Shielded [On Hold]

Chapter Twenty-Three: Here With Me

Chapter Twenty-Three: Here With Me

A/N: Hey! Late update but I hope you enjoy it, it’s rather short but nonetheless I liked writing this chapter. Complications? Duh! But not to worry, things will get better with Rose and Eric…maybe.;)

Once we reached the stepping stone I looked down at our hands. He nodded slowly, looking as if he didn't want to let go, but we couldn't walk in like this.

I slowly let go, my heart aching as I did.

"Umm...I'll walk in first." I said uneasily. He nodded. I slowly took off, walking ahead as I tried to walk quickly, just to give Eric more time to walk in. Once I reached the double-doors, I tried to stop myself from smiling like an idiot. Everyone was still scattered around the first floor, but we had only five minutes to spare before my parents called everyone to the dining room. Everyone had glasses of wine as they conversed and talked amongst each other. I roamed my eyes in search for Daniel or Lucy, but the crowd made it hard to search for them. As a matter of fact, only a few Entie's were present inside of the Castle. I walked around slowly, quickly welcoming the guests as I made my way around. The first floor looked smaller now that many guests were walking around and standing al together.

Suddenly, my Mother and Father walked in together from the Grand Staircase and they both walked down together, just looking at them made any single woman or man want to be in their shoes.

"Good evening everyone." My Father's voice thundered, creating a sudden hush in the environment. "I would like to thank you all for making this year a success and another memory for years to come. Thank you to all who have traveled great distance just to represent Calabrye not as a monarchy, but as a united system. I'm pleased to invite you all to the dining area where our wonderful chefs have prepared a meal for us to enjoy. So without any further delay, since I'm starving," the crowd gave a gentle laugh, "I'd like to invite you all to the dining hall." We all clapped for my Father as he and my Mother walked down the remaining stairs and led the way to the dining hall.

The whole crowd pushed right through, their robes hanging off their shoulders and down to the floor was annoying. I tried not to step on anyone but I couldn't seem to get out. I turned my head left and right, and tried looking for Eric. Geez where was he? I stepped right out an finally I saw him with Daniel making sure everyone was walking straight into the hallway. Our eyes locked, and boy did I blush like crazy. His smile was timid but his shyness was attractive since I've been so used to seeing him alert and confident.

"C'mon Rose! Last one to go? You're gonna miss out on the food." Daniel cried as he started to push me from behind.

"Daniel, no pushing and I was waiting for my...friends." I was puzzled, was friends even the right word? Friends with benefits cried my conscious.

"That's real nice of you, Rose." stated Eric as he smirked.

"Thank you." I bowed my head before I started to walk ahead of them. I kept my posture straight and tall as I walked to the Dining Hall which we opened every once in a while when we had such large company.

Walking in, I was stunned as I saw a lot of royals chatting and taking seats. I spotted my Mother and Father since they sat in the front of the table. They even saved me a spot. Their smiles were so inviting, the environment of it all was bright. After such a long day, we all celebrate with dinner. I sat on the left side of my Father and my Mother on the right. Our indoor Enties walked in and stood guarding the doors, with their arms crossed.

After everyone settled in, which took ten minutes. My Father stood up and held a glass. The crowd was silences, the buzzes hushing down slowly.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you once again for appearing at the Parade, and showing Calabrye how cooperative we are. The Enties also made a wonderful initiation and I'd like to give a round of applause to Entie Eric Steele for organizing this year’s security." We all clapped for Eric who bowed his head. His eyes were glued on me, his eyes bright. Though he wasn't smiling, I felt his eyes say it all. I clapped for him, giving him a warm grin. "Also, I'd like to congratulate my daughter, Rosealie, for accomplishing a great performance today as an adult. I know that everything she has learned will be taken to her account and she'll be ready when the time is right. I know the people will appreciate her just as I have appreciated her effort." I tried not to cry or blush; so much attention. I smiled as eyes fell on me. Again, I looked at Eric and saw how proud he was of me. I really feel like I've accomplished something so important to my family. "And without further ado, I'd like to give a toast to everyone who came out here today, my lovely wife who's support has never died, the Enties and Entie Steele, and last but not least my daughter." I grabbed my glass and clinked it with just about everyone. After, I carefully sipped my drink, trying not to cough it out.