The Hidden Orphan (The Chronicles of Mistar - Book 2)

Eight · · · Evangelene

Castle Starlight, Crestlin, Tatin, Ablatin

HER HAND FIT PERFECTLY INTO HIS SLENDER BUT STRONG HANDS. When she walked down the stairs, Eva felt fine. As time grew on and the closer they got to the dance floor, the more nervous she got, and Eva wasn't one to get nervous.

Gulping, Eva almost tripped at the end of the stairs. Again, Siend caught her by the waist and pulled her close. For being so young, he was charming. He then leaned down and put his lips next to her ear.

"Relax, Eva," he said. "It's only one dance. I know you know it, but will you let me lead?"

Eva bit her lip and said, her voice croaking, "Of course. The man should always lead."

Smiling, Siend took her towards the floor. Eva knew she wouldn't mess up. She knew every step and practiced them too many times to even think about messing up. Her frown turned into a smile as she grew more confident. The full dress she wore flew into Siend when she spun and made her laugh because he liked to act as if he got punched in either the leg or stomach, but he would get quickly back into the dance as if nothing had happened. One time, on accident, Eva hit Siend's glasses right off his head. When he went to retrieve them, Eva stood awkwardly in the middle of the dancing couples waiting for Siend to return.

When Siend finally came back, Eva couldn't hold it in anymore.

"Siend," she said quietly, though she was still heard over the sound of the band. "I have to tell you something."

"What?" he asked. "You can tell me anything. After all, we will be living the rest of our lives together."

Sighing, Eva replied, "That's exactly what I wanted to talk to you about. I don't think you'll ever be more than a friend to me mentally. Sure, we might get married, but I'll never see you as more than a friend. I just wanted to be honest."

Eva winced as if Siend was going to hit her and her feet instinctively stopped moving, wishing they could stop dancing, but Siend dragged her along as if she said nothing. He was even smiling.

"I know and I don't care," he said. "We didn't get a choice. Most children born of the high houses and the king never get a choice. I talked about our marriage with my parents and have learned to accept it and the responsibilities as king. I know the situation isn't very ideal, but I hope we can make the most of it. And, I hope our relationship isn't ruined after we officially tie the knot."

Eva felt like her eyes grew two times the size they were. She was dumbfounded. Her mouth dropped open and her instinct was to scream at him, but instead, she closed her mouth a swallowed. "Good philosophy," was all she said.

Looking up into his eyes, Eva noticed the concern in his speckled green eyes through his scratched up glasses. He smiled at her for what seemed the twenty millionth time and couldn't help but smile back.

"I'd hope so," he soothed.

Another slow song came on, letting Eva lean against him. She felt his warmth against her body, and part of her didn't want to let go. After a while of thinking, Eva was sure that she also saw Siend as a brother. A big brother. Someone that would comfort her through times of need and sooth her crying. That was something her sister always did but after watching a lifetime of movies, Eva always wanted that connection with a brother she thought she could never have. Siend showed her that she was wrong.

A few times during the dance, Eva was pretty sure that she had stepped on his feet, but she could tell it didn't bother him by the way he giggled every time it happened.

"Sorry," she winced.

"It's fine," he laughed.

Other than those very few words, they danced through the whole song speechless. When it was over, Eva only gave a nod to her leave. As she took the first step, Siend grabbed her hand to stop her.