[center][h3][color=93a477]Zarai[/color] [color=silver]&[/color] [color=F4BC5E]Layla[/color][/h3]
[color=93a477][b]Time:[/b][/color] [color=F4BC5E]Evening[/color]
[color=F4BC5E][b]Location:[/b][/color] [color=93a477]Calbert's Estate[/color][/center][hr]

[color=silver]Zarai would never forget the shine of her hair. Even here in the dim light of the chandeliers, she could see the cascade of black shine brighter than any gem she’d seen before. She squealed into the fan and rubbed her cheeks. So beautiful! How could a living person be so perfect? Ignoring the judgmental looks that were shot her way, Zarai cleared her throat and gathered herself before picking up her skirts and strutting toward Shehzadi Layla.

[color=93a477]“It is a beautiful night, made only more beautiful by your presence.”[/color] Zarai used her fan to hide the lower portion of her face, just for good measure. [color=93a477]“You look absolutely stunning, my lady.”[/color] She lowered her fan briefly to curtsy low. Low enough to show off the shimmer powder she’d used on her chest. 

Layla couldn’t help but stare at her. The way the dress hugged her body and the mane of red hair around her face. Her breath caught, and it wasn’t until she was coming closer, did she remember to breathe. A haughty smirk accompanied her expression as she eyed her up and down. This was real, right? It was quiet around her. The obnoxious vampiric guests weren’t audible to her. It was as if her heart was in her stomach. 

[color=F4BC5E]”Hey little red.”[/color] Layla greeted Zarai with amusement. She watched her curtsy. Her gaze followed her and took in the sight. Then, she turned away at the last second and waited for her to straighten up. [color=F4BC5E]”Nice costume. It seems someone genius thought of it, no?”[/color] She teased and curtsied herself in Alidasht fashion, far more politely than she had greeted anyone else, and then lingered for a second. She straightened up after a moment and smirked down at her. [color=F4BC5E]”It would be unfair for us to keep our outfits to ourselves. We are the best looking of course,”[/color] 

Zarai’s smile widened at the new nickname Layla had so graciously bestowed upon her. If she had a tail, she’d be wagging it happily right now. [color=93a477]“The genius is the one who thought of this.”[/color] She motioned to Layla’s whole person. The dress was a work of art by itself, but with Layla in it, it was a masterpiece. Would Layla stand for her if Zarai offered to paint her?

[color=93a477]“It’d be a crime against the gods not to show off your beauty, Your Highness.”[/color] But sinning came just as easy as breathing to Zarai, and all she wanted to do now was take her away. 

She gestured to the door and offered her arm to Zarai; once she accepted, she headed to the door. However, she paused as she noticed an older regal couple that looked as if they might cause one of them to trip and glared daggers at them through her mask. The couple blinked with surprise, then abruptly moved out of their way. Layla smirked and led Zarai into the Damien Estate. [color=F4BC5E][i]If someone makes me fall, I will ruin their fucking life.[/i][/color] 

Zarai scoffed at the couple, recognizing them instantly.  Lord and Lady Kartz, members of nobility from Poerto Vira. Lady Kartz had been her governess for three years. The woman had her mother’s blessings when it came to discipline. Zarai’s calves had never been redder during those years.

As they walked by, Zarai gracefully kicked Lady Kartz’s knee, making the woman stumble forward and into another masked couple in front of them. Her giggles almost drowned out the [i]whore[/i] that came out of that woman’s mouth.

Layla looked around the grand hall with bemusement. Her gaze scanned very intricate detail, down to the polished floor. [color=F4BC5E][i]This will have to do I guess.[/i][/color] She turned as the crowd began watching both of them. With Layla’s darker complexion compared to Zarai’s paler one, it was unmistakable she was one of the Shehzadi. With a sigh, she ignored the onlookers and turned instead to gaze at her partner. [color=F4BC5E]”I think it’s obvious we’re the best dressed,”[/color] Layla whispered to Zarai as she scanned the room for the food table. 

Her gaze slipped over some of the other guests; there was a man dressed as a wolf, a …raven it appeared, a butterfly girl and a lion. Amusement spread over her like wildfire as she realized just [i]who[/i] the butterfly girl may have been. As long as the ridiculous duo didn't bother her, overcome near her and her date, she would leave them be. Her gaze moved away from the guests and onto a corner of the room where the food table appeared. Were those…crab legs? 

