We're one of the first at the ball again. My free time has been learning the sign language. I would be able to communicate with William across the busy ballroom now. Or I could call him over with a little more information than before. Better he gains interactions with the various ladies available to him. I notice when Callie joins him.
I'm just pretending the wallflower. Alone. Watching.
"You really need guards, Your Highness." Lucas offers me a bow. "I will step into that role until someone comes."
"I don't need a guard here." I have been watching. There's no threat. I offered a dance to someone not a threat. I'm making sure no one can suggest anything. "Any news?"
"They have been watching for goblins, but none are here. None should be here. Telligence will definitely have some. I don't know if we'll attack."
"Not your mission?"
"No. I have different jobs. Such as making sure the crown prince isn't without guard." He nudges me. I smirk back. "Your guard is a proper mage. You are not. Your knight uniform is more protective than what you wear now."
"Yeah. I know. But I think I can just make everyone enter a thousand year slumber."
Lucas laughs. "I can't believe the stories around you."
"Those are true. My magic listens even if I can't control it. If problems arise, I revert back to it. I would prefer the rituals because I know exactly what is to be expected."
Lucas scans me a moment then nods. "I understand well the meaning."
I glance at Lucas. He's pretending another lord. He is a qualified red knight. I can trust him to make sure I am safe. "I had breakfast with my father again. For weeks it was a refusal. Then I joined the knights. When he saw me like this... Everything he questioned disappeared. I look exactly like he did."
"So you can expect to look like him in the future as well." Lucas nods to a guard walking to my side. They may be wearing the Storm uniform, I note they are a knight. I've seen them before. But not the red and blues walking around as knights. He's a white like me. Just far more experienced. Must be from the house even if he's not a gold emblem. Will he seek like Raida does? "Please enjoy the balls, Your Highness."
"I am here to celebrate just as everyone is. I will not neglect my duties as crown."
Lucas offers me a smile before leaving my side.
I look at the guard. He's from the Storm house without being a Storm. "I've seen you around the halls, but I do not have a name."
"Butch, Your Highness."
"I did tell everyone, Thomas is fine. I prefer it actually."
"I could not use such a name. Apologies, Your Highness."
I sigh. Someone who can't imagine being my friend. Hate the wall so many put up. "Were you born here?"
"Yes. My father is a guard here. My mother works in the kitchen."
"Congratulations for joining the knighthood."
"I was trained to enter. My parents thought it would suit me. Lord Storm was happy to give me the access." He doesn't catch my eyes. He's acting the guard. I know his meaning, though. Lord Storm gave him the allowance to travel to the knight halls. Perhaps even teleported him to the capital. It wouldn't be an outlandish comment. "If Lord Storm requested I return, I could not deny such a request."
"He would probably prefer if you gained a few more ranks first. The experiences you gain as a knight will help him immensely."
"Yes. Thank you, Your Highness."
I frown.
William walks over with Lady Susan Storm. "This one is a delightful dancer, Thomas. You should really dance a moment with her."
"I do not want to give my mother any thoughts about future queen."
"I cannot become the future queen." Susan offers me a curtsy. "I am the only child of Storm. Allow me to twirl you about the floor, Your Highness."
I click my tongue. William only grins when I eye him. "Fine. But only if you call me Thomas."
"Of course, Thomas. It would be an honor." Susan captures my hand. "I am trying to dance with as many people as I can."
"To bring notice to Storm?"
Susan looks ready to lead the dance. I'm younger, but still taller. She doesn't mind when I take control. "Perhaps I am doing it to show off Storm. Or I could just wish to dance with as many people as I can. Dancing can be for enjoyment."
I don't think I see dancing as enjoyment.
"Or mayhaps I am trying to make someone jealous." Her grin suggests that is the actual reason. I don't ask who, though. Maybe she is seeking someone she cannot dance with. "Knight Butch was beside you just before."
"It seems he came from your house's guard. I have little knowledge of him, though." I didn't even know his name before now.
"Since we are friends now, I can ask a favor." Susan says while giving me sight of Butch and William. The two are just chatting lightly. Possibility about me since they're guarding me.
"I cannot suggest I would not listen, but I wonder if we are truly friends. Nor do I think I'll manage to succeed at a favor even if willing."
"If I am to call you Thomas, you wish to be friends."
"I just wish not to be called prince or similar title." I wish it was a different option. "Thomas is my name. Consider me just like everyone else."
"Impossible. You are crown prince. Everyone knows that upon seeing you up close. You are clearly His Majesty's son."
The sigh comes out before I can stop it. Maybe the subpar curse was better.
Susan tugs at me. "The favor is not too hard for His Highness. If you are open to listening."
That doesn't improve my feelings. "Thomas really is fine. I'm tired of the constant titling."
Susan twirls me. "Revel in the dance." Dance is just another requirement for me. How do I revel in something required of me? "The favor is simple. Truly. Can you place Butch on the silver selection list?"
I glance to the knight. He's only a white knight, although higher than I am. "Using the knight method, you must be a three blue before gaining access to silver selection."
"Hence why I'm asking you."
"He's not even twenty, though." I may not know his exact age, but I also know it hasn't been years. He's still a teen. Like me. Like Susan. "Are you friends with him?"
"I am." Susan stops as the song ends. "He has refused all my advancements because he is not a noble. If you are capable of offering me such, I would be greatly appreciative."
I nod not sure if I can do anything. Silver selection is unique. The only guarantee would be through knighthood, but minimum there is blue three. Many close friends of the royals also have a good chance. Since we name who gains in the end. "He should aim for blue three, though."
"He is." Susan grins at me. We reach the pair guarding me without further chatter.