Charmer (MxM)

CHAPTER 11

Prince Akemi Zarka to Return to Court. Celebratory Ball Announced:

Marking the return of Prince Akemi Zarka, the second son of the Zarka Royal family, an extravagant ball is to be thrown celebrating his return. Prince Akemi (27) has spent the longest time in the history of the Trials preparing for his exam. The trials, taking place anywhere between two years and six have taken Prince Akemi ten. Rendering him the holder of the longest time spent in the Undarke. It is a shocking revelation as the Prince had been thought to have been sent to Araani as an ambassador for this duration. It is noteworthy that Prince Kaito Zarka, Prince Akemi's younger brother, holds the opposite record. The record of the shortest amount of time spent in the Undarke before passing their exams. Having trained for only a year Kaito passed with a near perfect score on his first try, a feat unheard of in the past. While Akemi has passed his exams, clearly otherwise he would not be permitted entry to court, it is unknown why it took the Prince so long, nor is it known how many times he has had to endure the Trial. It goes to show just how dedicated the royal family is to preserve their control over their abilities in order to keep us, their people, safe. We thank Akemi for his service and wish him the best of luck with his life at court and hope that he can adjust as smoothly as possible. The celebration of his return will be a patronage of the arts, falling in line with Akemi's belief that art equates to happiness. Noted musicians from all over the country are bound to show up, starring unknown composer, Atlas Volkov, while being supported by the very well-known Xavier Calais. The Reaux pianist has publicly stated that he is excited to support new talent and is pleased to have the pressure of headlining alleviated for an event. No contact has been made with Lord Atlas Volkov and the public remains curious as to if the elusive musician will rise to the job at hand...

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Excerpt from the Reinkei Weekly, Issue 413

Illeach, 2, 07422

Atlas stood in the wings of the makeshift stage as he tightened his grip on the neck of his violin, taking comfort from the familiar feel of his instrument. The smooth bleached wood and the rigidity of the ivory, a comfortable weight in his hand, an extension of himself.

"You'll be fine." Came Rion's voice, calming and soft. She stood a little way behind him, her eyes trained onto his betraying her concern as she tried to appear confident in his abilities.

"Just like we practiced, okay?" She rested her hand on his shoulder cautiously, allowing him the space to shrug her off if he wasn't in the mood to be touched. But Rion knew him well enough to tell when to avoid contact. Now was not one of those times.

At her touch a tiny bit of tension was released from Atlas's back as he drew strength from her stability.

"It'll be fine." He repeated.

"If you can just focus on me. I'll be in the second row."

Being an Aristocrat of royal lineage, Rion was allowed to be placed in such a position of honor. It bodes well for Atlas that she was sitting so close to the front. But from his limited experience performing the spotlight tended to be a tad too bright to make out any specific faces in the crowd.

"And now, our headlining performer. In honor of Prince Akemi Zarka's return, may I present Atlas Volkov. A woman in a black suit bearing a red tie announced. A Damhair working at the palace, Atlas figured.

A silence fell across the room as the guests waited patiently.

Rion gave Atlas's shoulder a quick squeeze. "You'll kill it." She promised him with a wink before stepping back and quietly making her way to her seat.