The Prince of Ilios

Forty-Five

Nicola stepped forward. The girl he chose was looking down at her hands, twining them and untwining them nervously, "Kendall, I would be honored if you would allow me the first dance."

Kendall's head bolted up, her eyes grew wide in wonder. All she could do was nod.

He smiled warmly down at her. The other girls dispersed and the ballroom floor cleared. He led her to the middle of it. Her gloved hand, neatly placed in his own. They bowed and curtsied. The music lilted through the hall. He felt as though he engulfed her small frame when he drew her close. She stepped expertly around the room, following his lead.

"Kendall."

She blushed furiously, "Your Highness?"

He loathed to tell her, but he also did not want her to be blinded by the dance. She deserved to know where she stood, "You have done well here at the Palace..."

She smiled up at him, finishing his thought, "But I am too young."

He wondered how she could remain so poised. He stuttered, "Yes. I cannot rightly marry someone that I would only see as a sister. I am sorry that you did not get to meet Noelle or Nadia." They were currently being entertained in Anemos, where the King could keep him away from them, and control him. His heart pained when he looked down to see the disappointment on her face, although she was still smiling. He knew the expression in her eyes. She was willing herself not to cry.

"Thank you, for having me at the Palace. It has been more than I ever expected. A dream really. And thank you for giving me the first dance."

"Your family cannot say anything bad about you now." He smiled kindly to her.

She nodded, grateful, but still close to tears, "I hope you do find someone. Someone who will stand by you faithfully in every respect."

He nodded, "I hope that as well." Wicked means may bring love to me yet, not that I am especially deserving.

The dance ended . As soon as it had closed, Kendall disappeared into the crowd. He would see her off tomorrow morning.

He took his place alongside his father, sitting on his golden throne.

"So, Kendall? A kind girl, but a bit meek, don't you think?" The King swirled some wine in his goblet.

"She is going home tomorrow. I figured I should give her a proper send off. Seeing as she is too young to be my bride." He could never put someone the same age as his sister in that position. It would break her.

"You mean. She is not the one in the lead?"

"No, my King." Nicola kept his eyes straight ahead, his words seemed to catch in his throat. The King was staring daggers into him. Nicola continued, "Previously, you asked me to narrow down the options. So I have chosen three to return. I will dance with those three tonight."

"That is not what was agreed." The King hated being tricked or worked around.

Nicola squashed the burning fire of anger flashing within him. I could say the same thing about this whole affair, and for my entire life almost.

Wine splashed over the arm of his throne. Nicola grimaced, "My life will not be laid open for everyone to see. Not before the engagement and the wedding date are set."

The king stayed silent and tense, barely holding the goblet in his hand as Jude and the servants hurried to wipe up the mess he had made.

Nicola arose as the next song began to play, "If you will excuse me, I have another Princess to dance with."