Accused

Chapter 17

  When we arrived at the ball, we find Mr. Richards standing in front of the castle. He was standing out so much it was like he was trying to draw attention towards him. He didn't know what they were wearing, so he didn't see them entering with the crowd of commoners all dressed up for the event.

  We stood stunned and nervous at the top of the stairs that lead to the ballroom. When we finally reach the dance floor it was hard to ignore the hundreds of people everywhere dancing, making conversation, drinking, eating. You would think that this would be the last thing they would do after they  learned that their princess was found "dead," but let's be honest, people will find any reason to have a good time, especially if it meant alcohol and royalty.

  Even though, our clock was ticking and this scene left a sick feeling in my stomach, I couldn't blame them. If this didn't work and we don't find the person after Clarice, then this was all for nothing. I would Clarice could die, I could die and if that is the case, then might as well a little fun.

  "Can I have this dance?" Nate asked bringing me out of my trance. I turn to find him holding his hand out for me to take and I did, gladly.

  "Why yes you may."

  As Nate guided me through a crowd of people, I found Clarice dancing, with a broad smile across her face. I hadn't even realized that she had left our side, I couldn't help but feel wounded looking watching her.

  Nate finally stopped half way between the exit and the center of the ballroom and turned to me, staring into my eyes with such intensity and love. As we moved along to the music twirled, I began to forget about everything. About the people surrounding us, the people who betrayed me, about the guards that hate me, even about Clarice. For a moment all I could see was him.

  Unexpectedly, Nate twirled me in a circle before suddenly dipping me down to where my back made a perfect arch and my hair threatened to come loose of the constraints of the bun. He slowly pulled me back towards him and rested his forehead against mine. We both had matching grins, looking like complete imbeciles.

  "You look beautiful." Nate whispered into my ear so only I could hear.

  "Thank you. You look quite handsome yourself."  There was a pause in conversation where the orchestra and the chatter of the people demanded for us to listen, but I could only focus on his breathing and the fast beat of his heart in his chest.

  "For forever..."

  "And more." I responded with a little laugh.

  "No, I really mean it." He moved back slightly so he could look me in the eyes as he spoke with a huge grin on his face which only made me smile wider."

  From the moment I meant you, I knew you would always be in my life. I knew you would always be more to me and have been in love for as long as I can remember and this, this is what I have been waiting for. I wouldn't give up this night for anything. Being here with you, in that stunning dress. It is a dream come true. It is my dream and I'm glad you helped me reach it.

  "I know the feeling. I would feel butterflies in my stomach every time you were with me. I always feel safer when I am with you and I don't want that feeling to ever go away."  We stared into each other's eyes for what seemed like a beautiful eternity before he leaned down to kiss me. This didn't feel like any other kiss, this felt like their first kiss but more passionate as if it were their last. A moment later Clarice came up to us and broke up our little moment.

  "Okay lovebirds, we get it, you are in love. You are making everyone else around you feel very uncomfortable, even me, and I've been around this for most my life."  Nate and I both blushed, but she continued on, ignoring our cherry cheeks. "But we really need to start looking before the ball ends and before Mr. Richards figures out our little plan."