The Birthday Ball
Early April, when the first warm breath of spring began to stir the air.
Outside the windows, the castle rang with song and cheering as guests poured in for my birthday celebration.
At that moment I was in the finest bathing chamber of the Silvermoon East Palace, the most luxurious wing of Astria’s glittering royal residence. My lady-in-waiting, Iola, had filled the bath with fragrant oils and scattered petals; the water was warm, the scent rich, and my body sank into it with a soft, indulgent ease.
I slipped out of my clothes and stepped into the deep tub, letting the heat claim me as I bathed at a leisurely pace. While I washed, I stole a glance at the great mirror set before me.
Skin that shimmered in the soft light. Two full, rounded shapes that followed the curve of my body like heavy drops of water. Through the steam rising from the surface, a woman of goddess-like beauty looked back at me. Even damp and half-veiled in mist, she was almost unbearably lovely.
When I had finished, the maids helped me from the tub and wrapped me in soft, plush towels. One of them dried my hair with gentle, careful hands.
“Princess, shall we move to the dressing room now?”
The dressing room soared high overhead, its refined design breathing elegance from every surface. Soft natural light poured through the tall windows and filled the space; the other walls were lined with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, so that I could admire myself from any angle. The glass was framed in elaborate gold, and warm indirect lamps caught and multiplied the reflections.
Dozens of gowns hung on careful display—masterpieces of the finest designers, cut from the most exquisite fabrics and ornamented with glittering crystal, delicate lace, and intricate embroidery. Rows of high-heeled shoes stood neatly on the shelves. In the cases beyond them, jewels shone in disciplined ranks: diamonds, pearls, stones that shattered the light into dazzling color—national treasures wrought from materials of the highest order.
I stood there, preparing for the evening’s birthday ball, and found myself lost in choice. The room was overflowing with dresses and ornaments; which of them would make me most beautiful?
“Princess… why do you look so troubled? You’ll be the loveliest woman there no matter what you wear.”
Still half in thought, I turned through the racks—and the moment my eyes fell on a pure white silk gown of flawless elegance, I knew. That was the dress I would wear tonight.
Its delicate lace and daring silhouette were works of art. Whenever I moved, the fabric seemed to dance in the air, pure refinement and grace taken to their highest pitch. Against my skin it felt like being wrapped in cloud—soft, expensive, perfect.
Mary, a newly arrived maid, came forward with a tray of fine perfumes and misted a subtle fragrance along my throat. I closed my eyes and drew in the sweet scent of flowers.
While Mary tended my hair, a second maid, Emily, brought glittering earrings and necklaces. She held each piece against my face, studying the way the gems caught the light, and at last chose a delicate diamond necklace and matching earrings that paired perfectly with the gown.
A third maid, Sarah, took charge of my makeup. She laid a thin veil of foundation, dusted powder lightly over it, then added the softest touch of blush and highlighter to lift the natural lines of my features. Cool tones suited my pale skin; the effect was soft, natural beauty—nothing overdone.
Last came the crowning piece: the tiara. Emma fixed it carefully with several hairpins so that it would not shift. When she stepped back, the maids all drew a single breath of admiration.
“Princess… you truly are the most beautiful woman on the continent.” Isabella’s eyes shone with pride.
I could not help feeling a little awe myself as I looked into the mirror. While the maids withdrew to admire their own handiwork, I studied the figure reflected there.
Deep blue eyes. An elegant nose as if carved by a careful god. A figure lush enough to enchant. The gown trimmed in lace and ruffles. The glittering tiara inherited from Her Majesty the Queen.
I turned slowly before the glass, watching the dress flow and the ruffles dance. The petal-like underlayers brushed my thighs with every movement and sent a small, forbidden thrill through me; the way my panties dug into hips that had grown fuller of late felt almost indecent. The high heels lengthened my legs and sharpened their line. Earrings hung with quiet grace; the necklace made the already fair, slender column of my throat gleam all the brighter.
And then—my eyes fell on the deep cleft of my chest in the mirror, and heat rose to my face.
Still I felt confidence and pride as I looked at myself. The woman in the glass carried the fantastic allure of a heroine from a fairy tale. When I realized how beautiful I looked, and how thoroughly I would be desired by everyone at the party, excitement flooded through me.
