Snippet #1737812

“Demetrius are you ready ye…”
“Prince Demetrius Lastarus Septum! I thought we went through this.” The young desert prince pressed as he entered the grand throne room of his palace. His face showed a bit of irritation as he fixed his crimson red robes. The man that had addressed Demetrius “incorrectly” seemed unsettled as he looked at the man young enough to be his own son with fear.

“I’m sorry… Prince Demetrius Lastarus Septum. Please forgive my incompetence.” The shaken man said as he kneeled to the ground before Demetrius who simply walked around him and moved toward his throne.

“It’s fine, just remember that stuff.” Demetrius seated himself before continuing.
“I’ll cut you some slack because you’re filling in for your brother… and because I have other stuff to worry about.” Demetrius said before sighing heavily. The prince wasn’t looking forward to the ball, and even tried to think of ways to get past it. All he could do was complain, so he’d do exactly that. “For example, this ball I have to get dressed up for… This is bullshit… and stand up, stop kneeling.” Demetrius said with a scowl. He hated overly obedient people more than ignorant disobedient ones. People that challenged him always seemed to spark his interest. To have be opposed by another was a thrill to Demetrius at times, even if he did have to make the effort to assert his position. “Like I was saying before, I’m the prince of Ruthen! Why must ready myself for something so… so… social.” Demetrius complained and the servant listened, nodding every now and then, fearful that his words might aggravate the prince further. “Are you a mute?” The prince questioned as he noticed the servant’s silence. He didn’t even know the man’s name and didn’t care to know or remember it.

“No sire. I ju-”

“Forget it. Leave…” Demetrius said coldly before the man gave him a puzzled expression. “Leave!” Demetrius repeated in annoyance. Sometimes Demetrius wondered why he even had people like that employed at the palace, but figured it kept some family’s mouth fed. While watching the man leave, Demetrius reached into his garbs before pulling out a small black book. He flipped through it with a bored look before stopping a page. His facial expression didn’t change. As his eyes trailed through a page in the book, his mouth followed suit with a soft whisper.

“You shouldn’t call the dead for your personal affairs. It could be an ill omen.” A voice seemed to echo throughout the throne room.

“Mhmm, and so is questioning a prince in his kingdom… Maybe that’s not an ill omen, but it’s just as bad in my book.” Demetrius said with a smirk. He appeared to be the only person in the room.

“What do you need now? More advice?” The voice asked.

“What else would I want from a ghost? Anyway, the High King has gathered the princes and princesses of the land for a ball of all things. I tried to think of a way of getting around it without angering the High King. I can’t disobey his order, but I really don’t want to do thi-

“Just stop being a baby about it. I honestly doubt anyone would even talk to you after spending a minute with you. So just go. It’s just a few hours.” The voice said as it cut Demetrius’ rant off. The prince appeared shocked as his face showed pure bewilderment. “Was that good enough?” The voice added. Demetrius scowled, but it didn’t last long as he sighed afterwards.

“I guess I should just go. It wouldn’t hurt… And everyone loves talking to me… I’m me.” Demetrius said before holding up one of his hands and snapping his fingers. “Thanks though.” The prince said without receiving another reply from the mysterious voice. With another sigh, he got himself up from the throne and made his way to the stairs. If he was really going to go to this ball, he’d do it in style.

It didn’t take long for Demetrius to reemerge wearing a pewter blazer over black dress clothes. Upon reentering the throne room, Demetrius hears soft voices speaking in a very fast manner. Looking to the source, Demetrius spotted his mother with her advisors and attendants beside her. She seemed busy, but when her eyes fell upon her son, she stopped in her tracks.

“Son?” She said blankly before a smile crept on her face. Demetrius grimaced, obviously a bit embarrassed. He never got this dressed up, especially not for things like this. The Ruthen prince wasn’t one to impress others… ever.

“Mother… I’m attending the ball. The one I told you I needed to go to due the High King’s orders.” Demetrius spoke. He seemed more polite and soft spoken in front of his mother, which he always was toward her.

“Well don’t you look like a prince charming.” Demetrius’ mother teased before letting a giggle escape her. Demetrius couldn’t do anything but smile. “Or perhaps you learned spell that allows you to create a perfect copy of yourself.” His mother speculated, but knew full well Demetrius’ growth in magic was somewhat stunted.

“Mother, you know I have to present myself well amongst my peers.”

“Not just in appearance either. You should be respectful to the other kingdoms, even if we do have our differences.”

“I don’t see why you’re so diplomatic toward them. Grandfather always told me they were people we should only associate with under dire circumstances and trade. I’ll only see them for a few hours, so perhaps I can keep my strong opinions to myself.” Demetrius seemed to say, but not think. Demetrius barely had respect for his followers. What would make him show any ounce of respect toward someone not native to Ruthen? His mother just gave him a look before walking, with her company following alongside her.

“Have some fun for once. Different doesn’t always mean bad.” She said to him as she passed her son. Demetrius took in the words with a discouraged look. His mother and grandfather never saw eye to eye, especially on matters regarding affairs in general. He wanted to believe his mother was right, but sometimes he felt that she was too optimistic. Walking across the throne room and to the huge golden doors that led out into the heavily guarded castle hall, Demetrius took time to take out his small black book to read. He gave no notice to the guards that remained as still as statues. Most military, guards, and any type of fighters throughout Ruthen were either of Taura or Ifirit decent. However, the castle guard was only composed of Taura soldiers.

Once Demetrius exited the long hall of the castle, he found his magnificent carriage awaiting him outside. His eyes looked to the phoenixes that waited patiently just before he took a step into the carriage. The coldhearted prince didn’t know what to expect from this ball, but he had a feeling nothing good would come of it. Taking a seat in the carriage, the desert prince quickly found himself reading his small black book. He didn't even give notice to the movement of the carriage when it took off. as the Phoenixes reached their peak altitude, Demetrius gave Ruthen a single look, a look of emptiness.