The Moon Dancer

Chapter 18

Delicious aromas filled the air, accompanied by the sweet tunes of harps and flutes. Judar sat with a bored expression at the main table. Despite the staff's best efforts, it was obvious the banquet had been cobbled together with little preparation.

Judar disinterestedly pushed around the food on his plate. The kitchen had prepared one of Judar's favorite meals, but he couldn't care less. All that was on his mind was Moondancer, the banquet had been going on for almost an hour but she still hadn't shown up. He sighed and started to bite his thumb in annoyance.

"You shouldn't bite your nails, it's gross."

"Like I care what you think." Judar snarked at the pink-haired prince that sat down next to him. Kouha shrugged in response and grabbed a bundle of grapes from the nearby tray.

"This party is so boring, it's more like a big dinner with people I don't like." Kouha complained before popping some grapes into his mouth. 

"Why do you think I'm staying over here? I can't stand those idiots." Judar grumbled as he stuck his thumb in the direction of various nobles talking with Sindri and Kouen. Kouha nodded in agreement before frowning as Judar stole the bundle of grapes from his hand.

"Then why haven't you left already?"

"I have to stay because I'm an honored guest. Besides I'm waiting for-" Judar quickly closed his mouth.

"Mm? You're waiting for something? Is this about that mysterious girl that got kidnapped with Kouta?" Kouha slyly asked, a smirk spreading over his face. Judar stuffed a mouthful of grapes into his mouth and shook his head, refusing to talk.

"C'mon, you can tell me!"

Before Kouha could get anything from Judar, a loud drum blared. The two looked over in the direction it came from in surprise. Judar's eyes went wide and he sucked in his breath.

Moondancer was standing in the middle of the banquet room dressed in an elaborate two-piece red dress. A white blindfold covered her eyes, contrasting with the deep richness of the long silk dress.

She looked beautiful.

"Pardon me, my most noble ladies and gentlemen. I am The Moon Dancer, and it is my honor to perform for you tonight in gratitude for everyone one who helped look for the prince."

Judar's heart skipped a beat as Moondancer seemed to look right at him despite her eyes being covered.

"This dance is specially dedicated to Judar."

Kouha raised his eyebrows at that statement and glanced over at Judar. Before he could say anything, a fast tempo drum solo began.

Judar almost forgot how to breathe. 

Moondancer's body swayed and moved to the music. Her hips shook and moved as her arms swung hypnotically.  The bells on her skirt jingled with every movement, adding another layer to the music. She spun, her skirt flaring up like fire around her thighs. 

"Amazing." Kouha whispered. Judar glared at him sharply, jealousy burning his throat. He closed his eyes and exhaled to calm himself.

It's okay, this dance was not for Kouha, it was for him.  

Judar turned back to watch Moondancer. Her stomach was moving strangely, doing waves as she arched her back.

Moondancer reached up and untied her blindfold while her hips continued to shake. Judar waited with bated breath as the blindfold floated down to the polished stone floor. 

Her eyes shine a brilliant yellow color, adding on to the fire theme. Balls of light formed at her palms, rising and expanding until they exploded into hundreds of mini balls of light. Moondancer spun in the rain of light, looking like she was on fire.