Once

by Alyson Serena Stone

She threw on her fur lined cloak, gave the guild one final look over, and out she went.

  The snow had changed from the earlier blizzard to a gentle flurry. The Yule lights shone brightly against the still, starless night while the soft bells jingled in the gentle breeze.

  Ryanon joined a line of dressed up people. All of them talking happily. A few of the women actually glared at her as she joined them. It wasn't her fault that her dress was fancier than hers; she just did not understand her fellow females. What kind of person got jealous and judged based on how a person looked instead of their character? Well, Ryanon supposed she would be getting these looks based on her character too, but still.

  A sled, pulled by two horses as white as snow, approached them. Their harnesses must had been lined with bells, because every time they tossed their wonderful heads, a sweet melody played. It was a rather festive looking sled. The sides were lightly covered in holly and ivy with little lights of different colours trucked about them. Mixed in with the lights, holly, and ivy were little tiny berries, dotting the sled in a manner that was both elegant and classy. The seats were lined with a thick layer of white fur that did not seem to get one bit against the snow. The driver was dressed in an outfit that made Ryanon feel like she was a high born lady.

  The sled came to stop in front of them. Everyone stared at it for several before climbing on.

  Ryanon found a seat in the back. The furs not only kept snow off the sled, but her as well. Plus, there seemed to be something on them that was keeping her nice and toasty against the breeze. Smiling, she leaned back, not for once caring that the cameras were watching her.

  The driver flicked his reins and they were off.

  Skalavik looked wonderful. She could not tell that this was actually a fishing port and for once could see that it was the capital it claimed to be. All the rubbish that normally lined the streets was gone and had been replaced by a light dusting of snow that made everything look simply beautiful. The few people who chose to walk the streets were all dressed in their finest clothes. They did not look one bit out of place, but instead added to the painting scenery.

  The castle came into view. Even it was more elegant than usual. Ryanon stared at it, trying not to let her jaw hit the floor. In everyone window, there were little lights that flickered on and off in a manner that could only be timed to music. Fresh pine had been placed on the window seals with candles placed in the centre. It almost looked like little Woodland Pixies were flying around, their wings' natural colour brought out by the bright lights.

  The moat that surrounded the castle was covered in a layer of ice with people skating in the most artful ways that Ryanon had ever seen. They all seemed to just dance over the smooth ice without actually touching it. She could not even see any marks in the ice to tell her how long they had been out there.

  The castle's walls were also ready for the ball. It was not done as well as the castle, but it was still better than what it normally looked like. It still had the battle ready air about it, but there was something different, something cleaner about it. Even the guards who lined the walls seemed to have a different feel about them. Garland had been draped about the tops with candles in the archery holes. At the other openings there were beautifully decorated trees.

  Other sleds lined the front of the castle as people were escorted out of them and into the castle. Like Ryanon, they couldn't take their eyes off the castle.

  When the sled stopped, Ryanon found it quiet hard to get out. It was just too pretty out here to go in.

  The guard in his dress uniform offered her his arm. "This way, my lady."

  She tucked her arm into his. "I'm not a lady."

  The guard looked her up and down in a manner that almost made her blush. "Well, you could have fooled me. You are certainly holding yourself like the noble born women."

  Ryanon gave him a small smile. "How much gold are you getting paid tonight to say things like that?"

  The guard returned her smile. "You know the system all too well, don't you? I must admit that sometimes it is hard to say those words."

  They reached the open main doors. Inside, it looked like the ceilings had been bewitched or something to make it look like snow was falling from them.

  "I'm sure it is quiet difficult."

  The guard released her arm as a maid rushed forward to take her cloak. "Well, you enjoy yourself. For the record, you really do carry yourself like a highborn lady. I expect you'll break a bunch of hearts tonight."

  She gave him what she hoped was a warm smile. "Well, I do thank you for all the enjoyment and I really do hope you're job does not turn out to be painful."

  The guard laughed. "We'll see about that."

