Color of Roses

Parade

Chapter 7

I'm awoken with a cool breeze against my body as I realize my covers have been pulled back. I look up to see Giles and a frightened Nico beside me. "Get ready," Giles snaps his fingers and Nico nervously bows. Giles exits the room and Nico helps me out of bed. "What's with him?" I say still a bit dazed from sleep.

"I forgot to wake you up. The parade will be starting soon," Nico throws open the doors to my armoire and grabs a light blue dress and tosses it to me. "Please hurry, Princess." He says before exiting the room. I quickly slide the dress on and don't bother with make up or accessories. We rush down the hall and exit to find a carriage waiting outside the castle gate. Giles and Alyn are conversing outside the carriage door.

I apologize before stepping into the small carriage along with Giles who sits on the opposite side. He frowns at me as I try to catch my breath. He doesn't bother opening his mouth but his eyes speak for him. The carriage begins to move and I see Alyn trotting alongside us.

I practice waving as Leo taught me when crowds of people line the streets. I look around and spot several of my old students cheering. I had nearly forgotten about them since I became the princess select. My heart aches at the sight of the young girl whose mother was lying sick in bed. I feel myself reaching out the window but a voice stops me.

"What are you doing?" Giles mumbles under his breath in an attempt to remain composed. I immediately return to my seat and continue to wave at the crowds of towns people. I force a smile across my face but in reality I had felt guilty for forgetting my promise to my student. Once the carriage has circled the town, I stretch my legs as I escape the tight space.

"I'm not sure why you reacted the way you did, but I suggest keeping your emotions under control. As a princess, it's best not to get attached to the townsfolk. It shows a sign of weakness and believe it or not, people do take advantage of it." Giles runs a hand across his jacket, removing any wrinkles, and walks through the gates and into the castle.

Upset by his words, I stand there silently. A light touch startles me and a familiar face circles in front of me. "Alyn!" I say surprised.

"Stop getting yourself scolded by Giles." I flinch as he taps his fingertip to my forehead. I place my hands over the area he touched and frown. "Smile a bit more, too." Alyn rests his hands on his waist before turning and following Giles into the castle.

Before I realize it, I'm running after Alyn and grab his cape to get his attention. "Wait," I call out and he stops with a look of surprise on his face. "Have you heard of a lily that grants wishes?" I ask.

Alyn raises an eyebrow. "Are you asking if I believe in fairytales?"

His answer somewhat angers me. "It's not a fairytale. I promised someone I'd bring them one." I gaze down at my feet. "It's said to grow in the castle's garden."

"That explains why you were digging in the flowerbeds." Alyn crosses his arms, proud of himself for understanding my intentions.

"Please help me find it."

"It's just make believe."

"I don't care. I need to find it," I argue.

"Why?"

"Because a young girl's mother will die if I don't!" I feel my eyes starting to water and I turn around to hide it. We're both quiet for some time until Alyn's voice sounds behind me. "I'll help you find the flower."

I turn around and wipe the tears from my eyes. "Thank you!" I say and wrap my arms around him. Shocked from my reaction, Alyn grabs my arms and pulls them off. "This doesn't mean we're friends," Alyn says, his face red. He fidgets before returning to the castle and I smile at his back, hopeful of finding the mysterious flower.

Giles greets me on my way to my bedroom. He informs me that my coronation ball will take place tomorrow instead of Saturday. "But I don't know how to dance!" I whine but he waves his hand. "I have a teacher picked out for you already. He's waiting for you in the library as we speak."

Curious, I follow Giles to the library door. He opens it swiftly and I step inside to find friendly red eyes. "Good evening, Princess," Leo says while holding a small book and removes his glasses.

"I trust you to turn her into a thriving dancer, Leo." Giles smirks at Leo who in return smiles devilishly. "I wouldn't disappoint you," Leo says with a cocky attitude. Giles dismisses himself and I'm once again alone with Leo.

Leo reaches for my hand and holds it gently. He wraps another around my waist and pulls me close, our faces inches apart. "Follow my lead," he says and he begins moving his feet step by step. I try to keep up but find myself stumbling and stepping on his foot.

Eventually, we move along together and I start to get the rhythm of the dance. "Very good, Aria," Leo says and picks up the pace. I find myself straining to keep up but thankfully I make minimal mistakes. Leo releases my hand and I breathe out in relief that it's over.

"You're a quick learner, Princess," Leo says impressed. His compliment catches me off guard. "Thank you," I say quietly. "You're welcome," Leo leans in close and I stare at his lips. They're slightly darker than his skin tone and my heart races at the thought of them. I close my eyes, waiting for whatever he had planned.

I feel his arms grip my shoulders and I hold my breath in anticipation. His breath is warm and each second feels like torture. I open my eyes as his grip releases and I find Leo stepping away, his face serious. "I'm sorry."

Confused by his apology, I step closer to Leo but he holds a hand up for me to stop. "If you come closer, I won't be able to control myself any longer."

My cheeks warm at his confession. I press my fingers to my lips. He really wanted to kiss me and I was going to let him! Embarrassed of my thoughts, I rush out of the room and make my way to my chambers. I always seem to find myself running after an encounter with Leo.