Like this… the Crown Prince, my brother, would have no choice but to be captivated. I was certain of it.
“Princess, it is time.”
“Yes. Let’s go.”
I glanced once more into the mirror before we left. Long golden hair, skin like white jade, a face carved like sculpture—yes, she was truly beautiful. Looking at that face, a smile rose of its own accord. Still smiling, I set out.
On the way to the party, excitement and anticipation filled me to the brim. With every step I could feel the soft sway of my full breasts. The subtle rhythm seemed to complete my elegant walk, and the sensation was deliciously wicked. Soft silk clung and glided over my body at once, comfort and refinement in a single fabric.
Each time my weight shifted onto the high heels, I felt the natural curve of my spine emphasized and my legs drawn longer. Walking in those magnificent shoes filled me with confidence; I felt more beautiful, more composed.
The weather was fine. My mood was better than fine. The long corridor seemed shorter than it was. Soldiers along the way offered crisp salutes; people from other lands greeted me with warm courtesy.
We reached the great doors of the banquet hall. The two knights at the entrance saluted, then opened the doors without ever quite managing to look away from me.
The doors swung wide and revealed the grand interior—lavish decoration, chandeliers of breathtaking beauty, light that glittered on every surface. The moment I stepped into the palace’s grand ballroom, every gaze in the room turned toward me.
Time itself seemed to slow. Expectation lit every face; a hush fell over the hall. Flower garlands wound the towering columns; magnificent chandeliers poured warm golden light across the space. The floor shone like a mirror, and hundreds of candles along the walls winked in its reflection.
As I descended the grand staircase I could feel the guests watching. Admiration, awe, and desire mingled on their faces. The men stared as if half-bewitched. The women watched with envy and wonder tangled together.
“She’s so beautiful…”
“Like a goddess…”
“Oh my god… that face isn’t even real…”
“Is that the princess? She’s far more beautiful than the rumors.”
“I can hardly believe it. It’s like looking at a work of art.”
“Honestly… living the dream. What’s it like being Princess Leticia…?”
Praise and wonder rose around me from every side. They admired my beauty, my gown, my grace. Light seemed to gather about me as if I were the North Star shining under a night sky. Drawing that attention, hearing those compliments—it felt wonderful. Vanity, perhaps. But the beauty and delicacy in the mirror were so perfect they seemed to slip free of reality itself.
Music began to swell; the orchestra’s sweet strains filled the air and gave my entrance its perfect accompaniment. At the foot of the stairs my father the King waited with a proud smile and offered me his arm. Together we walked toward the center of the room, and with every step the excitement in the air grew sharper.
When we reached the middle of the dance floor, Father took my hand, lifted it, and pressed a gentle kiss to my knuckles. The room seemed to hold its breath while I stood at the heart of every gaze. Being the object of both reverence and desire sent a thrill through me I could not suppress.
Father announced the opening of the party.
“Dear friends and honored guests—tonight we gather to celebrate a very special day: the birthday of my beloved daughter. As a father and as a king, my heart overflows with pride and joy to see her grow into such an excellent young woman.
“My daughter—I want you to know that you have made me the proudest father in the world. Your kindness, your brilliance, and your unwavering devotion to our people and our kingdom move me deeply. I wish you every happiness and success, and I am certain you will continue to shine as a beacon of hope for our realm.
“I also wish to thank the distinguished guests who have traveled from far away to be with us tonight. Your presence is proof of the strong bonds between our kingdoms and of the steadfast friendships forged over long years.
“Dear friends from neighboring realms—thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Your friendship has been a source of strength and inspiration, and it is an honor to welcome you here.
“To those who have come from distant lands, I offer the warmest welcome to our kingdom.
“Finally, I raise a toast—to my beloved daughter, to the enduring friendship between our kingdoms, and to the ties of love and kinship that bind us all tonight. May our realms continue to prosper, and may the blessings of peace, prosperity, and happiness be with us all. Thank you.”
Thunderous applause broke out.
I steeled myself to speak as calmly as I could. The moment I began, the entire hall fell silent—and a rush of adrenaline surged through me.
“Dear friends and honored guests,
“It is my joy to stand before you and offer my deepest thanks to everyone who has come to celebrate my birthday. I am truly honored that so many of you have traveled great distances to share this special day with me.
