Mille cracked another knot and Kaya wrenched the brush from her hand.
She was still fuming about the incident with the boy. Kaya didn't understand what she did wrong or why he was so angry all of a sudden.
"Was there a reason for that?" she snipped, glowering at their reflection in the vanity mirror.
Millie was like a second mother. She was constantly telling her what to do, forcing her into hot itchy gowns, and trying to get her to eat less, claiming: "You can't eat like a piglet and dress like a lady."
Though it was her job, Kaya thought she was overdoing it.
Kaya sighed and handed her the brush back. "No."
"Liar." Millie took the brush and attacked her hair again, cracking another knot.
"I'm just angry," Kaya admitted, wincing.
"That's not obvious."
"It's my companion."
Millie sighs. "Don't tell me you're going to complain to your father. The last twenty companions you've had have been exiled."
"I just don't understand him. One moment he's happy and then angry the next. He hardly says a word to me unless we're arguing." Kaya rambled, "He hasn't even told me his name for heaven's sake."
"Most people with his background would normally keep things to themselves." Mille twisted her hair up and pinned it in place. "Can you really blame him for his anger?"
"I dunno."
Mille moved toward the closet. "You can't. He's surrounded by the same people who destroyed his home and took his family."
"Why won't he talk about it?"
Kaya turned to watch Millie ruffle through her clothes. Her eyebrows were furrowed although she was trying to figure out how to answer the question.
Instead of answering though, she pulled out two lovely gowns.
"Which one princess?"
One was an elegant, floor-length, cream-colored gown. It was adorned with diamonds that sparkled in the sun, and laced by a skilled hand with white cloth.
The other was a ruffled, white outfit that was laced in gold thread and covered with pearls.
Her father was throwing a celebration in her honor because it was time for her to be looking for a husband.
Kaya blinked, surprised at the subject change. She looked between the outfits and pointed toward the peach one.
Millie tossed the other one aside and raced around to grab supplies. "Wonderful choice! I'll have you ready in no time!"
...
The party was already in full swing when Kaya arrived. She scanned the room, looking for the elf.
She spotted him by the refreshments wearing a black tunic and pants, his black hair was pulled into a low tail.
Kaya tried everything to get his attention but he kept his gaze planted firmly on the ground.
When she took her seat her father smiled, "There she is. The beauty all you lads have been waiting for. Let the party begin."
Her mother blew her a kiss and winced, placing a hand on her round middle.
She was expecting twins. Boys.
Kaya turned to all the couples who were dancing in the middle of the floor, then there was the group of girls who were whispering among themselves, and the boys who stood around nervously.
Prince Xavier from the Dragon Riders kingdom approached her, extending his hand.
He was tall with windblown brown hair and dark brows, the muscles of his arms rippled, and his eyes were the color of rose gold.
"May I have this dance?"
Kaya swallowed and glanced at her dad who was glowering at her, but still holding that smile.
Unbelievable.
"Of course."
She took his hand and allowed him to lead her toward the dance floor.
A slow song started and Kaya wrapped her arms around his neck and he placed his hands on her hips.
"What are you doing here?!" Kaya hissed.
Xavier smirked. "What do you mean? I can't compete for your hand?"
"I know that's not why you're here." Kaya glanced around. "How are things going?"
"I wasn't able to smuggle out any more than ten dragons without raising suspicion from my father." Xavier pursed his lips. "You still haven't told me why we're helping them. They're elves."
Kaya frowned. "That means nothing. The elves still have thoughts, feelings, wants, and dreams. They're not that different from you or I. The Revolution is now over 500 strong, but I think they could use one more."
She gestured at her companion. "I don't know his name."
"Don't tell me you're going to have him exiled. Like you did with your other companions, he looks soft."
"He's not. Trust and believe. What other option do I have? I can't smuggle them out, it'd be too suspicious."
Xavier raised a brow. "haven't you smuggled slaves?"
"This is different."
When the music ended, they separated, and Xavier raised a fist. "Long live the Revolution."
Kaya whispered it back. "Long live the Revolution."