The Heirs

Andrew and Amara: Well It's Ball Time

Chapter 25:

(Amara POV) -Tangu-

I kept catching myself smiling throughout the meeting, I stayed focused on what we were talking about but I caught myself looking at the clock a few times more than I normally do. When I got out to see Malcolm I needed to find out my schedule for the next few days, "Malcolm what is my schedule looking like this weekend?" He looked over his clipboard, "Well you don't have any classes but, you have the Corinthian Ball tomorrow and scattered meetings both days along with the charity work." I nodded my head thinking about how I could see Andrew with that.

Malcolm then cleared his throat, "Forgive me Princess Amara but may I have your permission to speak freely." I nodded my head and he sighed, "Squire Winslow. When he approached the castle before... He was quite..." He kept pausing, "Yes Malcolm?" "He was quite arrogant," He finally finished. Arrogant? That didn't sound anything like Andrew. "What do you mean?" 

"He approached the castle and demanded an audience with you. I tried to explain the confines of your schedule and offer an alternative but he continued to demand an audience, claiming that it was more important than what you were already doing." That still didn't sound like Andrew. I skeptically spoke, "Thank you for making me aware of this. I will speak to him about this." He bowed his head down, "Of course. I don't mean to cause any issues but it felt prevalent that you were aware seeing as you two are so... attached." I nodded my head and walked off trying to shake off what Malcolm just said to me. I would talk to Andrew about that eventually but right now I didn't want to spoil his visit.

I thought about the schedule again and smiled as the answer was right in front of me the Corinthian Ball. I was sure it wouldn't be a problem to ask him to escort me. I wrote to him and sent out a messenger that night. I was excited but I felt Malcolm's words gnawing at me. I did grow up with Andrew, but we had been constantly competing with one another. I know that he never grew up in the castle and was much more removed from royal life than I was, but he still had to understand my responsibilities, right? He didn't make a big deal when I had to leave, but was it because I was the one telling him? No, I shook it off. It had to be a misunderstanding. I knew Andrew and I knew that wasn't like him.

(Andrew POV) -Enchancia-

We all sat around the table laughing and talking. It felt good that all of us were home and I could tell that it meant the world to Mom and Ella. Mom and Dad eventually retired and I brought Ella up to her room, "Can we have a race tomorrow?" She asked and I smiled, "Yeah I think that, that can be arranged." She smiled, "Good because I have been practicing with Mom." I scoffed, "You have been training with Mom. Well that is unfair." She shrugged, "All is fair when we have a wager." I nodded my head. Before tucking her in, "Night." She smiled, "Night."

I went back downstairs to clean up a bit when I heard a knock on the door. I opened the door and saw the messenger from Tangu, "Squire Winslow." I nodded my head. He handed me a note and tipped his head, "Have a nice evening." I opened the note and Amara had written to me asking for me to escort her to my Uncle's Ball tomorrow in Corinthia. I smiled and nodded my head to no one. I would write to her tomorrow.

I was the first one downstairs the next morning but, my family was not that far behind me. They were all in their riding clothes and we all knew what was to come. "To the stables!" Ella said as she pointed outside. We all followed and I heard Mom say to Dad, "She is your child." I laughed to myself. We all saddled up and I went over to Mom, "Hey do you think you could see if it is alright if I go to Uncle Elijah's Ball tonight. Amara asked me to escort her and I don't want to go completely unannounced." She smiled at me, "Sure, your Uncle would love to see you. Your Dad and I are supposed to go tonight with Ella, but if you want you can take the Flying Coach. We can take the regular carriage." I smiled and thanked her as we all got ready for the race. "To the meadow?" Dad asked and we all nodded our heads.