Chapter 7

Natalie Carnought saw him walking toward her. She became a little nervous. She knew this man. Why would he be here? Wasn't he…? The man's greeting disturbed her thought.

"Long time no see, Your Grace," he said in Bardia, while bowing.

"Long time no see," Natalie said quietly.

Silence followed.

"Well, may I have this dance?" he asked while bowing again.

"Yes," Nat replied hesitantly, and they went off.

"You look really lovely tonight, do you know that?"

"Not if you didn't tell me."

"Well, I haven't seen a princess that is as lovely as you are before."

"Aren't your sisters lovely?"

"Hmm… yes they are, but you are so much lovelier."

Kalasin giggled while Alexis kissed her neck.

"I love you, Kally."

"I love you, too, Alexis."

Their lips found each other for the second time this evening. They kissed hungrily and passionately. They indeed were deeply in love to each other. They knew there were plenty of couples in the garden, doing the same thing as they were doing then, but they didn't care. Alexis put his arms around Kalasin's waist. He continued to kiss her fiercely and ran his hand up and down her back. Kalasin was enjoying this feel of Alexis' closeness. Suddenly Alexis started to unlace her gown. Kalasin froze

"No, we can't do this," she said softly while pushing Alexis away gently.

Alexis blinked and rubbed his face with his large hand. "Oh, Kally, I'm really sorry. I wasn't thinking clearly. Will you forgive me?"

Kalasin nodded hesitantly. Then Alexis kissed her again. She didn't protest, nor did she enjoy it.

"Natalie, I really miss you. I really do."

She kept silenced.

"Nat, you don't know how hard my life is without you."

Silence.

Finally she smiled. "Your sense of humor hasn't changed a bit."

"Oh Natalie, my love for you is real!" the man that had approached to her earlier exclaimed.

"You are good at acting. If I haven't known you for years, I would actually believe you," Nat smirked.

The man grinned. "So, do you love me?"

"Well, I shall see." He smiled again.

"Why are you here?" Nat asked.

"Oh, I can't be here? I didn't know that."

"You know well that some people don't like you," Nat said in a warning tone.

"Well, honestly I do. I came here with my overlord."

"Overlord? You have an overlord?"

"What do you mean by that? Of course I do. I never lie."

Natalie narrowed her eyes. "You never lie? That is very questionable."

"Ha, I was just joking," he grinned.

"It is not amusing, at lease not anymore. Don't forget what you did. It is no joke."

"Nat…" he began.

"Who is your overlord, may I ask?" She cut him off.

"Very well. I am serving His Grace Duke Alicano of Larille of Tangia and I am Lord Elemer Tegu," the "lord" said triumphantly.

Natalie nodded weakly. "So you are a traitor, after all."