Hunted

Chapter 2

-Neve-

Dancing felt easy with Francis.

He was so good with his feet that I didn't even need to worry about stumbling or stepping on him. He danced with me like I was floating through the air. The ballroom added to the magnificence with its tall ceilings and glittering chandeliers across the way.

As he stepped backward, I stepped forward. His hand gripped mine firmly and spun me around, pulling me back against him. We continued to glide across the floor like we were on ice skates in the middle of winter.

"Remember the turn?" Francis raised his eyebrows, and I nodded in anticipation. Without further warning, he grabbed me by the waist and lifted me in the air, resulting in a startled yelp from me. He twirled me around so my dress fanned out around my legs. I was impressed by his strength to lift me so high. He set me down gently, but that didn't stop my uneasiness. I stumbled, my tiara crooked in my hair.

"We'll practice some more." The prince laughed and readjusted the crown on my head while I regained my composure. "We still have a few days before the ball."

We'd partaken in dancing together once a week since we were early on in our teen years. It was only natural that we practiced since we were to be wed. It was decided the moment I was born when Francis was three years old. Our marriage would join Loradelle and Zira together into the perfect alliance.

It was my father's wish. And I would fulfill it at any cost.

Over the years, we had grown to accept it. I admired Francis so much, and he offered me an abundance of wisdom and insight. He was so kind and generous. I often wondered if he didn't think that I was capable of becoming queen. But he hasn't shown me any evidence of that. We'd had much more time to spend together since he arrived for the ball in a few days. His parents insisted that he make the journey and acclimate himself more to our kingdom.

He was dressed casually today, his blue tunic hanging loosely against his chest. But he was still perfect, even with the beads of sweat forming above his brow. And his crown looked impeccable atop his nest of blonde curls.

"Let's try that turn again." He held out his hand to me, still catching his breath.

"I'd hate to put your toes in more danger," I teased and rolled up the sleeves of my gown. "And can we open the windows? It's dreadfully stuffy in here."

I didn't give him time to respond before I walked over to the balcony that overlooked the kingdom. I threw open the doors, instantly satisfied by the slight breeze that greeted me. I approached the terrace and leaned against it, closing my eyes and listening to the world around me. The waves slapped against the rocks off in the distance. I could see the Kingdom of Zira just across the Arian Sea. Francis's home. I visited there many times when I was young, but I hadn't been back since my father died. I hadn't been much of anywhere.

"You seem distracted lately." Francis's voice was next to me before I even sensed that he was there, and I breathed in the fresh air through my nose. When I didn't answer, Francis continued, taking a short breath. "If it's any consolation, I can tell that your steps are getting better."

"Stop flattering me, Francis."

"That's what I'm supposed to do!" He laughed, bumping me on the shoulder. "You are my fiance after all."

After a few moments, we simply let ourselves enjoy each others' presence and the feel of the world around us. But Francis still seemed uneasy.

"Is it the engagement?"

I finally met his eyes. "No...I'm not sure." I shrugged, rubbing the chill away that crept up my arms.

"I guess I've...I guess I feel more of a pull to the outside world lately. I've always felt that way, but it's gotten stronger over the past couple of years. Delphina hates it when I talk like this."