Queen Kamaria

“Oh, um, thank you very much - you look, um ‘well fit’ too, if you don’t mind me saying? It’s funny, I get called English now and then up there. I think it’s the Edinburgh accent.” It’s not just the accent, it’s a political attack as well, but this evening was going to be a distinctly politics-free zone for once in his life. He had a lot of opinions and expressed them confidently in front of crowds and TV cameras all the bloody time, but yet when it came to chatting to people in a totally anonymous situation he was making a fool of himself. Basically, he never grew out of being the class nerd and he was now part of a parliament full of 649 other class nerds. “Radio’s good, though, isn’t it? Just chatting away and playing the kind of music you like. Ha, you don’t know my staff - besides, Isla’s more like a sister to me so I’d be worried if she didn’t threaten me at least once a week. I’m up for it, though - what radio station do you work for?”

“Of course I don’t mind. I do love a nice compliment. As for bein’ called English up there, I can’t really have an opinion on why they’d think that. Ya defo don’t sound English ta me. I hear a Scottish accent, and it’s not bad at all.” Mentally telling herself that she needed to step away from the compliments before it became even more obvious that she was diving into flirting territory, Kamaria stopped talking to gratefully drink some more champagne. “It absolutely is good. I have ta remind myself that once a week is better than an every day show, because I never play the same song twice. Eventually, I will run out of songs to play, so ya know, if ya want to be a guest on the programme, the offer’s there for ya. I'm on BBC Radio 2. There’s archives on the website that’ll give ya a feel for my programme as well. It’s super laid back usually. Rarely do I bring any sensitive topics into it. The only time I can even remember doing that was at the request of my listeners. They were concerned about some political stuff and it actually ended up being really interesting. Everyone was respectful and stuff. It was good.”

“This morning’s programme is gonna be a bit different from my usual one, folks. It’s pre-recorded, which I have to say is pretty weird. My brain’s telling me I’m speaking to no one, while also telling me that I had better make this a good show for the people I’m talking to. This is a kind of subtle pressure I’ve never felt before. The good news is, I’ve really thought a lot about what I wanted to do for the episode following the most romantic day of the year. As a perpetually single woman myself, I’ve found over the past couple of years that I ironically need to wind down from the holiday.’

‘That might just be a me thing, but I figured, “why not incorporate that into the show for other people?” Whether or not you’re single, everyone could probably do with a good bit of tunes to chill out to. I’m going to be playing some songs from a list I’ve made that never fails to help me relax, and hopefully it’ll do the same for you. Have a great morning everyone, and I’ll be back in next week with stories from the Valentine’s Day Ball.”

“Don’t worry about it, I like meeting new people. Yeah, she’s fine, she’s tough as all hell. We make sure to carry sensible shoes now though - God, that sounds way more middle aged than I wanted it to. I’m not old, I promise.” What had actually happened was that she’d kicked her shoes across the party HQ floor after the count and opened up the beer stash, which meant that nobody ended up being able to drive themselves home. “Let me guess, you’re a marketing exec and you’re really happy that I’ve told you that because now you can go make them?” He grinned. “I’m here for it, as long as I get a share of the cash. Fairly sure Isla’d kill me if I presented her with an “I”m with Boss Man” mug, but it’d be worth it.”

“Nah, ya look well fit, babes, if ya don’t mind me saying so. That smile and the accent? I can see why people are inta Scotland honestly.” Kam spoke the compliment so confidently, like it was a normal thing for her to speak highly of people to their face. It hadn’t been normal at first, but when she had had more than one reminder that life was horrible and so terribly short, she realised that honesty really was the best policy. She had grown to become quite blunt with her opinions since that realisation. While it gained her listeners on her radio show, it tended to scare people away in other parts of her life. She wasn’t going to stop being honest though. Eventually, she’d meet someone that didn’t mind the way she was, and they’d stick around. Smiling at his guess of what her occupation was, she shook her head as she adopted a look of regret. “Sadly, that was never really gonna work out for me. I got stuck with a radio job that ended up being a full time thing.” The regretful look turned to one of thoughtfulness. “Ya know, I bet those mugs would go over well with your staff if you were radio famous. They’d not want ta kill ya then. And I bet my listeners would just eat your voice up.”

