(Lmao, look at the chick at the bottom of the thumbnail, wtf? Anyway, cue the music now)

Ruy ignored his natural impulse to panic as blue fire engulfed the carriage mid-ride. He was warned it was going to happen, doesn't mean it didn't scare the crap out of him. But soon the fire flickered away, and he heard the gasps of people and the sound of Egypitnat. The Dunmer Deligation rode towards Arsinoe's palace in a carriage of solid ebony, ivory, and blue decals running across the sides. People awed at them, squealing and begging for attention from them. Lysandra sat aside Queen Sarai, who was looking at Egypitnat with sparkling eyes. Beside King Dorian sat Zuberi, who insisted that he attended last minute.

Ruy instead focused on the solid white horses pulling the carriages. They weren't real horses, rather an interesting mutation for their underground dwelling. Their extremely thin white fur gave way to their solid black or blue eyes, no iris. Their ears were webbed and their horseshoes slightly larger. Their manes looked like individual strands of water gleaming in the sun. Most horses in the Dunmer Kingdom are underwater cave-dwelling creatures but can handle being above ground for large amounts of time.

Ruy heard people, girls especially, call out his name, begging for his attention, but he just tried to drown it out. The world gaped at the crown now atop his head, and though Ruy tried to ignore it, the heavy metal weighed so heavy it felt like his head was sinking on his shoulders, even though his crown was nothing like the King's.

The thick band of metal dazzling against his combed back raven hair, the thick cape that bore the Dunmer royal insignia, it made him feel dizzy. In the sky, Ricin soared high in the clouds, scoping things out hidden from sight. He wanted to go back to Sophie, but a massive dragon swooping in from nowhere might've ruined the party.

"You are distracted," King Dorian stated. Ruy glanced at him out of the corner of his eye, taking a small breath through his nose.

"Am I?" Ruy answered.

"What is plaguing your mind, my son?" King Dorian asked, leaning forward. Ruy thought about what to say, trying to find words to describe how he felt. Instead, Lysandra, Sarai's handmaiden, answered for him.

"He isn't used to this," She stated plainly, gesturing to all of the lined up civilians and royal treatment. Ruy glared at her, she just returned a feline smile and opened her mirror to adjust a piece of hair.

"I guess I understand, this is all so new-"

"He needs to get used to it." Prince Kalem snapped from the other side of the carriage. Sarai kicked him, her son yelping and rubbing his shin.

"Don't be a smart-"

"He is right." Ruy sighed, fiddling with one of his rings. King Dorian looked like he wanted to say more, but Ruy turned his attention to Lysandra.

"I'm curious," Ruy started, Lysandra plainly looked up from her mirror, "How did you manage to become the Queen Sarai's lady in waiting?" He asked. Lysandra chuckled, going back to her mirror, "She saw my talents and realized that I was so much better than all of the competition."

"I realized that she is a powerful woman that knows how to handle herself, and she is a fine woman to have as a friend." Queen Sarai answered.

"Powerful? Are you a warrior?" Ruy asked.

"In sorts, yes. I was raised learning how to observe my enemies, as you do in your guild, but I handle mine differently then blades and abilities."

"And who are your enemies?" Ruy asked.

Lysandra didn't even hesitate when she spoke, "Everyone was my enemy once."

Ruy glanced at his stepmother, who just worriedly stared at her lady in waiting.

"What are you?" Ruy finally asked. Lysandra finally looked away from her mirror to send a wicked hiss at the prince.

"That seems like a rude question for a prince to ask a lady." She snapped. Ruy shrugged, leaning farther against his seat, "Are you Dunmer? Where are your wings and markings?"

"No, I'm not Dunmer, I was just taken in by those in Dunmer royalty," Lysandra answered.

Alright, that's progress, "So, are you a Vatarian? Lith? Elf?" Ruy pushed.

