Chapter Text
Nico
Nico sat waiting in the shadows. His posture slumped slightly, a hand under his chin. Like always, because there wasn’t much to do. For hours, he would sit in the corner, invisible to the crowd, wondering why he had to be a prince and if he could get out of it.
Most people would take it for brooding, because it was expected for a prince of the Dark Kingdoms.
The Dark Kingdoms were the dark ones, as the name suggests.
Whoop whoop. Nico didn’t really care much for it. He did fit in with most people anyways, with his mysterious aura and uncanny ability to disappear into the dark.
It was where he belonged, the shadows embracing him as one of their own.
But when there was a party, Nico could always get up and join his citizens. After all, it was his kingdom. He belonged there, and he also fit in.
Well, everyone in the Dark Kingdoms anyway.
Whenever there was a party with more than one kingdom, Nico felt left out. Out of place. Lonely. You know, that one person who didn’t know how to have fun.
That’s why when he heard there would be another ball, Nico didn’t feel all that excited. Maybe he was just a little, slightly excited.
It wasn’t often when King Hadros decided to have some fun.
“What are you doing here?” A voice rang out. Nico jumped, then quickly plastered a neutral expression on his face. Heaven forbid anyone to show any emotion!
Bianca stepped into the room, eyes sparkling mischievously. She was Nico’s older sister, and Nico loved her. Bianca was one of the few people left who had a sense of humour. Well, humorous enough for the Dark Kingdoms. Although Nico couldn’t really be judging. He wasn’t really known for his funniness.
Nico shrugged. “Just… you know, hanging around.”
Bianca smiled slightly. “Hanging around, huh? You know, you have to get ready for the ball soon.”
Nico nodded, and turned to leave the room. Then stopped, because he realized he didn’t know which kingdom was invited over. Nico had to prepare small talk and jokes that the guests could actually understand.
He spun around again. “Which kingdom is it this time?” he asked.
It was Bianca’s time to shrug. “I heard… the Sun Kingdom or something?”
Nico’s eyes went wide, no time to squash down the emotions. “The Sun Kingdom?” he echoed. Well, guess he was dead for the small talk.
No one ever went into the Sun Kingdom. They’ve been at war for years.
Nico wasn’t even sure what started it, but that didn’t matter, because what mattered was the war.
The endless politics, non-negotiable truths, and the broken alliances. They had tried to have peace a few times, but it always ended in arguments and an all new battle.
And all of it would be forgotten for the sake of a ball?