Help from the OtherSide

46. Prince's Disclosure

Yumiko's POV

My body pumped with energy watching Liam and Deccan jump and dance to every beat. They synchronised so well that it was hard to tell whether they had practiced it before or not.  Locals around me grew wild, shouting commands at the band players to keep up with the performers. The drummers and violin players increased their pace dramatically and was received well, by the crowd.

"What is all the fuss about?" A husky voice whispered. Startled, I bumped into a couple of elves beside me who groaned when I stamped their foot. A hand tugged me towards the owner, before I broke more toes. I looked up to see Killian smiling down at me. 

I subtly pulled away from him, aware of the people around me. Amelia and Anarzia were in front of me cheering for the boys; as for Dora and Grant, they were on the other end of the crowd staring at our friends and the elves with huge grins on their faces.

"Deccan and Liam are participating." I pointed happily, seeing my friends getting more support from the crowd.

 I expected a silly retort from him, but he stood silent and watched them. I turned, to find him eyeing Deccan with an unreadable expression.

"Come with me." He said suddenly. I looked questioningly at what he was planning to do.

"Let's get away for a while." 

"I can't . . . I don't want to miss this." I swept my hand at the brilliant performers who had caught my interest. He sighed heavily and nodded. "If you change your mind, I'll be by the Arena." 

"WOOOOO YOU GUYS KILLED IT!" Amelia screamed, clutching Anarzia's hand as both the girls jumped up and down excitedly. He slipped away from the crowd and vanished once more.
I hopped to get a better view of what was going on, and saw the boys striking their pose with Deccan in a low dip.

I rummaged my carry-on for a cloth to help him with. Finding a spare kerchief I picked from my room, I patted Deccan's wet forehead and cheeks letting the water soak up in the cloth.

Grant's comment about me giving my full attention to Deccan made me conscious and I sprang away from him.

We left the musical tent for some refreshment. I trailed behind the group, wondering if it would be right for me to pay Killian a visit. 

Deccan noticed and slowed down waiting for me. He matched my pace and without a word, removed his wreath and gently placed it on my head, smoothening the hair underneath.

 He smiled, admiring the crown of flowers on me. "It suits you better." 
"But you earned it. Your performance was splendid, I heard gossips about how your dance engaged the crowd after so many years." I entwined my little finger with his as he smiled bashfully. 

"Ah, okay okay. I slayed it." He giggled.

We stopped by the stalls that sold sweets and savoury, to help our dancers replenish their energy. The little invitation ate the back of my mind and I grew curious every minute. 

Once I made sure everyone was eating and enjoying themselves, I walked away silently. I asked a passerby directions to the Arena and she lead me there.

It was an empty stadium consisting of four levels with brown stone staircase that lead to the centre sandy ground of the arena. I thanked her and slowly descended. Killian sat at the lowest level, in the corner almost impossible to spot. 

He perked up when he saw me walk towards him.

"I didn't think you'd come." He let out a sigh of relief. "Please, sit."