NOVEL NEXT Chapter 430: Flamboyant king 3
An hour later, the team had changed into formal attire provided by the royal household. The clothing was practical but elegant—deep red fabrics with gold threading that caught the ship's ambient lighting. The materials were clearly high-quality, cut in styles that allowed for movement while maintaining a dignified appearance. Noah's jacket was made from what felt like silk but with a subtle warmth that suggested thermal regulation built into the weave.
Lucas adjusted his formal jacket, which maintained a comfortable temperature despite the ship's ambient heat. "I have to admit, I expected we'd be on the Eighth's trail by now, not attending an anniversary party. But if this gets us closer to finding Father..."
"Sometimes the indirect path is the most effective," Lucy replied, though Noah noticed she was checking her appearance more carefully than usual. Her formal dress was particularly striking—a deep burgundy color with gold accents that complemented her natural coloring while maintaining the dignity expected of visiting royalty.
"Besides," Uncle Dom added cheerfully, "Ares celebrations are legendary throughout the galaxy. Educational experiences, really. You learn more about a culture from their parties than from their political treaties."
Kelvin emerged from his quarters wearing what appeared to be a formal military uniform adapted for Ares aesthetics. The red and gold color scheme suited his mechanical arms surprisingly well, and he'd managed to polish his cybernetic enhancements until they gleamed like decorative accessories rather than functional equipment.
"I look fantastic," he announced to no one in particular. "If this party's half as good as the king promised, I might just have to relocate permanently,"
"You're not moving to the Ares fleet," Diana said firmly, though she was smiling despite herself. Her own formal attire was more conservative than the others—a deep red gown with long sleeves and a high neckline that projected authority rather than trying to compete with the local fashions.
"But think of the career opportunities!" Kelvin protested. "Fleet-based technology development, unlimited research resources, and apparently a very enthusiastic local population when it comes to matrimonial arrangements!"
Sophie laughed as they made their way back through the ship's corridors. Her dress was elegant without being ostentatious—flowing fabric in dark red with subtle gold embroidery that caught the light when she moved. "Kelvin, if you proposed to every woman at the party there's a chance they might accept but then that's not the same as having a genuine romantic connections."
"Details!" Kelvin waved dismissively. "The important thing is that several women will say yes! That suggests either exceptional charisma on my part or very low standards on theirs. Either way, I consider it a win!"
__
The venue for the anniversary celebration was a chamber that defied the normal constraints of shipboard architecture. The space was enormous—easily large enough to hold several thousand people—with a domed ceiling that had been painted to resemble the night sky of some distant world. Stars twinkled in patterns that shifted slowly, creating the illusion of movement through space.
The floor was polished stone inlaid with patterns of precious metals that seemed to flow like frozen rivers through the dark surface. Tables were arranged in concentric circles around a central performance area, each one set with dishes and goblets that reflected the chamber's warm lighting.
But what struck Noah most was the energy in the room. This wasn't just a formal ceremony—it was a genuine celebration. The Ares citizens filled the space with laughter and conversation, their formal attire creating a sea of red and gold that moved and shifted like living fire.
Music filled the air from sources Noah couldn't identify. The sound system was so sophisticated that the music seemed to come from everywhere at once, creating perfect acoustics throughout the massive chamber. The bass lines were deep enough to feel in his chest, while the higher notes sparkled through the air like audible starlight.
//Through the void we fly tonight, engines burning bright//
//Nothing gonna stop our flight, living life so right//
//Money, power, love combined, leaving Earth behind//
//Ares blood, Ares mind, legacy defined//
Uncle Dom was absolutely vibing to the music, his head nodding to the beat as he moved with surprising rhythm. "Oh, this takes me back to when I used to watch documentaries of the other families" he called out over the sound. "Ares parties were always the most energetic in the galaxy! They know how to celebrate properly!"
The team was escorted to a raised platform where King Aurelius waited on what could only be described as a throne designed for entertainment rather than intimidation. The seat was carved from dark stone but inlaid with veins of metal that glowed softly with heat. It was positioned to give the king perfect views of both the crowd and the central performance space.
"My friends!" Aurelius called out as they joined him, his voice carrying clearly despite the music. "Perfect timing! The formal presentations are about to begin!"
The music shifted to something more ceremonial, and the crowd's attention focused on the central performance area. One by one, each of Aurelius's wives emerged from different entrances around the chamber, and the audience erupted in cheers for each appearance.
Lyanna appeared first, moving with natural grace as she acknowledged the crowd's enthusiasm. She wore a gown that flowed around her like water, the fabric a deep burgundy that caught the light beautifully. Thessa followed, her blonde hair styled in an elaborate arrangement that incorporated small gems that sparkled as she moved.
