Chapter 9: Vanishing Gazes

"You look beautiful, your majesty," Chione said as she finished with Kara’s hair.

Kara stared at her reflection in the mirror. Chione had packed her hair up, showcasing her pointy ears, and somehow she wasn’t ashamed at the sight. It was a traditional Eithra dress, adorned with begonias that complemented her hair and brought out the gray hue of her eyes.

She couldn’t stop staring. She never thought she could look so majestic, so ethereal.

There was a gentle knock on the door, interrupting her thoughts. Eerik had arrived.

Kara turned away from the mirror, wiping her suddenly damp palms on her dress, nodding at Chione to let him in. Eerik strode into the room with the aura of the true dark King he knew he was. His presence enveloped the large space making it seem too small.

As she looked at him, she felt that magnetic pull again emanating from her heart. Almost succumbing to its influence, she took a defiant step toward him, only to halt herself. Her relationship with Eerik was still strained, and a mere allure couldn’t mend their differences.

"You’re a vision in that dress," he said, offering a hand to her.

Kara stared down at the free flowing dress, at how it flattered her shoulders and revealed a bit of cleavage. She watched as he drank her in, unable to draw his eyes away from her. Feeling uncomfortable under his intense gaze, she cleared her throat.

"We should get going," she suggested, attempting to divert his attention.

"You won’t take my hand?" he questioned, undeterred, offering his hand once more.

"I can manage by myself," Kara declared with finality.

Eerik ignored her, closing the distance between them and taking her hand in his. At the contact, Kara’s body jerked, as if a force of energy was moving from her heart and filling her entire being.

"A lady should always be escorted, and as my betrothed, I should always have the honor," he said, unaware of the emotional turmoil he incited within her.

"But…" she began to protest, only to be met with a smile that sent shockwaves through her.

That was the first time she had seen him show any emotion towards her apart from pure disdain. She wondered why, and the only conclusion she could draw was that he was remorseful for the events of the previous day.

As Eerik led her through the palace toward the banquet, her mind raced. Had things truly changed? Was Eerik ready to open the door and let her peek into his heart? Could her marriage not be doomed before even beginning?

The faint sound of music floated towards them as they neared the festivities. Memories of the last banquet flooded Kara’s mind, the night she had met Henri. Oh, Henri. Just a few minutes alone with Eerik and she had forgotten all about him. She couldn’t help it. Eerik had a way of intoxicating her senses.

Abruptly, Eerik halted, turning to face her. "Is something amiss, my Lord?" Kara asked, puzzled by his sudden change in demeanor.

"No," he replied, clearing his throat.

"Then why have we stopped? The banquet is before us," Kara gestured toward the hall, bewildered by his unexpected behavior.

"I realize I may have been too harsh towards you since your arrival. You were not raised in this environment, and I bear the responsibility for bringing you here. I should have played my part in helping you adjust. I failed miserably in that regard and I apologize," Eerik confessed.

The world must have turned upside down, for Kara could hardly believe her ears. She stood there, dumbfounded, unsure of how to proceed. What was the appropriate response when a king, a powerful one at that, was apologizing to you?

"I would appreciate it if you would regard me with kindness and allow me the opportunity to change your opinion of me," he continued.

Before she could formulate a response, the doors swung open, and the banquet attendees bowed before them. As her gaze swept through the crowd, she locked eyes with a pair of familiar green orbs filled with longing.

Kara swallowed hard, feeling the heaviness of the air around her. Gripping Eerik’s arm tightly, she allowed him to lead her into the grand hall, with people parting to make way for their entrance.

The gentle melodies of music filled the atmosphere as they approached the dance floor. Kara had never danced before, only observing guests dancing at the previous banquet without committing the steps to memory. The last thing she desired to do was embarrass herself in front of all these people. Nervously, she stared at the dancefloor, fearing it would consume her if she dared to make a move.

A warm hand caressed her lower back, grounding her in the present moment. Kara looked up at Eerik as he guided her, placing one hand on his and the other on his shoulders.

"Keep your gaze fixed on me," he whispered, his lips inches away from hers. "Allow me to guide you."

Kara nodded, mesmerized by him. She was completely under his spell, and she could do nothing else but follow his lead. The crowd vanished from her eyesight, all she could see was him, all she could smell was him. Nothing else existed in this moment as they danced slowly. Her feet seemed to have a mind of their own as she moved across the dance floor, her attention fully on Eerik.

As the music gradually faded, Kara felt Eerik’s grip on her lower back tighten, drawing her closer to him. A low gasp escaped her lips, her chest pressed against his, her eyes filled with a multitude of questions as she gazed up at him. Her gaze couldn’t help but wander to his lips, tantalizingly close to hers. With the faintest of movements, she could finally taste his essence. Her body tingled with anticipation, inching closer.

However, their crucial moment was abruptly disrupted as the dancefloor became overrun with guests, encroaching on their space. The enchantment shattered, and the moment slipped away.

Stepping back, Kara eagerly sought to put distance between them. She no longer trusted herself in his presence, nor did she trust the sudden shift in his demeanor toward her. It was clouding her senses, and her heart could no longer endure any more of these mixed signals.

Folding her arms gracefully above her skirt, Kara made her way back to her seat, with Eerik closely following behind. As she walked, her eyes scanned the hall, searching for the familiar gaze of those green eyes. Yet, they were nowhere to be found.