The Lukus City Ball

Noone hated going to balls, mostly because he hated dancing, and never felt like he belonged. In fact, it was part of the reason he was so hesitant to go, but as his wife, and empress I made him take me. The ball was in a church in Lukus City. The pews were arranged next to the walls so that the floor could be used to dance on. The ceiling was super tall. In fact, several Gas Elemental Sorcerers were dancing in the air. They looked like ants and several of them looked like fuzzy objects. There were thousands of guests ranging from highly decorated soldiers to well-known nobles from several foreign countries. There were more nobles there than I had ever seen in one place. After talking with some of his war buddies Noone grabbed my hand and asked the question I'd been waiting to hear for the last several days: "Will you dance with me?" he asked in the most awkward voice I've heard from him.

As we danced he started to whisper so close to my ear that it sent chills down my neck. "How do you feel about me invading Kamo?" he asked. "You plan on taking Kamo City then? That will be no easy feat." I said. "That doesn't answer my question," he responded. "I know, I'm just making sure you know that," I said. "I do know, hence why I'm asking you," he said. "Why are you asking here and now?" I asked. "Because, I want to declare it either tonight or tomorrow night, but I want your approval. I also know my armies need rest, however, I believe with such powerful people in this room I can tell them the next phase of my plans," he said. "Ah, yes the plans for your Chrissten Empire, your new Nocee Empire. May I ask what you plan to say?" I asked. "You may." He said. I giggled. "I wish to know what you plan to say to all these fine nobles and soldiers," I said. "I plan on saying the following: Females and males of all races, I Emperor Noone wish to invade Kamo and lay siege to Kamo City. I know how daunting of a task that is and I know it will take considerable resources as well as male and magic power to complete, but I assure you I have a plan, a backup plan, and a backup for the backup. If you do not believe me, my recent success in overthrowing my king was swift and I have brought order and justice to my country. If that is not enough I am the prophetic hero who would conquer Kamo and all its neighbors. My wish to you is that your gold, faith, and minds, are to help make these prophecies come true. You would go into history as people remembered for generations and not some random names on a scroll or tablet. This is your chance to leave a legacy that can never be recreated." he said. "I'm impressed you memorized all of it," I said. "I didn't, I improvised it," he said. "No, you did not. You've been reciting that in your head for several nights haven't you? Plus I know when you "Improvise" You mask confidence,, that you forgot to wear it. " I asked. "Only some parts, the rest need a bit of work, which is why I need your advice and counsel, Also if you can help me look more confident and comfortable that would be great. I still don't feel like I can relate to these rich folk like I can with you or my soldiers," he said. "Well firstly, I don't believe you give enough reassurance to anyone who doubts your abilities. Secondly, these people have already carved a pretty good legacy. What these people is either more wealthy or something entertaining." I said. "What does your last point mean? I thought you didn't speak noble or royal?" he asked. "I don't, but I've gotten better. Remember I've grown up around them constantly coming to my parents' house I've picked up on what they value, and what they value is money, power, and influence. None of which you promise. They want to shape the world in their image because they believe they not only think they can but believe it's their right to do so. They are reliant on their blessings and could care less about the people who were born beneath them unless those beneath them " I answered. '"So I have to play into their desires?" he asked. "Yes, however, you can't make it obvious. It would make you seem desperate and weak." I said. "Don't be obvious got it," he repeated. "Maybe we should write this tomorrow morning. I can't recall the last we shared a bed," he said. I giggled again. The last thing I was expecting was for the ball to get him in the mood. I didn't know if it was the wine, the conversation, the pride, or if it was all of the above. Until he kissed me. This cleared my mind "I don't think this is the right time or place. Why don't we go to our room" So we went to our rooms and let's just say love won that night.

The next day we wrote his speech and on the second night of the ball, we danced once again. I helped him rehearse his speech and finalized the details, and then the moment came. I stood in the crowd as Noone and a dwarf noble went up toward where the music played. When the music died down the dwarf noble went on stage. "Females and males of all races, Emperor Noone wishes to speak to you." he bowed in Noone's direction and left the stage. Noone took his place and began his speech.

"I know that my recent feats may have disrupted many lives. I also know that many here lost friends and family. Some of you I know are thinking of bailing out of my cause due to misfortune, and wish for security and peace. Some of you are only supporting my cause because you are bored or want more of what you have. I know this comes off as condescending, but I plan on invading Kamo and laying siege to Kamo." before Noone could continue the crowd went into an uproar. Several people booed him, while others were hushing the other side. Noone continued "Please bear with me for just a few moments. Kamo City has the same evils in its government I rebelled against. I only wish to share this with them. Their people have no idea of the peace and prosperity they could be living in because the royals wish to keep them in the dark. However, you've seen what happens when such power is left unchecked. You all know when the common man suffers it eventually makes the nobles suffer. You decided to support me in one way or another. To which you will be rewarded greatly. Not just with more wealth than you could possibly imagine, not just with power that makes today's kings seem insignificant, and not just influence many would kill to have, but to know that the Nocee Empire would not exist without you. To know that all the investments paid off. To know that helping the Nocee Empire would mean freedom to the common man, and security to the noble. To know the class war will end with the Nocee Empire and I continue to spread this message and prove its worth by taking Kamo and bringing it to its knees." The crowd became divided between boos and howls as Noone left the stage. The musicians started playing again. Noone came to me and asked, "How was it? ". "Sadly not as good as I hoped. I guess much of it sounded better in my head." I answered with much disappointment in my voice. "I figured. I hate making these speeches anyway. Do you want one more dance, or do you want to leave?" he asked. "Wow, two dances in one night? Who are you and what have you done with my husband?" I asked giggling. We danced as the nobles argued, and the soldiers got drunk. Many tried to ask Noone questions, but he refused to answer. His eyes never left mine. Until he left for Kamo.