Lucas greets us looking like a noble himself. "Glad to see you not fighting things." He's in the teleport room. He hands me a heartstone. "If you need to return to the halls, don't be afraid to use it."
"As a last resort." I nod. Lucas shrugs. So maybe it's not truly 'as a last resort'.
"Lord Lucas?" William focuses on the red knight.
"Yes?"
William fidgets. "This is my first ball, too. Can I trust you to guide me as needed?"
"Of course. Her Majesty has already gone to the Warton estate." Lucas motions to the stone in the center of the room. "It's marked to send anyone there at the moment. If you need elsewhere, you'll need a teleporter to reset it."
"No. We're going there." I say watching the stone. When was the last time I used one? I glance to William. He'd be able to switch it anyway. "We're going to just pretend we're there as average nobles."
Lucas nods. "Yes. Refrain from everything. I'll never be far." He pats my back. "Go ahead. Your mother is waiting."
William chuckles at me. "She was always waiting in the exact right areas." I grunt. We were caught many times. "Thanks, Lord Lucas."
"See you in a few hours."
Teleportation is not something most people get to experience. I do know that. But for me? As crown prince? This has been something I never not deal with. Travel has been by teleport more than anything.
"A teleport room." William is used to teleporting as well. We have the spell class readily available. Or he does. I will after my curse is removed. "Not all the nobles have one."
"No. If a house has a teleport room, they are considered higher on the nobility."
"Is there an actual hierarchy?" William frowns. "I feel like my house isn't very high."
"All houses are equal. Although if your family is well connected to other houses or if your house has been part of the country longer than most, they are seen as more valuable." I pause. "Or if a royal is attached."
"What about the Warton?" William asks as we head for the royal wing. That's where we'll be. Or I will. William may stay with me. I wouldn't mind.
"One of the first houses. So they are seen as one of the top houses even if truly they are on even footing even with silver knights."
William weighs things. "I have a lot of mage training, but I didn't get the same level of history lessons as some nobles."
"Your father gained silver status as a teleportation mage, so I'm not shocked."
"I'm glad Odin was willing to train me. Father could've, but was too busy with all the house requirements. We have several who can support us now, but not back then." William was born shortly after his family gained allowance for a house. Because his father was one of the castle's main teleporting mages. And his mother was born in a noble house. I believe his house was the last one Grandfather gave out. "Did you know Mike is planning to join the knights?" William holds up his hands. "I wasn't allowed. First son and all."
"But you do have mage training."
William scratches his cheek. "I'm... Not confident. Not as a future lord of a house. Nor am I confident as a mage you'll use readily."
'Use'... It has me sighing.
"The subpar curse is removed." Mom says once I was in her sight. "You look exactly like your father did at that age."
I freeze staring at my mother. She would've seen him around, although they didn't have any mission together until later. "I do?"
Mom nods reviewing me. "I should've remove the subpar looks curse earlier. It wasn't offering what it was supposed to. Made your father uneasy."
"You could've?" I step up to her.
She nods. "Odin gave me the full list with all the removals. I would've just told him to remove it though. I should've. I regret not after seeing you." Mom sighs focusing on me standing before her. "Exactly like your father." She motions me to follow her. "Guards are in the outside rooms." She points to three rooms made up for anyone who is in our guard. She opens a room just for me. "This will be where you stay."
"Thanks Mom." I step into the room. It's basic. Good enough for the two days I'll be here. "Um... Mom?"
"Yes?" She is still reviewing me. She could've killed the illusion around me. She should've been able to see past the spell if she wanted to. Was she not looking forward to me looking as I actually am? Because it was likely I'd look like my father?
"Does William have a room? I don't mind if he stays with me."
Mom stares at me then looks to William. "So you're back on the wing list?" William shrugs. "Thomas decides things. Since this is marked a mission, you will be expected at every ball. You must greet the lord and lady of the house and you must have one dance with someone while at each ball."
I huff. The mission didn't say that.
"I know Jessica could not join." Mom rubs my cheek. "But there will be plenty who would wish to dance with you."
"I wouldn't wish to dance with Jessica either. I have no desire to dance."
"You are required. You cannot back out now." Mom taps my door and walks out.
William looks at me. "I was told the same, you know. Dance with someone."
"Lucas made mention he wanted to ask me to dance before. I don't think that's what Mom means, though."
"It could count. Would be unsettling if the only dance the crown prince has at the balls during his first round are with Lord Lucas, though." William shivers. "I'm going to pick a random lady close to my age. As long as I pick someone different at each ball, I'll be safe."
"Have a contract?"
"No. Because my house is new. But it's fine. I know what happens if things fall." William scans the room. "Are you sure I'm allowed to stay with you? I can get my own room."
"For one, I'd rather have my friends close. For two, you are my quick escape."
"Ah." William nods. "Alright. I will guard you. I can use offensive magic now, but I really do lean on teleportation. I hope that's all that's requested of me."
"Me too." I sit on the bed. "The ball should begin soon. There should be a loud gong with three smaller ones afterwards. That starts the room being available. When the large gong with five goes off, the heads of the house are present."
"What about when the royals join?"
I pause. I was always at the July ball at the castle. A distant from everyone. I wasn't really there, but I also wasn't missing. "I... Have no idea."
Before William can ask another question, the gong goes off. Three bells afterwards means the room is available. He thumbs to the door. "Shall we start the chaos?"
"I guess. What else are we here for?"