Each wife received her own moment of recognition, the cheers building with each introduction. Noah realized that these weren't just ceremonial appearances—each woman was clearly beloved by the crowd in her own right.
"They really love them," Sophie observed, watching the genuine affection on the faces in the audience.
"Fourteen first ladies," Noah realized. "They're not just married to the king—they're public figures with their own responsibilities and followings."
When all thirteen wives had taken their positions around the performance space, the music crescendoed into something that made the entire chamber resonate with harmonic energy. The central entrance opened, and Sera—the anniversary celebrant—emerged to deafening applause.
She moved with confidence and joy, her red and gold gown flowing around her as she began a dance that was part celebration, part theatrical performance. But as the music shifted again, her movement transformed into something more formal, more ritualistic.
Sera positioned herself directly before the king's throne and began to speak in rhythmic verses that carried clearly through the chamber:
//Aurelius of House Ares, flame that lights our way//
//King of the burning fleet, stronger every day//
//Your fire guides our journey through the endless night//
//Your wisdom shapes our destiny, your strength our might//
//Nine years of marriage, nine years of shared dreams//
//Nine years of partnership beyond what it seems//
//The molten rivers sing your name with pride//
//Through void and vacuum, you remain our guide//
//Oh King of Motion, Master of the Fleet//
//Your heart burns bright, making our lives complete//
//Wherever space may take us, whatever we may face//
//With you beside us, any world's our home base//
The crowd joined in for the final verses, their voices creating a harmony that made the chamber's acoustic systems amplify and enhance the sound. Aurelius rose from his throne, his face showing genuine emotion as he moved toward his wife.
The dance that followed was intimate despite being performed before thousands of spectators. Aurelius and Sera moved together with perfect synchronization. When the music reached its climax, he lifted her high above his head, both of them silhouetted against the chamber's warm lighting like figures from classical art.
The applause was thunderous, but it was quickly replaced by a different kind of entertainment. Dancers emerged from all directions—women in flowing costumes inspired by ancient Earth traditions, their movements hypnotic as they began what could only be described as the most elaborate belly dancing performance Noah had ever witnessed.
The dancers wore traditional-style costumes—flowing pants that caught the air as they spun, decorated tops that sparkled with sewn gems, jewelry that chimed softly as they moved. The styles drew from various Earth cultures—Indian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean—but crafted from materials that reflected the Ares aesthetic of deep reds and warm golds.
"This is incredible," Lyra whispered, her analytical mind temporarily overwhelmed by the artistic complexity of what they were watching.
The performance continued for nearly an hour, with different groups showcasing various regional styles from across the Ares territories. Some danced with sharp, precise movements that spoke of warrior traditions. Others flowed like water, their gestures so smooth they seemed to defy gravity.
Finally, as the formal entertainment concluded, Aurelius stood and spread his arms wide toward the crowd.
"My beloved people!" his voice boomed across the chamber. "The time for watching has ended! Now we dance together, as one family, under the light of our shared fire!"
The crowd surged forward, and Noah found himself swept into a celebration unlike anything he'd experienced. The music returned to its earlier rhythms, but now it was punctuated by traditional Ares melodies that made everyone move with natural synchronization.
Kelvin immediately disappeared into the crowd, his cybernetic arms allowing him to spin multiple dance partners simultaneously while he continued his campaign of marriage proposals he had kick-started the moment they arrived even while the queens were coming out.
"Will you marry me?" he called out to a stunning redhead who was laughing at his enthusiasm. "I've got excellent references and very reasonable maintenance requirements!"
"Yes!" she called back, apparently taking his proposal seriously.
"Outstanding! You're number seventy-one!" Kelvin spun her away and immediately turned to another woman. "And you! Magnificent lady with the incredible smile! Will you take my hand in marriage?"
"Of course!" the second woman replied with a giggle.
"Perfect! Number seventy-two! I'm building quite the matrimonial empire here!"
Noah and Sophie found themselves dancing together. Around them, hundreds of couples moved in patterns that seemed both coordinated and completely spontaneous.
Uncle Dom had somehow ended up in the center of a group of older Ares citizens, all of them dancing with wild enthusiasm. His formal robes flowed around him as he moved with surprising grace, occasionally throwing his hands up in response to particularly good beats.
"This is my jam!" Dom called out as the music shifted to something with a heavier bass line. "Oh, they don't make parties like this anymore! Well, except here! They definitely still make them here!"
Lucas and Lucy maintained their royal composure longer than the others, but even they eventually found themselves swept into the celebration. Lucy was approached by several young Ares nobles who clearly recognized visiting royalty, while Lucas discovered that fleet discussions somehow naturally evolved into group dancing.
