Avelyn stood in the parlor, holding her breath in anticipation. Demina stood behind her, trying not to laugh. Avelyn turned, giving her a mock glare when Demina couldn’t hold her laughter in anymore. She snickered.
“What are you laughing at, Demi?”
Demi just smiled and shook her head.
“What?” Avelyn asked.
“You,” Demi answered.
“What about me? What? Demina...you’re scaring me! Demi?! Demina?!”
“You’re just funny, Ava. You’re too cute.”
Demina continued to smile and Avelyn continued to get very worried and scared. She was about to say something but was interrupted by the herald.
“Announcing Prince Jaxon Kalesi of Barnstadt.”
Avelyn squealed and grinned. Jaxon entered and quickly descended the stairs. He grabbed her, spinning her in his arms.
“Jax! I’ve missed you!”
“I missed you, too, Ava.”
Demina grinned as she watched them. They made such a cute couple. Avelyn had wild crazy curls, rosy cheeks, and sparkling blue eyes. Her face glowed with happiness as she looked up into Jaxon’s face. Jaxon was tall (Ava came up to his shoulder). Demina thought he was handsome. He was a black-haired, hazel-eyed beauty, with a strong spirit and a heart of gold. A true prince. Jaxon finally pulled away from her, grin never leaving his face. He looked at Demina, giving her a hug.
“Avelyn, Demina. I would like you to meet a friend of my mine. Prince Castiel Devis of Nissania.”
Castiel walked over to Avelyn, taking her hand and kissing it as she curtsied. He bowed.
“A pleasure to meet you, my lady.”
Demina’s eyes narrowed as his dark eyes sparkled. Demi scoffed. He was very handsome with dark, messy curls and even darker eyes. He was a head taller than Jaxon and Demi knew that she’d probably only reach his chest. And those arms....he was so muscular! UGH! NO! Why was she thinking like that!
“Keep your head in line, Demina Mikios,” she muttered to herself.
“The pleasure is all mine, Prince Castiel,” Avelyn replied, “I would like to introduce to you my best friend and lady Demina Mikios.”
Castiel eyed her and gave her a slight nod. Did the woman never smile? She curtsied to him, not saying a word. She was cute, he decided, but she was practically a midget with short black hair and golden brown eyes. She could be pretty, if she smiled more.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Castiel said. He kept his tone polite but uninterested. How strange it was for a princess to introduce one of her ladies. It was not a common practice. She was of no consequence to him if she was not a princess.
Demina glared at Avelyn who looked innocent.
“Is it?” Demina asked, looking at Castiel again. He looked confused, not used to having those “below” him, talk back to him.
“I’m sorry?”
“Is it really a pleasure to meet me?” Demina asked again.
Castiel was taken aback and had no reply.
“That’s what I thought,” Demi replied. With that, she turned and left. Avelyn stared after her in worry.
“Oh dear.”
