The Immortal Guardians: Book II

Chapter Eighteen

"Iris"

My name was echoing in my head. I could only concentrate on Charles and the Duke who were still looking at me. Their bodies were oriented towards each other but their eyes were on me. My name was sounding off in my head.

"What?" I snapped. Byron was shaking me slightly.

"We need to go."

"No" I shook my head lifting my hands. Byron wrapped his fingers around my hand.

"No, we need to go. Henri"

"What...why?" Henri stepped in front of me blocking my view. I took a deep breath.

"We need to get out of here" Byron grasped my shoulders tightly. He made me to pull me away from Henri.

Henri took my hand keeping me in place.

"No she is here with me" Henri shook his head. He was annoyed with Byron for suggesting that we leave. "She is not leaving with you. I have a note from"

"I don't care right now" Byron snapped at him. I turned to Byron, his eyes were on Charles and the Duke. "We are leaving. NOW" Byron barked loudly. Byron grasped my hand and he tugged me.

"Leaving so soon?" I heard his voice behind us.

"Yes, unfortunately we have to go" Byron answered. His hand tightened around my hold. His eyes flickered to me once and he turned to Charles. I stood still with my back facing them.

"You should stay and enjoy the party"

My free hand formed into a fist. Byron released my hand but he wrapped his fingers around my wrist.

"My apologies your Grace"

I turned, Byron was bowing his head slightly.

"But we really have to get going. Sir" Byron's voice hardened as he glanced at Charles. "Ronald is waiting for us. He will be escorting us back to the school grounds."

Charles met my eyes and a malicious smile appeared.

"Really?" Charles arched an eyebrow. I couldn't lift my eyes from his. His eyes flickered towards my arm. "That is interesting because I know that Ronald is currently in the states." His smile widened.

"I think we do have to get going" Henri grasped my free hand. "Uncle have you spoken to my mom or dad?" Henri stepped backwards. "Dad....look Uncle Oscar is here" he called across the room. Heads turned to us with looks of disapproval.

A flicker of annoyance crossed the Duke's face but Charles didn't look fazed.

"May I have a dance with the Lady?" Charles held out his hand.

"No" Byron and Henri replied at the same time. I opened my mouth to answer but Mr. and Mrs. Henri appeared.

"Ah Charles what brings you here" Mr. Henri put an arm around his brother. "I remember you declined your invitation"

"Change of heart dear brother" the Dukes' lips curled. "I was just speaking with some of Weston's own students"

"Yes" Mr. Henri turned to his brother with a confused look. "Anyway is Elizabeth here?"

"No she's busy" the Duke lifted his lip in dislike.

"If you will excuse us" Byron cleared his throat. His hands was still around my wrist. "We are going to talk to an old professor I just noticed. I want to introduce them Iris and Henri to him. We'll be right back" Byron pulled me away before Mr. Henri could even answer. I turned back to look at them. The Duke was leaning towards Charles.