Hidden for her own protection

Chapter 14: The Ball at Sounder Palace

Chapter 14: The Ball at Sounder Palace

It's finally here the day I can reveal the truth to everyone. Once everything is revealed the true battle against Faltaya shall begin as long as they don't end up killing him. Who he is I have no clue, but from my dream I know that it's possible it will be my fault that the world will end. My fault that my siblings and I die.

"Welcome everyone to Sounder Palace's Christmas Ball," Queen Siraphina announced.

"We will have the supper, dance, the gift exchange, and then a very important announcement from the Warrior Queen," King Axanian added.

Tonight I was an honored guest and therefore off duty. After tonight Azure will be free to find a new bride without destroying the rules of his Uncles Kingdom. I was happy though because I could finally tell everyone the truth. What I hadn't expected was that Ray would be my escort and he didn't even know that I was Caya.

"It really is an honor to be in your presence Warrior Queen," he gushed. Which had me laughing crazily.

"Seriously Ray stop it," I said.

"Arlia really I don't see how one person could be so dense," Azure said from beside me.

"What are you talking about?" Ray said confused.

"Ray you'll find out soon enough," I laughed Azure joining in with me.

"Alright," he pouted.

We resumed eating. I was quite through the meal because I knew that I would have to bring my announcement forth soon. Although part of it was because of the spell I had weaves around the palace. No one could leave or enter Sounder Palace now. I did this to protect the secret and to keep Faltaya or his spies out of the Palace. I still couldn't believe the truth.

"Azure how did you come to know Arlia?" Ray asked suddenly out of the blue.

"Arlia was suppose to be my wife, but she rejected me. My uncle and her adoptive mother made the agreement without consulting her, and I knew the entire time. So she decided what better way to get back at us then refusing to become my Queen which made it impossible for me to become the King of the Sprites. For royals you cannot inherit the crown if you do not marry your first betrothed unless if it is found out that she has the blood of two royal families which makes the contract null and void. To make matters worse if I don't inherit neither can my children making it impossible for the Sprites royal bloodline to continue, but I must respect Arlia's wishes," Azure told him.

"Oh. So do you love Arlia?" he asked in response.

"That is something I will not answer. If I did or didn't doesn't matter Arlia will never except me," he answered sadly.

I droned the rest of their conversation out after that. I was beginning to wonder if it was impossible for me to fall in love with anyone. I'd met many men over the last few years who most girls would be pleased to date let alone marry, but the only guy I have ever kissed was Azure. Could it be I love Azure and didn't know it. If that's true though when I reveal the truth tonight I give his uncle the chance to finally have his heir back. In doing that I let go of any claim I have on Azure.

"So Warrior Queen have you a special someone in your life?" Sylver asked from across the table. Which made Ray and Azure's ears perk up.

"That's a secret," I winked at her laughing inside when I saw Azure's pained look. It's impossible for me to love Azure.

"Oh come on Arlia there has to be someone. Haven't you ever dated?" Argon asked I had almost forgot he was here!

"Actually I haven't Prince Argon. I found out most of the guys just wanted to make me give up being a protector and be protected instead," I replied sincerely.