The Enchantress

20.

Princess Mina.

My whole body felt numb as He took hold of my hand and led me towards the center of the room. They were all looking at us, even those who were dancing stopped to give us the floor.

I have no choice but to dance with him. I can't believe Papa and Sana ganged up on me. The song was slow so Chaeyoung put my hand on his shoulder, held my other hand and his other hand went beneath my arm. He smiled then started leading the dance.

He really could dance and he's good at it. I was embarrassed to dance in front of a lot of people but dancing itself made me forget them. That familiar feeling of the movements, the swaying and Chaeyoung even made me twirl. I haven't felt my body so alive as now. I find myself enjoying the dance and soon unknowingly smiling.

When the end of the music is near he pushed me yet still holding my hand. I recognized this move so I knew what go do. I twirl towards him and we end up in a back hug but only for a second for he then lifted me in that position and twirled me around making me laugh.

He put me down and pushed me again while holding my hand. I twirled again towards him but instead of landing in an embrace he lowered my body into a dip. It lasted for a few seconds then he suddenly pull me towards him as the song ended

The position we're in now was embarrassing. My body leaning against his and his face was so close to mine while holding me in his arms. At this time the music ended but we're still there motionless, staring at each other.

I somehow got lost in his eyes. There's something in it I can't explain. His gaze shifted from my eyes to my lips. Unconsciously I licked my dry lips and it made me look at his.

Suddenly someone clapped which brought us back to reality. It was Momo who clapped as hard as he can then joined by Papa and Sana followed by the rest of the crowd.

Chaeyoung let me go, freeing me from his arms. He hold my hand and pulled me beside him. He then bowed to the crowd and I curtsied. I then took my hand off his and walked towards Papa.

I felt heat rising not just on my face but my whole body. On the way I gestured a servant for some wine.

"My dear it's great to see you still have it. That's your mom's genes there." Papa said as he hugged me. I just smiled at him then took a glass of wine from the servant and drank it in one go.

Chaeyoung joined us.

"That was fun. I didn't know you're a great dancer."

"That's cause we've just met. How would you know." I said in my most sarcastic tone.

Papa looked at me surprised. Chaeyoung on the other hand smiled and was about to say something but Momo put his arm on his neck and whispered something.

"No." Chaeyoung said.

"Oh come on. Don't make me look stupid. Come on brother, help me out."

Chaeyoung gave a deep sigh before replying. "Just this once. You owe me."

"And I'll surely repay you. Let's go." Momo bowed but was grinning from ear to ear.

"Your Highness, may we be excused?" He asked Papa.

"Certainly my Prince. Go and socialize."

Chaeyoung bowed at Papa and at us He turned but suddenly stopped. He looked at me then smiled before walking away.

"I don't like your tone on him. What did he do to you?" Papa asked.

"Nothing Papa." I don't need to tell him that I do, I don't even know why I'm mad at him.

"Then why do you act like that to him, like you hate him so much?"

"I don't think so Papa. She does look like she enjoyed the dance though." Sana answered. She then went closer to me and whispered.

"You looked flustered after that dip. That sure ain't look like you're mad at him or was that a different kind of mad?"

"Sana!" I hissed at her while she just laughed at me. I took another glass of wine when a servant went to us.

"Too bad though, a lot of women have eyes on him. Looks like one caught his." She said shaking her head. I looked at to where she's looking. The Prince were dancing enthusiastically on a jolly song with a woman.

"She's Lady Irina, daughter of Duke Yineo. She's well educated, high class, Popular among men and very Attractive." Sana said while we watched them dance.

"She's not that attractive. You're far more prettier than her." I said stating the fact.

"I'm just second from you, so Far more prettier than you then."

I looked at Sana who looked like she's enjoying teasing me.

"I am your sister you know. I've known you all my life. That is not hatred I see. You are mad not on him but to yourself for being attracted to him. That's your defense mechanism to not give in to that attraction."

"What is this nonsense you say? You drank far too much wine sister." I said then emptying my glass of wine. She's insane to think that I'm attracted to him. No I'm not.

"Says the one who had 3 glasses already." Sana then went in front of me. "Let me ask you this then. Did you even think of Rowan tonight?"

My eyes grew wide. Oh no. I... I forgot about him. The first time I saw him came back I was so happy to see him. But after the Prince showed up, he... He went at the back of my mind. I suddenly felt miserable.

What is happening to you Mina? I asked myself.

I gave Sana the empty glass and said: "Excuse me."

I hurriedly went out of the Ball room, passed the hallway and went straight to the gardens. I sat at the bench far from the windows and entrance.

"Why? What is this?" I said to myself looking at the stars. "I shouldn't be thinking of him. I have a lover, it's him I should think about."

I then looked down towards the pond. "I didn't even looked for him or even attempted to ask where he is." Guilt consumes me. I felt like I have betrayed him.

They still know he's one of them that's why he can't be seen inside the castle. But nevertheless I should be doing something for us to meet. Not just thinking of someone else.

I then stood and walked back to the entrance to the hallway when I saw him standing in the middle of the garden, smiling.

"Rowan!" I said then I walked towards him. I was about to run to him when suddenly his smile fades then he took a few steps backwards.

"Princess Mina." He said bowing at me. I was confused on why he did that but then I knew why for he looked past me, bowed and said: "Prince Chaeyoung, my Lord."

My insides felt like ice as I heard him said his name. He's here. I turned slowly and there he was, the Prince, standing by the entrance to the hallway.

His expression was cold. His arms folded by his chest and his eyes expressionless staring at me. He then shifted his gaze towards Rowan. Oh no. Did he heard me call his name? I was about to explain when he spoke.

"Why are you here Rowan?" Fear crept towards me as he said it in a cold voice.