Crown Of Hearts

Chapter 24

It's odd. The moment I met Theo, I wanted nothing more to leave the castle and return back to my mundane life. I was so angry at Zak for allowing me to stay as long as I did. I even devised a plan in which the nine would be forced to save me.

But now, I savored every second that passed. I inhaled deeply when the King and Queen appeared on top of the grand stairwell, they smiled as they announced that the last song would commence and thanked everyone for their time.

I had spotted Frederick hours earlier. He, like Theo, had a long list of maidens lining up for him. He winked in my direction when he noticed me and gave me a suggestive smile when he saw Darius.

Darius stared coldly at him and I could only imagine what was going through that mind of his.

I kept my eyes trained on Frederick for a long time, my heart speeding up every time Frederick danced a little too close to Theo. When it became clear that Frederick couldn't do anything. I relaxed a little.

Soto was all smiles at the ball, he greeted me and Darius and I almost melted as his smile. He would be a charming king indeed. He left shortly afterward. He only came to make an appearance before returning to his wife.

The song ended far too soon and the crowd began to says their goodbyes to the royal family.

I swallowed thickly, I had maybe fifteen minutes before I had to leave. I glanced back at Theo. He was all smiles as he greeted the elites. He glanced up and looked for me after every goodbye. Theo smiled softly every time when his eyes landed on me before returning his attention back to the elites.

I'm going to miss you.

" I'll take you back to my room once I finish helping the elites," Darius said.

I froze, " Why?"

"Your clothes are still in the bathroom?"

" Of course, of course." I laugh nervously and tried to erase the thought that he had changed his mind and actually wanted me eliminated.

He bowed slightly and left towards a large group of elites.

I stayed by the corner, my eyes glancing at the large grandfather clock across from me. I never knew time could move so fast.

When the ballroom became empty enough that I could move around without bumping into anyone, I slipped my earring on and headed for the door.

Theo's eyes burned into the back of my head but he wouldn't follow. He had too many guests to say goodbye to, too many people far more important than me.

" We landed." Peter breathed and my heart skipped a beat. Just ten more minutes and I could return home.

I caught a glance at a large group of elites waiting in the garden, they waited for an escort to take them outside. I harshly ripped the ribbon out of my hair and pulled strands over my eyes to hide my appearance.

" Please walk quickly and compactly as possible. The force field is extremely sensitive to movement and can burn on contact." The guard shouted but the elites weren't listening, they were more concerned with chatting among themselves.

I, however, flinched at the thought of being sliced in half by a force field.

We began to move and Ian breathed heavily in my ear. I could see the other side now as the first row was ordered to pass, then another.

" Clara?!" A frantic voice called in the night. 

Theo.

I exhaled sharply. I was smarter than this.