Burned by water

Chapter 11

Days went by and another ball was on the calendar. White gowns were made in the most stylish boutiques of Delalil and women paraded in their most expensive ones even before the ball.

We were asked to circulate in the towns surrounding the castle to get a better view of the Prince's choice - at least that's what I assumed. But he was lounging on the bench, playing with a lonely flame around his fingers. 

''Why do I need to follow you when you get on these little trips?'' I demanded as I drew in the window. I could be learning new things with Laaren like how to eavesdrop a mile away or how to make someone lose consciousness. I had practiced this last one on the guard standing at my door last night and let's just say it was one hell of a trick.

''The King thinks you need to see a bit of our country in case you're the future Queen.'' And keep me away from the castle, of course.

''Why don't the other Ladies have to do that?''

''Because they grew up here.'' He said matter of factly and straightened up. ''Anyway, I'm sure Lucian is happy you're here.'' 

I glanced at Lucian who simply rolled his eyes, ''Of course he is, he's secretly in love with me.''

''Why would I be?'' He hissed in disgust.

''That's a question only you can answer.'' Elijah leaned back, a smirk pulling on his lips.

I looked outside once more to see yet another dress shop and then right beside it an Artsy Shop.

My eyes widened at the sight, my mom used to tell me so much about them and how they held everything you could dream of from clay to the biggest variety of paint.

''Can't I at least try a shop if I need to learn about your ways?'' My eyes didn't leave the shop as we passed it.

''Fine.'' Elijah sighed and knocked against the roof. The coach stopped and I didn't waste a second to get out. 

The temperature seemed to be less icy, there was a soft breeze and a promise of Spring coming our way. I was making my way to the shop when a hand pulled me back by the elbow. ''Where do you think you're going?'' Darcy demanded.

''I gave her authorization to go to a store,'' Elijah whispered to her and she let me go but not before she could cast me a warning glare. 

''So the Lady wants a little dress?'' I ignored her condescending tone and looked around. Girls were walking around in their pretty dresses and furs and a lot stopped once they spotted the Prince. Men seemed equally curious, none of them looked to be from the army but instead from nobility, each of them looking wealthier than the other by the silks on their backs.

I searched around for the shop and found it right beside a dress store that read Marvelous Gowns in bright letters. 

''I guess it's only fair and safer that I follow you in,'' Darcy said and looped her arm around mine to get me inside the dress store instead of Artsy Shop. I almost groaned in despair until I saw the various choices of dresses.

''Welcome to Marvelous Gowns, I'm Marvel. How may I-'' The shop owner lost his words at the sight of the Prince behind us, his glittery eyelids fluttering incredulously. Where there had been a normal shop owner smile seconds ago, it was now a bright smile showing off white pearls. As if the man wasn't enough glitter already with his suit speckled with red sequins, his hair was an unnatural shade of bright blue. ''All Saints, the very Prince in my shop.'' 

I was pretty sure if he could he would be squealing, ''Yeah, the Prince. Can I see a gown that isn't white pretty please?''

He detached his lovestruck gaze from Elijah and it fell on me, scrutinizing every inch of me, ''Oh darling, you're a master chef of a canvas waiting to be painted. I have every color you need in aisles E and F.'' He pointed to the right side of the shop and I got out of Darcy's grip as she simply stared around. Now she looked awestruck by the gowns and I realized maybe she did want to come here, she simply didn't want to admit it. ''I see you are both competing for the Prince's attention, how is this going?'' I heard the seller ask Darcy and I couldn't help but eavesdrop as I walked away.