TWISTED

17: Dancing With a Stranger

So, this is my first official update for 2020

To my friends, fans, readers and supporters here, wherever you are in this world, I want to wish you a fabulous NEW YEAR!

2020 is finally here!

Take risks!
Explore!
Succeed!
Smile!!!

Your Crazy Writer loves you from the bottom of her heart💓

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There were just two days left to the ball. Ella felt giddy at the thought of dressing up in that beautiful gown Arthur gifted her.

She flipped the pages of a Historical book that had kept her busy for the last four hours.

Today, she didn't feel like socializing with anyone so at the first cock-crow, she secured herself in Arthur's library. There were quite a number of books she could get lost into and although her stomach cried for breakfast, Ella did not budge from the spot where she was on the wine-red coloured rug, in-between two book shelves.

After the First Arian war, King Burnham signed a treaty with the King of Shulda, King Osperwald.

King Burnham lost his wife to cancer and his two sons in a suspected assassination. Grieved, he gave up the throne to his brother, George and disappeared without a trace.

Ella hoped she wasn't seeing the last name right?

George, that's Eric and Charity's father?

King George began a major reform on a lot of policies. He built on the good work his father started. He and his wife Lilian , daughter of King Osperwald began a revolution that has since then brought smiles on the faces of the people.

Ella sighed. What an insightful history. Only that Brian's treachery had not yet been included in history. She laid back her head on the wall and was soon fast asleep clutching the history book.

~~~~~~~~•••~~~~~~~~

Ella.

Ella.

Ella.

Ella was certain she could hear her name called somewhere. With a single upward motion of her eyelids, Arthur's frame came into view. He smiled gently down at her.

Ella wiped her mouth with her handkerchief and sat up straight. Her bottom and neck felt sore from the awkward position she had been sleeping in.

"What time is it?"

"Noon. We were wondering where you ran off to but I figured you might need some time to yourself." Arthur said, his eyes noticing the yellow-covered history book on the floor beside Ella.

Ella nodded. "I was reading."

Arthur chuckled. "With your eyes closed? I believe you."

"That's before I fell asleep."

Arthur's eyes lost the humour in them and Ella was confused. "Do you mind if I sit with you for a moment?"

Ella was gobsmacked by his request but she moved for Arthur to sit on the rug too.

"Are you okay?" She asked, full of concern for the young man seating beside her.

Arthur hung his head low, his shoulders sinking in depression. "No."

His response was plain and honest. It was all that was needed to melt Ella's heart.

Of course he wasn't. Arthur had put up a facade, a front to deceive people that he was fine.