104

Alpha King Orizon.

I extended my hands to Mehera. My expression is stern—I can’t help it. My eyes are distant too and for this, Mehera hesitates for just a moment before placing her fingers into mine. The cello player, stationed at the side of the grand hall, begins to draw the bow across the strings, filling the room with a sombre melody. The rich, deep notes of the cello resonate through the space, adding a weight to the atmosphere that matched the tension on my face.

"A step to part.” The instructor says.

The dance begins. I take a step back. Mehera mirrors my steps, her gown swishes around her ankles as she moved in time with me. There is a palpable distance, a lack of warmth that is evident even in the way our hands touch. I don’t know how to pretend as if I didn’t suffer an heartbreak two days ago. It is four days to the royal wedding. A wedding that is to take place between I and a woman that I am distant to. I am many things but it is never a pretender.

We come together briefl