Two lucky girls were chosen by the two princes to be their dance partners. I heard how every single girl sighed the moment it happened. But not so long, they found each of their partners and everyone else were dancing.Why don't you try to dance? Raja broke my silence. I was just around the corner, watching how all of them are enjoying the night.You were invited by seven men but you rejected all of them. Do you have plans on standing there like a statue for the next few hours?Indeed, Raja, I answered him sarcastically. Why do he have to ruin the moment with his sarcasm anyway? I'm silently enjoying the view here.Of course, you enjoy watching them. But have you ever thought how would it feel to dance with people?That silenced me for a moment. I was about to part my lips for a retort when I heard a baritone voice from behind, making me froze in an instant."Would you mind to dance with me, lady in sea-green dress?"I couldn't move. Even if a part of my mind is telling me that it mig
"You look good," Thiara commented as I tried the first one. "Gorgeous.""You think so?""Indeed. But try it all first so I can judge what is the best. Only the best for a very beautiful lady.""Thank you," I said shyly.So I ended up trying five to ten dresses but at the end, Thiara couldn't decide what is the best."I have more here. Would you want to try these as well?" the seller suggested.Oh no. I'm already dizzy trying all those stuffs. I can't take more of it."Haven't you decided yet?" I asked Thiara, hoping to receive an affirmative answer."Let me think first."I understand why it's hard for her to decide. You look more than adequate in all the dresses, my lady. I suppose even you dress in rags, you'd still look magnificent, Raja said.Heat washed over my cheeks. I could feel it flaming. This dragon is making me blush. Hope he won't notice it and tease me.I can't give you anything in exchange to your compliments, Raja. My apologies.To make your heart flutter is enough.Thi
Dancing has been my job for years. It became a part of me, a part of my soul. But tonight, when Demitri held my hand and led me to the center of the dancing crowd, there was hesitation for a moment. It was as though it was my first time to step on the dancing ground. It was like I had never experienced dancing before this. For whatever reason, it was how I felt and I could not help but wonder why..."Sea-green suits you best. Probably the reason why you have that eye color," Demetri said, just low enough for both of us to hear."I do not intend to do anything with you. Quit with the flowery words, I will not buy that.""Indeed?" His voice soft, yet his eyes were challenging. His hand at the side of my waist smoothly crawled towards the small of my back, pushing me closer to him."I-Indeed," I agreed, trying to be tough but my trembling voice ended up defying me."It's odd how your eyes look so much familiar to me. Have any idea?"My heart skipped a beat."Why wouldn't you just go stra
He sighed. "Why don't take rest first? I have no doubt about our healers' abilities, but I suggest you to rest first. After you regained energy, I will send you off myself.""I don't see that as a necessity. I may be a little weak as of now but I can walk. And, no need to send me off. You can just ask a servant to lead me out. Considering your status here, we both know it will not be good in your image if rumors goes around.""So what? Why would I care about the rumors? My priority here is to make sure that you're well."I looked at him with disbelief."Look. I understand that as the future ruler, you do care about your people. But in this case, I can handle myself better. No need to involved yourself in such small matters, Your Highness."He shook his head, lips apart, as if I wasn't getting his point."I do care about my people, but how I care for you is different," he said and looked away."A king should see his people fairly. You should care for each of us-""You still don't get i
"As much as I want to think that way, I suppose people might misinterpret your kindness. Have you seen the faces of the palace servants? They were obviously jumping into conclusions. Why would a decent man suddenly bring a girl in his chamber anyway? People are malicious in nature, if Your Highness is not aware.""Why would a decent man suddenly bring a girl in his chamber?" he echoed my question with an obvious teasing. "Because she has no place to sleep and the decent man is kind enough to share his?"I grimaced. How humorous that is!"Didn't know you are quiet good in humor.""Thank you for the compliment.""Who says its a compliment? If Your Highness haven't noticed the sarcasm, I was being sarcastic.""Indeed?""Indeed."I cleared my throat. "As I was saying, it is quiet unbecoming for a crown prince to be seen around with a lowly lady like me.""So?" He raised a brow. "If being a crown prince means living by the expectations of the people around me, I'd rather rather be nothing.
What are they doing here?"Hello, there. You must be the lucky girl. Ophelia, is it?" Prince David looked at me with a smug smile.I don't exactly understand what he is smiling about or why is that there is a slight tease in his tone when he asked me that."It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Ophelia. I'm Prince David," he added and stepped closer to me.I stepped back until I unconsciously sat on the bed, and the two princes advanced, close enough to intimidate me more than I already am.But what I'm wondering about is, why do they seemed to know about me more than they should? Am I missing something?Precisely, Raja answered.Do you know what's going on here, my mighty dragon?I am not quiet sure, my lady. Do you want me to evaluate the situation for you?Ugh. I hate your sarcasms, Raja. You are aware of that, are you?Am I?Oh please!"Nice to finally meet you, Lady Ophelia. You should visit the palace often so we can talk some time-"Prince Martin was cut off by the abrupt opening o
"I do remember that, my lady. But I have the right to hope, don't I?""You should be siding with me since you're my dragon. Why do you seemed so affectionate with Demitri? Maybe it's you who wants to be with him?""Possible since I'm part of you, and so you are to me.""Give me a peace of mind, Raja! Don't give me stupid ideas that would both endanger us.""As you my lady wish."I hissed at his sarcasm. When the dancing part began, I just stayed in the far corner, silently wishing for the time to go faster so I could leave the palace at once.When the right time came, all ladies were called to gather and line up in the hall."First, Crown Prince Ares will choose twelve ladies to be subjected for further evaluation," the chamberlain informed.Everyone was very eager to know the chosen twelve ladies. I bit my lower lip and looked at my shoes impatiently when the list of attendees were given to the chamberlain. He will call the names of the fortunate ladies."The first lady, we have..."
It's been days since I last saw Demitri. Like he promised, he never saw me again. Which on the contrary should suppose to make me glad, but why do it felt like I am missing something every single day?"A royal decree is issued!" someone shouted in the tavern's door."Royal decree?" Thiara looked confused.Everyone went out. If it's a royal decree then it's something that concerns everyone."What could it be? This is sudden..." I heard the murmurs."Stated in the royal decree is: every unmarried lady in the kingdom of Solterra must attend the royal ball on this month's full moon! The crown prince will choose the lucky girl to be his wife and future queen!" the courtier announced."What? Is that true?!""Oh my! I can't believe that! As in, every girl? Even a commoner?""Yes, everyone."I don't know how to react. How should I react about it anyway? We were dancing just days ago, and now he's searching for a potential wife? I couldn't believe him.Why would I care of what he's doing in hi