“It is a little weird, you’re right - imagine if we had to talk to everyone we ever bashed into on the Tube. I’d never get anything done.” Especially trying to get into Portcullis House at rush hour. “I’m impressed that people manage to wear them, I said to my friend Isla once when we’d been working flat out since 4 in the morning and she was still in heels, ‘how can you manage that?’ She said she’d stopped being able to feel her feet 6 hours ago, or something like that.” That election, they quickly learned the lesson that you should keep a spare pair of trainers in your car at all times. Just in case. Even for him, because he’d wrecked a good pair of suede shoes in a sudden rainshower once. “Chris works for me, yeah, so I guess you could say that. I might get ‘the boss man’ on a mug, or something.”

“Oh, God, no. I’d be like ten years behind on my life,” she admitted with a laugh. “I very much prefer saying hello, maybe shaking the person’s hand, or at least givin’ them a proper smile. Anything that isn’t bumping inta someone. Which I know is hypocritical because I did that ta you... At least ya gave me a proper smile afterwards. It sort of fixed the situation.” Kam’s eyes went wide at the mention of wearing heels for that long. “I could never wear heels for that long. I’d be too afraid of never being able ta walk again. Is your friend okay?” Just thinking about wearing the shoes she was wearing for more than three hours straight was enough to make Kam want to cringe, let alone wearing them since four in the morning. “You totally should! That’d be brilliant. It’d also lead into great gag gifts. Mugs that have ‘I’m with Boss Man’ printed on them, and they’ve got arrows and everything.”

“Show?” Link questioned, glancing at her again. He was often out of the loop of what’s hip and in, too busy with his nose buried in a book or spending what time he could with his fiance. “That would be it, I found it to be the only tolerable thing about that show. So far the total of me threatening someone that these antlers could actually stab them seems to have kept the annoying people at bay,” he gave a small smirk. “I’m quite pleased with the entire outfit, it’s not out of the norm from what I wear to begin with anyway unlike some of these poor people that look like fish out of water.”

“Yeah, I’ve got an after hours programme with BBC Radio 2. Mostly because the chats and stuff aren’t kid friendly, but also I’m a complete night owl, so it works perfectly for me.” Switching to her radio voice, Kam recited, “You’re listening to Kamaria After Hours. On tonight’s programme, we’re going to have the songs that should have been played at the Valentine’s Day Masquerade Ball...” Kam trailed off with a shrug of her shoulders, falling back into her normal voice. “It doesn’t pay as well as I’d like, but I love it. It’s not a job ta me, so the fact that I get paid is still a bonus.” Giving the man’s outfit a proper once over, Kam asked, “You dress semi-formal on a casual basis? Damn.”

Alyson was just in love with the entire atmosphere. Sure, people were already acting dumb, but most were still rather well behaved. This was for a good cause after all and Aly had already put a check in the donation box. Walking around while Dimka was off talking to either his brother or maybe Blair, she couldn’t be sure, she didn’t remember, the female ended up just on the outskirts of the dance floor, hand resting on her swollen stomach as she swayed back and forth to the music. When she was bumped into, Aly just smiled at the woman and shook her head. “No need to apologize,” the blonde spoke before looking around. “Yeah, and I imagine it’s only going to get worse with the more some people drink.”

“Really? The strongest anything I’ve seen and had here is champagne. There must be some serious lightweights attending the ball,” Kam replied with a laugh. “I am sorry though. I’d feel better apologising about it, because I’m no where near drunk but I still bumped into ya, so I literally have no excuse.”

“Well, not the bumping into people, this is the first time for that. At least the other times have only been into a wall,” Brigitte joked because honestly that was the only way she was going to get through this situation. “Oh,” Brigitte looked down at the dress sheepishly. “I don’t normally wear dresses, I didn’t know but I will say I think my ankles are pretty cute!” Adjusting the cat mask, she smiled and gave a little salute. “Thanks for the tip.”

“Walls! Oh, my God, babes, are ya sure you’re alright,” Kam asked, far more concerned now, until she realised it was a joke. “Oh, my God, don’t do that. I was honestly worried about ya. And it’s no problem. I used to be in the same sort of situation you’re in, and it’s all down to practise really. At least, it was for me. I didn’t have anyone to give me tips on how not to fall flat on my face, but I’d be willing to help ya if ya ever need it.”

