Seeds in the Wind

Part 2

"Where are you? It's not exactly easy to see right now." Delilah stumbled around in the dark. The only source of light being the stars above, and the occasional firefly.

"Down here."

"Oh, you're lucky I don't step on you."

"Just lay down," Wyatt responded, getting impatient.

"Okay, okay."

About twelve years had passed. The girl and boy were not young anymore, instead, their eyes were darkened, clouded by reality. Wyatt's dark hair now was always matted down by a newsboy hat, and Delilah, her hair, didn't change much, except it was turning browner each passing day.

"Do you want to know something?" Delilah quietly said, breaking the silence between the two. The nature around them, however, didn't stop. She debated whether saying what she wanted to actually say.

Wyatt turned from facing the stars and tall grass towering above them, to Delilah, "What is it?"

She chose to not, afraid of his response, "That day. The first day we met, I also wished for a friend." She paused closing her eyes. "Boy, am I glad I did."

Wyatt grabbed her hand, gently squeezing it. "Me too..."

They both smiled hand in hand at the night sky. In her heart, Delilah knew though, she wanted more than just a friend.
___________________

"Arthur is ready, sir." A man walked in, bowing in front of the king.

He wearily looked at his son, the boy who followed the guard, "Let the party commence."
___________________

"You're telling me you got mail from someone else other than me?"

"Shut up, Wyatt."

"Oh, come on, tell me what it says already."

Dear Miss Delilah,

I hope this letter finds you well. You, as well as the other young women in Maldovia have been given an opportunity of a lifetime. That chance is to be a Queen, a ruler. To have the riches more than one could ever dream of. I am personally inviting you to this evening ball hosted by me, the King, and hope that you accept this kind offer.

Wishing the best,

The King of Maldovia and Prince Arthur

"You can't go."

"What do you mean?"

"This King is insane."

"But if I don't go, you know what happens to those who don't go, Wyatt. They go missing," she replied coldly.

"Yes, but-" he stared into Delilah's eyes. They were full of pain. The pain of her mother disappearing. "Fine."

"Trust me, I know the King is psychotic, and his son, but I'll be out of there before you know it."

"And you'll be careful?"

"Of course." She squeezed his hand slightly, flashing him a smile of reassurance.

___________________

The castle was huge compared to the small village homes Delilah was used to. As she walked, she noticed the large carriages carrying other women. Women who looked like they belonged in a huge house.

Delilah had worn a simple green gown. Not having enough money to buy a fancy one with frilly edges and puffy sleeves. When she arrived at the palace, a servant was awaiting her arrival.

"Invitation?"

Delilah handed the letter.

"Thank you, miss. Good luck." The worker then ripped Delilah's name and kept it, putting it in a bowl behind them. After, they then handed back the letter and directed Delilah to the main room.

"Wow." Delilah's neck began to cramp from looking up so high. The walls were tall, and the paintings on them, were stunning. Probably expensive. Most importantly the chandelier that hung in the middle of the room was huge, having about fifty candles laying delicately on the metal structure.

"It's amazing isn't?" A woman interrupted her thoughts. Her face was all dolled up with makeup and her gorgeous blonde hair was tied up. As for her dress, her dress was stunning as well. It was a dark shade of midnight blue and there were sparkles and rhinestones everywhere.

"You could say that again."

"I'm Molly." She curtsied in front of Delilah, "and you are?"

"Delilah."

"Nice to meet you, Delilah."

The two of them stood awkwardly as they were thinking of what to say to the other.

"Well, I shall get going now, good luck."

Why does everyone think this is a good thing. "You too."

Delilah then headed to where the food and drinks were. Never in her life had she seen something so extravagant. There was possibly every type of food on the table. That meant finger sandwiches, punch, melons, grapes, tea, and so much more.

Once she finished grabbing what she wanted she sat near the back, away from the ball floor. Silently, she wished for Wyatt to be here, with her.

Attention. Attention, everybody.

Everyone quieted down and turned to face towards the noise.

"Ladies, I hope you are having a wonderful evening here at my castle."

All the woman then clapped and cheered for the King. Well, all but one.

"I know, I know, we are all dying to know who the next Queen will be." He snapped his fingers towards the person with a bowl. They scurried over to the king, handing over the bowl.

The king slowly ran his hand through the glass bowl. Delilah held her breath. She really didn't want to be chosen. She didn't know why but the king. He just didn't sit right.

"And the lucky receiver is...Miss Martin. Delilah Martin."

She took a breath shakily.

"Of course it's me," she sighed. She wondered what Wyatt might think.

She got up and walked  gracefully towards the royalty. The women sitting down glared with envy. But all Delilah could think was how much she wanted to switch places with someone. Anyone.

She was being stripped of the things she loved.

Arthur was waiting for her. He had an outfit that was navy blue and a sash the color of red. "Hello my new, Queen." He took her hand and kissed it. She awkwardly curtsied.

"Your highness." She then shyly waved to all the other people in the room. "Hello, Maldovia."