Everyone was staring at us. He was smart he knew I couldn't deny him in public. So, I nodded.
He smiled widely. He grabbed my waist with one hand and grabbed my hand with other. His touch was gentle and soft.I put my other hand on his shoulder.The music began. But, I didn't know how to dance. I just followed his lead quietly. I was so close to him. I felt that again. His touch was sending sparks. My heart was beating fast. He moved our bodies. I was clumsy and I steeped on him. I winced but he was controlling his expressions.
" I am sorry. " I said in a weak voice.
" You don't know how to dance right." He asked.
He could tell. My face was on flames.
" Don't worry. Just relax your body . You are stiff. And leave it to me."
I looked at him and his eyes were promising. I did what he said. I didn't want to embarrass myself after all.
" I know I didn't tell you who I was. Because, I don't like to use my identity to describe myself.....I just wanted to know you. That night was total coincidence, I swear. I didn't you were coming. I thought that place was empty. I hope you won't be angry with me." He said . His eyes were desperate for something. But for what, my forgiveness. I didn't thin so. His words and eyes has power to hold anyone.
" So, have you forgiven me?" He asked again.
I wasn't angry anymore. I smiled a little and said," I wasn't angry.......and I was lying when I told you I didn't have your key. I am sorry. I will return it you."
He laughed and said," I knew you were lying. " His smile cam melt a stone. So, come on it was my heart we were talking about. Was I attracted to him? He was staring at me with something deep in his eyes. What was that? Attraction or affection. I was feeling comfortable with him. But, my heart was thundering inside me. The dance came to a stop. We bowed to each other and he lifted my hand and kissed it gently. Something woke up in me after that kiss. I was feeling so hot. I walked out of hall and didn't stop until I reached my palace. Amy was waiting for me. She ran towards me and said," Princess, what happened? Are you alright? Your face is all red."
" Nothing, it's just a bit hot . I want to rest. You go and sleep. "
" But, you....."
I laughed a bit and said," I am fine. Don't worry. You must be tired. I will tell you everything tomorrow."
She nodded but she was worried. She walked away. I needed to be alone. What was this thing? I walked into my room and went on balcony. The cool air of night calmed my flaming face and racing heart. The wisteria vines were blowing in air. It was beautiful.
"Hey...." I heard a voice. I looked around to see but no one was there.
" Look down." I looked down to see prince was here.What was he doing here? He climbed the pillar and came into balcony. He was standing in front of me.
" Why are you here? " I blurted out.
" I am here to take my key." He said.
" Normal people don't come like that. " I said.
" So, maybe I am not normal." He said with his cheeky smile. But, I didn't find it annoying anymore. It was pleasant.
"So, my key" He said again while waving his hand in front of me. I was staring at him. Blush creeped my cheeks and I turned around to bring his key. I grabbed it from under my pillow and gave it to him.
" Thankyou...I should go now." He told me but he wasn't moving at all. He was just staring at me.
" Your highness, goodnight." I said.
" Yeah goodnight. " He smiled and jumped down.
I was so surprised when he jumped.
" He will give me a heart attack someday." I murmmered and went to sleep.
Amy came in my room next morning and bombarded me with her questions. I told her everything except prince Alaric. I wanted to keep him a secret. My secret. My heart fluttered on the thought of keeping him as a secret. Amy told me I got a letter from Nanny. I was literally jumping on that news. She wrote,
" My dear princess,
I am so gald to hear you are happy. I hope you enjoy your days there and take care of your health. I miss you two so much. I am perfectly fine. My blessings are always with you.
Kelly."
Tears were in my eyes when I red that letter. I was getting emotional. But, I was satisfied with that letter.
My days passed happily in Clematis. I made some new friends. We exchanged books our kingdoms novels also. Sometimes, I saw Prince Alaric walking in a corridor or slacking off in garden.One day, I was with Charlotte and Caroline. Prince Alaric was passing from their. But he saw us and smiled widely. Both of them, were so excited. He was every girl's dream. I felt a sting of jealousy. Charlotte told me their was even a secret fan club for him.I didn't find that information pleasant at all.
" Princess...princess." I snapped out of my thoughts and saw Amy was running towards me. She had big smile on her face and she was excited.
I was sitting out in the garden. She came and stood in front of me.
" Princess, their will be a hunters competiton in a few days.Princes' and Princesses' from many other kingdoms will also come."
" Okay...."
She made a face and said, " Okay...just okay. You response is too dry."
" Then, Should I dance? "
" I don't know." She said confusingly.
" She shouldn't dance. It's unlady like." Jenifer said coming towards us. Amy shrunk and stood backwards.
"Princess, we have to order new dresses.His majesty has already sent the invitation. Next week, You will travel towards west and stay their for a month." Jenifer informed me.
" Thankyou Jenifer for taking care of everything."
" No, it's my pleasure princess."
Competition Day
I arrived in west yesterday. Amy came with me. Westside of kingdom was so beautiful. I even caught a glimpse of ocean. I saw many lakes and ponds on my way. I wore a purple and blue gown and Amy did my hair. I was getting used to be a princess. They arranged a palace for all the nobels to stay.
" Princess, lady Katty is here." Amy told me entering the tent I was in.There were tents on the competition grounds to rest.
" Let her in." I said.
Katty came in. She said, "Today, princess Akshita Campbell will come."
" Akshita Campbell...''
" Yeah, she is famous for her speech. She is a good debater. She has a very high sense of justice. She is popular and men fear her. There was a rumor about her that crown prince Balder and princess Akshita were spotted together."
" So, are they like seeing each other?"
" Nobody knows maybe secretly. This time everyone will notice them...."
Amy interrupted us and said,"Princess, Lady Charlotte is here."
"Guide her in."
Charlotte came in a hurry and said," Do you know what I heard outside?"
"What?" Katty and I said at same time.
" Some ladies were talking outside that Princess Akshita directly went to meet the crown prince and if rumours about their affair is true then, this will be the most sensational news of the year."
" Now, I am excited to see them together. " I said with excitement dripping from my voice.
" I am shipping them hardly." Katty said
" Me too."Charlotte said.
" To see them we should go outside." I suggested.
They nodded and we went outside. Many nobels were gathered in the competition ground.
" Hello ladies.." Someone said.
We all turned to see Prince Alaric.