He’d been talking to one of the party’s staffers when she’d interrupted them - a new hire who meant well but kept escalating issues way beyond their actual level of seriousness. Turning around to face the person who’d bumped into them, he smiled politely. “Don’t worry about it, it’s fine, Chris was just about to go and enjoy the party.” He turned the polite smile onto Chris, who, thankfully, got the message and left him alone for once. “What do you mean, in the worst way?” He hadn’t seen anyone being inappropriate - well, not by his standards. Maybe some of the old blokes in the Lords would have had a fainting episode at this point, but those were men who looked like they were on the verge of waving a cane and shouting at him to get off their Parliament on a daily basis.

“I didn’t mean it in a bad way. More like bumping into people is the new way of saying hello. Not really sure when that became a thing,” Kam replied, wanting to sooth her shoulder which had upped its pain level almost as soon as she started talking about what happened. “It’s not easy having to wear high heels when a person isn’t used ta them. If only fancy flat shoes were a bigger thing for women the way they are for men. Some days it’d be nice ta have that option. Then I wouldn’t tower over everyone.” Getting a good look at the man who was thankfully still a bit taller than herself and deciding he had a lovely smile, she looked over at the guy that had been sent away. “So are ya some kind of boss man? That looked a bit important."

She was trying to not come off rude, but the face she made at Kamaria’s words about the music just read that she was offended. Not because she liked it but on behalf of the people running it. “I know one of the people that’s running it, I think they have a mix of something for everyone. Rave music never went out of style, it just changed to dubstep or dance or whatever you want to call it. They really all fall within the same genre in the end,” Kat shrugged. She didn’t know much about music, just what she liked. “Second hand clothes are really all I know, so I can’t say anything,” she laughed. “The dress really fits you well though, the draping is absolutely beautiful.I doubt I’ll be around much longer for many people to see me.”

Having caught the offended expression on the other woman’s face, Kam diverted her gaze back to her drink briefly to hide her own expression of disbelief. When the woman spoke again, Kam nodded in understanding, having to add, “I get that, I do. Sorry ya felt offended over my opinion, except I’m really not.” The smile that had reached Kam’s eyes at first disappeared completely. “People are going ta have different opinions than ya. So I don’t like this music, and I’m not afraid ta say it sucks. Ya have every right ta not like what I’m saying, but getting offended at someone else’s opinion is only gonna be bad for yourself in the long run. What I think of something is mine, no one else’s. No one has to agree, but gettin’ offended about my music comment is going overboard. It’s just music. It’s not life or death.” Ignoring the comment about the dress she was wearing, Kam said stonily before walking away, “I respectfully disagree with your opinion on all music being the same. That’s cultural erasure on so many levels, and that’s downright rude.”

Brigitte felt really bad for interrupting the woman’s conversation and she just sighed. She knew that Raphael had told her to wear them for a specific reason, they made her look taller and she wasn’t so short next to Fitzy - should she ever find him here. If he even came. There was a chance that he wasn’t even here, but regardless she just kept tripping. “Oh, yeah, I’m great. The only thing wounded is my pride,” Brigitte laughed before leaning against the wall. “I’ve ben lucky each time. No sprains and no broken bones, you’re just the first person I’ve knocked into and I’m so, so sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt your conversation.”

“Each time,” Kam repeated questioningly. “This has happened more than once?” Kam’s line of sight landed on the heels that were visible thanks to the slit in the girl’s dress and it dawned on Kamaria why the girl was tripping. Keeping her voice low like she was sharing a secret, Kam said, “When ya walk, you’re totally allowed ta lift the fabric of your dress a couple of inches. We’re not so stuck in the past that a little peeping of the ankle is gonna offend anyone. And unless you’ve got seriously sexy ankles, I doubt anyone will even bat an eye.”

Link was only here because he wanted to help support the cause. That and hi fiance deserved a night out. “Oh I’m sure there will be plenty, people with masks tend to be braver than they actually are and then there’s hell to pay after.” Hearing the name MirrorMask, Link smile. “Somewhat. I consider it a mix between that and the Wendigo from Hannibal. The aesthetic was too pleasing to pass up when I saw it.” Glancing over, he took in the dress with a nod. “It does have a Roman-esque feel to it. You look good in it.”

