The Inner Kingdom

Chapter Eight - The Aggravation

Location: Celebration Room

◑ Ashley ◐

"Did you see where Angie went?" I asked April after we lost her in the crowds.

"No, I thought she was speaking with Nolin," April answered.

Straining my eyes to locate Angie, I spotted Mina heading toward us.

"You girls were brilliant earlier," Mina congratulated us.

"We have names," Ashley informed Mina, causing her to actually blush with shame.

"I am awfully sorry. My mother and I were so caught up in the fact that you were actually here, we left our manners behind; for this I will extend apologies for the both of us."

"Don't worry about it," April quickly forgave them.

"What are your names?" Pearl appeared out of nowhere to stand beside her daughter.

"My name is Ashley. Angie is around here somewhere, and-"

"What about you dearie?" Pearl interrupted me to ask April.

"My name is April."

"That is such a pretty name, isn't it Mina?" Pearl praised looking at April like one would a cute lost puppy.

Feeling a little awkward, I excused myself from the bunch to look for Angie.

While walking around, it was very strange having people bow and even trip over themselves to make way for me to pass by.

A band soon arrived playing soulful music on weird instruments that was actually one instrument that took three men to play. The instrument was long and one man picked at strings on the front while another pressed down keys that were similar to a piano, and the third man blew on a swirly tube coming out at the end.

The music being played did not sound like any music I had ever heard before, but it drew me in, despite that fact; I begin to sway to the music with my eyes closed as it washed over me like sprays from the ocean on a hot day.

I lost all sense of time as I was caught up in the soulful sounds.

"I hate to interrupt, but may I have this dance," a voice asked from close by. When I opened my eyes, I realized that I was alone in a wide circle with Prince Leev kneeling down before me. After rubbing my eyes to make sure this was actually happening, the view in front of me did not change.

"Are you going to accept my humble invitation?" The prince asked, his voice sounding a little impatient.

I bowed like I saw some of the women do when they were asked to dance. The prince got up and began to lead.

"I am going to apologize ahead of time, since I don't know the steps to this dance," I blushed, not believing my luck. The prince's long hair was now bound by a leather tie, giving me an even better view of his muscular features.

"Keep your apologies. I have been told that I am a very good dancer and teacher. Just follow my lead," The prince said arrogantly.

He did not lie about being an excellent dancer, and I only stumbled once under his guidance; but the entire time we danced, he seemed distracted, peering out into the crowd with his fierce gray eyes as if he was looking for something or someone.

"My name is Ashley; some of my very good friends call me Ash," I was mumbling whatever came to mind to break the awkwardness between us.

"Before you continue, I would like to inform you that I do not intend to be a friend. Just think of me as a political ally," The prince whispered, not sparing me a single glance.