Destined

12. Confession

We arrived at the ball without issue, but it felt as if I was the main attraction for the northern folk considering not only has a princess aided me, her father also takes an interest. The music continued not stopping at my entrance while I reconsidered this was not a decent idea in the first place. My attire felt on the brink of choking me while I paid my pleasantries to the guests and plastered a smile to hide the fact this was more about what I know now.

Annalise was speaking with her father while the lords smirked at me. Something tells me they have not given up hope I will propose to Annalise. I noticed many of the ladies staring at me, but it was not their attention I wanted. There was one person filling my thoughts and she was not here.

Lord Halden came over to greet me while a small smile spread across his thin lips. "Your Highness, we were uncertain if you would attend with all that happened the other day."

I made an awkward smile trying to keep my thoughts to myself. "I will be fine I assure you. I have been through much more than you can imagine."

Zelme stuck close to me and Lord Halden noted Zelme watching over me. "It appears so, but you handle those beasts with ease. What surprised me was that you knew they would attack us."

I sighed. "It was the least I could do since they came here because of me." My throat was closing off and my eyes lowered to the ground. "I was their target and I apologize for involving your realm in this battle."

"You got them to run off, no need to worry yourself over it."

I formed a fist and bit my lip. "But sir, they were the ones responsible for the deaths that have been happening here. It was a ploy to get me here."

"Your Highness, whether that is true or not, they attacked us. We would not have managed to fend off all of them and for that, we are in your debt."

Annalise and her father came to greet us. I could not hold his gaze after the other day. "Your Highness, are you sure you feel up to this?" His Majesty was concerned for me, but I flashed the smile.

"No need to fret about me, I am accustomed to it."

Annalise frowned but I could tell Zelme was avoiding her gaze. "At least, you seem better tonight. That young man who came to your aid, was he a friend of yours?"

"Yes, an ally in this fight I found myself in." I glanced up at His Majesty and he smiled at me. "Strange you would mention him though."

The room went silent and I turned my head to see Artemis dressed in a deep sapphire gown sparkling like a clear summer night. Her hair hanging loosely at her backside. Mesmer at her side but my thoughts left me about everything else. I thought she would not come. After all, I made it clear I was uncertain what I feel for her. Right now though, I could say having her around brightened my mood.

"I believe that's the first genuine smile I have seen on you, Your Highness."

I snapped out of it. "It's not and you know it." I glared at Zelme and he smirked.

"Who thought she could get you to do that?"

His Majesty and Lord Halden each stared at me then at Artemis.

"Zelme, do you have to bring it up?" I scowled at him. "Besides, it is not fair to-,"

Zelme pushed me. "Go on, kid. You already know she is here, so move your feet."

"You just enjoy embarrassing me in front of people. Besides, our falling out last night and then this morning," I thought about how upset I made her at my words. I sighed and my good mood wore off. "I think I have done enough damage."