Dead Hand of the Past

Amberley Keeps Azakia Distracted

11

Jaden found herself alone not for the first time that evening. Princess Amberley was serious about getting to know him better. Jaden watched as Amberley rubbed herself against Azakia while they danced. Ichiro could sense the frustration Jaden was feeling. He wanted to do something about it. But as he felt about the invitation to dinner, it was his duty. Azakia was just doing what it took to keep the peace. Ichiro knew this but did Jaden? When Ichiro went to get refreshments, Kane asked Azure to dance. He watched as the couple appeared to be at home in each other's arms. He shook the feelings he was having and looked for the company of the Lady of the Jade. She was standing among a group of men who were seeking her favor. He didn't have patients for the giddiness of the young men and he walked through them and took her out of the pack and whisked her out onto the dance floor.

"Did I do something wrong, your highness?"

He smiled at her,

"Yes, and No" was all he said.

She decided to play along.

"How can I make amends if you do not tell me what I am guilty of?"

"What if I told you that you were guilty of thievery My Lady?"

"What have I stolen your highness?"

"My senses?"

Her laughter rang out and brought attention to the couple.

"Do you love him?"

The question caught her off guard,

"Who?"

He gave her a disgruntled look

"Azakia who?"

She pondered the question and then gave him a thoughtful smile.

"I am fond of him but love, I don't even know him all that well."

He was surprised by the feelings her words filled him with.

"Has he kissed you?"

Jaden laughed,

"I don't kiss and tell your highness, and is there a reason you need to know?"

"Yes."

The one word sounded desperate.

"I've been kissed before your highness."

What else could he do without telling her something that made sense? This didn't make sense not even to him.

Azakia was rather surprised at Amberley's actions. They seemed rather un-royal to him. A lady never threw herself at a man, but this one didn't appear to be able to keep her hands to herself.

"Tell me Azakia are you the chosen one?"

Azakia glad for a moment of normalcy nodded. He was too afraid to smile afraid that she would get the wrong idea.

"I am the one that was chosen to go on this journey with the maidens to help guide them in their quest. I have found out that without the ten of us working together this quest would be over."

Amberley didn't listen to him she was lost in her own thoughts.

"Does that mean that you too have to keep your mind and body pure?"

He wasn't sure where she had heard that from, but he sure wasn't going to discourage her from thinking it. He would love to thank the person who planted that thought in her head.

"Yes, it is one of the things we all must do to make sure that the power of ten isn't taken from us."

Amberley couldn't help being a little annoyed. She couldn't win. Ichiro was infatuated with one of two ladies, and this one was hopeless, pure as the driven snow. Maybe it was time for her to find someone of her own and stop playing the field. Her parents were happy Queen Tatiana and Prince Oberon had lived happily for many centuries she had to find some way to avoid this kind of rejection it was not good for her ego.