Chapter 22
Demi was bored, very bored. She hated parties and galas. But she continued to smile and talk with guests because this party was in her honor. Princess Nissa’s birthday celebration to be exact. She stifled a yawn, looking over the crowd.
“You look like you’re having a good time, Demina,” a whisper in her ear made her jump.
“Uh…I…um…”Demi stuttered. She turned to look at the owner. Chase stared down at her, amused, “Captain Morgan.”
Wow, he was so handsome. She blinked and blushed, looking down. Every young lady in court was eyeing him and practically throwing themselves at him. She smiled inwardly. He was never one to take an easy road. His smile grew wider and he reached out his hand, bowing.
“May I have the honor?” he asked. Demi felt a smile appear on her face and she curtsied. She had been refusing every dance that had been asked of her because all the guys were idiots in her opinion. They had all stepped on her feet and insulted her in some way.
“I must de-“
“Demi, you must accept his dance,” Ava said coming up behind her. Her mistress’s eyes sparkled mischievously. Demina looked at her. Her heart beat a thousand miles an hour and she sighed.
“Traitor,” she whispered to the princess as she passed by. Avelyn only smiled back at her and winked. Chase led her out, grinning at his achievement. He almost laughed at the surprise in her face. She blushed when she saw the amusement on his face.
“Forgive me. I was not expecting you to be such a good dancer,” she said.
“I learned much more with my father than fighting, my lady. In Ayealine, you aren’t fully deemed a man unless you know how to sing, dance, and paint. It’s good to know that I can still surprise you, Demi,” he told her. In all the years that they’d known each other, they had never danced together.
“I am sorry for my judgment.”
“Think nothing of it. I much prefer fighting than dancing. I would rather have a sword than a paintbrush in my hand. Not to offend, but I would much rather be training and working on new battle strategies than partying,” he said, twirling her.
"It must be nice for you," she said, "You do not seem to have a shortage of dance partners."
She motioned with her head to the other side of the room. A group of girls were watching them and scowling in their direction.
He shrugged.
"What can I say?" he returned, "It is hard to be me at times."
Demina rolled her eyes but smiled. Not even giving the other girls a glance, he noted how beautiful she looked in the white dress, the tiara sparkling on her black hair, “How about you?”
“It is all right,” she said.
“Demi, you never have to mask with me,” he whispered, softly, “You’re miserable and you know it. You don’t like parties. Promise me the rest of your dances and I’ll make it fun for you. Trust me.”
Demi blinked, stunned at how well he knew her.
“I….I…okay-“ she stuttered, blushing. She had had a crush on him for forever.
“May I cut in?” Prince Castiel asked. He shot Demina what was supposed to be his most attractive grin. She wanted to groan. Chase took one look at her face and smirked.
“I’m sorry, Tema. You cannot. The lady has graciously bestowed me the honor of the rest of her dances,” he said.
The prince scowled but bowed and walked away. Demina felt a small amount of pity for him but it was quickly gone when Chase tugged her away.
“Let’s go to the garden,” he whispered to her. Demi looked into his gorgeous green eyes, getting lost.
“Okay,” she breathed.
Demina opened her eyes, jerked awake by some evil force. She blinked and rubbed her eyes sleepily. Avelyn and Ean were still going at it but Ava had learned a lot more. She’d forgotten that she’d met Castiel when they were younger. He seemed just as arrogant then, than he was now. She wondered how Castiel was doing. Was he alright? Was he dead?
"Your Majesty! You shouldn’t be out of bed!"
Castiel ignored the man, starting to walk past him. He felt fine...well...that was a lie. But this guard could help him.
"Where is Lady Demina?" Castiel asked softly.
"What?"
Castiel blinked, realizing his mistake. He cleared his throat.
"Where is Princess Avelyn?"
"Oh your highness, they aren’t here."
Castiel lifted his head.
"What?" He choked out, unable to find his voice.
"Her majesty and her lady have been gone for more than a day now."
Castiel let out his breath and closed his eyes.
"Your Majesty?"
“Did you send out a search party, Captain?”
The man nodded.
“They haven’t returned, sir.”
They would’ve been caught by Drax. Cas sucked in a deep breath.
“Sir? Would you like help getting back to your room?”
Castiel shook his head and walked to his room. He had to get them off track. He had to get them back here.
