Chapter 2
We leave the ballroom silently, and until we are completely alone, we do not speak.
"Alright Gabe, whats going on here? Why was Mother so frightened?"
"I really can't say I know Rose... she just might want you to have some protection with all these people around. Thats understandable."
"I suppose..." I cross my arms and walk besides him. "So...I heard Adell would be here tonight.."
I see his face redden.
"She was." he says quickly.
"And? Did you two dance?"
"I thought you hated gossip Princess."
"B-but this isn't gossip! Its...just, oh just tell me Gabe!" I beg.
"...yes."
I squeak.
"And?" I push.
"...and...?"
"Did you kiss her?"
"Only on the hand, if thats what you mean."
"Oh Gabe.." I laugh lightly, "I'm so proud of you." I say as I slap his back.
He rolls his eyes and then irs straight ahead.
"...and how is Draco?" he asks, knowing that this subject is just as sensitive as the last one.
"He is very well, Gabriel." she snap," Oh! I need you to help me sneak back out of my room in about forty minutes, alright?"
"Why..." he glances down at me.
"Because...I wasn't able to discus with Draco privately at the party, and I told him I would meet him on the balcony in a little while, and if you could just stand guard, and give me just fifteen-"
"Your kidding me, right?"
"What? No! I'm very serious!"
He let out a huge sigh.
"Gabe, pleeeaassseeee." I tug on his sleeve, "Only for a few moments, no one will know! I've waited months to speak with him! And everyone is busy downstairs, they wouldn't even know! Please Gabe... you must understand how I feel."
I pout and put on my most innocent face, staring up at him, even though he continued to glared ahead. But I knew he was considering it.
"...Do you understand how much trouble I would get in if we were caught? If my Father found out that you weren't under my supervision when I was strictly ordered to keep an eye on you... I would have to run laps for the next month.. straight..."
"Oh, Gabe, don't exaggerate."
"I wasn't."
"I'll do anything! Please!"
"Just...don't get caught.."
"Thank you!" I smile and hug his arm.
"Fifteen minutes."
"Yes, yes. Anything you say."
"Now, go wait in your room... I'll come and get you soon."
I smile brightly and run the rest of the way to my room.
When I open my door, the first thing I see, is a pink blob on the floor. A blob of lace and silk. And hair. Oh yes, I think there might be a chubby little face under all that too.
The next thing I see are my emerald earrings tossed on the floor, and my sapphire necklace being thrown over the blob's shoulder. The last thing I notice, is a monkey jumping up and down on my neatly made bed.
"WHAT is going on in here?" I fume. "Alex, get off my bed. Now." I demand.
He plops onto my pillows with a smug smirk.
"Didn't you hear sister dear? We are sleeping in your room tonight."
Cassy turns smiling up at me from the floor.
"Yes Rose! Like a slumber party! Won't we have fun?" she giggles.
"Cassandra." I say, anger rising in my voice, "How many times must I tell you, don't go through my jewelery box?"
"Oh..but I was just looking for..."
"For?" I growl.
"...Mommy's necklace.." she whispers.
"Why?" I feel my eye twitch slightly.
"I wasn't going to hurt it! I swear! I just wanted to hold it for a little while.."
"You can ask Cassandra. Its extremely rude for you to go through people's belongings. And Alex, I said OFF."
"Make me." he sneered, and with that, I lunged toward him.
He dodged it, and jumped up on my bed again. I then grabbed him around the legs, and knocked him down the the floor, sitting on top of him, pinning him to the rug.
"Get off of me!" he yelled.
"Alright both of you, listen to me, listen loud and clear. This is my room. And in my room, you have to follow my rules. Understand? That means no jumping on beds, no going through my jewelry, or dressers, or anything else! And you go to sleep when I tell you to, got it?"
Cassy nodded, and Alex just glared.
"Can you get your fat butt off of me now?" he grumbled, and I flicked his nose.
"Alright, both of you get changed into your pajamas. Its late, and tomorrow is another big day." I say standing, and Alex hops up, grabbing his clothes off the floor, and walking to the other side of the room, for more privacy I suppose.
"Rosy.." Cassie whispers to me.
I sigh and bend down. "Yes?"
"...could, I see the necklace, please..?"
Oh those big brown eyes. They could make the evilest man fall to his knees in surrender.
I patted her cheek lightly.
"Of course you can. Lets get you ready for bed first."
It was a bit easier than I expected. They still tried to make ridiculous excuses on why they should be able to stay up longer for a good half hour, like any child does I figure. But once their head rested on the feather pillows, it was only a matter of moments before they were fast asleep. I was only able to finish half of my bed time story, which is rare. I like to make up little fantasy stories to tell them, great adventures, that could only exist in my imagination...I keep trying to tell myself that... because thats what Mother has told me. That I'm growing into a young lady, that needs to start learning how to take care of a country. Not have my head in the clouds, dreaming up childish adventures that don't happen in real life...but how can she even say that after the life she has lead? She also told me once, that if life wants me to have an adventure, it will come to me. But what she doesn't understand, is that I don't really need to have a grand adventure like she did. If only she would let me wander about by myself, if only just around the town. What I need is freedom.
