The Scarlet Lillie

And He's Gone

Chapter 17

Prince Aragorn and I arrived at the ballroom just as a song was finishing. I searched the crowd for my father, unable to find him.

"Do you see him?" Prince Aragorn asked.

I shook my head as I turned to the prince. "Unfortunately, I do not." I spotted one of the maids serving snacks a few feet away. "Please wait here, Your Majesty." I said and stepped away.

"Pardon me," I called to the maid.

She turned around, and when she saw who it was, dropped her head in a slight curtsey. "Your Highness. Is there something you need?"

"Yes. Have you seen my father as of late? I can't seem to locate him." I explained.

"Yes, ma'am, I have. He and a few Dukes, Lords, and Princes went into the assembly room to talk about something. The king told me to see that he was not interrupted." She told me.

If he didn't want to be interupted, then it must be a big deal. Especially since it is at the ball celebrating my birthday- my father wouldn't leave such an occasion unless the matter was largely important.

"I see. Thank you." I said and pushed through the crowd to reach Prince Aragorn.

"Well?" He inquired.

"He had some matters that needed his attention, and there is no telling on how long it will take to settle them." I relayed. "I do apologize, Your Majesty; I did not know he would be unavailable."

The prince gave me a smile. "Not a problem. I can simply meet him another time, when he is not busy."

I nodded, grateful that this man was so understanding.

A figure walked up from behind Prince Aragorn and bowed. He was wearing the ceremonial attire for those of high military or police stature; black pants and black boots that went three-quarters up his shin. The top was a lblack material, with red lining. The left portion covered the majority of the right, buttoning down. On the right shoulder, stitched in red, was the royal insignia, showing who he served under. His captain ranking was displayed on the left chest, along with medals he had been given.

His face was cleanly shaven, making him appear younger than he really was. His dark hair was slicked back nicely, keeping it from falling in his face.

"Milady. Pardon my interruption." He said.

I recognized the voice instantly. "Good evening, Logan." I said. "May I present to you Prince Aragorn of Syndryle. Your majesty, this is Logan, Captain of the Royal Guard."

Logan bowed to the prince. "An honor to meet you, your majesty. Syndryle is a far place to travel from for a ball celebrating someone you have never met."

I was slightly appalled as I realized that Logan was practically accusing the prince of having ulterior motives. Prince Aragorn was not only a guest, but a prince. Logan had no right to talk like that to someone above his stature, even if they were from somewhere else.

Prince Aragorn only lifted a shoulder. "One may think so. My father sees it fit that I get to know the royal families in other kingdoms to strengthen bonds. This ball was the perfect opportunity for me to do just that. Though, I never could have predicted that the princess would be so amazing." His simpleness and sincerity as he spoke left me in awe. He glazed over Logan's tone and acted as though it was a regular conversation.

Logan hardly blinked. "Your father seems like he is a wise man."

"He is. He has done many great things for my kingdom." Prince Aragorn replied. "Including keeping the peace between us and rival kingdoms."

The captain didn't seem to relax, but he nodded. "I praise him for that. Keeping the peace is important, and sometime it can be a great challenge."

"This is very true." Prince Aragorn said.

Another figure approached from behind me, calling for the prince. I recognized the voice of Prince Aragorn's uncle before I saw his face.

"Aragorn! I finally found you. Where have you been?" He demanded.

Both Logan and Prince Aragorn look taken back.

"Uncle, you just approached the Princess of Perdania and didn't bow before her." Prince Aragorn scolded.

"That is a serious disrespect." Logan continued.

The uncle looked between them, then turned to check behind him. After seeing I was indeed standing there, his jaw fell.

"Milady, I sincerely apologize. I did not notice you there." He stumbled, falling to one knee.

I held out a hand. "It is fine, Your Majesty. We all make mistakes." He accepted my hand and rose to his feet.

"You are too kind." All three men exclaimed.

I smiled. "Thank you. Now, Your Majesty, you seemed to have something important to say."

"Yes, right. Aragorn, we must leave at once. Word has come from your father that you are needed at the palace as soon as possible."

"What has happened?" Prince Aragorn questioned, concern taking over his eyes. "Has my father fallen ill? Has someone attacked?"

"I cannot discuss it here. I shall explain on the way back." He insisted.

Prince Aragorn turned to me, holding my hands in his. "I must go, Your Highness. Please pardon my early leave."

I nodded. "Of course. You need to return to your home."

"Thank you. I shall meet your father another time." He said.

"Yes. Will you write to me when you arrive?" I inquired.

"Of course. Good night, Princess Scarlet." He said, releasing my hands to bow. I curtsied to the two princes as they bowed, showing them due respect, and watched as they took their leave.

"He seemed like a nice boy." Logan said, stepping closer to me.

"Yes, he's wonderful." I said, still watching his blonde hair move through the crowd.

Logan looked at me. "Your highness? Are you alright?"

I pulled my attention away and turned towards Logan. "Of course. Do you know much longer my father will be?"

The captain stood taller. "Yes, I actually came over to relay a message from him. The king is going to miss the majority of the night, and sends his deepest apologies. The matters are urgent and cannot wait until morning to be dealt with."

I suppressed a sigh. "Of course. That's understandable. I need to greet the other guests, though, so if you'll excuse me."

"Yes, Your Highness." Logan said, bowing as I walked away.

What matters could be so important that my father would put them in front of my ball? It's not a spoiled thing, that I wanted his undivided attention, it's just something that is out of character for him to do.

I shook my head and pushed the thoughts aside. I would find out later what it was; right now, I had guests to greet.