To Kiss a King 2

Chapter 38

Chapter 38 

Nora shakily exited the carriage, her legs felt weak and it took everything she had to feign composure. Eloise had told her tale and Nora...though she didn’t want to believe it...thought it made sense. But she had to find out for herself. Years and years of yearning after Erikson...the pain and longing...all for nothing. It was so painful to think about. Why would he betray her? Why? 

Tears threatened to spill over so she took a ragged breath in and titled her chin up. She would be strong. She would find out the truth for herself. It was time to put these memories behind her and finally move on with her life. 

Eloise exited behind her and straightened out her dress soberly. Nora could feel her eyes on her back. 

“Thank you.” She said suddenly. “For telling me.” 

Eloise nodded. “I am sorry I didn’t tell you sooner. I just thought...it would be too much.” 

Nora nodded and straightened out her own dress and tucked a piece of hair behind her ear. 

“Lets get this over with.” She said hardening her heart. 

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They made their way into the incredible courtyard. An abundance of spring colored flowers littered any open space and hundreds of elaborate carriages pulled up one by one to unload rich looking guests. 

Nora felt far too underdressed as she watched ladies in large sparkling gowns peek around their fans at her with disapproval. In response Eloise lifted her chin high, huffed at them, and hooked arms with Nora. 

Nora smiled thankfully at Eloise. Perhaps Nora had really misjudged her. Sure Eloise could be a little over the top...but she really meant well. And if her story proved to be true then she owed Eloise a great apology. 

They spent the better part of the first half hour smiling and greeting people as they entered. But Nora could only do it half heartedly. She kept scanning the crowd hoping to catch a glimpse of Erikson. But no such luck, he was no where to be seen. So instead her and Eloise drank sweet wine and paraded around the sides of the ballroom floor speaking to other young ladies. 

Suddenly a tall young man with dark hair bowed and asked Eloise for the next dance. Her eyes lit up and she looked over at Nora. 

“Do you mind?” She asked excitedly. 

“Of course not. Go ahead.” Nora returned her smile. 

Eloise let go of her arm and placed a slender hand in the gentleman’s outstretched one. It’s not as if she needed Eloise to be her constant companion...but as she left Nora felt scared. As if she had been drawing strength from her with each rotation around the ballroom. 

Nora watched as Eloise twirled about the floor laughing. It looked as if she was truly having fun. Nora sighed to herself and excused herself from the very lackluster conversation she was having with the duchess of rosenhill. 

“Can you point me to the powder room?” She asked a nearby guard. 

“Certainly. Exited the ballroom and head left passed the library. There are servants stationed in the halls you can ask if you lose your way or would like an escort.”

“Thank you.” She curtsied. 

Once she was out of the ballroom she felt she could breathe easier. There were much less people loitering in the halls so she could actually hear herself think. She turned left and headed down the hall until she passed the library. Nora was just about to turn into the powder room when she noticed none other than Erikson leaning against the wall at the end of the hall. 

She stood there staring at him until suddenly his eyes met hers. 

“No.” She whispered as fear and hurt gripped her heart. “I must be strong.”