CHAPTER 33: THE ANNUAL AUTUMN GALA 1

The night before the gala, Aegis sat cross-legged before Rosanna on the Sky Piercer’s meditation platform. The ghost queen lounged against thin air like it was a velvet chaise, wearing what could... generously be called a robe.

[Is that... is that thing getting shorter every night!?]

The white silk barely reached mid-thigh now. One shoulder had "accidentally" slipped off. Again.

"You’re grinning for no reason." Rosanna sipped her ghostly tea.

"I am?"

"Indeed. If you were less charming, I’d be rather disgusted at the sight. What scheme has you so pleased?"

"The gala’s tomorrow."

"Ah yes. The annual parade of peacocks." Rosanna stretched, and her robe slipped further. "I remember my galas. Excellent for morale. And other things."

She floated closer, breath tickling Aegis’s ear.

"I distinctly remember pulling a maid aside during one. Had some delightful fun in an alcove while the nobles danced."

"Rosanna!" Aegis laughed. "You can’t just drop that on me!"

"Can’t I?" The queen’s purple eyes sparkled. "She had the most adorable squeak when I ran my tongue up her—"

"LA LA LA NOT LISTENING!"

Rosanna cackled. An actual, full-throated cackle that would’ve scandalized historians.

"I didn’t take you for being such a prude, darling. Sometimes it feels like you’re trying to pull me out of my ghostly little clothes, sometimes it feels like you go red at the mere mention of sex. Why is that?"

"I-I’m not a prude. It’s different when you just drop it like that..." Aegis blushed. "You caught me off guard." Aegis cleared her throat. "Anyway, speaking of the gala." Aegis desperately changed topics. "I’m not confident about the dancing."

Rosanna perked up immediately. Like a cat spotting a mouse.

"Dancing? Oh darling, no."

"What?"

"You can’t attend a gala without proper dancing skills!" She floated to her feet. "Absolutely not. Not on my watch."

"It’s not that bad—"

"Stand up."

"Rosanna—"

"Up!" The queen clapped her hands. "I was the finest dancer in three kingdoms. Four, if you count that underground dwarven rave."

"The what now?"

"Story for another time. Arms up!"

Before Aegis could protest, ghostly hands positioned her body. Rosanna pressed close behind, one hand on Aegis’s waist, the other lifting her arm.

"First rule: dancing is simply seduction with clothes on."

"That’s not—"

"Shush. Feel the rhythm." Rosanna swayed, guiding Aegis’s hips. "Every movement should promise things. Wicked things."

"EEK!"

She spun Aegis around, catching her in a dip.

"See? Already you’re blushing."

[Because you’re basically naked!]

"Now, the Valdrian Waltz." Rosanna pulled her back up. "Standard noble fare. Boring, but necessary."

They moved through the steps. Aegis stumbled twice before finding the rhythm.

"Better. But you’re too stiff." Rosanna’s hand slid lower on her waist. "Loosen up. Pretend you’re trying to seduce someone."

"I don’t have to pretend with you pressed against me."

"Ah, there’s the version of you that I like most again." Rosanna smiled. "Now, let me show you something more... interesting."

The dance changed. Became something liquid and heated. Rosanna’s movements were pure sin, each step designed to tantalize.

"This," she breathed against Aegis’s neck, "is the Midnight Sway. Banned in two kingdoms for obscenity."

"I can see why."

"Can you?" Rosanna dipped her again, deeper this time. Their faces inches apart. "The best part is the finale."

She rolled her hips.

Aegis’s brain short-circuited.

NEW TECHNIQUE LEARNED!

Art Performance Technique: Seductive Swing

Effect: Dramatically increases partner’s affection during dances

Warning: May cause public scandals

"And that," Rosanna straightened her definitely-not-covering-anything robe, "is how you conquer a ballroom."

"I think you just conquered me."

"Only think?" The queen laughed. "I must be losing my touch."

They practiced for another hour. By the end, Aegis could waltz, sway, and perform at least three moves that would make nobles faint.

"You’re a natural." Rosanna observed her handiwork. "Now go. Rest up for tomorrow. You’ll need energy for all the trouble you’re planning."

"What makes you think I’m planning trouble?"

"Darling." Rosanna grinned. "I can see it in your eyes."

[If only you knew.]

"Thanks for the lesson."

"Anytime. Perhaps next time we’ll work on the Empress’s Embrace. That one’s illegal in ALL kingdoms."

"Of course it is."

"Prudish laws." Rosanna waved dismissively. "No appreciation for art."

Aegis headed for the lift, legs still shaky from the "dancing."

"Oh, and darling?" Rosanna called after her. "Wear something scandalous tomorrow. Trust me."

[Like you’re one to talk about scandalous outfits!]

---

The next morning, Aegis’s dorm room was packed.

"Holy shit." Miheyra stared at the gown. "That’s... that’s what you’re wearing?"

"Too much?" Aegis held it up. The purple dress Lady Roseheart had gotten her.

"Too much?" Ellis pushed up her spectacles. "Aegis, that dress costs more than my family’s house."

"Lady Roseheart has good taste."

The gown was deep purple with silver embroidery. The neckline plunged dangerously. Slits ran up both sides to mid-thigh.

"You’ll cause riots," Tam whispered.

"That’s the plan."

"How did you even get an invitation?" Jona set down her ink pot. "We’re all commoners here."