Lysandra watched as the palace gates opened for them, "None." She answered. They were all silent as they slowed in front of the palace steps, and King Dorian helped his Queen out of the carriage, followed by Prince Cato and Kalem. Ruy just stared at Lysandra.

"Then what are you?"

Lysandra smiled at him as she followed the others out of the carriage, the light coming from within the palace lighting up her sharp and devastating face.

And Ruy couldn't help but feel chills when she said, "A vicious beast, your highness."

Ruy couldn't question any further as they all passed the threshold into Arsinoe's palace.

This place was already suctioning Sophie's very life force away from her, and Maha cut her off the champagne, so now she was grumpy and sober.

"I want to go home and I want my dragon back," Sophie grumbled.

"You sound like a child," Nour answered, helping Maha make sure one of the silver bits on her braids was secure. Sophie was about to snap back at him, but her eyes glanced at the newest delegation entering the party.

There was always a small trickle of people coming through the threshold, seeing as this was a massive party. But everyone quieted down as the Dunmer royal family passed through the threshold.

It was the King and Queen first, and they looked every bit of royalty. The King wore a tight leather jacket with solid silver cuffs and buttons, a cape billowing from his shoulders secured by silver chains. He wore a solid band of silver and white diamonds atop his head, so detailed and elegant the whole world turned to him. His leather wings were tucked behind his back as he walked with a confident tall stride. His horns seemed to almost shine in the brilliant light.

Queen Sarai was that indeed, a queen. Her large crown was molded so perfectly for her head, specifically her ram-like horns, it was like she was the only important queen in the entire palace. It was full of matching white diamonds to match her husband and matched her elegant dress of black and white. The off the shoulder bodice was made with the finest black lace, iridescent bluish-black feathers sewn in to dazzle the room. The layered necklaces filled with priceless jewels matched the sheer black sleeves that went all the way down her arms and pointed at the top of her hand.

The skirt was made of a fabric that matched the iridescent bluish-green sheen of the feathers gracing her collarbone, a gentle layer of lace woven with jewels covering it. Sophie didn't miss how her nails were painted black and filed to have a gentle point, almost like nails. It was a nice touch that also brought out the dramatic shadow on her eyes and her dark brown bob. Her arm was wrapped through King Dorian's as she wore a kind yet somehow brutal smirk to the crowd.

Behind her were the two princes, Kalem and Cato. They both wore something similar to their father, their crowns a bit less extravagant yet just as demanding. Cato's shoulder-length hair was tied up with a blue ribbon behind his head, while Kalem's hair was neatly gelled and combed, not a hair out of line.

And then Sophie set her eyes on Ruy.

He looked so different yet so... similar. His jacket was unbuttoned at the top, along with the white undershirt underneath, giving him room to breathe and the smallest sight to his muscled chest and the Dunmer tattoo's decorating his chest, the very markings Sophie ran her hands over that night when she sought refuge in his apartment. His cape only draped from one shoulder, a chain holding in over his body and holding it back into place at the other side at his waist. His wings were no longer dragging across the floor and were now neatly tucked behind his back. His hair was combed back, but there was still a hint of volume that complimented against his crown.

Gods above, he had a bloody crown.

It matched the extravagance of his brother's crowns but also had a bit more to it. A band of solid silver with swirling streaks of dark metal running up and across it, small points equally spaced out across it. It all looked like it was crafted by a master stylist, all of it bringing together his handsome face and strong body into the image of a prince.

Though Sophie tried to hide it, she was practically drooling.

She instead turned away and took a sip of Mansi's drink to cool her nerves when she wasn't looking. Sophie pulled away from the glass, startled at the taste of apple juice dribbling down her throat.

"Mansi, why-"

"Look, dancing is about to start!" Maha squealed to her, Sophie quickly slamming the glass back on the table to turn to her friend. It cleared out a bit on the dance floor, and a small party of bards started up with dancing tunes while the symphony got a well-deserved break. People flooded the floor, but Sophie's eyes kept drifting back to the Dunmer.

