CHAPTER 11: WHO IS HE?
For the past two years my stay in the palace has been tormenting. My stepmother and sisters taunted, pestered and tormented me in every possible way the could find. Prince Richid and Grandfather had been my only support as for father he had decided to remain neutral yet still I feel how he sometimes pulls one or two strings to get me out of my stepmother's clutches. He even sent me to my own pavilion far away from the Queen and her daughters which was supposed to be after I debut. I have learnt to let them have their way any time the try to bully me. Grandfather has been holding lessons for me secretly against stepmother's caution. Fewer handmaids were assigned to me since most maids feared what the Queen would do to them. Many of them run away but two remained loyal to me though Grandfather got me new maids I liked Eulia and Christy more they were like sisters to me.
My birthday is in three days and father intends to debut me then to find a "suitable" husband for me. I hate the whole idea of getting married to a chosen husband who I didn't even know. Grandfather said I would get the opportunity to get to know him since I can only get married at the legal age which was eighteen. I just hated the whole concept of it.
The day is finally here I've been throwing up since morning feeling anxious about this whole thing. The palace gates were open since morning for the gifting ceremony which I was not allowed to show myself since I have to look "new" to the public. None of the gifts attracted my attention except one. It had various products made from a blue rose extract. It was simple extravaganza in itself along with a single blue rose which smelled heavenly. I had discussion with my handmaid -friends, Eulia and Christy who seemed to know a lot about this particular gift.
What intrigued me most was the mention of the seventh prince and his acclaimed mystery. Couldn't believe what Eulia and Christy said, I was only day dreaming. Soon it was time to show myself at the ball. My dress was beautiful, Grandfather had sent for the best seamstress with specific orders to get it done. I was fascinated at the beauty alone not to speak of my looks in it after I was done. The herald called out my name whiles the stationed guards couldn't peel their eyes of me as I walked on. I could hear whispers and gasps of surprise among the guests. I walked on towards my seat as I had been taught with pride and grace like a true princess. I sat next to prince Richid who kept on sending approval glances my way. Now it was time for my first dance with my father as per customs. Walking to the floor as I waited for my father. I raised my head when I saw a beautiful man with a set of deep magenta eyes with shiny black hair nicely cut and styled with a little released over his face. He came close taking my hands in his,he bowed then kissed it. I felt my heart flatter within me at his singular move he then asked me for a dance.
CHAPTER 12: MESMERIZED
I felt my heart flatter in my chest as he kissed my hand. I don't know what happened but I found my self swaying in his embrace as we danced. I feel like time froze while we danced,we came to a halt then walked onto the balcony. The full moon shone brightly giving off a radiant ambience .A gentle breeze blew causing the little hair covering his half face flare then I saw his face. He had a silver mask covering half his face. His hair cascaded down his golden skin like waves of midnight framing his sharp jaws which gave him a powerful masculine face. He had eyelashes,long and curled,the only feminine charm about him were so long thick and curled beautifully. From those eyelashes peeked eyes of magenta like ambers in the midnight that would easily trap and captivate any woman.
He took a blue rose from his top welt exactly like the one I received earlier as gift. It all made sense now he was none other than the seventh prince of Rocrest. I stood there frozen to the spot as he gave the rose to me. I blushed whiles taking it from him. I could feel gazes upon us whiles both of us stood mesmerized by each other's beauty. A strong sound of a throat being cleared brought me back to consciousness. I turned around to see my father who had a look of suppressed mixture of feelings and I knew he was furious. The young man bowed to my father partially which was the first time I saw some one disrespect my father this way. I had a bad feeling about this man but some how felt peaceful and fulfilled around him though he was really daring and disrespectful. I excused myself leaving them to talk by themselves whiles holding the blue rose.
*END OF ADELINE'S POV*
CHAPTER 13: KINDLED FIRE
Excusing the two contending men who looked like they would devour each other, Adeline was caught up by the nobles who wanted to have a dance with the princess. As she danced and twirled she glanced towards the two men still talking. The king looked agitated but kept it under a cover of calmness the gentleman on the other hand was cold,calm and unperturbed annoying. After a few minutes of talking,the man took a bow in the same disrespectful manner then walked towards Adeline who was dancing. Taking Adeline again he smiled charmingly,he spoke to her for the first time. "I hate to say this but it seems like your father,the king doesn't like me that much." "I believe you are not logging a complain against his majesty?" Adeline questioned. "I admire your boldness princess it's the first time someone has had such fiery heart",he smiled. Adeline redrew from his embrace to regain her composure. Putting on a serious look she looked him in the eyes.
"Who are you that you dare to flirt with a princess,where do you come from."she arched a eyebrow questioningly. "Hold on princess I dare not do such a thing you can call me "Terol" ". A tall dark fellow dressed neatly with equal complimentary looks walked up to him then whispered into his ears his face contorted but was quickly covered. "I fear I have to leave princess but we will see each other soon bye" he said as he pressed his lips to her hands. Adeline watched on as he walked hurriedly out. The ceremony went on smoothly and soon Adeline was back to her pavilion. As soon as she entered her room a knock came but was soon followed by someone barging into the room she turned around to see her sisters in her room. "Now tell us how did you get to dance with such a charming prince, what did you do to get him?" Veronic asked with her hands crossed against her chest. "I don't understand you,what prince are you talking about?" Adeline looked confused.
"O don't play dumb with us you shameless daughter of a whore!" Geneva pointed. "Watch you words with me Geneva you are in my pavilion and I still don't know any thing about what you speak of." Adeline retorted. "Wow see who's got a mouth....."Geneva was cut off from continuing. "We are not here to fight back to what I was saying. Adeline darling what ever you did to get the seventh prince of Rocrest I will find out very soon....o yes and a happy birthday darling!" Veronic added sarcastically.then dashed out with her sister tailing her. Adeline exhaled deeply then slumped onto the bed and soon fell into a deep sleep without even undressing.
The rays of the sunlight seeped through the windows into Adeline's room casting a glow on her sleepy body. She was roused back to life when the curtains were drawn back. "Wake up sleeping goddess,arise and glow my princess." Eulia called."you must have been really exhausted to sleep so soundly in your dress" she said looking at Adeline admiringly. "Hmmmm good...ywwwwwn... morning Eulia. How did I get into these..."she asked pointing to her changed clothes. "O that don't worry about it...now tall me how was he.. the prince of Rocrest?". "Uhhhm help me wash up while I tell you about it...if you are so curious about it" Adeline walked into the bathroom.