Destined

13. Water and Wind

I wandered back toward the lords and His majesty. Artemis walked behind me, but I did not turn around. Zelme, Annalise, and Mesmer were waiting for our moment to end.

I knew saying that would make her think I liked her, but it was true. I was happy smiling at her instead of creating more tears.

"Splendid be, who knew you were so well versed in court." His Majesty smiled at me while Annalise remained quiet. "My dear, you should get out there too." He glanced over at his daughter, but she did not seem interested.

Zelme sighed and held his hand out to her. "Would you like a dance, your highness?"

Annalise glared at him. "And why are you even here when it is clear you only came because his highness made you?"

"Annalise must you do this every time anyone asks you to dance." Her father diverted his attention to Zelme. "It has been a while since I have seen you, Zelme."

"Likewise, your majesty. I wish it was much sooner than it was." He bowed his head and rose without permission. A fist at his side. "I do not expect your forgiveness or mercy, but I did leave here with a regret."

"Oh, and what regret might you have when his highness clearly trusts you?"

Zelme focused on Annalise. "I truly was dishonest with my feelings. Esmiera and I were together but not in the way everyone thought. I did care for her, but it was not to be." He lowered his eyes and his fist released at his side. "Back in the isles, I had nothing, to begin with. But when I was stuck there in the time that passed since Esmiera's death, I wondered if I was being honest or just a fool. Long before I even thought of Esmiera, there was someone else."

Annalise stared at him unsure where he was going with this.

He smiled like he was thinking about that someone. "Esmiera and I knew we were good friends, not lovers. Everyone tried to fix us up and soon we found ourselves forced to play lovers."

"Is that why you refused her hand in marriage?"

He shook his head and continued. "As gracious as the offer was, I was not in love with her. I made a fool of myself to the one I wished would realize I had every intent to prove my love for them. Her words drown out my excuses and her strength forms in her determination." Zelme gazed at Annalise. "Everyone had it backward, the woman who caught my heart was not Esmiera but the one who always stood beside her."

His Majesty searched between them for proof that this was true.

"So, will you take my hand princess, or would you like me to admit defeat?"

I had not seen him show a hint of his feelings for Annalise, but did he overhear the two of us in the courtyard?

Annalise scowled. "Honestly, what are you up to? I know you and this is unlike you, Zelme."

"It is, but I would not lie. You know I never lied to you."

She smirked. "You can stop flattering me. It will not change anything I said."

I wanted to interject, but Zelme and Annalise need to do this themselves.

"Fine, you win. However, you should know I cannot always predict what you will do or even say." He smiled and then slowly let his hand fall away. "That was what drew me to you that night in the courtyard. Not your words but your silence."

Annalise pushed him away gently. "You better not be messing with me or you will regret it, even more, you idiot."

"And what would be the point of that when you made it clear earlier how I was not in love with Esmiera in front of his highness? You were right the only person I entrusted those doubts to was you because I love you." His eyes smoldered. He leered closer despite her pushing him away.