Layla grinned and nudged Zarai gently as she gestured to it. [color=F4BC5E]”Hungry? I bet you’re working up an appetite looking like a five course meal.”[/color] Her voice was teasing as she turned away with a haughty smirk. [color=F4BC5E]”We can sit away from all these clumsy looking people and eat in peace. It doesn’t look crowded yet. And judge them from afar.”[/color] Layla chortled to herself as she glanced over some of the guests' appearances. 

[color=93a477]“I am hungry…”[/color] Zarai hummed, returning the haughty smirk. [color=93a477]“But I’ll be sure to leave enough room for a dessert.”[/color] Her eyes ravished the beauty of the woman next to her with hungry eyes for a second before she remembered who exactly she was staring at. No matter how often she blinked, Layla was still there in all her glory. And no less attached to her by the arm. 

Zarai led the way, glaring through her mask at anyone who dared to stand in their way. If only Fritz could see her right now parading around the ball with a shehzadi in her arm. Would he be impressed? She looked around briefly, almost in hopes of spotting his raven hair. 

Layla chortled and nodded in agreement. Saving room for dessert would be wise. Whenever she caught Zarai staring, Layla would smirk. They were receiving plenty of stares, and for good reason. While they strode through the room, she also glared at anyone and noticed people parted out of their way which caused her great amusement.

[color=93a477]“Did you see the woman at the entrance? The one with the peacock feathers? What a mess. It looks like the poor bird was shot down right on top of her.”[/color] Zarai said once they arrived at the food tables. [color=93a477]“Thank goodness she is wearing a mask, or she’d be shamed for such a crime against fashion.”[/color]

Once they reached the table, laughter bubbled out of Layla’s mouth. [color=F4BC5E]”I did see! The poor thing. That poor peacock deserved better. I wonder if we should invite her over out of pity?”[/color] She sat down and pulled out the seat for Zarai and studied her gently. Her hair looked beautiful and silky, and the red mane complimented her beautifully. 

With her heart racing, Layla glanced around and noticed her sister, but didn’t acknowledge her. Instead, she turned back to Zarai and snapped her fingers as waiters rushed over to serve them. [color=F4BC5E]”My dear Rai, what would you like?”[/color] 

[i]You.[/i] Zarai cleared her throat, pushed those thoughts away, and ordered a few crab legs instead of the whole plate she’d wished to have. It’d probably put Layla off if she witnessed Zarai devouring a whole plate of crab legs, so for now, that would have to wait. Maybe she could sneak off and grab a few extra ones. 

[color=93a477]“And a double whiskey on the rocks.”[/color] Nothing like some liquid courage to help with the lack of Alidashtian herbs. After she was done, she watched Layla as she ordered. The glistening of the dress reflected off her rich skin. It almost looked like she was sparkling herself under the candlelight. How could someone look so perfect without even trying? 

Layla grinned at her response - crab legs were an excellent choice. She ordered crab legs as well, along with shrimp and marinara sauce. She also ordered hibiscus iced tea along with vodka and cranberry. She watched as the waiter moved away and glanced at Zarai. Her ginger hair was beautiful, sleek and shiny. Her petite frame next to her taller one was amusing to her as well. 

Zarai couldn’t stop staring at Layla. Perfect in every way. The way she spoke, the way she moved, and even the way she ordered people around was so captivating. As soon as Layla looked back at her, Zarai flashed a wide grin. [color=93a477]“Would you like to dance? After this, I mean, not like right now. Unless you’d want to, but then the food would get cold. So after?”[/color] [i]So smooth, Zarai.[/i]

[color=F4BC5E]”Of course.”[/color] Layla grinned and leaned over to her. She eyed the dancefloor pitifully and glanced at her with the utmost confidence and haughtiness. [color=F4BC5E]”Dancing is my specialty.”[/color] She moved over and brushed a piece of red hair out of her eyes. [color=F4BC5E]”We’ll put these pathetic people to shame.”[/color] 

Gods be forsaken for creating such a beautiful woman. Fuck them for making her so irresistibly and intimidatingly confident. The hair on the back of her hair stood when she felt her skin grace against her own, and a tingle made her back straighten up. Zarai couldn’t think being so close to Layla, and fuck was it annoying. She wanted to ask her things! Her favorite color, her favorite foods, her favorite positions– Zarai pinched herself discreetly and smiled at Layla. 

