Chapter 01

Dancing

Another ball, but this time, it was a masquerade—as if people wouldn't be able to recognize each other behind colorful and elaborate masks. The Queen of Norta herself prepared the event, commissioned for the silks and carpets and whatnot to be boasted for tonight. Even the chandelier was replaced, from the dusty one to the crystallized chandelier that illuminated the ballroom in a soft golden glow. A long table was meant for the food and drinks, the balcony wide open for couples to enjoy the night and to enter the back gardens.

More dancing, more songs, more chattering.

Usually, Alix enjoyed these kinds of events. In Piedmont, her father threw parties and feasts almost every night, much to the chagrin of her grandparents and mother. Every night meant a new feast, a new gown made of finest silk, and perhaps even new shoes if she behaved well. Her father's court was much livelier than here in Norta, where the king seemed too engrossed in drinking his wine while the queen was almost always off entertaining guests, her Sentinels in tow.

She shifted uncomfortably on the cushioned chair she was given, careful not to crease her gown of gold silk and cream laces. She tried not to frown, though her eyes showed disinterest behind her black feathery mask. One wrong move might embarrass her in front of all these Nortan people. Moreover, Queen Elara wouldn't like that.

I wish I were home.

Her train of thoughts about sneaking in the gardens to return to Piedmont was shattered when Elara's son approached her. He wore a black mask with silver filigrees dancing around the curve. He forced an awkward smile, though it was evident that he was loath to approach the Piedmont princess from her high seat on the platform.

Before Prince Maven could say something, she immediately cut him off.

"Don't."

He frowned, but tried to keep his composure. "Good evening, Princess Alistrine," he countered, smirking, aware that she hated her full name. "It is quite a lovely evening, yet you sit here surrounded by your guards. Why are you not dancing? I thought the King of Piedmont loves his balls and feasts. He truly is a generous man."

Generous was a polite way of calling her father an extravagant man.

She huffed. "I harm no one from where I am. Now, if you would please, leave me alone."

"I am afraid it would not please me." He smirked, offering a gloved hand. "As Prince of Norta, I am required to ask the Princess of Piedmont to dance."

Her golden eyes narrowed at him. "You really like to pour oil into the fire, don't you?"

"Not at all. I can make the fire stronger by myself."

"Then you can go ahead and make it stronger by yourself." With a hand, she casually waved him off, as if she would a Red servant. She loved dancing as much as the next person did; moreover, she liked that her family sent her all the way to Norta—alone. Her father had explained that he and her brothers were busy for the trade and business with other countries; her mother had claimed she was sick, but everyone knew she was only trying to avoid Queen Elara. In conclusion, no one from House Caralis of Piedmont wanted to be in the arena of House Calore of Norta.

Yet here was the prince, asking for a mandatory dance.

"Can you already imagine what others are whispering?" Maven spared a sideways glance to his right shoulder, where a group of Iral girls were whispering to themselves. "Apparently, it is improper for someone of your standing to refuse someone of my standing."

Begrudgingly, Alix sighed and got up from her seat, accepting the offered hand.

A sudden hush fell upon the crowd as the prince led his partner to the middle of the room. Couples stopped at the sight of them, the whispering Iral girls also fell silent. King Tiberias and Queen Elara stood together, proudly watching their son. Though only the queen knew that this would be a very long dance.

"It should be Prince Tiberias here with me, not you," Alix hissed in Maven's ear, as her feet began to move in time with the dance.

"Unfortunately, your Prince Charming is occupied with Colonel Macanthos and General Osanos," Maven growled. Not only did his mother force him to dance with the most insufferable girl in the world, but also that girl had to mention his oh-so-perfect brother. He guessed that even if Cal was miles and miles away, people could still find ways to mention him, and to put Maven where he belonged—always second, always behind Cal. The shadow of the flame.

She squeezed his hand, making him grit his teeth at the pain, but she smiled cheerfully. "Is that jealousy I hear from your voice?"

He twirled her around, putting one foot on her skirt. She lost her balance and almost fell to the floor, but he snatched her back up and caught her waist. He smirked. "Me, jealous of you and Cal? You are too modest, my lady."

"Why else would you ask me before him?" She rammed her heel against his foot, watching in pleasure as the prince sucked in a breath to hold his wince.

"Simply because I was asked to." The silver bracelet around his wrist clinked, producing small sparks. A warning of his losing patience. Up in the gallery, the musicians seemed enthralled in their own song.

"A pity that you have to do everything you're told." She tried to disentangle herself from him, but his grasp on her hand and around her waist was strong. She could feel the unnatural heat produced by his palm, slowly burning her through her gown. As counteract, a tendril of the prince's shadow curled around his leg and pulled, throwing him off balance.

Maven stumbled, but Alix yanked him back to her. He pulled her closer and growled in her ear, "I am a prince, and a prince knows his duties. Do you know where your duties lie, my lady?"

"But of course," she answered sweetly, her voice dripping with honeyed poison. "Stand here and there, look pretty and behaved, smile for the cameras, not speaking unless spoken to. A princess is an asset to her country through marriage."

"I hope it doesn't end with marriage." He twirled her again, this time in a dizzying speed that had her head swimming nauseously. Then, he dipped her, catching her back with his hand. For a moment there, he had the heart to smash her headfirst onto the floor. But the whole court was watching. He could do the smashing—later. Instead, he pulled her up again and grinned at her flushed expression.

Finally, the music ended. The crowd burst into loud cheering and clapping, even King Tiberias. Only Queen Elara had the grace to smirk to herself, knowing what actually transpired between the two.

Alix curtsied to the prince as was expected of her. She leaned close, pretending to thank him in front of all these fools. "I hate you."

Maven laughed and kissed her gloved hand. "I know."

Author's Notes: Hello, hello! This would be my very first Red Queen story, so I hope everyone could bear with me. I finished reading the books in less than three days, and I have fallen completely in love with Maven (who doesn't?). He's a complex character, and I wish we saw more of him in Glass Sword. Until the third book, I'll be focusing with writing stories about our favourite prince!

Reviews are always treasured, which would help me develop this story. If you have comments, suggestions, or simply want to fangirl about Maven with me, then come join me in the dark side! *insert evil laughter* But please, do review. ( ˘ ³˘)

Hope you guys enjoyed this little prologue. See you on the next chapter!

Cover image not mine. Credits all go to the wonderful artist.