The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 2 The Invitation

Realizing at almost the exact same moment we were the only two not showing reverence to our liege lord, Vienna and I quickly dropped into curtsies. Her's unsurprising, was graceful and polite, while mine was awkward and uncoordinated, making me feel like an utter fool. As we all straightened, I found the Prince's eyes were resting on me, looking rather amused.

I tossed my hair over my shoulder and hooked my thumbs in jean pockets. I wouldn't be intimidated by the son of a man I despised. Who cared what he thought of me? He was lucky I bowed to him at all.

"My father sent me to personally welcome all our competitors to Los Eres, and extend an invitation to dine with us this evening in the palace gardens."

My eyebrows popped towards my hairline.

"Respectfully your highness, this is highly irregular."
Kyle protested.

Certainly, no one had told me that we might be having dinner with the royal family on our first night in Los Eres. I was by no means prepared for that.

"Indeed Keeper Kyle, but I only relay what my father passed on to me."
The Prince replied.

"Very well then, we would be honored to accept your invitation."

"We would?"
I blurted out before I could stop myself.

Vienna nudged me at the same moment Kyle stepped on my foot.

"I mean yes, we would."
I hurriedly corrected myself.

This wasn't really off to the best start.

"Have the other competitors arrived yet?"
Kyle asked, changing the subject.

"Keeper Grayson and those from the Kalnaisk Province touched down about an hour ago, but the others are still in flight."

"Ah yes, Grayson. Very good."
Kyle replied, in a tone that indicated it wasn't.

"So you must be Jasper Hayes then, the one they're calling Shockwave."
The Prince said, turning his focus on us.

Who exactly is calling him that?

"That would be me, your highness."
Jasper answered respectfully.

The Prince strode forward and extended his hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Hayes. Your work in the arena was quite impressive if I do say so myself."

I held my breath, recalling my first handshake with the Brainiac. I wasn't sure the Crown Prince would take kindly to getting smacked in the face. Jasper gave the Prince's hand a firm, albeit stiff, shake and I breathed a sigh of relief. There was hope for that boy yet. The Prince turned to Vienna next and offered up a pleasant smile.

"I'm honored to meet you, your highness."
She said softly, dipping into another curtsy.

"The honor is all mine. You are even more beautiful in person."
He replied back charmingly.

She blushed at his flattery and lowered her gaze to the ground shyly. It might have been cute if I wasn't gritting my teeth at being in such close proximity to the Prince of Itova.

Then, of course, it was my turn. I stiffened as he turned to face me, straightening my back and elevating my head. I extended my hand before he had a chance to do anything, I had no intention of repeating my clumsy looking curtsy. He took my hand without so much as a hesitation and gave it a strong shake. I couldn't help but notice that his hands were well calloused, surprising for someone of his status.

"Miss Coften,"
He started.

"Astrid."
I corrected without thinking, instantly regretting my words.