Chapter 18

A Ball

Aurelia had been avoiding Ondolemar for weeks now. Not only was she embarrassed from their last meeting, but she had decided to take up Sybille's advice and give him some space. But today she being forced to be near him, as it was Elisif's birthday and king Torygg would be hosting a Ball. It was meant to be a small event, her father had told her, no need to worry about meeting potential suitors. Her father had been acting unusual lately, just as Ondolemar had been. She couldn't help but to have a feeling of unease. Something about this Ball seemed more significant than she was aware of.

The grand hall was decorated lavishly for Queen Elisif's birthday. Though it was a small event it still had a distinguished regal elegance to it. The soft candlelight created an intimate yet opulent atmosphere, the velvet drapes in deep crimson framed the windows, and small flower arrangements adorned each table.

Elisif had insisted Aurelia wear a new ball gown she had brought for her. It was a light silver dress with an off the shoulders design. The bodice was firm fitting, and included a satin sash on her waist. The sash tied into a bow at the back the trailed down the skirt. The skirt flowed effortlessly, the layers of chiffon rippled like water with every step she took.

"You look breath taking, Aurelia," Elisif had told her earlier as she stood in front of the mirror in her chambers.

Ondolemar stood near the edge of the ballroom, observing the guest with his usual detached formality. He straightened slightly as the doors to the grand hall opened. He followed the face of the other guest, his eyes landing on Aurelia.

It had been several weeks since he had last seen her, longer than it had ever been. He had told himself it was necessary as he grappled with the knowledge of the engagement that Aurelia was still not aware of. But as he watched Aurelia enter the room all of his careful, rationalization unraveled.

His breath caught, though he quickly stilled the rise in his chest and tightened his hands clasped behind his back. All in an attempt to mask sudden unfamiliar rush of longing that struck him.

He watched as her gaze swept across the room, her eyes flicked to his a moment, but she quickly looked away. The awkward tension between them hung in the air, still palpable and unspoken. Ondolemar exhaled softly, turning his attention back to the crowd. It seemed tonight would be more difficult than he imagined.

As the evening went on, Aurelia kept a safe distance from Ondolemar. She did her best not to linger anywhere for too long, making small talk with a few of the guest. Eventually she was approached by Than Erikur.

"Well, if it isn't the belle of the ball," he said, leaning in closer than what was considered appropriate.

"Thane Erikur, it's nice to see you again." Aurelia responded, her smile forced as she took a small step backwards.

Erikur took a step closer, his gaze lingering on her waist. "I don't think I've seen you dance once tonight. What do you say? Will you do me the honor of sharing this dance with me?"

Aurelia was about to reply when a familiar voice cut through the air.

"Thane Erikur," Ondolemar's voice was calm but laced with tension. He stepped forward, placing a hand protectively on Aurelia's lower back. She immediately felt the tension in her body seep away. A warmth and calmness fell over her that only his presence could provide. She couldn't help but to lean into his touch ever so slightly.

"I'm afraid the princess has already promised her first dance to me," he continued.

Erikur hesitated then bowed, muttering an apology before retreating into the crowd.

Aurelia turned to face Ondolemar, and looked up at him. "Thank you," she told him, her voice soft and too quiet for anyone else to hear.

Ondolemar's gaze softened, as he guided Aurelia to the dance floor.

"You do not need to thank me, your highness," he whispered to her as they moved towards the center of the grand hall.

Once there Ondolemar turned to face Aurelia fully, his eyes meeting hers with a quiet intensity. The music swelled around them, he offered her his hand, "shall we?" He asked.

Aurelia placed her hand in his and they began to dance. Ondolemar's movements were smooth and mechanical, but his gaze on Aurelia softened.

Aurelia was the first to break the silence. "You almost seem like you've missed me."

Ondolemars hands lowed slightly to the small of her back. "Miss you?" He repeated softly. "I suppose… I have become accustomed to your presence."

Aurelia's mind raced, there were so many things she wanted to say. She had imagined the first conversation with Ondolemar after their time apart in her mind many times. But everything she wanted to say and ask vanished from her mind as they danced.

Instead Aurelia moved ever so slightly closer to Ondolemar as they continued to dance.

Ondolemar felt his pulse quicken, he could feel the shift. The way her body leaned in just a fraction closer.

"What has been going on? You and my father especially have been acting so unusual as of late."

The question hung between them. Ondolemar paused for a second, he then slightly squeezed the hand he held. His tone was softer than it had ever been. "Things have begun to change, Aurelia. In ways that neither your father nor I could have predicted. But understand this-I've never meant to cause you any distress."

Aurelia was caught off guard by his unusual softness, "What do you mean?" She asked. But before he could respond the music came to an end.

Ondolemar bowed with the same precision and grace he always had, though as he took a step back his gaze lingered on her a moment longer than normal.

Aurelia couldn't help but to feel a pang of sadness. It was as if everything was falling apart around her. Everyone was keeping a secret from her. Nothing was as it use to be. Overwhelmed with her thoughts, Aurelia made her way to the palace gardens for some fresh air.