Letting out a light laugh, Kam replied, “Here’s hopin’ I don’t end up bein’ one of those people. That won’t be good for my show at all.” Unable to hold back a smile that the man had understood her reference, as hardly anyone she was friends with knew of the film, she put her full attention on him by blocking out the background noise, the blush on her face due to his compliment luckily hidden by her own mask. “The Wendigo from Hannibal... Oh, that thing with the massive antlers? I mean, it kind of gives that impression. I think it’s more a matter of perspective in the end though, innit? As long as ya like what you’re wearin’, that’s all that matters.”

“Hmm?” Kat frowned a bit, listening to the orchestra and giving a shrug. “I like the music, it sets the atmosphere in a way. I think this is mostly for the more aged people here. At midnight the rave music starts, so maybe that’s more your scene?” Kat smiled over to the female and shifted a bit. “Oh, thank you. I got it at this neat little shop near the Chanel store? It has a bunch of costume dresses and masks and everything. I thought it was the perfect place to get something for here. You look very nice yourself, I like the peacock appeal honestly.”

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. This kind of music can be great, if they were playin’ the good songs from this genre. Frankly, I’m massively concerned what kind of rave music they’ve chosen for this event, considering rave music hasn’t been in since the 90s. I’m keepin’ my hopes low, so I’ll actually have a chance of being pleased.” Taking a flute of champagne from a passing waiter’s tray, she sipped at it gradually to make it last. “Ya absolutely thought right. I’m gonna have ta check out that shop some time. Maybe next year I’ll actually show up to this ball in something that isn’t twice worn.”

“I’m not nearly drunk enough for ridicule, so please, hold your critcism.” Archie had to laugh a little bit. His suit wasn’t even that out-there, but it was bold for Archie, who stayed on the more muted side of things, conscious of his public image. He couldn’t even get ‘drunk enough for ridicule’, not without embarrassing himself. He just wanted to have fun, but instead he felt as though all eyes were on him. And not in the way he normally ate up.

“If ya actually think ya deserve criticism for that outfit, ya need me in your life, babe. The name’s Kamaria. For the record, you are well fit, and the flowers add ta the gorgeousness. No lie.”

This was the third time that Brigitte had nearly tripped on the dress that got caught under the heel and she was done. She wanted to find somewhere to sit, somewhere to watch her brother be the social butterfly he was and enjoy the dresses and suits of everyone around her. That’s who she was, the wallflower. Making her way to the edge of the room, she tripped again and fell into someone with a wince. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry, I just - these heels and I’m -” Stopping, she smiled a bit. “I’m really sorry.”

The shove came out of nowhere, and the small plate of food in Kam’s hand flew out of her grasp, nearly hitting the person she was talking to. Righting herself with a grateful smile to her conversation partner who’d caught the plate with a laugh, Kam then put her attention on the person that had run into her. “Cor, babes, ya alrigh’? That was nearly a disaster. Nothin’s broken, everything in its proper place?”

Link, as always, was dressed rather well for the event. White dress shirt, light gray tie and a black vest, the male was a little more than confident he’d look different from everyone else there. Add the mask that he was wearing and he pulled together well. Glancing about, he hummed under his breath, he could already spot some of his former clients in the hall, they were easy to pick out. The ones that tired to look above their financial means just to try and fit in. Looking to the person that stopped next to him, he gave a nod of his head. “How many people do you think will get into an argument this evening?”

“Hopefully enough ta give me some good stories for my listeners later,” Kam replied. It was then that she did a double take, the mask the tall man was wearing giving her a sense of deja vu. Luckily, she had a sharp mind and quickly recalled what it reminded her of. “Oh, is your mask a reference to MirrorMask? I love that film. Wish I’d thought ta do something from it. No, I had ta go with a peacock theme. I feel like a literal goddess though, so I guess I did alrigh’.”

Due to her friends prodding and also going out with them to buy a dress, Katrina was at this ball. There was no backing out now, not that she had trouble with people, she was just still rather skittish (though she had been coming around quite a bit as of late to people that she got comfortable with) and a dance? Kat didn’t even know how to dance! None the less, she was near a drink table, sipping quietly on a glass of sparkling cider before turning to look at the person standing next to her. “Beautiful isn’t it?”

“If ya say so. Me? I think I’ve been ta better parties, with better music. But I’m soundin’ like a total downer. What am I like? Sorry, babes.” Kam gave the girl next to her a good look over. “You’re killin’ that outfit. It’s well gorgeous. You’ve got ta tell me where ya found it, yeah?”