for impact as Carl made a sudden movement, seconds later she opened them, he was laughing.
"My survival? Really? And I was expecting something more political, Tell me are you ok in the head? He asked stik laughing.
"Yeah I think so, Sarah smiled.
"Whoa that's some unique teeth you got there, Carl smiled, I saw them when I first came into the ball but I thought I was seeing things but it turns out they're real.
"Yeah apperantly they are, Sarah said opening her mouth in full bloom.
"Damn I'd hate to be the person you bite, Carl laughed. You're fun, He smiled, but I don't think it'll be good for you to associate with me any longer, he stared moving away from the balcony, I'll only bring you bad luck, he made for the door leading back to the ballroom.
"Is it cause of your parents? Sarah asked facing him, his hand stopped short of the door knob.
"Keep blurting out secrets that no one knows about me and you'll keep becoming real suspicious, he smiled, but yh, they'll flip if they saw me Interacting with you or anyone in particular, we'll that's that, maybe I'll see you again when I'm the head of my house hold, but for now I'll only be a liability to you, he opened the door and waled out, Sarah dashed after him.
"Wait I have something for you, she bumped into him as he had stopped just outside the door, Mike was staring at Carl.
"What we're you guys doing? He asked as Sarah emerged from Carl's back holding her head.
"I'll be back Carl, she said ignoring Mike like she hadn't seen him and bolted.
Carl bowed towards the prince," to what do I owe the pleasure, he said respectfully.
"I asked what you guys were doing, Mike repeated.
"What else would we be doing, we were using our mouths like every other person in this ball, he said his head still in a bow.
"Why you tho, Mike asked his voice growing unsteady.
"Ask her yourself, he said, Sarah came back panting and covered in sweat clutching something big wrapped in lots of cloth, Carl was sure it was a sword.
"She took deep breaths, Carl relieved her of the weight and held her steady she looked like she could crumble at any moment, Mike stared at them in disgust then stormed off.
"Sarah looked like she had just seen him for the first time,"what's mike doing here? She asked watching him storm off.
"To be honest I don't know, Carl replied.
"This is for you, Sarah blurted out, though this isn't what I originally Intended on giving you something else but the material wouldn't cooperate, just take this fimor now.. I'll replace the blade sometime in the future but the hilt is the real deal.
"Sure I'll take it but, why are you giving me this? He asked confused.
" Like I said, for your survival, she smiled.
"Can I see how it looks on the balcony? He asked.
" Sure even I am dying to see how it looks, Sarah huffed and made her way to the balcony.
The blade gleamed in the moonlight as Carl turned it on his hands, the hilt oxblood in colour was oozing magical aura, he swung it, the blase hissed through the air with ease,"this is one high-quality blade, he smiled, are you sure I can have it? I mean the prince would-,"
"It's all yours,Sarah smiled, I'm giving it to you so don't mention the prince,I'm not making a mistake.
"Roger that ma'am, Carl laughed."for some reason I don't think you'll let me reject it.
Sarah chuckled,"right you are,".
"Well I better find a way to sneak this back to the carriage, Carl said, glancing back into the ball, he noted his parents making conversation with some other noble, yeah I think now's the right time to sneak it, he grinned," thanks again for the sword,uh erm-
"It's Sarah,she smiled and her heart did a flip, Also don't forget to write to me, secretly if you please, Carl nodded and left holding the sword now roughly wrapped in linen,she was grinning broadly as she saw Carl leave the balcony and reunite with his sister who seemed spring up on him at once and seem to be checking his for Injuries and eyes the sword suspiciously.
"What a fiesty one she is, Bella sighed coming into the balcony, she's as strong as an ox that one. She stared at Sarah," stop it you're scaring me.
" Who me? Sarah replied sweetly, her face fully flushed and bright,"I think I was gonna die, she groaned."I kept biting my tongue, though I made sure he didn't notice, but I'm sure he did, And my heart wouldn't sit still. She covered her face with her palms and breathed Into it," I feel really happy right now.
Bella smiled, she leaned on the slabs on the pavement, the night air blowing past her ash hair, she stared at the moon, who knew Sarah had a normal side to her, I'm lucky to be bestowed upon this sight, she smiled.
"Are you even listening to me! Sarah barked, But immediately began chattering again, Bella patted her on the head.
"I think I'm hungry, let's go get food.
Sarah glanced into the ballroom, Carl and Lia were no where to be found," let's, she smiled.
