The night of the ball was one of your least favorite events. Your parents had required you to come since you were the sole heir to the throne and your attendance would be expected.

The thing that saved the evening was Deuce, the young knight who had been charged with keeping you safe when you both were in your late teens.

He approached you early, his armor gone and replaced with a nice black and blue "musketeer" and a blade mask with a lace spade detail over his left eye.

"Your Majesty."