  Ryanon watched as he turned and went out through the great doors. Sighing, she turned and looked back at the ballroom. Most people were either sitting at one of the many small table that lined the edges of the dance floor or standing along the wall unsure of what to do. Guards were stationed in a manner that made their presence very well known, but also in a way that was not threatening. She smiled once she saw Dak standing near the orchestra, which seemed to still be setting up. He looked completely miserable.

  There were at least a hundred Yule trees placed throughout the ballroom. They were all decorated differently, but they did not seem to clash with each other. Fake snow lined the steps as well as the edges of the dance floor. Holly and ivy were weaved across the centre of each table. In the room's four fireplaces, Yule logs crackled in an array of different colours.

  Ryanon lowered herself into an empty table. It actually looked like there were snowman placed at the bottom of the Yule trees. Given how hot the room actually was, it just didn't make sense. Shouldn't they have melted by now? Magic really was a curious thing.

  More and more people were coming in. It looked as if everyone in Xandria had turned out for the grand ball. To her greatest displeasure, people were actually sitting at her table, pointing out everything. Her eyes scanned the room. Surely Aliss must be here by now.

  Ah, there she was on the arm of a young, but good looking nobleman. Aliss smiled at everyone who passed her and they actually returned her smile. No one would actually guess what she did to support herself.

  The orchestra had finished setting up and everyone seemed to looking at an area behind it. There was grand entryway lined with Royal Guard members. Ryanon narrowed her eyes, but Dak did not seem to be up there. She scanned the room again. He was standing with his back against a wall near a fireplace, looking bored.

  A lord or duke or someone important appeared in front of the of the entry way. "Welcome all! We are gathered here tonight to celebrate this grand holiday! Now, I know you are all hungry and ready for an exciting evening of dancing and socializing. Hopefully, the royal family is ready and will be quick to get out here."

  Most of the people in the room laughed. Ryanon looked back over at Dak, who looked like he wanted to gag.

  A page boy came rushing out from the entry way, whispered something into the speaker's ear, and rushed back out of sight.

  "I am told that the royal family is indeed ready," the speaker said. "Now, if you will all rise."

  Everyone in the hall stood up. Ryanon kept looking over at Dak. He should be with his family. It wasn't right that he had lost his title because of something like his reading.

  "Her Royal Highness, Princess Alse Morninghelm!"

  A bunch of people made noises of amazement at the sight of the princess's dress.

  His Royal Highness, Prince Vicar Morninghelm!"

  Ryanon could not bring herself to cheer as the heir of the throne stepped out. Dak should have been the heir, not Vicar.

  "Their Royal Majesties, Queen Ariana Morninghelm and King Teodric Morninghelm!"

  The thunder in the room was so loud that Ryanon wanted to cover her ears. Dak's gagging face got deeper as the royal family all came together, smiling and waving like they were all one big happy family. Never mind the fact that they were all living in a worl
d of secrets.

  "And now, our royal guest from the great lands and Zania and Nimen! Her Royal Majesty, Queen Amberfall, Queen of the Nature Fairies and her escort Frostfire!"

  Ryanon stared at Amberfall and Frostfire. They did not look like the fairies in her books; they looked, well, human. The only thing that stood out was their pointy ears and the fact that Amberfall's hair was a brighter red than most humans had.

  Amberfall and Frostfire stood with the royal family as what seemed like a million cameras flashed around the room. Ryanon really did want to join Dak and gag. They were just people; there was nothing all that special about them.

  Plus, she really wanted to punch in Vicar's face as he sneered at Dak as they made their way to the High Table. There really was something wrong with him.

  She really did hope Dak killed him.

  Once the royal family was seated, everyone turned their attention to the now empty plate in front of them. What? Ryanon stared down at the empty gold plate. It hadn't been there just seconds ago.

  Up at the High Table, the royals were already digging into their plates. Her frown deepened. She didn't see any signs of main dishes or servants. The nobles were laughing at the sights of the confused commoners.

