Unknown (NaNoWriMo)

Chapter 20:

The First Prince, Rumad, was waiting for us to answer. His crossed arms and tapping toe was not a good indicator of patience. Making the first move, I released Khesir's arm and sunk into a low curtsy. "Greetings your highness, we were just about to retire for the evening." Rumad raised his eyebrows, but waited for Khesir to also speak.

Letting out a sigh, Khesir lifted me up from my curtsy. "I have already greeted his majesty, now I want to leave." Another staredown was imminent. It seemed that was the only thing Prince's knew how to do. Breaking away first Rumad blinked his beady eyes.

Looking between the two of us, Rumad turns his attention towards me. "You look familiar. Have a I met you before?" Resisting the urge to roll my eyes, I responded with a bowed head. "No your highness, this is my first visit to the capital." Even if the Prince did know every lady in the Capitol I'm sure he wouldn't notice a woman like me.

He was not willing to let go. Finally he snapped his fingers and pointed at me. "You were that girl that ran to Khesir after the battle." The way he stated it made me feel like a fool. My fists were clenched and I had to stop myself from saying something I would regret.

Controlling my rage, I calmly retorted. "Was I not supposed to attend to his highness?" Rumad didn't have an answer and he seemed bored with the conversation. Turning to Khesir, he made a remark as though I was not present. "Really brother? Blind? Couldn't you have done better?" I knew he was talking about me but I had bigger things to deal with.

Now I was holding Khesir back. I didn't want to give it away that I could see, because that could be an important detail to play out. Khesir decided that it was better to leave, so he took my hand and dragged me out of the building. I was struggling to keep up for awhile. He seemed so focused that we passed by the carriage.

Finally he slowed down and I noticed we were near the center of the capital again. Khesir was breathing hard and shaking. If he went back he would for sure kill him and I didn't want that to happen.

I couldn't think of anything else, but to pull him into a hug. Running my hands up and down his back, I continued my ministrations until his breathing slowed down. Stepping back, I looked at him. "Are you alright now?" I was genuinely concerned because Khesir seemed to always be cool, calm and collected.

Nodding his head, Khesir mumbled into the bend of my neck. "Better now. He just makes me angry." I laughed at that understatement. "He seems to make a lot of people angry." We just stayed there for a moment. The night breeze felt cool on my shoulders and I hugged Khesir tighter. After a while we let go and I waited. At first you can hear it but then like it traveled on the breeze I could hear it.

Music was playing in the distance, and I tried to find the source. A glow was seen in the direction of the marketplace. My curiosity was apparent, because he let out an amused laugh. Walking away, Khesir held on tight to my hand. Excitement was building as we stumbled upon another dance circle.

Laughter, as a group people were dancing and clapping along. I almost started to drag Khesir at this point. Too wrapped up in my joy, I almost didn't notice the unsure glances he was getting. As we moved closer, the music started slowing down and whispers replaced the excited talking. A frown was appearing on my face. Turning to Khesir, I reached for his face. "Are you alright with this? We can go if you want."

Shaking his head, Khesir rested his forehead against mine. "No, you're happy. And we also need to end this evening on a good note." With a soft sigh, I turned towards the majority of the people. "Is it okay if we join you?" Some looked unsure, but one woman came up. It was the mother from before. Dropping into a low bow, she wore a smile. "Of course your highness is welcome. And this young lady as well."