Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 17:

Hazen couldn't contain his laugh anymore and it echoed through the garden. A swift punch to the arm shut him up. Turning to the prince, I asked with the most serious tone I could muster. "Your highness, are you sure? You do not know me and I don't know you. How are you confident this would work?"

Reaching out and grabbing my hand, Khesir looked me in my eyes. "My family would be suspicious of a new acquaintance or bodyguard. If you appear as my fiancé, we can fabricate a story of you being in the south." Confusion returned on my face. "But I wasn't in the south?" This is where Hazen picked up where the prince left off.

"The Alderrdeen Family cannot release the information about your lineage in fear of reaping the consequences of the former Duke." Right, the punishment would be death or a lesser sentence of exile. They had to save face, meaning if I came forward as a noble from the south they would have to stay silent.

Nervous, I started to fiddle with my fingers. But I forgot that Khesir had grabbed them. Squeezing them, I gave a small smile to ease his mind. After awhile I let go and stood up brushing off my skirt. Turning to Hazen, I let out an awkward laugh. "Well guess I have to add etiquette to my daily lessons." Hazen ruffled my hair and slung an arm over my shoulder.

"We'll work on that. First we need to convince the public and nobles that you guys are fiancés." Both Khesir and I nod in agreement. I immediately was thinking of the dance between the two of us. "Our interactions in the public eye should start becoming more and more frequent." I was murmuring to myself with both of them listening in interest. "The royal ball is held on the 6th day, so I should be your partner. Then on the last day of the celebration, you can declare our engagement to the king. If we do this right, the public and noble will believe in love at first sight due to the abrupt interaction yesterday."

Looking up, I wanted to get their opinions on my thoughts. What I got was Khesir staring at me. Not in confusion, but in admiration. The kind that sent butterflies to my stomach. Snapping it out of it, I turned to Hazen. Shaking his head I brief caught the words he muttered. "Why was I even worried."

Khesir was now back in the present and agreed with my plan. "That sounds doable. The battle re-enactment is tomorrow and most ladies cheer on their soldiers." Nodding my head, I knew where he was going. Now that everyone was on the right page, it was time to prep for tomorrow. Bowing towards the prince, I left with Hazen following me.

My mind was churning with plans and hopes that this will all work. And a small voice whispered about the dance that would be playing in my dreams. Chalking my red face up to exercise, I made my way to the hotel. Saying goodnight to Hazen and heading to bed. I prepared myself for a new life. One by the side of a prince.

(The song Lahe was chanting during the dance)

Wise men say
Only fools rush in
But I can't help falling in love with you
Shall I stay?
Would it be a sin
If I can't help falling in love with you?

Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows
Surely to the sea
Darling, so it goes
Some things are meant to be

Take my hand
Take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you
For I can't help falling in love with you

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Why did I every agree to this. That thought was blaring in my head, once we got to the site of the re-enactment. It was a field right outside of the capital with the mountains in the background. Soldiers were prepping their weapons and ladies where standing around gossiping. I felt like the odd one out. In a semi formal outfit, I stood by myself observing the entire process.