overbearing mother had imposed on her and insisted that

ike a soft pat on her back. She wouldn't say sh

spacious ballroom wi

to do than to stay and dance with a bunch of people her own age who probably didn't

sts, performing their paid work.

es– in her own

ferent but very ridiculous mask with a long bird-

had long conquered the power of the mind and the hold

stunning on

er's words and lifted he

huge man. A huge dark man with a gentle touch. He was probably scared that he would bre

nd careful and the one holding her

ody build and deep voice only made her wo

inued. "Forgive me for a

ight frown but she was cu

r comfortable. "These days with a little magic, anything is possible. The people from Waikya Ki

interested in the conversation. She did fancy a

she was th

the Kingdom," she continued. "Are y

ot. They have the daily drama needed after a year of peace an

hy are you in this ball then?" she chose to ask

huckled. "I'm guessing I

d the word. It tasted l

ylike. Be everything you wo

in her head, fierce and threa

n your quest, my Lord."

brings you here at

est, my Lord." she looked around, again, with bored eyes. "Everyone h

be distracted myself." her partner confe

a small s

dy..." he trailed off, sear

y to share names, my Lord." she

mile. With a hand on her waist, he gently pulled her closer and lea

er said it was not

look on her face. Hating desperately the closure and de

rike me as one who would budge no matter what I

Those were the exact words she said to her mother. "If no one likes me the way I am, I know

thing ragged and her chest rising and

ere was

M

aid with a sho

d and began

upset you?" her partner

eyes made other guests

She needed to get out of the royal g

be on their best behaviour and every man had to hide th

er hand, couldn't

and there was