  "You have to tell it what you want," Aliss said, sliding into the empty seat to Ryanon's left. Her date was right behind her. "Like this. Grilled salmon!"

  Ryanon and a few of her table mates gasped as a well put together salmon appeared on her plate.

  " Lord Rawlin Ravenmanen," Aliss said, nodding to her date as she dug into her food. "You really must try this, Rawlin, it's probably the best I've ever had."

  "I'll just take your word for it." Rawlin was looking Ryanon up and down. It only took a glare to get his attention back to Aliss.

  "Stuffed turkey!" Ryanon said to her plate. "So, how are you enjoying this?"

  Aliss shrugged. "I can't really tell you until I get to hear the music. An orchestra will either make or break a party, don't you think so, Rawlin?"

  Rawlin nearly choked on his beef. "Um, I think so. Parties really aren't my thing. I'm only here because my mother is making me."

  Aliss waved her hand at him as she bent her head closer to Ryanon's. "Do you see that woman over there?"

  Ryanon followed Aliss's gaze. The lady in question just looked like any other high born to her.

  "That's Lady Alexia Goldspire," Aliss said dropping her voice. "Do you remember our friend down in Srilurk Landing?"

  Ryanon smiled at the memory. "She really doesn't look like the kind of person to do that."

  "I hear she likes to keep her men to herself and isn't one for sharing."

  Ryanon stabbed her turkey. "Huh, I would have never had known that." She studied Lady Alexia, who was laughing at something Vicar was saying. "I thought she would be different. She seems to, well, noble to do something like that."

  Aliss smiled. "People really do surprise you."

  "Surprised to see you working tonight, Dak," Rawlin drawled.

  Ryanon narrowed her eyes as Dak rested his hands on the back of her chair. When had he gotten over here?

  "The king wants everyone on duty tonight and he does tend to get his way." Dak nicked a piece of turkey off Ryanon's plate.

  "That really is such a shame," Rawlin went on.

  Ryanon grabbed her fork the same time Rawlin spoke. Only a warning look from Aliss stopped her from driving it into Dak's hand. Another day...She would get her revenge.

  "Yes, it is," Dak said, still eyeing Ryanon. "Well, I should get back to work. The king is giving me the death glare."

  Rawlin's eyes drifted up to the High Table, where the king was in fact giving his son the evil eye. "Ah, yes, I can see that he really the loving father."

  Dak smiled. "Glad you said, it not me. Besides, the dancing is going be starting soon and I don't want to be anywhere near that." He nicked another piece of turkey off Ryanon's plate, his hand was barely saved from the knife.

  "Don't they feed the royal guard, Captain?" Ryanon said, sweetly. "It's really such a shame that you have to nick food?"

  Dak smiled. Most people would have thought it was a kind smile, but they didn't know him like Ryanon did. "I was just checking it for poison, my lady."

  Or most likely lacing it with poison.

  A few of the other ladies gave Ryanon knowing smiles. Great, now everyone thought Dak had a crush on her. Lovely...She really was going to have to kill him the next time they were alone.

  Ryanon had just barely finished her meal when the music started up. The royal family and court led the first dance. She did have to admit that the music was well done. She did not know a lot about music, but she could tell that this was the kind of thing that people expected to dance to.

  Aliss and Rawlin disappeared out onto the dance floor the moment it opened up to the public. Ryanon found herself holding back as people began to couple up. It never dawned on her until now that she may have to dance with a complete stranger.

  She buried herself even further back into the crowd. Maybe if she stayed near the back, no one would notice her. Maybe she was too ugly for anyone to ask to dance anyway. Yeah, this still could work out okay for her.

  The music was a beautiful mixture of soft and slow and fast. She watched as people danced to the traditional music of Xandria and Zania. She was actually surprised to see that the Zanian dances were not all that wild, but rather tame. They seemed to require the dancer to feel out the song, giving them a chance to become one with the music. It just seemed like they were gliding along inside of actually following any set movements. It really was beautiful.

  "Why are you standing by here all by yourself? A pretty thing such as you shouldn't be alone."

