Hidden Secrets, Hidden Past, Hidden Lives

Chapter Ten (Leila)

Leila spun around and screamed.  On the floor, a young man laid very still.  She ran to him and cried.  He was unconscious.

"Help!" she screamed.  The guests looked in her direction, but did not move.

"Princess, leave the young man alone. You shouldn't see such a horrible sight," said Erik.  He extended his hand to her.

"No, I won't leave him."  She got on her knees and examined the man.  He was very pale and sick looking.  She gently ran her fingers over his hair and his cheek. Without warning, Erik seized her from behind and pulled her to her feet, with more jerk than she expected.

"I told you to leave him. Listen to me next time!" Erik whispered in her ear. Leila couldn't look at him for very long.  She was terrified of him now.  He had never been this harsh or cruel to her before.  Erik pasted a smile on his face. "Come Princess. Let's go dance."

Leila did as she was told, afraid he would get angrier if she didn't.  She forced herself not to cry as they danced.

"Pardon me, Prince Erik," said a young man, "'may I have the next dance with the princess?"

Erik hesitated.  "Yes you may."  He walked away, glaring at Leila.

She looked at the young man.  It was the man with the beautiful eyes.

"Hello princess," he said, with a low bow.

"Hello," she said.  Leila did a curtsy and looked down.

He lifted her chin.  "Are you still worried about that man?"

"Yes," she said quietly.

"Then I'll help you take care of him."

She looked up into his eyes.  She smiled.  "Thank you."

"Come on then," said the young man.

Her smile fades as quickly as it had come.

"What's wrong princes?"  He seemed very concerned.

"I can't go over there with you.  Prince Erik forbids it."

"Why!?"

"I don't know."  Leila let a tear escape.

The young man embraced her.  She appreciated the kindness.  "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything.  He is my servant."

"Oh, thank you..."

"Prince Sam," he said, "and you don't need to thank me."  He smiles at her.  "Now let us have that dance I promised you."

He led her to the middle of the dance floor.  His touch was gentle.  When they danced, Leila felt like she was flying high above the clouds.

This is the most fun I have had all night.

They ended up dancing three more times before Prince Erik came over.  Leila was disappointed when Erik danced with her.

"I'm sorry about my behavior earlier.  I will allow him to stay here until he is well again.  It was just that I have to protect you from unpleasant sights," said Prince Erik.

Leila just smiled.  "Thank you," she said, though she did not entirely believe his words.