Fire Tongue

Chapter Three

Hadrian arrived at the Masquerade Ball, stepping into the high ceiling ball room. He looked around quickly spotting his Uncle and Cousin at the small buffet that was set up along the right wall. People were already dancing on the circular platform with partners. He looked up at the vaulted ceiling with a large chandelier burning brightly with candles. Along the back wall of the high platform were eight thrones. Each one made for one of the royal family.

The eighth throne reserved for Jasper's wife when he found one. Silence fell over the ballroom as the royals came from the door to the right. First was King Carlisle followed by his gentle wife Queen Esme. Lord Prince Emmet came second, his arm wrapped around the tall blonde beauty Lady Rosalie; they were followed by Prince Edward and his young fiancée Lady Alice.

Hadrian gasped as the next royal came into the light. It was the blonde male he had run into no more than a week ago in the town plaza. He was tall like his second eldest brother, Edward. His blonde hair fell to his shoulders and his honey gold eyes shined. He was dressed in a creamy white suit that was truly elegant. Hadrian couldn't take staring at the beautiful blonde and slipped out onto the marble balcony that looked out onto the large rose garden and The Angel Fountain. He sat down on one o the benches staring up at the stars.

"Why do you sit alone?"

The voice startled him causing him to turn to stare at the young Prince Jasper. Hadrian stuttered lightly, "It was too crowded and I wished for some air my prince."

The blonde prince smiled softly before seating himself next to the masked man, "Then I shall join you till you wish to return to the Ball"

The emerald eyed teen stared at the Prince in shock, "My Prince won't your subjects worry as to where you have gone?"

"Nonsense I am the Prince I do as I wish. Let them worry for once."

"Yes my Prince"

Jasper turned tipping the boys face up, "May I have a name and face to your pretty voice"

A small smile slipped onto petal pink lips, "My name My Lord is Hadrian but my face is yours to wonder"

"Hadrian. Such a lovely name, for one with such a beautiful voice. Now your face intrigues me more. Show it to me little one or force the mask off, I shall."

Hadrian sighed softly, "My Prince though I wish to, I know I cannot tonight. For it is tradition for the mask to stay until the second"

"Then tomorrow my Hadrian you face I shall see and your secret shall be mine alone to keep"

"My Prince if you must wait for the third please I beg unto thee."

"I shall heed your plight and wait another night. We shall meet once more upon this stone shell. Your mask gone from my sight so that I may gaze unto your lovely face"

"Then the third we shall wait. Now I must go for my home beckons me."

Hadrian rushed from the stone balcony and rushed to the house he called home. Hiding the ball robes once more deep within the trunk. He then headed to the kitchen settling into the rocking chair just as the door banged open and shut. Looking up he saw Dudley trudge off to his room with his furious uncle behind him. Then his Aunt Petunia came strutting in; her face streaked with tears. She whirled on Hadrian and back handed him, "It's your entire fault boy! If you had sewn my Duddykins clothes better then the Prince would never had left the ball room! I will show you where you belong once and for all!" She reached out and grabbed him roughly around the throat. Even though she was a thin woman she still had strength he did not. She threw him onto the ground knocking his head onto the edge of the counter, "Next time do not disobey me!" She stomped off to her chambers to be with her husband. Leaving Hadrian to tend to the now, growing bump on his head.

The next morning Hadrian awoke early in order to begin his morning chores of milking the cow and feeding the chickens before starting on breakfast. He wiped down the counters before lighting the small fire stove to begin on the salted bacon. Retrieving the eggs he set them on the counter burning his small wrist in the process. He hissed and held it under water for a few minutes before turning to the fire to begin the pot for morning tea. He was unaware of the broom handle coming towards him until it collided with his back causing him to fall forward and his left hand to fall into the flames. Hadrian screamed pulling back the burnt hand only to feel a swift kick to his ribs. He looked up to see a smirking Dudley walking out of the kitchen. That's when he knew that today was going to be a painful one.