Bloodlines (ON HOLD)

Chapter Three

Atira

Jewels. Hundreds, thousands, of big, fat, shining, jewels. I couldn't even contain my shock.

"ALL of these. . are from SUITORS?" I spoke in a stupor, waving my hand towards the piles heaping over my desk, cabinet, and dresser. My chambermaid Leecia just nodded her head slowly, a smug grin covering her features.

"No, no, no, this can't be right. Just this morning I only had a few small gems from the Prince of Metryn, which by the way might be a possible candidate if he is as sweet as he sounds in his letter, but no thats not my point!" Leecia chuckled at my outburst and pulled me over to the vanity and started running a brush through my already silky hair.

"They arrived while you were running off again my dear, and yes I do think that Prince Jasper could be a good match. I have heard good things about how they run the kingdoms in Metryn, maybe he will help improve ours." Leecia spoke like a young girl, I found it funny how she was more excited than I was. I think she saw my knowing expression because she piped up again, this time more stern.

"But never you mind, forget about suitors, lets get you dressed up and looking beautiful for this masquerade!"

With that I was spun, tugged, squeezed, and pampered for the next two hours. By the time Leecia was finished, my legs were cramping up from standing in the same place for so long. I turned and looked at my reflection in the mirror.

I was magnificent! I don't mean to boast or anything, but wow. I couldn't believe it. My hair was down, my now shining brown curls cascading down my back. Leecia had put only a bit of make up on, giving me a natural glow and carefully defining my features. I smiled at the mirror and watched the angelic version smile back. It was unbelievable.

Then came my dress, my beautiful dress. That is what it was. The embodiment of beautiful, the clear definition. It was a dark blue, almost navy, and had gold flecks scattered over the skirts. The color brought out the blue in my eyes, making them look bright and highlighting them on my face. It looked like the night sky right after a sunset, when you can just barely see the stars start to shine. Black lace trailed along the low-cut top, and circled the long bell shaped sleeves.

I suddenly had a thought. 'What if Nate doesn't see my dress? What if he gets caught up with work and can't come?' I don't know why I wanted him to see my dress so badly. Then I remembered his words on the eventful ride back to the castle.

"You had better save a dance for me Atty." Nate spoke softly. I sat on the horse, keenly aware of his hands wrapped around my waist, and his hot breath in my ear. When I was with him, I was so. . intoxicated. He made me feel so happy, so content. 'What is this? I cannot have feelings for him, I couldn't ever. The kingdom rules wouldn't allow it. I would be disowned, dishonored. If only. . .' I snapped out of my reverie to reply.

"What if I refuse?" I smiled teasingly and turned my head to look at his expression. With our noses almost touching he spoke even quieter than before, his face serious, his breath tickling my lips.

"Then I will be forced to steal you away, no matter how many suitors I have to knock down to get to you." I stared into his eyes, his green eyes seeming to look right into my heart, seemed to know exactly what I was thinking. He then leaned down and his lips met mine, in a soft tender kiss that took my breath away.

When we broke away, I suddenly wished we hadn't. But I turned and faced forward once again, not wanting to reveal my true feelings. My shock, my bliss, my pain. We could never be together, and that felt like a knife going through my heart.

I gasped as I was wrenched back to the time being, remembering that heart stopping moment. Even though I shouldn't, I wanted him so badly right now. I wanted to huddle up in his arms, and for him to tell me everything was alright.