It seemed like two other people apart of the Dunmer party were also with them, one of them being Zuberi, who shot Sophie a gentle smile, the other being a drop-dead gorgeous woman Sophie did not recognize. She wore a flowing sheer fabric dress, an underlayer of dark lace starting at her knees while the translucent fabric atop it glittered like stars as she strode around. Her dark hair was put up in a beautiful up-do, and her pale skin contrasted against it and her dress. She seemed to be Queen Sarai's handmaiden, maybe that Lysandra the queen mentioned?

Sophie and Ruy made eye contact, just for a few seconds, and Sophie gave him a quick smile, before returning to her hardened persona. She didn't see Ruy's reaction, but she hoped he realized how thankful she is for him doing this for her. Another suitor approached Sophie, asking for her hand to dance, but again, she brushed it aside. What she wasn't expecting was Queen Sarai's handmaiden to approach her and hold out her hand. Her hair was pulled half up and her hair was very delicately curled, her pale skin contrasting the dark hair and dark green eyes. It seems Dunmer didn't adhere to the normal blue eyes rule, except, this woman didn't look all that Dunmer.

"Would you like to dance, Mentore?" She asked, her voice sultry.

Sophie blinked before pointing one of her manicured fingers at the rejected suitor, "I said no to all of them, why should I say yes to you?" She asked, her voice sharp. It didn't sway the woman however, as she just hummed and picked a hair off Sophie's dress. The move took Sophie by surprise for a moment.

"Because of multiple reasons. One of them being I know you are just really holding up a front in order to be taken seriously here, another one being that the Elven Council," She pointed her head at them as they all judged over the dancing people, "Have no damned clue what is going on. I heard their music is just a bunch of sounds mixed together and called a song. I feel like it would be a mighty strong statement against them. And finally," the woman shrugged, "I feel like we would be fast friends."

Sophie blinked, her mouth slightly agape.

Sophie absolutely wanted to be friends with her, she seemed fun as hell!

"What is your name? Who are you with?" Sophie scoffed, crossing her arms. She chuckled and made an exaggerated curtsy.

"Lady Lysandra, of the Dunmer Court. Handmaiden to Queen Sarai." She introduced.

"And it seems you already know who I am," Sophie stated, crossing her arms.

"Oh, of course I do." Lysandra scoffed. Sophie glared at Lysandra, then up at the Elven Council, who were staring and gossiping at her in return.

And with the biggest smirk on her face, she took Lysandra's outstretched hand.

"I would love to dance with you," Sophie stated. She glanced at Maha, who was next to Mansi, Nour, and Alvar, so Sophie felt okay leaving her for a dance or two. Lysandra and Sophie made it to the dance floor just as a new song started, they both felt the gaping stares as the two ladies from vastly different species and kingdoms gently pressed their hands against each other and started gently sway in a small circle.

Waltz's and traditional dances were happening later in the night, so simple circle and group dances were happening now. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the Council gaping at her, and she couldn't suppress her giggle.

"I told you it would help show them up." Lysandra smiled. Sophie chuckled as they grabbed each other's hands and twirled in and out.

"It does feel great to rub something in their faces." Sophie chuckled.

"Trust me, there are so many asses in the Dunmer court that deserve worse than this." Lysandra laughed.

Sophie curiously smiled at Lysandra as they twirled around again, "Why did you choose me out of everyone here?"

"Because you seem like the most fun to talk to. I have learned that the brooding mysterious beauts are the most fun at parties."

"I'm flattered. So, you are handmaiden to the queen? You don't seem to be Dunmer though."

"I was adopted into a Dunmer noble family in my youth, but Sarai is mostly the one who raised me."

"How did you get into the Dunmer caverns in the first place if you are not Dunmer?"

"Don't ask me, I barely remember it. It was only a few years ago though, but I don't remember my youth before that."

"Trust me, I've tried the whole forgetting your childhood thing for years thing, not a fan."

Lysandra laughed, and she glanced around at the other dancers.