  Ryanon's eyes narrowed. There was something familiar about that voice. Maybe if just ignored him, he would go away.

  "I saw you talking to my brother earlier. I can give you so much more than he can." Vicar's breath felt hot against her ear. "Let me show you what a real royal can do."

  Ryanon turned and faced the prince. "I'm sorry, but I don't know what you're talking about." She hoped she sounded like an innocent maiden.

  Vicar's smile widened, but the warmth did not reach his eyes. "Oh, I think you know what I want."

  Ryanon stomped on his foot. "No, I'm afraid that I don't know what you want and don't you ever touch me again!"

  Vicar's smile turned dangerous. "I don't think you realize what you've just done."

  Ryanon looked over her shoulder as she walked away from him. "Oh, I think I know what I did. The question is, do you?"

  "You can't talk to me like that!"

  She didn't pay any more attention to him. He really did need to learn that he couldn't have everything he wanted.

  Dak smirked once she reached his corner. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

  Ryanon gave him a dark look. "Someone really needs to teach your brother some manners."

  "He's the Crowned Prince, he doesn't think," Dak pointed out. He gently grabbed her arms. "Will you walk with me?"

  Ryanon eyed him, but didn't pull out of his grip. "Where?"

  He smiled. "There's a garden out back. I don't think anyone has discovered it yet."

  She allowed him to steer her in that general direction. "Now, I just told your brother off for this very reason, so what makes you think you do the same thing?"

  "I'm not my brother and you don't seem to be fighting me." He weaved them around a group of giggling young women, who were trying to catch the eye of a young nobleman. Another herd was clustered around Vicar, who seemed to be enjoying all the attention.

  Ryanon smirked. "That may be true, but you still can't have everything you want."

  "No, I can't." He pushed open a smaller set of doors. "But I can show you a good time."

  Ryanon's eyes got big as the sight of the garden. It had been transformed into a winter wonderful. A little ice ring stood in the centre with skates along the edge. A curved walking bridge, lined with pine with a grand wr
eath in the middle, completed the pond. Snow looked like it had been elegantly placed on the ground and the trees, creating a glowing, snow globe. The paths were artfully covered in enough snow to give them the allusion of walking in a snowy forest. What was the oddest thing about the snow was the absence of ice. Ryanon was pretty sure that she could run in the snow and would not slip on bit.

  "Do you want to skate?" Dak asked, nodding toward the pond that Ryanon could not seem to pry her eyes off of.

  "Why am I not cold?" Ryanon asked.

  "Magic," Dak muttered. "Now, answer my question."

  She looked at him. "What about the cameras?"

  Dak shrugged. "What about them? They're not out here so everyone can enjoy all the court has to offer without their significant other finding out."

  "Ah, got you." She paused. "How am I supposed to skate in this?" She pointed to her dress. She really didn't want to ruin it because of Dak's childish games.

  Dak looked her dress up and down. "I think we can make it work."

  Ryanon rolled her eyes. "No, we cannot make it work. Maybe some other time."

  Dak smiled. "I'll have to remember to take you up on that one."

  Her eyes drifted back to the bridge. "Do you think we could take a walk over that? I mean, it's stupid and all, but it just looks kind of lonely there by itself." She shook her head as the words came out. "Wow, that really was stupid."

  Dak shook his head. "No, it's not stupid. It's what makes you human."

  Ryanon smiled. "Are you just trying to make me feel less like an idiot?"

  He returned her smile. "Now, would I ever do something like that?"

  "No, that would be far too nice of you."

  He linked his arm through hers. "Are you saying I can't be nice?"

  She lead them over to the bridge. "You're the one who said it, not me."

  They stepped onto the bridge. Ryanon had to admit that it was rather nice. She had not never been out for a walk like this. It had always been about work or talking about work; she had just never stopped and had the chance to enjoy an enjoyable walk with someone, even if that someone was Dak.

  They stopped at the top of the bridge. The ice below was completely untouched. She did have to admit, it would had been fun to skate on it.