Royalty

Two

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Just then I felt a tap on my shoulder.

Turning around I was met with my father's face beaming down at me.

"Rowan, my girl, you look beautiful."
I smiled at him.

"Thank you so much for the party." I said, greeting him with a hug.

"Well of course. Eighteen is an important age. Soon you'll be taking my place and already you've proven you are more than capable." I just nodded and smiled. I'd heard him talk about my coronation so many times before, it was all I really felt like doing.

Once again my eyes landed on the handsome stranger across the room. He was now chatting with some Duke or another. He glanced over the man's shoulder at me, then returned his attention back to the man, a small grin now present on his face.

"You know, Rowan, this is a great opportunity to look for a suitor. Your coronation is approaching fast and it will be a lot easier with a husband by your side."

I gave him a distasteful look.

"You don't think I can be queen by myself?" I questioned making his jovial face fall slightly.

"What? No of course you can, I just feel the pressure may be slightly lessened with a partner."

I sighed but nodded my head.

"You'll be a terrific queen. Don't you worry." he said with a smile before trotting off to greet some guests.

I searched the crowd to find someone I knew.

Braxton and Waverly were twirling around alongside several other couples on the dance floor. It didn't look like they would be over anytime soon.

I considered for a very slight second on going over to the mysterious man but he had moved from his previous position.

For a party held in my honor I felt oddly lonely and out of place.

Standing awkwardly for a second, I mulled over what I should do.

I had already greeted all the relatives I knew and I really didn't feel up to meeting pointless people that I'd forget about in the morning. I'd have plenty of time to do that as Queen.

The gardens. I could go for a walk there. The idea didn't really appeal to me for it was rather chilly, but it was something to do.

I walked along the edge of dancers, making my way to the side doors that led out into the gardens.

I had really hoped to go unnoticed. Despite the fact that I felt lonely, I really didn't feel like talking to people.

I slipped out of the double doors, closing them behind me. The music was instantly dampened as the doors shut.

I sighed contentedly. I didn't realize how much I was longing for quiet until the silence fell softly around me, calming me.

I walked down the large steps and off into the gardens.

Gravel crunched underneath my feet as I passed hedges and flowers, curving through the maze-like structure. My path was lit with strings of lights that were held aloft by posts. The servants really outdid themselves with decorating. It was beautiful.

I continued waking until I reached the point where the lights became more and more spread out. Finally I reached a dead end.

It was a circular area surrounded by rounded hedges. The perimeter was lined with white roses that rustled softly in the evening breeze.

I picked a rose off one of the bushes and twirled it gently in my fingers as I sat on a bench.

The rose held no thorns, and it's petals were as white as snow. The gardeners did an excellent job.

"You know for a party held in your honor, you seem to be the only one not participating."

I jumped at the deep voice and looked around to see where it had come from. My heart rate picked up as I recognized the man I'd seen across the hall, now leaning against the wall.

He was smiling kindly at me and I realized now just how tall he was.

"I'm not really one for social events. This is more for my fathers benefit, than mine." I responded with a sad smile. It was true. He only wanted me to find a suitor. He rarely hosted parties after the death of my mother.

The man nodded before speaking again.

"I saw you looking at me from across the room." he said with mischievous glint in his eye, his grin causing dimples to appear. He had an accent. Irish perhaps?

I forced myself to stay composed. I'd been caught. I could simply say that I had been looking at someone else. But I didn't want to lie or make him feel foolish.

"You caught my eye." I stated shrugging, refusing to let my eye contact falter.

"As did you." He chuckled.

I raised my eyebrows but a small smile turned the corners of my mouth up.

"You look lovely I simply couldn't help myself." he said softly after a small silence.

He watched me from his position against the wall. He was slim and muscular and his dark hair fell softly over his eyes.

My face was growing warm. I cursed myself for losing composure at that moment.

He continued to watch me and I began to wonder what he was staring at.

Finally growing anxious of the silence I asked "What's your name?"

"Edmund." He said quietly.

"Are you from another kingdom?" I asked him curiously, tilting my head to one side.

"I am. My father and I are staying here while he sorts out some business with the King." He replied.

After a slight silence he added "My father is King Byron of Magnolia."

"So you're a prince." I stated rather than asked.

He grinned showing off his dimples once more and causing my insides to flutter.

"Well, it was a pleasure to meet you Edmund. I hope to see you again. For now I should return to my guests before my father becomes furious." I said, giving a slight curtsy.

"Yes I suppose you're guests will be missing you. Shall we?" He said offering his arm.

I nodded and accompanied him back through the winding paths of the garden, back to the lights of the castle.

To be continued...