Chapter Six
*AN: Wakfu is NOT MINE.《°v°》*
I find myself outside on the knoll despite my exhaustion. It's a clear night, and the moon is bright in the sky. I close my eyes and sink into a long-faded memory...
Flashback
The moon shines light on the streets as my carriage winds its way towards the castle. I still can't believe it: I was invited to the king's ball! I don't get invited to many royal events becuase of how low our status is in the kingdom. I just hope I'm dressed appropriately...
The carriage pulls up to the giant wooden doors and I prepare for anything. I step in, and a guard takes my coat. He tells me to walk down the hall, and I hear two people arguing down the hallway. I interrupt the argument with an 'Excuse me' and they're startled. One tells the announcer that I'm here, and I hear him trumpet, "Presenting Lady Ophelia Rosaline!" I step through the open doors, and a crowded ballroom greets me. I search for Red, who's easily spottable in her red velvet dress, and I fly down the steps to meet her.
"You came!" she cries as we hug.
"I only came because you made me," I say.
She frowns. "I'd like to think I convinced you to come."
We laugh, and I suddenly feel a pair of eyes on me. I look around for the suspect, and my eyes meet a pair of milk chocolate ones. I blush as I realize:
The king is looking at me!
I've had a crush on him for years, and he's staring at me. What do I do?
I ignore him and talk to Red, trying to distract myself from him. Red sees the blush spreading across my face and grins. "See? I told you that dress would stand out." I can't disagree, since it's backless and strapless.
Red strides over the king and whispers in his ear. He looks at me, and I blush so hard my face feels like fire.
Red points at me, and the king begins to wade his way over here. Really, Red? Now you screw me over?!
I take a step back for every step he takes forward. Once he's distracted, trying to escape a rather large group of girls asking him to dance, I turn around and sprint towards the open oaks doors. I'm quickly lost in the maze of castle halls.
I avoid every shadow and jump at every noise as I search for an exit. Suddenly there's guards at every corner, and I'm forced onto a balcony. The guards part like waves for the king.
When my mom died, she had left me a pack of matches, saying they may come in handy someday. I wonder if this is what she meant as I finger the matches, ready for anything. His brow furrows as he studies me. What did Red tell him?!
"Your friend had told me that you were beautiful against all the rumors," he said, startling me. "And now I see she was rather... underexaggerating."
Wait... is he flirting with me? "I-I'm sure you don't mean that, Your Majesty." I stammer.
"I'm quite sure."
"Are you flirting with me?!"
Pink begins to spread across his face. "Is it that obvious?"
I laugh. "Yes, though I must admit, you're pretty good at it. Experienced in the matter?"
Surprisingly, he shakes his head no. "Most girls fall for me immediately."
I sigh. "Let me tell you something right now: you have to earn the girls worth keeping."
I turn and spot a bunny loping across the yard under the balcony. "Look!" I whisper to the king, pointing.
"Ah." We both watch the rabbit hop across the way and disappear into the bushes.
I realize how close we've become during our rabbit-watching session. I start to step away, but he grabs my hand.
"Stay?"
The clock on the wall near the balcony chimes two o'clock, and I jolt, remembering the curfew Grandmama gave me. "I'm sorry, I have to go." I quickly untangle my hand from his and shoot out the balcony door. I hear him sigh behind me, "Let her go."
I run down the steps as I hear-
"Ophelia...?"
I jump as Yugo plops down beside me. "Can't sleep either?" he asks.
"Yeah."
He studies me. "What are you thinking about?"
"Memories from before the void."
Yugo stares at me. "Really? Can you tell me?"
I shake my head. "It's personal, but I can tell you about the void."
"Nah."
We sit in companionable silence, staring at the moon, until I yawn. "I'm going to bed."
I begin to walk towards the haven bag, but Yugo grabs my hand.
"I can't sleep, and I don't like to be lonely, so... can you stay here?"
Stay... Last time, I left. This time, I stay.
"Sure."
We fall asleep on the knoll, facing the twinkling stars.