Air Kingdom

Chapter 61-Trapped

I took out another dress. "How about this one?"

Hudson examined it. "No, not this one."

I hesitated. This was one of my favorite dresses. It had a sweetheart neckline and it barely touched the ground. It was made out of the finest silk and had small jewels imprinted all over the skirt.

Hudson looked me in the eye. "I said to put it away, Emma. You're not wearing this one."

I stared at him a little longer before agreeing. It wasn't as fun when he was mad. I took out a lime green dress. It flared out from the waist like a classic princess gown. It had a large, satin bow on the hip and ruffles filled the skirt.

Hudson leaned back in the chair. "That's the one. You wear pink too much anyway. It's nice to mix it up once in a while, don't you think so."

I frowned. "I don't thin-"

"That's what I like. Shouldn't you like what I like?" He interrupted casually.

He had this intent look in his eyes and I found myself agreeing with him more and more. "Yeah, I do think so. I'm going to go change now."

"Alright, but do it fast. We still haven't talked about the announcement yet."

I nodded and scurried into the bathroom, quickly stripping and pulling the dress on. I haven't worn it in a while, but it still fit me. I don't usually wear dresses in this color but if Hudson said it was ok, then it must be. I heard murmurs outside of the bathroom and I curiously opened the door. My mother was chatting to Hudson who looked slightly tense. I walked over to them and linked hands with Hudson. My mood dropped when he wouldn't look at me in the eye.

My mother smiled when she saw me but it didn't reach her eyes. "Emma, you look beautiful. Can we talk for a second? We never did have a proper conversation since you've gotten back home. Would you mind, Hudson?"

He bowed. "Of course not, Your Majesty."

He glanced at me and I perked up. His eyes were mystical when he spoke to me. "Have a nice chat talking to your mother. I'll be right outside."

I squeezed his hand. "Don't worry, I'll be fine."

He bowed again and left, giving us some privacy. My mother sat down my bed and patted the spot beside her. I joined her and fanned my dress out. "So, what do you want to talk about?"

"Oh, nothing much. Just girl talk. Your dress is different. It's green."

I nodded. "Yeah, Hudson wanted me to try something new."

"Oh, I see," She said. I could hear the lack of enthusiasm in her voice.

"What's wrong?"

She took a deep breath in. "Emma, don't you think you're a bit too young to get married? I mean you're not even 18 yet."

My face turned into a grimace. "It doesn't mean I have to get married now. We could have the wedding in a couple of years."

She shook her head. "What I'm saying is that you barely knew Hudson for a month. Is that enough time for you to realize you want to spend the rest of your life with him?"

I stood up in outrage. I was old enough to make my own choices. I don't need my mother controlling my life. "I think you should leave," I said coolly.

"Emma, don't do this." She pleaded, trying to reason with me.

"No, Mother, don't do this. I'm not five anymore. I can do what I want now. And right now, I want you out of my room."

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Emma Lissa Sabina Fairthorn, that's no way to speak to your mother."

I crossed my arms. "I'm so sorry, Mother. Now would you please leave my room?"

She got up and elegantly walked over to the door. "I knew letting you leave Air was a bad decision. I haven't seen you in a month and you've changed completely."

She opened the door where Hudson was waiting outside. She flew out and away before I could say anything. Hudson came in, staring after my mother. I felt conflicted. Was I really too young to be in a serious relationship? Was Hudson really the right guy for me.

The thought of Rodas suddenly appeared in my mind and it disappeared as fast as it came. I felt a small headache forming in my brain.

"What did she ask you?"

About us. I was about to say. But it didn't feel right. I bit my tongue and told him, "Just wanted to talk to me. We haven't had a daughter-to-mother in a long time."

He accepted my answer and his sudden grin enthralled me. "Let's continue getting ready,"

Any doubts I had about me and Hudson vanished from my head. "Sure," I chirped.

We were chatting as we made our way down to the ballroom. Well, mostly Hudson was talking but I didn't mind that. We linked arms and spoke about the ball and what was supposed to happen there.

"Now remember," Hudson reminded. "Don't talk to anyone you know unless you have to. It's better to talk to strangers to get to know them."

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, I understand."

"Good, now let's pick up the pace. I promised your Father that we would be there half an hour ago."

I moved as fast as I could in two-inch heels. When we rounded the corner, we nearly bumped into Serena and Dylan.

"Emma, Hudson, we haven't seen you all day. Where were you guys?" Serena asked, wearing a lovely sky blue dress.

Hudson answered for us. "Oh, you know, just catching up on some couple stuff."

Dylan stared at us in puzzlement. He was wearing a matching blue tie. "You guys are still together?"

I felt Hudson's grip tightened. I stayed silent, remembering not to talk to anyone I knew. "Yes, we are," Hudson replied smoothly. "Now if you'll excuse us, we have to get going."

Hudson dragged me off before they could say anything. I nearly tripped and fell but I quickly regained my balance. "Why are we going so fast?"

Hudson seemed paler and sweaty. "We just need to hurry," he said firmly. The sound of classical music got louder as we approached the ballroom. The announcer bowed when we arrived and shouted our names.

"Presenting her Royal Highness, Princess Emma and her Fiancé, Sir Side."

The room burst into applause when we entered. I waved at everyone, making sure not to make eye contact with my friends in the back. Hudson is always right, after all.

We stepped up to the podium where my Father was standing with the rest of my family. Tamara and Tristan shifted restlessly back and forth on their feet, disliking the itchy clothes they were in. Mother and Father wore formal clothes as always and looked dashing. Unlike Father though, Mother didn't smile when she greeted us. I put on a faked smile and stiffly hugged her back. My father didn't notice any of this and turned back to the crowd who were completely silent.

"Yesterday, we had witnessed some of the greatest miracles in history. For the second time in all of Air, four courageous, brave Wizards restored the light and hope back into the MA. If it wasn't for them, we would have been lost to the humans and facing experiences worse than death. So on this day, let us rejoice the Wizards and the young Airians who helped bring Air back in the sky."

Everyone clapped but soon stopped when they heard a crash and screams from outside. The cheering stopped immediately and everyone stared at the tall, wooden doors. The guard closest to the door slowly opened it and peered outside. Nothing happened at first until a knife was suddenly planted in the middle of his head. Blood spurted out of his head and he collapsed to the floor. People gasped at the sudden death and the person who threw the knife. A Krey at the end of the hallway still had his arm extended, and there was a whole army behind him.

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Thanks to everyone for reading this chapter. Sorry if it's a little short but I really wanted to end this chapter on this certain cliffhanger. Please anticipate the next update!