[color=93a477]“Yes! They’ll be green with envy when they see us strutting and spinning like majestic birds!”[/color] Really, she should just do what her mother said. [i]Calladita te ves mas bonita[/i].

[color=93a477]“So, will you and your siblings stay here all season?”[/color] Zarai finally managed to ask after going in circles in her mind. “

Layla could not help but admire Zarai. Her ginger hair was gorgeous against her red dress and framed her beautifully. It was a wonder how she agreed to be with someone like her. Someone as icy and cold as her. Someone as perfect as her deserved the world, the universe, and Layla promised herself she would provide that.

[color=F4BC5E]”Most definitely.”[/color] She grinned and nodded to Zarai. [color=F4BC5E]”We are here for the season, those of us who remain anyway.”[/color] She watched the dancers briefly then turned to see what appeared to be her sister mingling through the crowd. With a smirk she turned back to Zarai as the waiter arrived with their food. She smiled and began piling up her food as she glanced at her. [color=F4BC5E]“Ready to eat, Mi amour?”[/color] 

Zarai wanted to inquire about the dinner she’d heard about. Had food and plates really been thrown as she had heard some of the maids whisper? Had Shehzadi Mayet really hit on Count Vikena and thrown that machete when she was rejected? Zarai wiggled in her seat, trying to form those questions, but as soon as the smell of food hit her nose, everything washed away from her mind. 

[color=93a477]“Yes!”[/color] She grinned at Layla, not bothering to hide the blush of her cheeks at the pet name. 

Was this real? Had she really captured the attention of THE Shehzadi Layla? Or was this just a ploy? Her chest tugged harshly, and her smile wavered as she loaded her plate with crab legs. Could this just be for her own amusement? What princess would want to be around some loose woman? Did Layla only see her as that? Did everyone? 

Zarai tried to seek comfort in the ample supply of delicious mouth-watering crab legs, but no matter how much butter she poured, the queasiness of doubt continued to bubble in her stomach.

Layla smirked at the blush that appeared on Zarai’s cheeks at the mention of the pet name. She wanted to say more, but the aroma of food wafted over her. She began eating hungrily and her gaze wandered over to the dance floor. She watched as people danced and raised her eyebrows. Their traditions were peculiar; she wondered who had invented their dance moves. Then, remembering Edin ran this crappy country, laughed into her crab legs. 

It was then she noticed how quiet Zarai had become and glanced over at her. [color=F4BC5E]”Mi amour?”[/color] Layla inquired and tried her best to not let her frown become visible. Lest her guards knew, the better. [color=F4BC5E]”Something amiss, Mi Amour?”[/color] They may not have been close yet, however Layla could tell something was wrong. [color=F4BC5E]”Is the food not satisfactory?”[/color]

Had Zarai begun to wonder if she could find a better partner? Was she eating too noisily? Hafiz had always chastised her about the way she ate….. 

Zarai was quick with a reassuring smile and a shake of her head, “Well, I suppose the food is a tad too salty for my tastes, but that’s Caesonian cuisine for you.” Her eyes wandered to the side of Layla, her smile wavering again for a split second. 

Layla scrutinized her and then decided not to push it. If Zarai wanted to speak her mind, then she would. She set her hands and wiped them off with a napkin. Then, she reached over and took her spare hand, not caring if it was dirty. [color=F4BC5E]”I can bitch out the chief should you want me too.”[/color] Her voice was teasing, but earnest. [color=F4BC5E]”And if you want to dance, then we shall dance.”[/color] She released her hand and then went back to eating, albeit self consciously, and making sure to be extra polite. 

[color=93a477]“While it might be fun to complain to the chef, I would not like to keep you from enjoying the rest of the ball. Besides, the butter makes up for it!”[/color] Zarai rubbed her thumb over the spot Layla had held her hand. She did not wish to be a bother to the Shehzadi, nor a burden. In a quick flash, Zarai finished the rest of her crab legs with the graces of a starved child, shoving the meat into her already bulging cheeks, and stood from her seat. With one gulp, she downed her whiskey and turned to Layla. 

[color=93a477]“Your Royal Highness, sharing a meal with you was lovely.”[/color] Zari curtsied in a hurried way, her eyes down, worried she would see the displeasure on Layla’s face. “I hope you can forgive my hasty departure, and I hope you will dance with me in the future– but I think I might be needed elsewhere.” Without giving Layla much time to respond, Zarai hurried away from the tables, hands fumbling to pull out something from one of her hidden pockets.[/color]