FREYA

“Quit fiddling with your gown, Freya, or it'll become rumpled.” My stepmother's voice carried a hint of irritation.

You would think I was much younger than my nineteen years of age. Rolling my eyes, I let go of the portion of my dress I had clenched in my fists.

I darted a furtive glance outside the carriage window, it was hard to sit still. I was nervous. It wasn't every day we were invited to the palace for grand balls, and It was my first time. Father had allowed me to accompany him and my stepmom, Helena, but my sister, Hella, who was just twelve, wasn't allowed to come.

My father was the warlord of third hell and our home was impressive in its own right, but nothing compared to the King of the underworld's palace.

I had heard stories of the King's ruthless and scary nature from Dalia, the head of the servants at home. It was said that he annihilated his siblings, their households, and everyone loyal to them when they dared to dethrone him. It was also said that he was a tyrant, killing at will based on his moods.

I decided to focus on the windows of the horse-drawn carriage instead and tried to watch the scenery and landscape as we sped past. But it was a waste to try; Demon horses were as swift as the wind, making it nearly impossible to focus on anything.

Moments later, we arrived at the palace gates. It was huge! And several other guests were getting down from carriages as well. Gathering My dress, I stepped out of the carriage, holding on to my father and we made our way into the palace.

The grandeur was breathtaking with a sweet smell in the air. It probably came from the meticulously planted flowers adorning the surroundings. It seemed like the King loved flowers, for there were a lot of them.

We followed other guests to the grand banquet hall, and my jaw hung loose at its impressiveness.

A massive chandelier hung from the sky, it seemed and guests from all over the underworld mingled, moving around in their elegant gowns and coats. Laughter and different talking voices filled the air as well as the low-playing melodies of musicians tucked in an alcove. The enchanting music beckoned guests to the dancefloor where a few couples had begun swaying already. It was still early evening but the ball was already in full swing.

My flitting gaze passed through the crowd; I wondered when the King of hell would show his face or if he was already here.

This was like a coming-out ball for me, and as my father and Helena escorted me into the hall, I could feel the weight of many curious gazes on me. After all, Lord Bale's daughters were only ever heard of and never seen. Father did not have a male child yet, so any suitor would be a potential heir.

Hence, many of these demons were simply fortune-seeking beings, motivated by the reward of feasting on my father’s wealth and status, and I would simply be a key—a very beautiful one.

Dalia took special care to prepare me for this evening; my long white hair was twisted up artfully, and I donned a set of my late mother's jewelry. I knew I was beautiful in my handmade black gown. Its black hue complimented my fair skin nicely and the blue jewelry set drew attention to my striking blue eyes.

I took step after step, my face set forward, chin and shoulders held high. I was royalty, and they would witness nothing less.

“Will I have to fight off wolves tonight?” My father laughed lightly as we walked farther into the hall, a few interested gazes still following our entrance.

“I can handle them, Father,” I replied with confidence which earned a hearty laugh from him.

“Of course, little one.” He chuckled.

“Lord Bale,” a handsome man with captivating green eyes, approached my father. He was tall and his brown hair brushed his collar slightly as he walked with grace and poise towards us.

“Lord Lucian, a pleasure to meet you outside official circumstances.” My father greeted him warmly and they shook hands.

“Lady Helena,” he greeted my stepmom briefly before turning to me, “and Lady Freya, you must be.”

Smiling, I curtsied, “My Lord.” There was a tiny spark of attraction as our eyes clashed, for he was a beautiful man indeed.

But that was all the attention he spared me before turning back to my father. I stopped the frown I could feel emerging, I felt slighted. I was beautiful, so why didn't he look?

As the evening wore on, I remained at my father's side, feeling like a mere ornament. We moved within the crowd, my father greeting family after family while I curtsied and smiled repeatedly like a doll. It was tiring and there weren't a lot of younglings like me present.

I didn't put in an effort just to be an accessory so when I could, when my father was deeply engrossed in a positively boring conversation, I discreetly slipped away.

I'd had enough of the banquet hall and its guests so I went outside instead. Away from the many eyes, I could finally breathe in some fresh air. There was the urge to be seen, but at the same time, I needed a moment away.

It was dark already but the light from the numerous lightfly lanterns banished most of the darkness. I walked around for a bit, the warm air pleasant upon my skin, before locating one of the gardens. This one had a little bench, and I sighed happily as I deposited myself in it.

“I doubt anyone has been that happy to see a chair before.” A voice said from the darkness, making me jump from my seat.

The strange man chuckled as he emerged from the darkness. Oh, he was quite tall, easily towering above me.

“There's no need to be frightened,” he said as he sat down on the seat I had vacated. “I'm merely trying to escape the ball for a while as well.” He tapped the space beside him, asking me to sit.

He wouldn't harm me; we were in the palace, and I was the daughter of a warlord after all. So I sat, careful to put enough space between us. I coughed a little before speaking.

“Most would think it wrong to tarry in the darkness, scaring people at will,” I said, trying and failing to hide the irritation clouding my voice.

“I wasn't hiding, Snow, you just failed to look.” He chuckled lightly, the darned man. “I'm sorry if I scared you.” There wasn't an ounce of remorse in his voice.

“I wasn't scared.” I declared, sitting up straight. “Just startled.”

