Naroaika

Chapter 19

Inside, there were people dancing and enjoying the party.

"Do you want to dance?" Al said as he held out his hand.

I looked at him surprised. I never expected him out of all the people to ask me for a dance. Also, I had no idea how to dance!

"Ah, I'm sorry but I don't know how to dance." I said in a low audible voice. 

"Tsk, just follow my lead." He clicked his tongue as he took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

The music started. He started moving accordingly, holding my hand on one side and the other on my waist. I tried to follow his steps as we danced.

"Sorry for earlier and the other day too. I was rude." He said.

"Huh? The other day?" I asked confused then I remembered the day I visited him.

"It's alright. It was partly my fault too." 

I looked down while we continued to dance.

"You stepped on my foot." He said in a voice audible to me only. I could say he was definitely irritated with the tone he spoke. But I knew he wasn't cold as he seemed.

"S-sorry!" 

The song was finally over. I sat down on a chair exhausted. 

"Lady Jerinah, I never knew you could dance!" Juliette came over to where I was sitting.

"I don't really know how to dance, it was all because of Lord Al's great lead." I said as I looked at Al who was putting on his gloves back.

"How did you manage to make Lord Al dance with you too?" She whispered.

"He asked me first." I whispered back.

"Ahem." 

Al cleared his throat which was definitely an indication towards Juliette and my whispers.

"What a lovely dance that was!" 

A familiar voice and face; it was Kai. 

"Brother! Where were you all this time?" 

“I was talking with some officials and came here as soon as I saw Lady Jerinah dancing so beautifully.” He replied.

“All the credits goes to Lord Al.” I said.

I noticed him glance at Al.

“Mind if I have a dance with you, Lady Jerinah?” He asked holding out his hand.

“I-..” I was about to decline but then I noticed that people around the room had their eyes on us and thought that it wouldn’t be good to decline the Crown Prince. 

Then, Al spoke right before I did.

“She’s tired now.”

“No, it’s all right.” I turned to Kai. “I’ll be delighted to, Your Highness.” I took his hand as he led me to the dance floor.

•   •   •

Al looks at Jerinah as she walked away with Kai who looks back for a brief moment and smirks at him.

“Damned Crown Prince.” He muttered.

“Lord Al, are you jealous?” Juliette asked grinning.

“Of what?” He asked back.

“Maybe of Lady Jerinah being taken away by brother.” She replied.

“What made you think about that? I was just worried about the Lady.” He said sternly.

“The young, cold Lord is worried about someone. That’s really surprising.” Juliette said teasingly.