The party continued for hours, the energy never flagging as new entertainment appeared and disappeared in waves. Fire performers created spectacular displays with flames that danced in carefully controlled patterns. Musicians played instruments that created music unlike anything Noah had heard before.
As midnight approached, Noah realized he needed to extract Kelvin before his friend proposed to the entire female population of the fleet.
"Kelvin!" he called out, finding his friend surrounded by a crowd of women who were apparently comparing notes on the marriage proposals they'd received. "Maybe we should call it a night!"
"Call it a night? Noah, my friend, I have secured seventy-three marriage proposals tonight! Seventy-three!" Kelvin was swaying slightly, having apparently discovered that Ares alcohol was significantly stronger than Earth varieties. "I am officially the most successful bachelor in the history of human civilization!"
"That's great, buddy," Noah said, grabbing Kelvin's arm to steady him. "But maybe we should discuss wedding planning with your potential brides when you're sober?"
Sophie appeared at Noah's other side, her face flushed from dancing but her expression showing concern for their friend's condition. "The king said he wanted to discuss business tomorrow. We should probably get some rest."
"Business tomorrow, wives tonight!" Kelvin declared, but he allowed Noah and Sophie to guide him toward the exit. "Did I mention I got seventy-three marriage proposals? Because I feel like that's an important detail that bears repeating! Seventy-three! That's more than twice my age!"
They made their way back through the ship's corridors, Lucas and Lucy following behind as they half-carried their intoxicated friend toward the guest quarters. Kelvin kept up a steady stream of commentary about his romantic successes and elaborate plans for future matrimonial negotiations.
"I'm thinking a tournament system," he explained seriously, his words slightly slurred. "Bracket-style elimination rounds to determine the final wives. Very fair, very democratic. Though I suppose I'd need to figure out how many wives is actually practical. Fourteen seems like a lot of work..."
"Kelvin," Diana said patiently, "maybe focus on sobering up before you start planning your harem."
"It's not a harem, it's a matrimonial collective!" Kelvin protested. "Completely different organizational structure!"
"Your Majesty!" Aurelius's voice called out from behind them as they reached the corridor leading to their rooms.
They turned to see the king approaching, his formal robes replaced with something more casual but no less impressive. His wives were nowhere to be seen, probably continuing their own celebrations elsewhere in the fleet.
"I wanted to thank you again for sharing this night with us," Aurelius said, his voice sincere despite the late hour. "It means more than you know to have fellow royalty witness our celebrations. Sera was particularly honored by your presence."
"Thank you for including us," Lucy replied formally. "Your hospitality has been extraordinary."
"And tomorrow," Aurelius added, his expression growing more serious, "we begin planning how to retrieve our fathers and end the Eighth Ancestor's reign of terror. Sleep well, my friends. Tomorrow we hunt."
As the king departed, the team continued to their quarters, Kelvin's marriage proposal commentary finally winding down as exhaustion overtook enthusiasm.
"Seventy-three," he mumbled as Noah helped him to his door. "That's got to be some kind of record..."
---
Noah woke to the sound of alarms screaming through the ship's corridors.
The pleasant warmth of his guest quarters was shattered by harsh emergency lighting that cast everything in stark red shadows. A klaxon blared with the kind of urgent rhythm designed to wake the dead and get them moving immediately. Noah rolled out of bed, his combat instincts taking over as he reached for weapons that weren't there.
"Noah!" Sophie's voice from the next room, sharp with alertness despite the early hour.
"I'm here!" he called back, pulling on the first clothes he could find. The formal attire from the previous evening lay scattered where they'd left it, replaced now with practical gear that could handle whatever crisis was unfolding.
The corridor outside their quarters was pure chaos. Ares guards in emergency armor ran past their doors, their usual red and gold uniforms replaced with functional combat gear that prioritized protection over appearance. The ship's internal systems flashed warnings in multiple languages, creating a strobing effect that made everything feel urgent and disorienting.
Lieutenant Commander Theron appeared around the corner, his usual composed demeanor replaced by barely controlled panic. His hair was disheveled, his uniform hastily assembled, and his face showed the kind of stress that came from delivering terrible news to people who wouldn't want to hear it.
When he saw the team emerging from their quarters, his expression showed both relief and dread.
"Thank the stars you're awake," he said, breathing hard as if he'd been running through the ship's corridors. "We need to gather everyone immediately. There's been an attack."
"What kind of attack?" Lucas demanded, his leadership instincts overriding any lingering effects from the previous evening's celebration.
Theron's face went pale as he prepared to deliver news that would change everything they thought they knew about their mission.
"The king has been taken."