"Saved a lady’s life, remember?" Aegis winked. "Pays to be in the right place at the right time."

[With the right future knowledge.]

"Still can’t believe you’re going." Miheyra sighed. "Dancing with nobles, eating fancy food..."

"Getting poisoned, probably." Ellis added helpfully.

"Aw, Ellis, you care!"

"I’m being realistic. Nobles don’t like commoners in their spaces."

"Good thing I’m very likeable."

Scarlett burst through the door without knocking.

"There she is! Let me see the—HOLY GODDESS."

Aegis turned and found Scarlett’s eyes practically bulging out of their sockets. Aegis grinned.

"Hi Scarlett."

"That dress is..." Scarlett’s mouth hung open. She was rather blatantly staring at Aegis’s tits.

[Good. I never had any in my previous life, I’m sure as fuck going to show the puppies off now.]

"You’re going to kill someone with that. Some old noble is gonna have a heart attack." Scarlett circled her. "Seriously. Fighting you would be impossible in that."

"No one’s fighting at a gala."

"You’ve never been to a noble party." Scarlett grinned. "Someone always ends up dueling. Usually over a girl."

"Speaking from experience?"

"Maybe." She winked. "Need help getting ready? I’m excellent with corsets."

"I bet you are."

"Ladies." Lune’s soft voice cut through. "Shouldn’t we head to breakfast?"

[We? Is she coming too?]

"You’re right." Aegis carefully hung the dress. "Can’t conquer a gala on an empty stomach."

---

The dining hall buzzed with excitement. Even nobles who usually ignored each other chatted about outfits and dance partners.

"Aegis!"

Liora waved from across the room. She practically glowed, clutching an envelope.

"Someone sponsored me!" She bounced on her toes. "I can attend the gala!"

"That’s amazing!" Aegis pulled her into a hug. "Who’s your sponsor?"

"I don’t know. The letter was anonymous." Liora showed her the elegant script. "Just said they admired my singing."

Aegis knew the answer to that question, of course.

[How endearing.]

"Mysterious." Aegis smiled. "What will you wear?"

"I... hadn’t thought that far." Liora’s excitement dimmed. "I don’t exactly have gala-appropriate clothes."

"We’ll figure something out."

"Really?"

"Trust me. You’ll be the belle of the ball."

[After me, obviously.]

"You’re too kind." Liora hugged her again. "I’m so nervous! What if I trip? What if no one dances with me?"

"Impossible. You’re too cute not to dance with."

Liora blushed crimson.

"Aegis!"

"What? It’s true."

Across the dining hall, Talia sat with her noble squad. She kept glancing Aegis’s way.

[The princess doth protest too much.]

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Dean Whitmore’s voice boomed. "The Annual Autumn Gala begins at sunset! Remember, proper attire is mandatory. Any student causing scandals will face consequences."

Several people looked directly at Aegis.

"Why is everyone staring at me?"

"Gee, I wonder." Scarlett snorted.

The crowd began dispersing. Students rushed off to prepare, gossip, or panic about dance partners.

"Eight hours." Aegis cracked her knuckles. "Time to get ready for war."

"It’s a party, not a battle." Liora laughed.

"Oh honey." Aegis patted her head. "In noble society? They’re the same thing."

---

As sunset approached, Rosevale transformed.

Fairy lights lined every pathway. Magical crystals floated overhead, casting rainbow patterns. The main ballroom’s doors stood open, revealing glimpses of gold and crystal.

Nobles arrived in carriages, each trying to outshine the last. Jewels glittered. Silk rustled. The air smelled of expensive perfume and barely concealed ambition.

Aegis stood at her window, fully dressed. The purple gown fit like it was painted on. Her hair was pinned up, showing off the Maid’s Earring. The Lover’s Ring gleamed on her finger.

"Ready?" Lune asked quietly.

She wore a simple but elegant black dress. Nothing flashy, but it suited her perfectly.

"You’re coming?"

"Of course," Lune adjusted her gloves. "I’m a minor noble."

[Right. I forgot, since she’s not in the game.]

"Well then." Aegis offered her arm. "Shall we scandalize some nobles?"

"Do we have a choice?"

"There’s always a choice." Aegis grinned. "But where’s the fun in being proper?"

They made their way to the ballroom. Other sponsored commoners walked in small groups, clearly nervous. The nobles swept past in clouds of arrogance and silk.

"Deep breath." Aegis squeezed Lune’s hand. "We belong here as much as them."

"Do we though?"

"Fake it till you make it, baby."

The ballroom doors loomed ahead. Music drifted out, along with laughter and the clink of glasses.

Behind those doors: nobles, rivals, love interests, and definitely some people planning her demise.

[Perfect.]

"Miss Starcaller! Miss Solana!" A herald called out. "Your invitations?"

Aegis produced hers with a flourish. Lune handed hers over quietly.

"Excellent. Enjoy the gala, ladies."

The doors opened fully.

Golden light spilled out. The ballroom was massive, with marble and crystal chandeliers as far as the eye could see. An orchestra played on a raised platform. Couples already swirled across the dance floor.

And there, by the punch bowl, Varyn Duskbane whispered furiously to three nobles. All of them stared at the entrance to the gardens.

[Right on schedule.]

"Shall we?" Aegis stepped forward.

Time to give them a show they’d never forget.