Death By Princess {Complete}

CH 6

It was a lovely evening indeed enjoyed by the vast, vast majority. After the wedding, guests were free to explore some of the Royal Grounds. Most, including Lillian, did more shopping. Then there was the wedding reception which occurred in the public sector of the castle. The reception consisted of a three course meal. This was a treat for most out-of-castle guests as certain seasons can bring periods of food restrictions.

Link watches his fellow villagers as they scoff down as much food as they can suffer. He has been privileged because while living on the Royal Grounds, he had unlimited access to food and so he doesn't feel the urgency to eat like the others. In addition to that, even knights have dining etiquette that they must follow. Elbows off the table, index finger extended down the fork and knife, eat five bites slowly then take a rest by conversing or sipping a beverage. Those rules are still instilled in him and it is evident he is the only one with such manners. Everyone around him treats their forks as a shovel, stuffing as much food in their mouths as they can handle. If there is one thing that makes Link feel like an anomaly from the rest of his kin, it's his eating manners.

After the meal, the tables are cleared away to make room for the dance. Of course, the bride and groom are celebrating with close guests in a separate room. Link is relieved. He is able to at least relax without the constant reminder of what he has lost.

When the music starts playing, Link isn't surprised to see Lillian kick off her shoes and drag everyone she knows and doesn't know out on the dance floor. Link is captivated by her as she twists and twirls around everyone with a smile on her face, her skin dewy and cheeks flushed from the warmth. 

"Shit," says Link when Lillian makes eye contact with him. He darts his gaze elsewhere but he can see her coming for him in his periphery. 

She plops in the vacant seat next to him. "Come out, Link. It's a lot of fun," she says, breath heavy. She leans close to him as the music is loud and Link can feel her warmth.

"You know that I never dance at these sorts of thing," he says. "And you know how I feel about parties."

"You haven't changed at all," she says rolling her eyes as she takes his hand. "It's time for you let go and have fun."

"I am having fun watching," he says resisting her pull. She lets go of his hand and sits back down.

"It doesn't look like you're having much fun," she says but Link just shrugs. "I would love to have one dance with my oldest friend." The loud thump of drums ceases and a soft acoustic guitar kicks in. Now the roar of the crowd can be heard and Lillian softens her voice.

"See? It's just a slow song now. Please?" she says looking him directly in the eyes, their face only inches apart. "It's the least you can do after you left me here alone all these years." She sticks out her tongue.

He sighs then without saying a word he passes her his hand. She smiles gleefully, the party lights reflecting a golden glow in her eyes. She leads him to the center of the floor where the lightening is dimmer.

"No, Link. I put my hands on your shoulders. You put your hands here," she says as she takes his hands and places them low on her hips. She moves closer to him until their bodies touch which catches Link off guard. It's already hot and overwhelming here and this just adds to his fluster. He suddenly becomes aware of his feet and second guesses where to put them.

"I have to be honest, Link, you're as miserable as ever," says Lillian.

"I am not miserable," he says looking over his shoulder at the people around him. Couples on the floor get close, girls resting their heads on their beloved's shoulders.