Heart of Fire

Chapter Eight

I have yet to speak to Kenton since that day of training. It is considerably easier to avoid him since I have the rest of the week off of training due to the upcoming ball. Kenton has either been avoiding me as well, or he has simply given me my space out of respect. I'm choosing to believe the former.

Speaking of the ball, the castle has been in complete chaos mode trying to get everything ready. Even Hudson has been stressed trying to help out the best he can. I still haven't found a suitable dress for this ridiculous event. I wish I could say that I am excited for the ball, but I would be lying if I said I was. I'm not much of the dancing type, nor do I know anyone that will be there, other than Hudson and Kenton, who will be too occupied with other measures. My plan is to stick by Amelia the whole night like a lost puppy. At least she, Brooks, and Fyn will be there, if I'm looking at the bright side of things.

Since I need to find a dress to wear, Hudson managed to squeeze some time in for us to go shopping in town today. I would rather have Amelia go with me, but she is too busy helping with the setup for the ball. Plus, we would've needed a guard with us at all times. With Hudson going with me, we have authority to not bring a guard along with us into town.

As I walk alongside Hudson down the village, I notice heads turning towards us from everywhere. As we walk by, people stop what they're doing to look at us, or more specifically, to glare at me. All of the people in the village have heard by now what happened that day on my birthday and what I'm doing now in the castle. Unfortunately for me, gossip in the Kingdom of Narva spreads fast. I'm starting to feel overwhelmed with all the negative stares coming at me, it's like I can physically feel the disapproval from the people.

"Keep your head high, Adi. Let people think what they want, but don't let your fear show right now. Let's try to enjoy today, alright?" Hudson reassures me, grabbing my hand.

I look at him. giving him a small nod. I do as he says, drowning out the stares and trying to enjoy myself.

Walking into a small boutique, my eyes land on the racks filled to the brim with gorgeous dresses of all sorts. A small woman greets me before I can make my way over to the racks of dresses.

"Hello! What brings you in this morning?" She says, her voice chipper. She looks young, but seeing however, that she is the only one in the shop, makes me assume that she is the owner.

"Greetings Paisley, my friend Adira is in dire need of one of your lovely dresses. If you're up for the challenge of course." Hudson says behind me. It is now that her eyes find the man standing behind me, recognition flooding her features.

"Prince Hudson! What a surprise seeing you here, now that you never visit me anymore." She states, sending a playful glare towards him.

"Yes I'm terribly sorry about that, but Amelia's trips here are far too hectic for me anymore." He explains himself. I can only imagine what a shopping trip with Amelia is like for a man. Probably too stressful for their small brains.

"Ah yes, a wild one that Amelia is. So hun, any idea what kind of dress you're wanting?" Paisley asks, turning toward me.

"One that is fit for a ball? I'm afraid I don't know what that entails" I admit sheepishly.

Paisley laughs at my response before looking at the dresses that hang behind her. She grabs a handful of them, all of different styles and colors.

"Looks like we'll have to see what you like then. Though a gorgeous girl like you shouldn't have any trouble finding a suitable choice. Come, I'll get you a dressing room to try these on." She says, leading towards the back of the small shop.

I obey her orders, following her to the small room with a curtain that serves as a door. She hangs the dresses up in the room before leaving me to try them on.