I slide my arm out from under Cassandra, who snores quietly now, and stand from the bed, making my way over to the window. She clutches the pendant in her tiny hands...she has told me before it makes her happy. I'm not really sure why, but it has the same effect on me. It makes me feel a bit powerful, safe. As if just holding the pendent, gives me protection.
I pass my mirror, and take a few steps back, to look at myself for a moment. I look very elegant, even now that the night is coming to an end. My hair is all in curls that hang down my back. Its a different look...for me anyway. Usually my yellow hair is wavy and difficult to tame. The crimson dress I wear is accented with golden leaves, and rose ear bobs catch the candle light charmingly. I smile a bit, and realize, I look nothing like myself. And I have to add, I like it. I look like a princess should look. Flawless, careless, and happy. Without the red lips, the fancy hair, priceless dress and jewels, I could pass as a commoner. This is how the kingdom sees me, how Nobles and Royalty see me. This is what it looks like, when you have power. And I must present myself to everyone looking like this. I am a Princess. Princess RoseAnna Alexandros The 1st.
I straighten my back, and take another good look at myself. Hold your head up high. Don't frown. Smile. Again, I don't recognize myself...but Draco said he liked the way I look tonight! He wasn't able to take his eyes off of me. I have never considered myself a beauty, but if Draco thinks I am...
I find I'm blushing. Why does he make me feel this way? Why is it so hard to stop thinking about him? Is...is this what it feels like to fall in love?
I am startled when I hear my name whispered. I look toward my door to find Gabe standing in my doorway, looking nervous. I glance back at the mirror once more, before rushing out of the room.
I close the door silently, and smile at Gabe.
"I won't be long, I promise you."
"I'll come and get you in fifteen- Rose!" he whispered loudly, as I began to run down the hallway.
I turn around aggravated. "What?"
"Be...careful. Please."
I nod, and continue on my way. I wish everyone would stop acting so frightened. Nothing horrible was going to happen, not here, and not now. Not that everything was going so right.
*
"Draco?"
I call sweetly, as I walk onto the balcony. Its empty. He isn't here yet, and I'm alone. I sigh, and lean on the stone railing tiredly. I gaze out into the lake, watching the moon dance on the tiny waves. The sky is a deep blue, with no bright lights. The town is bright with activity. I can hear laughter carried on the wind. The people are also celebrating. For a moment I wish of sneaking out of the Kingdom and joining them. I then remember, Draco is on his way to see me. My heart still feels light, and I see a single shooting star glide across the night sky. I close my eyes and my mind wishes for Draco to be mine...but my heart, is not in the wish. My heart wishes for freedom. Why not wish for both? Oh, its too late now. The star is gone. I look down below the balcony, and see a few Nobles walking in the gardens. Drinking champagne and carrying on happily. I feel a bit torn, as I look back at the town, and think for a brief moment...what do I really want most? And I hear a very tiny voice in my heart, the smallest whisper, say something so quietly, I can't force myself to hear it.
"What are you doing out here?" boomed a voice in my ear and I let out a quick scream. I spin quickly to see Draco laughing at my misfortune. I glare at him but can't help but join in, laughing as well. I smack his arm lightly, as he walks up next to me.
"That wasn't very kind of you." I lecture with a small smirk.
"Ah, but the opportunity was too sweet." he said with a few more chuckles, before smiling out at the town.
"What were you so fascinated by?" he asks lightly.
He doesn't see what I see, or how I see.
"Oh nothing." I lie, "Just daydreaming."
"About?"
"How very large your ears are." I tease.
"Oh, why, thank you." he grins. "I am honored to be in your daydreams Rose." He looks back at me and I blush.
"So, how are you? Tell me of your adventures." I turn to him, interested.
"Well," he starts, " I have my own squad now."
"You've become a Captain? Oh, Draco! Thats wonderful!"
"Yes," he smiles at me proudly, "Although, none of them are very good with a spear. Except for Willow, she is a very fast learner." he laughs."But as for the rest of them, quite sad actually."
"I know they will be the best Dragoon Knights Burmicia has ever had once you are finished with them."
"Thank you Rose, thats very kind." he slowly takes my hand,"You're very kind."
I smile, and look away shyly.
"You do know, I adore you so? It might be forward of me, but I swear its the truth." he says, just over a whisper.
I look back up at him. "Is it really? You truly mean to say, you care for me?"
"Very much." he smiles lightly as my cheeks become rosy again. He takes my other hand.
"I do wish to visit with you more, and now that I have my own team, I might be able to stop by every once and awhile, if you wouldn't mind of course."
"That would be absolutely wonderful Draco .I would be full of anticipation for your visits. And I must confess..." I glance off to the side again, " I care for you so very much as well."
He slides his hand to my cheek, and turns my face back to his.
