I heard quiet comments ripple through the crowds as I made my way through the ballroom, my eyes dancing around easily as I took it all in. My party, my grand scheme, it was almost complete. Now all I needed was the Army to take the bait, and the chess game would finally begin.
“My, Jade really does look beautiful tonight, doesn’t she?” I heard from a man, to which a girl responded, “Yeah, she really is sublime.” I smirked slightly as I made my way to a table with all sorts of refreshments laid, picking up a small glass with bubbling champagne in it. As I took a small sip, my mind slipped out, entering everyone’s at once, catching every thought.
Jade looks more stoic than usual, I guess she’s trying to pull her masks again... I heard the single thought and turned to the carrier, catching the Main Guard’s eye. As soon as he met my cold stare, he got my succinct message, swallowed and turned away, trying to join in with an amiable conversation some people were having by him. A girl, elegantly dressed in a green dress, appeared by my side, munching on some crackers and cheese.
“What angle are you trying to play at, Jade?” She asked, some crumbs on her black lips. I merely smiled and took another sip, closing my eyes. “Ah, Leatrin. I’m only playing with my pawns. Notice how I didn’t invite many important pieces to the party?” They all surmise it’s for fun... She scoffed, lifting another cracker to her lips.
“Of course I did; not even Nate is here. Which is why I’m asking, what angle are you getting at with all this?” I finished off my glass and dropped it, hearing the usually strident shatter muffled by the music in the room.
“Bear with me, you’ll see. It’s all laid out.” Leatrin sighed, crossed her arms, turned. “You never tell me your plans.” She walked away, and I stepped over my broken glass, tapping a small button on my wrist. As the music slowed to a stop, I felt a small chip in the back of my throat turn on and my voice projected.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming out tonight to join me at my nineteenth birthday party. I hope you’ll all bare your souls tonight as we drink and dance, because you’ve all worked hard for a night such as this.” People started clapping and I let them carry out their applause before they quieted down.
“Now,” I sensed them walk in; the Army, Elizabeth, Beatrix, Tyler, Hank, Anthony, they slowly walked in. I caught Elizabeth's eye, and smiled wickedly. “Let’s all give a round of applause for our special guests, the Army!”
Just a little bonus, here's the dress Jade would be wearing at the ball:
she's such a babe ovo
