Chapter 01: The First Night
A roar of laughter erupted from deep within the maze that was darkening by the shadows from the dusking sky. Splashing water from the fountain’s center added to the symphony of joy in the middle of the maze. Interested in the joyous group enjoying the early evening away from the first night of the ball, a man drawn by the sounds smiled in anticipation as he approached. As he rounded the last corner, he stopped and sucked in a breath before the site he spotted could steal it from his lips.
The most ethereal view played out in front of his eyes. What he could only describe as a group of the most beautiful fairies were playing together in the red and gold glow of the setting sun, their forms outlined against the encroaching night. Water droplets sprayed out as they danced in the fountain, catching the last few rays of daylight and creating a look of drops of gold flowing up from the ground.
The eldest of the females had picked up a young boy and swung him around as he giggled with full belly laughs. A younger female ran around the inside of the fountain as it rained down from the sprout above, kicking water toward anyone she passed as her head was thrown back with pure delight. Others were all grouped up, dancing with one another inside the fountain. The scene was pure delight, a private celebration away from the formalities of the ball.
His gaze settled on a young man, beautiful beyond words, dancing with a grace that captivated him, who danced lightly and spun around a young girl with identical looks in an attempt to trot with clothes damp and weighted down. The young man moved effortlessly, his laughter filling the air. His soft, powdered peony-pink hair glistened from the water spray, and his eyes were like a bouquet of lilacs and strawberries decorated with pearls. His lilac silk shirt clung to his chest, left partially transparent, yet his deep purple lace cape flowed as if untouched by the elemental restrictions.
Drawn in by this magnificent sight, the man unknowingly continued to walk forward as he marveled in awe. The young man dancing was mid-spin when he noticed the stranger approaching with a gentle smile, enjoying the fest of fun before him. So the young man smiled brightly back and held out his hand.
“Care for a dance?” His voice rang like a clear bell toward the spectator. As if bewitched, he didn’t think twice as he removed his shoes, clutched onto the young man’s hand, and stepped into the fountain to join the festivities. His hand immediately circled the tiny waist of this beautiful creature before him, and together, they moved in unison. Water splashed around them as they twirled, creating a mesmerizing spectacle.
An ecstatic chortle escaped the fairy man’s lips, and the stranger let out a chuckle himself as he lifted the young man into the air on their next spin. A few objects on the side of the fountain they spun past caught his eye, and he looked down only to see an extensive collection of opened bottles of wine. The young man also looked over with a smile and guided the man over to a seat on the edge.
“Let’s have a break and enjoy a few drinks,” he joked as he handed a bottle to the handsome specter. As he took a large sip from the champagne bottle in his hand, a few drops missed his lips and dribbled down. The other man reflectively reached out and wiped it with his thumb as if memorized, then licked his thumb clean. The younger one cleared his throat shyly as he opened his mouth. “Call me Kai.”
“I’m Enchanted to meet you, Kaisan. Call me Rhae,” the handsome spectator replied. His rich black-grown hair looked warmer in the sun’s last light setting behind the hedges, and his teal eyes were illuminated by the light reflecting off the water.
“My sisters and cousins. We get so tired of the ball, and it’s not fun for the young ones. Plus, with how warm it gets in the ballroom, it’s nice to cool off here out of sight but still close enough to hear the music playing over the garden.” Kasan smiled a broad and toothy grin, then looked back at the chaos still taking place in the fountain. Rhae placed back towards the ball and nodded in understanding. He looked back at Kaisan and just watched Kaisan’s facial expressions as he watched his family have their own private ball, leaving him with an insatiable feeling.
“Would you like to explore the maze with me?” Rhae asked as he took a dip from a red wine bottle, staring intently into Kaisan’s eyes with his hooded. Kaisan’s eyes darted to Rhae’s and stared back with the same intensity before smirking. He grabbed a fresh bottle of champagne, stood up, and held out his hand. Rhae smiled so widely that dimples appeared and entwined his hand into Kaisan’s. They both darted off into the darkness of the maze together before the others noticed. As they rounded a corner, Rhae pulled Kaisan up against him, and they both had a slight fit of giggles.
After a moment, they both stopped and breathlessly stared at each other. Rhae leaned forward and rested his forehead on Kai’s. Kai shyly looked away and shook his head.
“Not here; too open,” he whispered as he glanced at Rhae’s lips. Rhae nodded and impatiently looked around.
“Let’s walk around a bit more then since the night is still young,” Rhae whispered in response. Kai gave a toothy grin and pulled at Rhae’s elbow, leading him through the maze.
“Let’s get closer to the music!” Kaisan gave a bit of a skip and continued to pull Rhae behind him in a hurry. “I want to dance some more!” Rhae watched him from behind, not minding being pulled into the unknown as the hedges towered above them both as they drew closer to the sound of the band playing like a siren call. The elongated shadows and lights of the dancing figures inside the ballroom were cast over the maze as far-off conversations buzzed through the open terrace windows.
Rhae would let his little fairy take him into the abyss with how enchanted he was, his heart pounding in utter excitement at their secret adventure as they laughed with every stumble from the impatience. The air was heavy with humidity, and the last warmth slipped into the night; their laughter hung around them, creating a magical essence. Both their eyes lit up with glee. They finally found an open enough space, and Rhae immediately took the lead - pulling Kaisan into a tight embrace as they started their waltz in perfect harmony as if they’d been dancing together their entire lifetime.
The music was carried over their surroundings, washing over them like a tidal wave as if they were back at the fountain. The moment was only them, no past or future, no responsibilities - only the intoxication they feel from each other - two souls absorbed in the magic of their meeting. As they started to tire from their dance, they paused to enjoy the quiet beauty of their moment alone once more. Their thumping hearts beat in unison, warmth transferred between the two, their mingled scents lingering as a silent promise of a long adventure to come.
Rhae gave a soft smile and gently brushed a hair behind Kaisan’s ear, his tender touch lingering on his skin. He slid his hand to Kaisan’s shoulder and down his arm until he reached his hand and entwined their fingers. A soft blush spread across Kaisan’s cheeks, his gaze shyly meeting Rhae’s. Their eyes, deeply looking at each other, drew closer as their lips crashed together, and they knew this was only the beginning of their journey with one another.
“Tell me everything about yourself,” Rhae whispered into Kaisan’s stained red ears. He shivered in response and picked up the champagne bottle he had previously put down before the dance.
“Well, there’s a lot I can’t tell you yet, but I’ll share what I can.” He threw over his shoulder as he sat down against the hedge, looking up at the tips of the ballroom window that he could see from over the bushes.
“That’ll do for now.” Rhae smiled in response, smiling and sitting beside him, placing his hand on Kaisan’s. As they took turns sipping from the bottle, they shared stories and dreams, weaving together a moment like a tapestry they felt would depict them forever as everything around them seemed to fade into a hazy blur. As they leaned against each other, they shared a more gentle kiss. Kaisan’s hands rested on Rhae’s chest while Rhae held Kaisan’s face firmly, his fingers stroking it. Kaisan let out a shaky breath.
“Shall we head inside?” He whispered as he shyly nudged his head into the crook of Rhae’s neck, his breath creating goosebumps along Rhae’s collarbone. Both their heartbeats sped up, air caught in their lungs. Rhae looked down at him through the corner of his eyes, bit his lip, and nodded. He swiftly stood up and pulled Kaisan up along with him. He once again took the lead and, with a quick pace, led them out of the maze and towards the guest palace where the nobles stayed during the week-long celebration.