“I'm sorry for startling you then. That wasn't my intention, but I will not lie about enjoying your reaction.” He smirked.

Somehow, he seemed close despite the space I had tried to put between us.

I could see his face now; he was a devilishly handsome man with sharp features. I couldn't ascertain the color of his eyes in the darkness, but there was a depth to his gaze, and long, thick lashes heightened the look. His dark hair looked lush and it called for my wandering hands. I'd never felt that way towards a man before—not that I had come in contact with many.

But there was an air of dominance and confidence around this one, it drew me in like a moth to a flame.

I dragged my gaze from him, ending my probing stare.

If I tried to put any more space between us, I would fall off the bench, so I settled for leaning away slightly. “Who are you?” I asked. It was a needless question, I doubted I would know his family even if he mentioned them.

“I am Adrien, who are you, Snow?”

That little endearment irritated me to no end; over the years, I'd been given many names due to my white hair, but this was the worst because perhaps I liked it.

“Stop calling me that. I am Freya Bale and I have spent too much time away from my father.” I answered as I stood up and dusted some invincible flint off my gown. “I had better return to his side. A pleasure to meet you, Mr Adrien.” Then I turned to leave.

“May I have this dance before you leave then, my lady?” He said and stretched his hand out to me.

I looked from his outstretched palm to his face which was now partly hidden in the darkness. I couldn't understand the magnetic pull I felt towards this man. The musicians were starting up a new number and I could hear the sound of people from the hall. One dance wouldn't hurt anyone, would it?

Oh, how wrong I was.

Twas that dance that sealed my fate.

I tentatively put a hand in his, It was warm to touch. He stood and he pulled me closer to him, resting a hand on my waist. Goosebumps scattered across my skin at the gesture, and I was grateful for the long sleeves of my dress in that instance. Every other thing faded into the background and I could only think of that hand touching me. What were these feelings?

Gently, we began to sway to the sound of the music. With Adrien looking down at me, and me staring at the captivating man in return. My feet moved in memory to the tune, it was one I had practiced so often with Hella.

“You're an interesting woman, Freya Bale and I'm having quite the evening,” Adrien said, never breaking eye contact as we swayed around.

“And you are a confusing man.”

We danced for a while, just staring at each other and moving to the music until the number ended.

“I have to go back in now, I've been away for too long,” I announced as I stepped away from him. Nodding slightly, he let go of my hand.

“Why were you out here in the dark Freya?” Adrien asked, his deep voice urging me to stay longer by his side.

“I’d say that's none of your concern, dear sir,” I answered, making my way out of the garden and away from Adrien. Father would be looking for me already, and he would not be pleased to find me with a strange man.

“Will I see you again, Snow?” He called after my retreating form.

Paying no heed to that, I continued my walk, putting distance between me and Adrien. I couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting wasn't a mere coincidence and it meant something more for my future, but the logical part of me argued that this was, in fact, a random meeting and there was no way we would meet again. The guests at this ball were from all over the underworld and there was no need to pursue something that couldn't be.

I quickly walked back to the banquet hall. My father was still deeply engrossed in his conversation and seemed not to notice my brief absence. I sighed in relief.

Helena did probe a little and though she seemed satisfied with my explanation of getting a little air, she stayed beside me nonetheless.

It was approaching midnight, and the ball hadn't ended, so Father decided we should leave. We said our goodbyes and headed to our carriage. The ride back home was faster because I was lost in my thoughts.

I wondered if there was a possibility of seeing Adrien again. His face lingered in my mind, as did the feelings he evoked in me. When we got home, I went straight to bed.

The days after the ball went by swiftly, but Adrien stayed on my mind still, intruding on my thoughts and refusing to go away. I gave up on trying and decided it was best to let it run its course; I would forget him after a while.

“We're having a guest, Freya,” Dalia said as she entered my room, the woman never knocked.

It was a week after the ball, and I was twisting Hella's long hair into braids.

“The Lord and Lady have asked for you to be in attendance.” She muttered briskly as her hands searched through my closet for a suitable dress.

“Who is the guest, Dalia?” I asked.

“And why aren't I going?” Hella piped in.

“The Lord and Lady asked only for Freya and as for the guest, I do not know who he is.” She said while going through my clothes. “You're to go down as quickly as possible, Freya, so let's get you into a dress.” She picked out a blue dress; it was nice and it emphasized my best features.

I quickly donned the dress and was on my way to the sunroom. It was where we received important guests.

I wondered briefly if it was a suitor. I had been getting some of those since the ball, and my father had turned most of them away. If this was a suitor, it meant Father considered him worthy. I would not know until I reached the room though, so I hurried.

At the door of the sunroom, I paused briefly to gather my wits about me, before I delivered a gentle knock on the door. I was only delayed for a moment before I heard my father's voice, permitting me to enter.

I did, and my eyebrows almost disappeared into my hairline when I noticed who was sitting in the room with my parents.

It was Adrien, immaculately dressed and looking as handsome as ever.

Adrien's voice filled the room, “Hello, Freya.” he said calmly.

“Why are you here!” I exclaimed, surprise heightening the volume of my voice.

“Freya!” Helena scolded. “That's no way to address the King.”

As her words sank in, I froze.