The Forest gate palaces were brighter now, the gloom having lifted from the houses. Raina stood at the gates to the Dancing Wind Palace looking out into the forest beyond. Her eyes were lost in the forest and and deep within herself. There was so much going on and all she wanted was the past.
She missed the days she got to play with Grandma in the garden while her cousins played with the Emperor. It was true that she had never been included in their fun and games, but she hadn't really minded. If she went to play, then Grandma would be lonely, and she couldn't let that happen. The tension had always been there, the pressure for their cousins to be better than her, and they couldn't help but feel resentment toward her. Raina knew all this, but she missed those days. At least then, she had her family around her.
Her morning had always started with meeting grandmother, then the cousins. They did their lessons until the Emperor joined them. Then the children would play while Raina watched. She would go to play in the garden with the beauties until dinner, which she would spend with her Dad. Now she was back and everything was different. She didn't feel like this was home anymore.
The thought crossed her mind as she turned back to the Dancing Winds Palace. These walls had once held her heart, but now she longed for the dark forest of the Shadow Veil hall. She wanted Uncle Mordrin's training sessions and Grandfather Moradakai's warm spiced tea. She wanted to feel wanted again. Here she felt more like she was extra. Unneeded and unwanted.
A gentle cough caught Raina's attention and she turned to face the source of the noise. Standing behind her, was a boy she barely recognized. He was about Raina's age. Long dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail, and a gentle smile. His eyes were warm black and filled with a sense of mystery that she got a little lost in.
"Raina, darling Princess, your cousins have asked me to invite you to tea." He spoke gently, and in a way that was soothing to her. Raina felt a odd heat in her cheeks as she reflexively looked down at the earth beneath her feet. There seemed to be something that caught her attention there.
"Haden… It has been a while." Raina replied blushing softly as she looks away. He chuckled.
"Yes it has been, Pretty Princess. Your just as lovely as you have always been. Will you come with me?" He asked offering her a smile. Raina frowned.
"My cousins asked me to come to tea?" She asked a bit more guarded as she realized where he wanted her to go. Haden offered her a smile.
"Yes, they are having tea in the garden. We have also invited 2 of the Dancing Wind Guard if that makes you feel better." He offered and Raina seemed to think for a moment. Her little face was more serious than he had seen before. It was adorable, but he couldn't help but wonder what was going on beneath those deep blue eyes.
"I will join them for tea then. Refusing would be rude." Raina concluded aloud as she raised her eyes to meet his. She smoothed her dress and turned back toward the house. "I will change and then I will join you." She replied smoothly, it was clear she had no interest in discussion. He chuckled and stood aside.
"As you wish, Princess Raina." He conceded, this was more than he had hoped for. This mission was supposed to be a guaranteed failure. That was why none of the maids wanted to extend the invitation when the Prince had suggested it. Haden however, didn't care if it was successful or not, he had his own agenda.