Dead Hand of the Past

In Honor of the Maiden's

9

Fir Darrig was standing looking out over their new palace holding an invitation. He had been invited to the ball at the Amber Forest. He moved off the balcony and sought out Leander. He found him sitting on his throne looking bored. It was better than the bad mood he had been in since the loss of maiden.

"I have received an invitation from Princess Amberley. She is hosting a ball in honor of the maidens. I would like to attend."

Leander looked up sort of amused.

"Oh yes, you and Princess Amberley had a thing long ago. She is not one you could use your charm on and persuade her to join us?"

Fir Darrig ignored Leander's comments.

"I think I will accept the invitation. It would be a good opportunity to get to know the maidens who seem to be blessed by the gods."

Leander growled at him.

"Do what you want."

Leander got a twinkle in his eye,

"If you see Jaden tell her although she escaped when I am the ruler of Lantea I will make her my queen."

Fir Darrig smiled and bowed, he now knew what was bothering his friend. He had fallen for the maiden. Not since before his time with Leander had he fallen in love. The girls name if he remembered correctly was Hero. It was after her death he seemed to want to rule Lantea to take his mind off his loss.

"I will take my leave now and prepare myself for the ball."

The girls were all excited about attending the ball all except Azure. She was sitting with her head resting on her hands looking quite depressed. She was worried about Jem.

"Jem is so unhappy she finally realized she lost all the family she has ever known. Speaking of her family, not to change the subject why hasn't Ichiro come by to see me. I thought that we had made up?"

Saphira snorted,

"You mean why didn't he come back to camp last night don't you?"

Kodora smiled at Azure trying to give her reassurance.

"I don't think Ichiro would do anything to come between the two of you. I believe he likes you a lot and knows if he was with someone else that it would hurt you. I get the feeling He's more into protecting than hurting, don't you?"

Saphira chimed in with her advice.

"The best relationships are based on trust if you can't trust him then you might as well not get involved."

Saphira mumbled so no one could hear her.

"That's a two-way system dearie you shouldn't have been with Kane last night if you want Ichiro."

Azure didn't hear Saphira's comments. She sat up straight and looked at herself in the mirror. Giving herself a pep talk.

"you're right I need to trust him, or I don't deserve him. The truth is I haven't been entirely truthful with all of you. I am very attracted to Ichiro, but I am attracted to Kane too."

There was a knock on the door bringing their attention back to the ball. Jaden who had been in the other chamber during this conversation went to answer the door since she was the closest. She was not so happy about going to this ball. She too had been upset Ichiro had not returned to camp last night.

The men had come to escort the women. Azure was relieved when she saw Ichiro standing there with the others. Saphira was right without trust you have nothing. As they entered the ballroom, all eyes were on them. Ichiro led them over to where Princess Amberley was sitting and enjoying the festivities. Amberley noticed one woman seemed to be attached to him. He, on the other hand, he kept glancing at the one wearing green. She knew now he had lied to her to save her feelings. Both women were beauties, and at least one of them was attracted to Ichiro as well. She would have to find someone else who could please her as Ichiro did. That was when she spotted a younger version of Ichiro. He could have been his twin, he warranted a closer look. They arrived in front of Amberley and Ichiro introduced them.

"Princess Amberley may I present the maidens of Kirin and their escorts. This is Azure, and this is my brother Azakia. He is escorting Jaden. My cousins, Kazuki and Koria, are escorting the Ladies Parla and Kodora. These are the ladies Saphira and Lilla and their escorts Einar and Newell."

Amberley gave the group a pleasant smile.

"Ichiro you didn't tell me how handsome your brother was. You had me believing him to be a babe, Shame on you."

She looked to Azakia and gave him a seductive glance.

"You and I must get to know one another better."

Azakia was uncomfortable with the prospect of getting to know Amberley better. The thought terrified him. But that is not what he said. He was aware of his place and he knew he couldn't afford to insult the Princess.

"It would be an honor to spend time with one as beautiful as you."

Amberley started to laugh.

"Charm must run in the family."