15 Ball
Alexius arrives with breakfast about half an hour after I woke up. Martha and Sally help the other maids, that brought in our food, set up. After they're done with laying the table in the balcony they excuse themselves and Alexius and I are left alone.
"Good morning, princess." Alexius states brightly. Looks like he is a morning person.
"Good morning to you too. Do we start eating now or do we wait some more?" I question excitedly. Even though I ate a full dinner last night I suddenly feel very hungry. My mouth waters at the sight of the pancakes.
Alexius chuckles slightly and replies, "Of course, we can dig in." So we do.
"Hey, tell me about those boring lessons you were talking about on the plane." I question Alexius in between bites of some bacon I am helping myself to.
Alexius put away his orange juice and takes a bite of his sandwich before replying, "I was homeschooled. The whole situation with Salvador made our parents really tense. They didn't want to take any chances." On seeing the questioning look on my face he adds, "Sorry, I don't really know what the big deal was. I tried to find out but no one would give me any straight answers. You will have to ask mom and dad about this, if you want the whole story." Of course I wanted the story that is why I am here in the first place. I motion for him to continue, "Yes well, I had to take classes in self- defense, etiquette, personality development, different languages, public speaking, law etc. I spent most of my time until I was 16 locked inside the castle." He speaks like he's recounting a bad memory which I am sure it was.
To top off the list of boring lessons, training to be future king seems like cruelty. The guy hasn't even attended one single high school party. He goes to galas and balls. Man! That's just such a waste of such a good life.
"They let you go out after 16?" I brush a strand of red hair away from my face as I question him.
"Salvador died that year. We did go out before that too. But we had to take a lot of security with us then. After his death I went to a private high school. I even got into their football team. I still play for them." He replies in between sips of his OJ.
"They let you play even after you graduated?" I raise my eyebrows suspiciously.
"Perks of being the prince." Is all he replies with but I guess that does explain everything. "We have organized a welcome home dinner for you tonight." He adds casually like he's just talking about the weather but I guess dinner is a casual affair too.
"Really? Oh! That's great, I was hoping for a chance to talk to the king and queen anyway." He gives me a smile at that and it looks a little secretive but I can't say for sure.
After we finish breakfast, Alexius leaves me to get a little rest before the dinner.
So I take a long nap and am once again woken up by a knock. When I open the door Martha and Sally look as disapproving as the last time but they don't say anything. Instead they just get inside and start moving around arranging things, bringing out dresses, choosing one and then helping me getting into it which I admit was a difficult task.
It took us an hour to get me ready but it just felt like a few minutes.
The dress is beautiful. It is red with black embroidery. They match it with pearls in my hair and jewelry made of blue gemstones which brings out my eyes and I must admit the outcome is quite pleasant.
I remember the king calling me beautiful. I have always thought of myself as simple maybe cute but nothing exceptional with wavy red hair, brown eyes with a tint of blue in them and few curves but tonight I feel phenomenal.
There is another knock on the door and as I start towards it I remember what Sally had said to me the first time we met, so I just call out a simple 'come in' in a nice commanding voice.
My maids look impressed.
The door opens and Alexius enters my room. He is dressed in a black suit with a blue shirt. He looks exceptionally handsome and I was going to tell him that when he beats me to it and says,"You look gorgeous, princess and you seem to be learning to order people around. Someone's on the way to Royaltyyyy." He sings that out prettyy loud.
"Does being royalty mean I may banish him from talking to me forever?" I playfully ask Sally.
Sally giggles at my jab and replies, "I'm sorry, your highness I don't think the package includes that."
"Oh well I'll just have to request the king to include that in there won't I? How much work is a princess supposed to do?" I fake a dramatic sigh at the end.
"Alright alright enough joking around let's get you to dinner shall we?" He presents me his arm. I loop mine through his and we exit my room leaving my maids giggling and curtseying behind.
"You have an interesting bunch back there huh?" Alexius raises an amused eyebrow.
"Yes they seem pretty good. I certainly feel we'll be good friends." I reply cheerfully.
I feel so much free and comfortable around Alexius, now that we have interacted a few times. He answers all my questions as best as he can and not just one word replies but proper well built answers. I appreciate his honesty and openness. Since he has proven that he's actually a decent guy I feel like I can trust him now.
"Friends, huh? You certainly are something aren't you, princess? You are different." He smiles down at me.
"And you are stupid." I poke his shoulder for no reason at all and he shakes his head lightly.
We move through hallways lined with beautiful paintings and portraits, and descend intricately designed staircases. I have barely been here a day. I have barely touched the tip of the iceberg. I have no idea how to navigate through this place. I mean how stupid was it to think I can do this? I have been sitting around doing nothing in a safe room and I thought the rest of it will be as easy as that has been. How am I going to talk to them, what am I going to say? It's not going to be as easy as talking to Alexius or my maids.
Then we come upon two open doors that lead to what may be the biggest room I've ever seen. I see how packed the room is and I almost scream. There seem to be some 500ish people all dressed in elegant gowns and suits. I realise that I have started backing away, running away from this place seems like a great idea right now.
"I know it's not much but all of this happened at such short notice that we weren't able to invite much people." He must have not seen my bewildered look and reluctance to enter the room if he is saying that.
"Are you crazy? You think this is not much? What kind of dinner party is this supposed to be? Are you sure it's not Cinderella's ball?" I am on the verge of a freak out.
"Well if you say so yourself then sure Surprise!! It's a welcome home ball!" Alexius imitates someone and laughs happily or something. Ok, did I mention I am freaking out right now?
"You think it's a joke? Really? All these people? What am I supposed to do? I hate being the centre of attention and that to in front of so many people!" People! People! People! That word is ringing in my head non stop.
"Relax sis you're going to be fine. Believe me when I say I've had worse. Just smile at everyone, let guys kiss your hand and ladies kiss your cheek or hug you, don't turn down a guy when asked to dance and you are good to go. You'll do great. I know you will." Alexius finally realises I am hysteric and tries to calm me. His blue eyes shine with faith (In me? That's stupid.)
"Well that makes one of us. Fine let's get this over with. Oh, I'm gonna need some serious lessons in being a princess. I've been here one day and it seems like a hell of a job." I sigh and cringe at the same time.
As we enter the room I look at him one last time and see him grinning widely. I realise a little too late how what I said may have sounded like. He must think I plan on sticking around if I am demanding lessons. Damn! I can't get his hopes up. If anything he is the one person here I do not want to upset. I don't want him hoping for things that may not happen.