"I know." he whispers, before moving in closely.
I feel my eyes close, and then his lips against mine. I swear my heart stops. His kiss is warm and soft, and my entire body melts. Its everything I dreamed it would be like. Was this real? He was kissing me. My hearts flutters and my mind slips away in this magic moment.
He pulls away slowly, and smiles at me again. I think of kissing him again and again, but my eyes open and I stand silently with, which must be a most ridiculous smile, across my face.
"Draco.." I start.
"Yes?"
"I don't know." I giggle girlishly, and he laughs.
"I think your very tired your Highness."
"Yes, I believe I am." again I giggle. What a fool I must look like.
"It might be best if you go to bed, darling." My hearts stops again. He called me darling. I just nod, the smile on my lips couldn't possibly grow any larger.
"Then off with you RoseAnna!" he teases, "And may I have my hand back now?"
"Oh!" I let his hand go, and we share another light hearted laugh.
"Yes, well,goodnight then Draco."
"Have blissful dreams, RoseAnna, Princess of Alexandria." he kisses my hand, and lets it slide slowly out of his with that charming smile of his.
I walk away, glancing back at him several times to smile and giggle some more, until I am back down the hall and he is out of sight.
I continue my way back to my room, humming and skipping. What a marvelous night it is. I wish to run through the gardens singing at the top of my lungs. I feel so lovely. Like nothing could possibly make me sad. I turn the next corner, and then hear hushed arguing. I run quickly back to the edge of the corner, and spy on the two figures coming up the stairs. I keep as quiet as I can, and spy on their conversation.
A tall man leads the way, and a smaller woman chases after him. The man is Amarant, and he looks furious.
"You need to stop following me, before I break your neck." he growls.
"You won't touch me!" the woman snarls.
"You really wanna make that bet Lani?" he challenges. Lani...that name sounds familiar. I think she met my parents on their journey...come to think of it, she used to know Amarant.
"I'm not frightened of you Red." she snaps, and he turns to glare at her under all that crimson hair of his.
"What do you want from me."
"I want to know why your so damn mad! I didn't do anything wrong." she says angrily.
"I don't have to explain myself to the likes of you." he says darkly.
"Likes of me? What is that supposed to mean huh?" she moves in on him threateningly. She is much shorter than him. She is quite lovely though, and I try to remember if I was told any more about this woman...I believe she was a bounty hunter once...yes, she was sent after my mother during their journey, along with Amarant, but once he decided to join the team, she took off...she then turned over a new leaf, and I think she lives in Madian Sari now...
"Get lost Lani." he turns to leave, but she runs in front of him.
"Stop walking away from me! Its not my fault you didn't keep in touch! You think your better than me now huh? Is that it? Well thats bullshit Red. I'm a good person now, and if you think otherwise, then go screw yourself."
I gasp lightly at her language, and cover my mouth quickly. What a foul woman.
"At least I don't shack up with scum like your little date down there. Does it make you feel needed because he is so pathetic?" he spits venomously.
"Thats what this is about? Oh man Red, if anyone is pathetic its you!"
My eyes widen at the excitement. How can she talk to him like that? I thought everyone was terrified of Amarant. Its when he raised his hand to strike her that I fear most for her life. He holds his massive hand in the air for a moment, and then grabs her by the back of the hair, and pulls her into a kiss.
I am in shock. It wasn't the kind of kiss Draco and I shared, this was...frightening. Lani jumped up and wrapped her legs around his waist and pulled him closer to her, as his hands moved across her body roughly. I should look away, but I find I can't. Why would anyone kiss like that? It isn't in the least bit romantic, and is not attractive in anyway at all. I watch as Amarant moves to the closest guest room, not removing his lips from hers, and opens the door quickly, rushing inside. I see him throw her on the bed, before slamming the door shut.
The hall is quiet again. I blink, my mouth hanging open. I shake my head lightly, getting my wits about me, and walk slowly for a moment. I then run, remembering Gabe is waiting for me. I turn the last corner, and run directly into him.
"Rose! Whats the matter are you alright?" he asks hurriedly.
"I-I" I stutter, "I'm not sure!" I look up at him confused.
"I mean, I'm tired Gabe." I say with a sigh, and smile lightly,
"I'm fine, I'm just tired.”
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
"Draco didn't...do anything...did he?"
"No, Gabe. Please, may I go to bed now?" I say with a small smirk.
"You want to go to bed? I think something is wrong..." he taps the side of my head, "Did he take out your brain?"
"Gabe!"
"I'm just kidding Rose." he smiles, and leads me back down the hall to my room.
We say goodnight, and I move silently into my room. I change quickly, and slide in my bed next to the two little monsters. I stair up at the ceiling and sigh happily recalling our kiss. He cares about me, no, he adores me!
I close my eyes, a smile crossing my face again. Things were starting to turn around. Things were finally starting to get better. And tomorrow, everything will be beautiful. How could it not be? Everything was so right. Nothing could possibly go wrong.