Power of the Hearts

Chapter XIV: A Warning

Everything returned to the usual routine, as soon as the girls hit the dead end with their little investigation. Figuring out it would be best if they took a break, you know, let everything sink in and get back to it once they are ready, sisters temporarily gave up on the task.

It's been a month ever since the last time they spoke of the puzzle.

Small break, my ass. They broke up with the investigation, those ungrateful little be-, oh, sorry, I promise no more angry rants in my own story.

Considering the fact, princesses were of suitable age for romancing, the Queen mother talked the King into having another ball where everyone of the nobility from the kingdom was welcome. Everything was shining, the music was enchanting and the three sisters looked as beautiful as ever. Remember the outfit princess Ainnea wore that day when she went out with her mother? She was all dressed up in the same dress, a little bit enhanced ever since. The tailor did an amazing job at giving it few details here and there to make it even more beautiful. Only difference was that her hair was put in a loose single braid and her make up was little more intense.

Jueel was wearing pretty orange dress with white and golden details, her hair up in a bun, allowing few curled up strands here and there to hang freely. Around her neck sparkled beautiful white pearls that reached a little bit below her breasts. Instead of a crown, she wore pearled head accessory that had almost the same function and was fit for the entire outfit. Indeed, our sweet little princess was looking as soft and as feminine as ever, as she elegantly chuckled at, not so funny, joke this older bachelor made.

Redhead princess, in the most gorgeous green dress, approached her sister and Stella, holding an almost empty glass of wine, "Who on earth is that corpse?" Emerald gems sparkled on her ears, crown and around her neck, as she leaned to a side, for them to hear her better, holding a fan over her mouth so no one can read from her lips what was she talking about.

The two couldn't help but laugh at the accuracy of her description of the old man trying to woo the only princess, who is nice enough not to spill the glass of wine on his face the moment he approaches her. "That is Lord Alpharden of Lendow.", Stella informed them, "They say he owns at least half of Lendow, very rich, powerful man. Married six times, widowed six times."

"Talk about bad luck.", Ainnea commented, taking a sip of her rose wine.

"I am not allowing my sister to become lucky number seven.", fiery redhead drank what was left from her wine and looked at Stella again, "Which one of these young boys is powerful enough to kick that corpse over the wall, and single?"

"I'd have to say it's Lord Leonis of Ramshorn.", she discreetly pointed towards a tall man, probably in his thirties. He may have been an average looking man, with his sandy blond hair and blue eyes, but compared to the old man Princess was stuck with, he was jackpot.

"Perfect.", without waiting for another second, Loumenna stomped away toward the Lord Leonis and pointed towards her sister. Needless to say the man accepted the task, and rescued the golden angel, however, as soon as he did, he approached Loumenna again and asked her if she would like to dance.

Thankfully enough, Jueel was now talking to someone much more appropriate, so no one was to worry. Except for Stella, who kept looking at her princess standing there next to the table with drinks, not talking to a single man in the room. "M'lady, why are you standing here drinking all night. You should have fun."

"I am having fun.", princess giggled, her cheeks somewhat rosy, but her mind was elsewhere. She kept staring at those doors, expecting... Not even she, herself, was able to decipher what, or whom was she waiting for, but she kept drinking and looking around.

"Oh, you know what I mean.", Stella picked up some plates and prepared to go, only adding one more comment before she left, "If you continue waiting on the knight in shiny armour, you will end up drunk and alone tonight."

At this point she was frustrated, sighing angrily, as she filled her glass up and decided to go outside. Back at the same place she almost got choked to death, she tried to remember if he was truly trying to hurt her, or if he was just living up to his reputation to scare her away. She sat at the fountain edge and massaged her temples.

That was, when someone sat beside her. "Mind if I join you, Your Highness?", a deep, familiar, manly voice spoke, making her instantly flinch and look at him. She couldn't help but smile, seeing him wearing quite similar combination of colours, except, his were a lot darker shades.

"I've started thinking you've forgotten about me, Your Majesty.", she crossed her leg towards him, her entire body turning towards him.

"Maybe, I did. With all the beautiful women in my kingdom, I don't see why would I be so occupied with the one from a forbidden territory.", he shrugged, playing a bit of a careless man, but she knew better than to instantly snap.

If she was to reach her final goal, she was to be patient, and flirtatious. Tracing patterns on his arm, she leaned in, whispering on his ear, "Did you just admit again you find me attractive?" Smirking she backed away, as he turned around to look at her, "And, mind you, forbidden fruit is always the sweetest." She stood up, offering him her hand, "Come, I wish to dance. Lela says if I don't I will die alone, or something like that."

The Dark King smirked at her playful nature and behaviour, enjoying the fact she is still rather childish, no matter of her age. He stood up, putting his hands on the positions, bringing the two of them, a bit closer than they should be, but neither seemed to mind. His cold blue gaze observed her beauty, drowning in that innocence and power, combined with perfect amount of femininity. The music was managing to reach them, however very quietly. The two danced slow, getting closer with each second, until the distance between them was closed and only thin layer of warm air separated their lips. She thought he was about to kiss her, hell she even leaned in, but he avoided her, whispering on her ear, "I have come here to warn you. You have until the next full moon to solve that puzzle and find out what they left behind... If you don't, I'm not even sure Vega and Hadar combined can save the world from the catastrophe about to occur."

************************************

Hello darlings!

It's me again. I hope you liked this chapter, I know there's a lot of things going on at once, but, hopefully, you managed to catch what happened.

I am wondering if you have any opinions on how the plot is developing. If you do, let me know in the comments.

If you liked the story, feel free to share with your friends who might be interested.

It's raining outside and the wind is blowing, I feel kinda blue and.

Have a wonderful day and see you all in a bit!

-Love, Veronica