Evelyn

❈ Chapter Twelve ❈

  She walked down the steps, and the King could see each and every gaze focussed upon her. Her mahogany hair had been pulled up elegantly, the small tiara sparkling in her curls. The dress ran behind her, falling down the steps as she walked toward the crowd. Kenley could tell she did not dare look a him; she didn't wish to admit to being something she was never going to be. But the King had hope. 

  He watched  as the Lords and Guards pushed their sons toward her, as the girls glared and the women smiled. Each and everyone of them was either jealous, wanting or friendly. Except Evelyn; who was embarrassed and unsatisfied. 

  Kenley watched as his daughter reached the bottom of the stairway, she looked awkwardly at the boys who murmured small proposals. She glared back at the girls who frowned at her. She shook hands with the Lords and Guards as she passed and welcomed the older ladies. But none of it, seemed like more than a chore. 

  "Evelyn." Kenley said. 

  She turned, her eyes shining. She nodded, bowing her head as she walked to stand beside the King and Queen. He frowned, he hated having to order things from her. But sometimes, things needed to be done. 

  "Go dance. With someone." Kenley ordered.

  Evelyn frowned, turning to her mother who nodded in agreement. She sighed, more groaned. Before she stepped off the small wooden stage and walked toward the dance floor. Boys followed, pushed toward her by their fathers once more. 

  Kenley watched, as she turned her direction toward the dessert table and raised a hand. He placed a hand on his forehead in disappointment as he watched the guards stop the boys from coming near her. 

  She turned to her father, smiling a small bit before turning once again.

  "She'll learn." His wife said. "But then again, maybe her attitude will be helpful to the kingdom. We just don't know yet."

  Kenley shook his head. "The advisors think opposite. Hopefully the change will come sooner rather than later."

  The Queen frowned, but nodded. Kenley smiled, reaching for her hand before turning back to the table. The crowd had gathered around everywhere. The colours confusing his eyesight. But not once did he see Evelyn. Not until the dark silk wrapped around the door way and she was gone. 

  Both Royals sighed, and the Queen beckoned for Sir Kai. 

  "Please follow her. Try and convince her to come back to the party, but do not order it of her." Kenley ordered the guard.

  Kai bowed, his hair falling in front of his face like it always did. The boy turned, turning toward the party and disappearing into the crowd. The last Kenley saw of the boy, was when he turned into the hall way, following the Crown Princess. 

  Moments passed, music played and people danced. No one noticed the missing Princess nor her faithful guard. The King had invited the Queen to dance, and they led the crowd through the fourth and fifth dance. 

  "YOUR MAJESTY! KING KENLEY!" A voice shouted, a guard.

  It was that shout that echoed through the hall and stopped the music. The women, girls and young boys were pushed to the end of the hall. The men and guards moving out of the way of the King as he made his way to the hall. 

  He lit one of the torches, just in time to see Kai jump off the window frame. He shouted, pushing his way through the guards toward the window. 

  Kai looked up, the Princess in his arms and his eyes sad and haunted. The King raised a hand. 

  "There was an arrow, someone tried to kill her majesty. They disappeared before we could reach her." A guard informed. 

  Kenley nodded. "Sir. Take as many supplies as you can to Sir Kai. Inform him to take the Princess to the outer regions. There is a safe house out in the country side. From there, he should make his way to the old castle on the edge of the country. He should not return until someone has come to find him."

  "Yessir." Three guards said, moving to go to the armoury to prepare the knight.

  "The rest of you. Break into teams and search the country. Whoever is the assassin, must be brought back to the castle. Dead or alive. Half of the guards should watch the cities and palace. Is that understood."

  "Yessir." Echoed around the room. 

  "Good. Now the party is over. Escort everyone home!" The King shouted.