Ash's Place

Chapter 7

Ash's POV

"You look beautiful, Lady Locklynn. Are you ready for dinner?" Dahlia asks me as she smooths down my soft yellow gown for the tenth time. I gently brush some loose pieces of hair behind my ears and adjust my bracelets as I answer her question.

"I actually am feeling ready this time, Dahlia."

She excitedly claps her hands together and gives me a bright smile, "I am so happy for you. From what I have heard, Lord Canmore is very anxious to see you again. Especially, after this morning's...events."

Not even Dahlia knows how the blood appears on my clothes when I mysteriously disappear every so often to tend to my mother, but I assume she has a guess. Dahlia is one of the most observant people in this entire castle so I would not be surprised if she knows *exactly* what happens between the King and Queen.

"Sir West is waiting for you in the hallway to escort you to the high hall."

I nod my head in understanding and give Dahlia thank you and a smile before I leave my room. Finn is waiting just outside my door and when he sees me, he smiles and dips his head down into a respectful nod. I click my tongue and his smile grows as he raises his head and offers me his arm. I slip my hand around his elbow, giving him permission to start walking me to the high hall.

"It will be a private dinner tonight, Lady Locklynn. Just you and Lord Canmore. I assured him you were not going to run away this time so please don't make me into a liar."

I roll my eyes and scoff, "You should know better than to make promises on my behalf, Sir West."

He lowers his voice, "I am serious. Please don't run away. I have had enough cardio today without having to chase you down. Again."

I let out a small laugh and he shook his head at me in mock annoyance. We fall into a comfortable silence as we continue toward the high hall. I am delighted by how excited I am feeling about seeing Xander again. Before Aiden interrupted, I was enjoying my time with Xander this morning. He is easy to get along with, but maybe that is just because he understands what it feels like to be under all the expectations and pressures that come with being a noble.

We approach the wooden doors, where two additional guards are posted, and they obediently bow their heads until I click my tongue. I smile at them and slightly squeeze Finn's arm before dropping my hand from his arm. The guards opened the door for me, and I confidently walked into the high hall.

The high hall, often used for our balls and events, is the largest room in the castle with high arched windows along the back wall that flood the room with natural light. However, the room is so grand that there are massive chandeliers hanging from the vaulted ceilings to provide additional light. Large white columns flank the sides of the room where purple banners are hung between them, showcasing the kingdom color. Cascades of purple, yellow, and white flowers dance down the columns, filling the room with their natural fragrances.

The windows along the back wall also highlight the elegant wooden table on the dais; the eating place reserved for the royal family during events. Xander is waiting for me there, dressed in another suit with his family's colors. He descends the steps with practiced grace. He remained at the bottom of the dais and watched me with shining eyes as I approached him. When I am close enough to satisfy him, he sweeps into a low bow, and I immediately click my tongue.

He lifts his head and gives me a charming smile, reaching his hand out to me. I lightly place my gloved hand in his and allow him to guide me up the stairs.

"You look as beautiful as ever, dear. I am glad to see you again."

"I am happy to see you again too, Xander."