“Today I am reminded once more how fortunate I am to be surrounded by such love and support. Your presence is living proof of the strong bonds we have formed. I count myself blessed to have caring friends and family, and I treasure the memories we have made together.
“I also wish to thank my parents—Father the King and Mother the Queen. You have been my guides and my pillars; having you as my parents is one of the great blessings of my life. Your love, your support, and your encouragement have shaped the person I am today.
“My gratitude goes as well to every member of the staff who worked tirelessly to make this celebration possible. Your efforts have not been in vain, and I thank each of you for helping make this day a success.
“Lastly, I offer my heartfelt thanks to every guest who has joined us. Because of you, my birthday has become a truly special and unforgettable day. I hope that the bonds of friendship and love between us will only grow stronger still.
“Thank you.”
Applause and cheers rose to meet me. The clapping was nearly deafening; the hall rang with shouts of delight. Then people began to talk freely among themselves.
Father introduced the distinguished guests from other nations. I greeted an endless stream of people, and still the line of those who wished to meet me only grew longer.
The party was full of laughter, conversation, and celebration, and I stood at its center—surrounded by beauty and luxury, the heroine of the night.
As I moved through the crowd, guests recognized me and offered their congratulations. I heard soft murmurs of admiration for the princess’s beauty and grace, and the mixture of unease and awe that came with such praise settled strangely over me.
As the night deepened, many princes pressed their attentions on me with stubborn persistence. I refused each of them with careful courtesy. My heart was already spoken for—by the true love of a certain prince. From now on, I had decided, I would dance with him alone.
I sipped champagne and waited, longing for his approach. But the longer the wait stretched, the harder that hope became to bear.
In the middle of conversation with yet another guest, a woman who looked somehow familiar spoke to me.
“Princess, many happy returns of the day. You helped so much with the recovery after the civil war in Latvia… we are deeply grateful. And you are so beautiful, Your Highness.”
“Thank you, Lady Irene.”
I answered with a small smile—and then I saw her maidservant, Rosie.
Rosie looked like an ordinary young woman, yet something stirred in my mind, as if a memory were rising to the surface.
A sudden pain, sharp as a light migraine, pressed behind my eyes. Rosie’s voice, her smile, moments spent with her—they flooded my head. Yet I had no memory of ever meeting her, and the contradiction left me reeling. Why were these images coming at all?
I’ve never even heard that maid’s name… so why do I know she’s Rosie…?
I felt lost and directionless, as if I had wandered into a maze of memories that did not belong to me. My head spun; I could not shake the sense that something was terribly wrong. The pain sharpened. My whole body trembled as I tried to understand what was happening.
The rush of memory overwhelmed me. It was as if a dam had burst—long-forgotten thoughts and feelings poured out beyond any control. My heart hammered; the room seemed to turn. I struggled to make sense of any of it. Why was I remembering things that had nothing to do with me? The recollections kept coming; I felt as though I were drowning in a sea of sensation and emotion. It was too much. I tried to focus on my breathing, but my heart raced and cold sweat slicked my palms.
And then—memories of losing my parents flashed past like a lantern-show, and the pain in my head became almost unbearable.
My parents are here. They celebrated my birthday with me. So why do I keep thinking they died…?
I could not understand why these memories rose, or why they felt so vivid.
Then, suddenly, other memories began to surface: of a male soldier named Kite; of a mage; of a princess; of a royal daughter; of an artifact; of a body exchange.
As the past of a Latvian soldier came flooding back, the manners of a princess began to feel awkward on me.
The delicate silk dress that had felt so comfortable now seemed alien and uncomfortable against my skin—slightly itchy. The corset around my waist felt restrictive, unnatural, stifling. I became acutely aware of my undergarments: the strange cling of fine fabric to my hips, the soft embroidered lace wrapping my body. My feet ached in the high heels; every step sent discomfort up my legs.
Speaking with the men at the party filled me with deep shame and unease. Gazes and compliments that had once been pleasant now felt as if a man in women’s clothing were being stared at—mortifying.
And yet… I could feel my nipples hardening under the silk of the dress, and the place between my legs growing steadily wetter. Past and present—the soldier I had been and the beautiful princess I now was—collided, stirring a strange, illicit excitement that tangled my already chaotic emotions even further.