Out Into The Open

Chapter Eight:

When we got to the palace they had let us right through the gates and we were escorted to the ballroom. With a dash of confidence I walked through the doors. "Lady Alla and lady Kisha," was announced and Kisha immediately looked at me with a weird why did he say that look. I was embarrassed because she didn't know who I truly was and that's why if they had even said Bell instead of Bella everyone but her would figure it out who I was. A fake name for a real princess. I shrugged my shoulders, I'd tell her later but this would not be the place or time.

We escorted ourselves together down the stairs arm and arm even though she must feel skeptical of me by now. When we got to the bottom, Lucifer was already waiting for us. He immediately took by the hand and asked me" My lady, may I have this dance?". He wasn't wearing gloves and his hands felt butter smooth. I gave him a curtsy and nodded, smiling. As he escorted me to the dance floor I couldn't help but notice the eyes that were pinned on me. Ladies who wanted to dance with the king. Men who wanted to dance with the lovely lady.

He grabbed my waist with his other hand keeping the other one on my hand. I put my hand on his shoulder and danced the way I knew how to. Beautifully elegant I swirled about in his trap, thinking back to simpler times. How I would've loved to dance in the hall my mother helped to design. How I would've loved to dance with my mother one last time. A sad look of pity came from the handsome face of the king. 'One day you'll have what you deserve' shot into my mind. He was reading my mind and speaking to me. What a creep.

Agitated I 'accidentally' stepped on his foot. Him, knowing it wasn't an accident, swirled me and dipped me while the last notes of the song played. "Will you dance with me later in the ball, and we may discuss what you so desperately want to know?" He inquired, whispering into my ear while I was dipped. I nodded again relieved that even though this time I was entranced in the dance that I would have another chance to find out more. He flung me up and let go of me, gave me a small head bow, and gracefully went to dance with the other ladies.

I went over to the table and got myself a glass of wine, I'd really rather not be completely sober while men are trying to stare me down. Not even half way and a gentlemen in a knight uniform came over to me and asked me for a dance. I of course out of common curtesy agreed to his dance. One after the other I danced with foolish men all complimenting my dress and my appearance. I danced gracefully I know I did as I'd had years of experience dancing with my mother a queen. One man even said I danced better than all of his concubines put together for that I damn near spit in his face. How disgusting to even have concubines those poor woman only doing what they had to do to survive. This man wasn't even attractive.

I took a break dancing and got a glass of wine I don't even care about being sober to be sharp and alert if I have to dance one more time with a disgusting grimy man I'm gonna puke all over their fancy shoes. Kit was at ease not much of a dancer but had many handsome men dancing with her complimenting her and it looked like she was loving every minute. Probably never been to something like this in her entire life. Then Lucifer asked her for a dance and she accepted it I watched as they danced not saying anything to each other. He looked like a giant panther stalking his prey. I hated him. But I also didn't hate anyone. It was a weird feeling wanting to hate someone. I wanted to hate my father.

Deep down I knew I'd never hate him. I loved him too. I shook my head and finished my glass of wine. They had stopped dancing and Lucifer was walking up to me. "May I have the last dance?" I nodded only because I wanted to talk to him. He spun me around and around dancing with me.

"So... you took someone I need back." I stated bluntly and he looked around the room to see if anyone heard. His eyes gave me a dangerous look like I was playing a game that I should've never entered. Like this panther was gonna eat me alive.