Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 16:

After that deal, Hazen and I decided to venture back out into the open. We entered the secret hallway, which took less time than in the morning. Once we were out walking around the crowd, I asked Hazen about the location. "Why is he hanging out, outside of the palace?" The noise of people moving around covered up Hazen's movement, before I heard his voice in my ear. "He is not on good terms with the rest of the family, so instead of being monitored we have our own hideout."

That made sense, especially if he wasn't in the good graces of the King. Walking to the market, I was amazed at the mixed of different people. This time commoners, nobles, and merchants were all mingling about. This open space was filled with music and pairs were emerging to dance. Content with watching, I stood on the sidelines with a smile on my face.

"Hanging out with commoners, how fitting." That scathing voice pulled me from the mesmerizing movements. Not giving him the curtesy of a full-body turn, I tilted my head to look at the rude person. Tirvak. A cocky grin was adorned on his face. Did he think that I was offended? Not wanting to let this slide, I let out a small quip. "Then what are you doing here, my lord? Indulging in the same pastime?"

Satisfaction was all I could feel once I saw his face turn red. Sputtering out an insult, Tirvak reached to grab my arm. Before he could, another voice cut through. "My lord, how presumptuous of you to reach for a woman, when you have another." Hazen had arrived and was now drawing more and more attention to our spot. "Lord Hazen! My apologies, I was just discussing some matters. If you don't mind, I'll take my leave."

Shoving past people, Tirvak fled leaving Hazen and I chuckling. "He's all bark and no bite," Hazen finally choked out. I nodded in agreement. "Thank you. Unfortunately I don't have a hold on my sharp tongue, especially around idiots." We turned our amusement back towards the dancing, but I still was curious. "Lord Hazen. That's what I seem to hear a lot about you. Should I be addressing you the same?"

Hazen was giving me a side eye. Shaking his head, he dispelled my worries. "No, that title is just something I inherited from my useless family. Though it does have its perks, I don't like holding something like status over a person's head." He paused as if to rethink his last statement. "Well maybe over idiots, it's useful."

That I could understand. I don't even know if I had a title, but maybe because I dressed like a noble I was addressed as Lady. Honorifics were a little strange for me, so I erred on the side of caution.

I was also curious to know about his past something he never told me. But I know over the years that he'll tell me when he's ready. When he's come to terms. And I'll be patient I'm ready to listen when that time comes.

I joined Hazen in clapping while people started dancing. As I watched others dance, a sense of joy washed over me. Bit by bit I yearned to step in that circle and share in that happiness.

Hazen probably noticed, because he grabbed my wrist and started to tug me towards the center. A dance had just ended and another one was starting. "Wait, what are you doing?" Terror was palpable in my voice. Hazen just shouted back. "Dancing. You've be watching for way too long!" "Wait, wait, Hazen wait." He ignored my pleads.

Hazen pulled me close and started leading. I was struggling to follow and only ended up laughing at my poor attempt. Yelling over the music I tried to talk to Hazen. "I don't know what I'm doing. Don't you remember that I'm blind." In return, Hazen just kept spinning me in a circle. I was pretty sure this was not the proper way to dancing. At least I didn't hit anyone or so I thought.

I enjoyed it anyway. The music slowed to a halt and I was able to catch my breath. Thinking we were heading back, I turned towards the audience. But that was not the plan. I was pulled back and leaned against a chest. "I thought we were done? I was awful at dancing." I was trying to get out of this round or else my ego would not be intact.

The hand slid down my wrist and interlaced with my fingers. Suddenly I was turned around and another hand caught against my waist. I looked up, this was a different feeling than dancing with Hazen. A different person. "Well I wasn't leading." I knew that voice. It was Khesir. And the butterflies were back yippy.

You know you like it.

I berated Lahe in my mind. Quiet this whole time, only to mock me during this.

Yup deal with it.

The music started up slow. Hand gripping my waist, I moved in the direction that he was leading me. Wait? Weren't slow dances supposed to be romantic? Heat crept up my neck and I realized I was moving like a lifeless puppet. Reaching my free hand up, I let it rest against the prince's shoulder. My fingers squeezed back intertwined with his.

This was so different. With Hazen, we were having fun regardless of the mistakes and ending up just spinning. With Khesir, I wanted to prove that I could dance; that I could be his partner. This desire made me hyperaware of every moment he made and eventually the world around us disappeared.

My silver lines didn't guide me. Normally when they disappear, I felt vulnerable and scared. But with Khesir, I felt secure and safe. I wasn't alone in this darkness. Movements flowed together and soon it felt like an eternity. This didn't feel like dancing with a stranger, but a reunion with a long-lost friend. Surprisingly this familiarity didn't frighten me, only comforted me.

Have you ever heard of soulmates?

I was aware of our steps slowing down and music floating back in my ears. The world came back with a rush of cheers and clapping. Shaken up, I stepped a bit away from Khesir and ran my fingers through my hair. Disoriented, I let him lead me off the center for other pairs to start dancing again. My silver lines were back in guiding me and I found a small bench in a garden.

Sitting down I fanned my face and breathed in and out. A person sat next to me and I didn't have to look to know who it was. "So your highness, did you finish up those stack of paper or are you skipping out on your duties." He stiffened beside me and I got my answer. Turning towards me, I clearly recognized it was Khesir. "How did no one recognize you?"

Tugging at his hair, he muttered out. "I changed my appearance a little." I tilted my head at that, because he looked the same to me. "No, you look the same." This made him look at me in confusion. "So you can see through this?" Frustrated I threw my hands up. "Yes! You look the same as the 1st,2nd and 3rd time I've met you." Glaring past me, Khesir addressed another person. "Did you know about this?"

There was a shuffling sound and a figure stepped out from behind a tree. "Nope, but this is a pleasant surprise," Hazen had his arms behind his back in a nonchalant manner. I was now officially confused and it was very apparent. Letting out a sigh, Khesir finally let me know. "I changed my hair color and eye color using magic. That's why no one recognized me, except from you." Hazen had to pop in on that. "You saw right through magic, which means we've gained a very valuable ally!"

My head was swimming around this point. I was blind, but my silver lines helped me see. And now they were able to see through magic. That's not even addressing my powers. Placing my head in my hands, I let out a sound of agitation. Then looking up, I turned towards Khesir. "On a scale of 1 to 10, how screwed am I if I were to get caught?"

Both Hazen and Khesir exchange glances before he spoke. "10. If the King finds out about a person able to use and see through magic, you will be hunted down. Then you would be given a choice, submit or die." Those words left a somber tone in the air. Hazen tried to lighten it up as best as he can. "Now that you are with us, Khesir can extend protection to you. But it can't be place upon an acquaintance."

I needed a different status? But I was already affiliated with a noble family, albeit reluctantly. So what kind of status would I need that would allow Khesir to protect me. The pieces were slowly falling into place and both men watch as my furrowed face morphed into astonishment. Turning towards them, I hoped my conclusion wasn't correct. A serious nod from the prince and a muffled laugh from the soldier sealed my fate.

"I'm going to protect you as my wife."