The Night went by quickly, there were subtle announcements one of which was That Carl had inherited the power of the sword master passed down in his family for generations, Sarah caught Lia's eye, she was staring daggers. A feeling started creeping into her.
If Carl hadn't mentioned Lia back when we were together those years in the orphanage, he usually talks about everything, but if he left that specific detail, it's bound to be something he doesn't want to talk about, did something happen to her before I met Carl? Sarah was deep in thought and was staring openly, She saw some black came in front of her from where she seated, it was Mike, he was talking to a pink faced Bella.
Of course Sarah wouldn't mind, but he was obstructing her view, she sighed picked up a shrimp in front of her with her bare hands and started sucking on it, She took another sit as she watched Carl being leaded back into the crowd from the center of the ballroom, she bit her tongue again.
"Ow! Ow!, I guess I'm not immune to my own teeth, at this rate if I'm not careful I'll go dumb, she Groaned fanning her tongue with her hands like they were on fire.
Sarah often wondered why kids are being brought to high social balls such as this, it had always struck her as odd, she doesn't mind though, it prepared them for the role they're to take in the future. But some balls doesn't always go well and may result in open conflict or dramatic displays that may traumatize a child, She felt down the plate of shrimp it was gone, she had somehow finished the whole tray while deep in thought, her hand was red and covered in spice, she cleaned them with her tongue.
"You posses no dignity through and through, Mike smiled as he approached.
"Could you pass me the other tray, Sarah asked, I think I wanna try lobsters next. Mike stared at her with an expression she hadn't seen before.
"What?.
" Nothing sorry, Mike muttered, he passed her the tray of Sea food, she went to work instantly, Mike had to step back to avoid getting drenched in spice, he smiled as Sarah devoured the creatures one by one shell and all.
"Yeah it's official, Sarah said slowly as she stared at the now empty tray," I think I've grown in appetite.
"You sure have, Mike approached again handkerchief in hand, Sarah took it and wiped her face smeered with sause, The whole ordeal made her look like a make-up gone wrong, She burped loudly and quenched her thirst with a wine glass not far off.
"No! you're not supposed to drink that, Mike Reached for the glass but it was too late, Sarah had downed the red liquid in an instant.
"What? She asked Mike innocently, she looked at the eyes staring at her and back at the glass, this tastes bitter, she said slowly as she dropped to the floor, the glass shattered as it hit the floor, the hall went silent.
Bella reacted first and caught her, Mark! Andrew! She screamed, like guards they appeared out of nowhere brushing the prince aside, One look at the glass on Sarah's table was all they needed, no explanation.
"We need to get her to the carriage, She'll be able to rest there than in this noisy castle at the moment, Andrew said running his hand over Sarah's burning face, Bella nodded, Together they hoisted Sarah and took her out the hall, Celia went after them a few seconds later.
"Aren't you gonna go after them, The king asked Marco, I mean doesn't your daughter take alcohol very badly.
"They got it, Marco shrugged, too many heads fawning over her wouldn't change anything besides they all know what to do, " but what I'm most concerned about," his eyes trailed over to Carl and Lia standing in a corner like guards rather than guests," what could have distracted her attention so much she made such a mistake,"
"Always the Analysis, The king shrugged, his white hair gleamed, you have a funny way of showing concern.
After a while Celia returned to the ball, Same with Andrew and Mark, they had a new fit on, Sarah had gaged on them halfway to the carriage, Mike attacked them with a bunch of questions, they answered discretely but with respect.
Bella sat in the carriage looking at the lights coming from the castle, she stared down at Sarah who was fast asleep on the chair opposite her, lots of empty water jogs everywhere, Sarah groaned from time to time in her sleep, but she was alright. She sighed, "drinking wine, just what were you thinking? You're not always this stupid. She played with ring on her finger, " Carl uh.
Sarah twitched, Bella stared at her, She wasn't stopping, she threw her sheets of and started twitching on the floor, Bella lept to her instantly, Sarah was crying violently.
"What's wrong, Sarah what's wrong? Bella asked in a panick, Staring as Sarah continued to brawl her eyes out.
"Heal, Bella muttered the green light on her palm flickered then went out, she tried again it was no use, she wasn't by any means a healer, Sarah talk to me, should I get mum. She heard Sarah muttered something then bent down to hear what she said, her voice was in complete agony, her eyes closed as tears continuously streamed down her face.
"It's Carl, he's dead.