Chapter 37
The ballroom was filled with dancing couples. Lively, yet calming music, floated in the air. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves, everyone except for Avelyn and Demina. He hadn’t arrived yet, which was both good and bad. As much as Avelyn was dreaded the moment they would meet, she almost wished he would arrive, so it would be over with. This definitely wasn’t what she dreamed of all her 14 years of life. And Demina, loyal as ever, was equally upset for Avelyn’s sake. Unlike Avelyn though, who had all but given up her dream, Demina had a plan. Suddenly she burst out.
“I’ve got it!”
Startled, Avelyn turned to her.
“What? What is it Demi?”
“I have the most brilliant idea ever! You could run away and hide in the woods. After a few days, your parents would be so relieved to see you they would see the error of their ways and agree to let you choose your future husband.”
Avelyn looked skeptical. On one hand she hated the thought of upsetting her parents, but at the same time, this might very well be the last chance to live her dream.
As she thought, Avelyn gazed out across the ballroom. Suddenly someone caught her eye. Walking in at that very moment was the One. She knew it the moment she saw him. He was taller than her by a good bit and dark haired. She watched as he smiled at one of the servants who offered him refreshment. He had the smile she had always dreamed of. He had a smile that came from inside his heart and reached his eyes. Her heart melted. Time stood still as he looked at her. Their eyes locked and something mysterious and sweet past between.
Slowly he made his way across the room, until he stood before her. Demina’s confused look told Avelyn she had been talking to her. But for some reason Avelyn couldn’t respond. All she could do was stare into the eyes of the man she had dreamed of marrying her whole life and try to stay on her feet.
“May I have the pleasure of this dance?”
All Avelyn could do was nod her acceptance and place her hand inside his. He led her away and they began to dance.
“If I may be so bold my lady, you are the best partner with whom I have ever had the pleasure of dancing.”
Avelyn blushed and averted her eyes. Somehow she knew he was being sincere and not merely trying to win her with empty flattery.
“You do me a great honor sir.”
The rest of the dance was spent in comfortable silence. Each of them was lost in their own thoughts.
When it ended they parted ways. She returned to an astonished Demina, while he went to stand on the other side of the room.
“WHO WAS THAT!!!!?!!!!”
They were so good for each other. Avelyn watched the exchange between Demina and Castiel from the window. She knew she shouldn’t be watching, but she couldn’t seem to tear her eyes from them. But she turned away when Castiel pulled Demina closer to himself. Heaviness settled upon her heart. She wished she could make Demina stay. She was princess of Impreza after all. But for some reason every time she tried, Avelyn couldn’t seem to get the words out of her mouth. And she knew the reason too. She was scared. Despite all her false bravado, Avelyn was terrified. Not just because they were going to be fighting a dragon, Drax himself, but mainly she was afraid of what she would find in his lair. Jaxon, alive, or dare she even think it...dead. She couldn’t bear the thought of not spending the rest of her life with him. She couldn’t bear the thought of never hearing his voice again, or seeing his beautiful face, or ever taking a walk in the gardens by his side.
Avelyn had to stop her train of thought before it travelled too far down a path she refused to go. Turning around, she almost bumped into Nyssa.
“Oh dear! I am so sorry.”
“How are you doing babe?”
Somehow Nyssa could always tell when Avelyn was upset.
“I am fine, just thinking.”
“About what...?”
“Jaxon.”
With that, Avelyn burst into tears and rushed into Nyssa’s open arms. For a while, she just cried. In between sniffles and sobs, she poured out her soul, telling her friend the whole story.
“I am so afraid of what we will find in Drax’s cave. I cannot go through life without Jaxon.”
“Yes you can. He is not your savior. He is only a man who loves you. You are never alone, with or without Jaxon. Don't give up hope, Avelyn.”
