The Stars of My Heart [Completed]

Chapter Nine

   Interlocking his arm with mine, he leads me down to the ballroom. People watch us as we pass. I try not to let their stare make me feel self-conscious, but I can't help but question what other people must be thinking. A lowly advisor, a commoner, being escorted by the prince. Sensing my stiffness, Axil gives my arm a squeeze. The gesture makes my heart flutter. Is it possible that tonight I can be someone for just one moment, be the person I have so longed to be? I guess tonight I will find out.

We step inside together, melodic harps being accompanied with a piano. Axil is right. This does seem to be some type of dream. The smell of jasmine fills the room, just like the soap in the bath. I still can't remember where I have smelled it, but it relaxes my muscles the second I breathe it in.

I look around seeing some familiar faces. I spot Rosalyn in the corner. She stands next to a vase of gold dipped roses. Her pen pointed at them, counting. She writes something down on her notepad, scanning the rest of the ballroom. I sure do hope she lets herself enjoy tonight.

I scan around some more, trying to recognize anyone I might have seen at the village. Lo and behold, standing next to a table of goodies, the old woman stands in simple dress. It is nothing special, but I can't draw my eyes away from it. Something about her humbleness reminds me of a distant memory.

I leave Axil for a minute, searching through the vases. I miraculously find a daisy; just like the one she had the day Axil and I went into town. Pulling it from the vase, I walk over to her.

"You made it." I call out to her.

In the same steady voice, she responds, "I told you I would." Winking at me, she continues; "You're a lucky one."

"What?"

"You can't get that prince to leave you alone."

I look over my shoulder glancing at where Axil stands. At that moment he catches my gaze and smiles. Noticing the old lady, he nods and waves.

"Oh, it's not what it looks like," I ramble on, making a fool out of myself. Turning back to the old lady.

Interrupting me, she holds out her hand grasping mine. "I know young beating hearts when I see them. Don't waste your time on childish games. You'll be my age by the time either of you say anything to each other."

I let my hands loose in her grasp for a moment, listening to her, before I clear my throat, collecting my thoughts.

"This... uh... this is for you." Holding out the daisy to her, I finish my sentence. "For your generosity."

She takes the delicate flower, cradling it gently in her withered hands. "I have lived in my village for a long time. Never have I come across a heart like yours."

I don't know how to react. This is what I asked for. To be myself, not the person Damian has shaped me to be, but it is still part of me. Part of my past, and I have no idea how to run forward.

"I... uh... hope you enjoy the ball this evening. I'm sure everyone will like your sweets."

"You too."

Walking away, I try to find Axil without looking like a lost lamb. Through the sea of people, my heart starts to race. Surrounded by a crowd, I am reminded of how secretly I have been living my life. All the eyes, all the bodies, making me feel as though I am caged, and then I am grasped.

Gasping, I quickly turn around.

"Woah, are you okay?"

It's just Axil. I allow time for my heart to become a natural beat before I respond.