Alliance

Chapter Twenty-Seven

The ballroom was the largest one in the Palace. It was also the most stunning. The walls were gold accented with red tapestries. Two large chandeliers washed the floor with a glow. On either side of the long dance floor were long tables with chairs. Food already covered them and the smell was delicious as it met us on the grand staircase.

Many people mingled about. The whole room was filled with chatter as the orchestra played a lively tune in the front of the hall.

"This is incredible," I said.

Above me, Ben just scanned the ballroom warily. "It is," he stated. He guided me down the stairs as I looked about. There were so many people already here in beautiful gowns and sharp suits. I spotted Anthony in a corner with a group of young people holding court. Well, he was in his element.

We stopped at the drinks table where several drinks were being offered by servants. "Have you ever had wine before?" Ben asked. He scanned the drinks as I shook my head. Alcohol took money. Money Dad and I didn't have. I had moonshine that one of my father's boat hands had made but I got ill from drinking it. I wasn't drunk, I was genuinely sick from drinking it with the rest of the crew.

Ben handed me a glass, "Okay, good. There's some here, but I would recommend the sparkling white grape juice. One drink for you and I bet you'll be buzzed."

"Ben!" We both turn to see an Alliance officer escape the crowd. One whom I did not recognize but he looked young, probably Ben's age. They had a warm welcome as I stood to the side. "I need to speak with you for a few minutes," the officer said and I tried not to grimace. Before Ben turned to me I knew he was going to ask if I would be alright standing alone at a ball where I knew no one.

"Go ahead, I'll wait here."

I watched Ben and the officer disappear into the crowd. The room was livelier down on the floor and I felt in the way as people tried to reach the drinks. I decided leaning against the wall was a better alternative. I turned to look for a place where I could stand. The wall had several large windows and between each window stood a guard.

Walking toward the wall, I had to do a double take at the guard that stood closest to me. It couldn't be.

"Alec?" I asked.

Alec Whitman turned his head to me. It took him a moment to recognize who I was. "Mel?" I nodded and felt rather than saw his eyes roam down my body before returning to my eyes. "What are you doing here?"

"I could very much ask you the same thing." I leaned against the wall beside him. "I am here with Ben."

"I heard you were sent to the hospital in Old York after the river. Didn't know you would be here," Alec stood straight in his guard uniform. His hands behind his back, ready to grab the gun at his hip if need be. He turned toward me. "I am sorry. About the river."

I shook my head, "Don't worry about it. I'm fine, you're fine. My knee is still a little sore but some rest and medication I can handle it."

"Are you and Ben undercover?" Alec went back to scanning the crowd for any threats.

I snorted. "No, I am a guest. So you, guard duty?"

Alec's voice went low as he spoke, "Yes, they called in the Rangers for extra security."

A smile that was not forced erupted on my face. "So you did make it in! I thought after the simulation you wouldn't be accepted."

"Don't sound too excited." There was a hint of mocking in his voice. Like as if I was faking my happiness.

He really was a prick. "No, really I am happy for you. You are talented. Trust me, your punches can knock someone out. There was no way they could have left you in the general military."