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A few days later, the grandest building in the Moving City came alive with lights and music. Shaped like a towering castle, it loomed above the rest of the city as carriages streamed toward its gates. Guests in lavish attire stepped out one by one, voices mingling in introductions and polite laughter as they entered the opulent halls.
Margaret's carriage arrived soon after, drawing the eyes of onlookers. Inside, Lucius, Nai, and Liam sat quietly, each dressed to the nines under Margaret's careful styling.
As they stepped out, Nai's breath caught. Her dress shimmered like sunlight caught in forest leaves. The layered ruffles of green and gold fluttered with every step she took, a delicate rose adorning her shoulder. It was as if a woodland spirit had stepped into a ballroom. Her eyes widened as she took in the sight of the crowd.
"Everyone looks like a painting!" she whispered, both awed and self-conscious.
Lucius gave a brief nod, his eyes scanning the intricately decorated hall. He wore a striking ensemble of his own: a double-breasted black brocade coat trimmed with silver and gold embroidery, layered over a white lace shirt and adorned with a crimson rose pinned at the shoulder. The draped black shawl over one arm gave him a regal, almost theatrical presence.
"You both look like a painting as well," Margaret said with a smile, her voice calm but pleased. She wore a breathtaking gown of deep crimson, sparkling with flecks of light like stardust caught in motion. The bodice clung elegantly to her figure while waves of sheer fabric billowed from her hips, giving her the air of a noblewoman from another world.
"Now," she added, "shall we go inside?"
With that, the four stepped forward, disappearing into the glittering heart of the castle-like palace, where music played and secrets waited behind every velvet curtain.
As they stepped into the ballroom, golden chandeliers cast a warm glow over polished marble floors, and music swelled in the air like a living thing. Without a second thought, Nai drifted away toward the lavish buffet, her eyes alight with delight.
Lucius lingered by Margaret's side, scanning the room before glancing at her. "Where's Liam?"
Margaret tilted her head slightly, her voice lowering into a near-whisper. "He's still a child. Not allowed into the ball just yet... but he'll play his part."
Her tone shifted, laced with something unreadable. Lucius's expression tightened with suspicion, his eyes narrowing.
Before he could respond, Nai's voice rang out across the ballroom. "Lucius! You've got to see this! You're missing out on all this food!"
Lucius sighed sharply, running a hand through his hair. "Could you act like a lady damn it? Margaret spent hours teaching you how to behave at a ball!"
From beside him, Margaret chuckled softly, amused by their antics. Without another word, she turned and glided away through a side hall, disappearing into one of the quieter, more secluded wings of the palace.
Margaret stood before the grand, gilded doors, her back pressed lightly against the polished wood as she tilted her head to eavesdrop on the muffled voices inside.
"Everyone is gathered here—the wealthy, the officials... Are you sure you still want to go through with this?" a man asked, his voice low with uncertainty.
Another voice, trembling and brittle with fear, responded. "Just do it. If we don't... my family... they'll—"
Margaret's expression darkened, her gaze sharpening at the edge of those desperate words. She didn't flinch as the quiet thud of approaching footsteps echoed behind her.
"Are you lost, madame?" a guard asked politely.
Margaret turned slowly, her usual poise returning in an instant. She smiled sweetly and extended her hand. "I believe I am. Would you be so kind as to escort me back to the ballroom?"
The guard gave a courteous nod and turned to lead her away.
Back in the ballroom, Lucius sat at the table, halfway through a fruit tart. "I haven't had food this good since that fake town."
Beside him, Nai spoke through a mouthful of cake, cheeks puffed. "Yeah, but this time it's real!"
The orchestra shifted to a slow, elegant melody. The atmosphere transformed as guests began to pair off, stepping onto the polished floor with refined grace.
Lucius watched with a raised brow. "What are they doing?"
Nai blinked. "No idea."
Before either could process it further, a tall, well-dressed man with golden hair and sharp features approached their table. His voice was smooth, his posture perfect. "May I have the honor of this dance, beautiful lady?"
Nai stiffened, startled by the sudden attention. Without even glancing at Lucius, she took the stranger's hand, her expression unreadable.
Lucius stared after them, scowling. "Damn it... what is this? Some kind of circus?"
To be continued.