"But, since I have you, I have a few questions I was hoping to ask?" She proposed.

Sophie met her hand again as they twirled, "Ask away."

Ruy did his best not to stare at Sophie, instead indulging himself in champagne and the fancy nobles sucking up to him. But with that one little smile she gave him, he was out for the count, turning into a lovesick fool. And the dress, Maria made it absolutely unfair to him with that dress. The gold silk against her skin and showed off her hips-

Ruy snapped himself out of it as Sarai approached.

"The Vatarians have been treating us well so far." She chuckled.

"That's good, maybe we can make more progress than I thought tonight."

"Even then, Arsinoe believes the Conference may last a few nights, so she has invited us to stay in the palace during the duration of it."

"That's good," Ruy replied plainly as he watched Sophie and Lysandra take to the dance floor. Sarai just chuckled and took a sip from her drink.

"It seems Lysandra is doing a better job at romancing Amalia then you are." Sarai chuckled. Ruy froze, his mouth agape as he struggled for a comeback.

"I'm afraid I don't know what you are talking about." He coughed.

Sarai hummed in response, "Clearly, because it's not like she is my future daughter in law, and it's not like you have been staring at her hips for the past five minutes." Sarai stated plainly.

"How did you- why-"

"I was young once too, I know how the games work." Sarai plainly replied. Ruy struggled with a response, instead just accepting defeat and chuckling and rubbing the back of his neck. He glanced at Sophie and Lysandra again, noticing Mansi joined their dance and they all were laughing with each other.

"Yeah, alright, you got me," Ruy mumbled. Sarai just smiled and patted his shoulder.

"At least you didn't try to hide it from me." She grinned. Ruy sighed and noticed the three girls retire from the dance floor, and Ruy quickly rushed towards them. He just missed her and watched as they all walked through the crowd.

He felt a gentle tap on his shoulder and whirled around.

"Hello, I don't believe we have met." Councilor Alina started.

Ruy resisted his urge to gag.

"You are one of the elven councilors, aren't you?" He sighed.

Alina smiled, nodding. Clearly, she didn't recognize him from the battle of Foxfire, "The Vatarians decided it was important we attended the conference."

Ruy plainly took a sip from his glass, "Funny, because from what I heard, the Council demanded that they attended at the Inalian Senate decided to throw them a bone."

Alina faltered slightly, but instead opted to change the subject, "This all seems so foreign."

Ruy looked around, and he felt right at home. Even though the stuffy nobles weren't ideal, the music, the laughter, the native languages, it was home to him.

"I guess you would say that." He muttered.

"I watched you enter with the Dunmer delegation. Are you one of the princes?"

"I'm wearing my crown and walked in with the rest of the royalty, what do you think?" He asked.

Alina opened her mouth to respond, but one of the Councilors came up behind Alina with her assistant.

"Alina, don't wander, we are guests here-"

Councilor Oralie set eyes on Ruy, and she paled.

Ruy flashed back to the council hearing from when he was a young child, his mother hiding out in the Lost Cities after she got banished from both Inalia and the Dunmer kingdom.

Oralie was one of the councilors to vote during his Exile, but she was the only one to vote against it.

"Long time no see, Oralie," Ruy stated.

Alina turned to Oralie, obviously confused.

"Hello Mr. Ignis," Oralie breathed.

Alina whipped back to Ruy, her mouth agape.

"This is Ruy Ignis?! Why is he here?!" Alina hissed.

"I'm here with my father, I left my mother's organization years ago," Ruy answered.

Alina still looked ready to rage, but Oralie just swallowed.

"You look well."

"Yes, well, last time you saw me I was a scared child you sent away just because you didn't want to deal with my mother."

Oralie closed her eyes and cringed as if Ruy's words burned her.

"I tried to convince them otherwise, I tried-"

"If you tried a bit harder, I might have not endured years of agony at the hands of my mother." Ruy cut her off, his voice even and simple.