The Hidden Kingdom

Chapter 14

As I waited impatiently for midnight to come, my thought process was in turmoil. I couldn't decide whether to search for my companions or remain hidden like a coward. Perhaps the intimidating blonde had already left?

Mentally slapping myself for my idiocracy, I re-entered the ballroom. Thankfully the massive clock read 10 minutes 'till twelve. Now, all I had to do is find...fudge cicle sticks. Not only had I lost the only two people who could take me back to my temporary home but also the kid- the royal kid at that- whom I was put in charge of!

Between frantically scanning the crowds and practically tripping over my own two feet, my traitorous brain decided now was a good time to remember all the cruel punishments kingdoms in TV series such as Merlin and The Game of Thrones inflicted upon people like me.

I was unable to contain the shiver brought on by my vivid imagination. Calm down. You'll find her. She's only twelve; she couldn't have gotten far. Just as my heart began to slow its pace, a tap on my shoulder brought me back from my reverie. With a sense of dread, I reluctantly faced whoever wanted my attention.

Surprisingly, it was the knight from earlier. Speechless, I just stared at him with imploring eyes. Is it possible that...no, no, no. There's no way that he actually wanted to....

"Would you like to dance?" He asked with a cocky grin. Why? Why me?! Only I could have so much bad luck.

Shakily, I responded, "I'd love to, but I can't dance. I'm sorry."

"Since we have a few minutes before the real fun begins, I might as well teach you how."

"The real fun?" I asked, trying to steer the conversation away to distract him.

"The real fun," he said with a smirk, "is when the night arrives and magic perpetrates the kingdom walls."

I remained silent, contemplating what he meant. Before I could get lost in my thoughts, he had grabbed my arm firmly and was leading me to the balcony.

Oh no, oh no. I was not going to dance. There was no way I was going to dance. Not even if it was the Macarena. Okay maybe the Macarena- and the cha cha slide.

The distress on my face must have been evident, but the knight didn't notice. If he did, he was doing a good job of ignoring it. Why couldn't we just go into one of the spare rooms? The balcony had at least ten people, given that it is quite a large balcony.

I was just about to suggest this until I saw the answer to my question. An oblivious Zayden stood near the edge of the balcony. Next to him was a distraught blue haired figure. Yes! Without even thinking, I quickly approached the poor guy and said, "Do you know where she went?"

As he was about to answer, Zayden roughly pulled me to the side. "That is no way to speak to a prince! He may not be our prince, but you must address him with honor and respect." If his voice sounded angry, his eyes were secreting venom-a clear indication that he dearly regretted allowing me in.

In reaction, my eyes intently stared at the floor and my right arm gripped the other in embarrassment. I didn't dare look up, so I quietly pleaded, "Your majesty, I-I'm sorry for intruding and-uh- being disrespectful, but Daphne has -uh- gone amiss. I can't locate her anywhere."

"You meant no harm," said a a voice much softer than I imagined yet still masculine. There was a slight hint of amusement to that voice, but the dignity and grace he exuded was enough to mask the benevolence underneath.

Just as I was about to peer up, a presence appeared besides me. Our attention successfully averted, the person began to speak, "The night is growing old, will you not accompany me in this dance now?" quickly I tried to hide the look of annoyance that briefly flitted across my face. I had completely forgotten him in my haste to discover the princess's whereabouts.

"I have a really important matter to trend to. You see-"

"No more excuses. Either you dance with me now, or I revoke your invitation." I blanched. How could such a persistent person be so harsh?

"Actually, I don't believe you have any such authority- especially when her 'excuse' is a valid one. She is to attend to a matter regarding your princess." His quiet voice had taken an unexpected cold edge. It was as if his demeanor was double edged sword hidden beneath a decorated sheath.

"Yes, your majesty." Said the knight in a forced tongue. He spared one quick vehement look at my direction before smirking and turning back to leave.

I let out a breath that I had not known I was holding and sent a look of gratitude towards the blue haired Prince. Prince! how had I not seen the connection before? He was most likely the son of the tinkling faery I had seen earlier this evening. What I wasn't expecting, however, was that look of amusement he held to return as quickly as it did. Something told me there was more than met the eye to this benevolent faery.