Murder II.

**

We waited in the hall for the men to come back. The music was stopped so that we could hear any sound or alarm raised.

The snake described by Azriel sounded familiar. I heard of it a long time ago. But why has it come again? Fear gripped me. I put my hands around my shoulder and rubbed it.

Maybe this party was a bad idea. Someone died already. I wondered who was next. The door unlocked and the men walked into the room. There was no sign that their search was successful. I got up from my seat and went to my father. He dismissed them all. The party was over but the tea party was going to hold in the morning.

He left with my stepmother or aunt. I knew there were going to have a secret conversation. Queen Ivy looked suspicious. She kept on looking behind till she was gone.

I was tempted to go after then but it would be a waste of time. There will be no discussion with me by their side. I turned in the direction Azriel was. Ember was with him.

I was surprised when she cleaned his palms which were covered with blood. He could have easily washed them in the bowl. What was the need for all these?

I did not move or utter a word to anyone's soul. After what I did to prince Charles, everyone was afraid of me. It was supposed to get like that so I was not disturbed by their strange behaviour.

Father did not tell us what happened at the search. He might not say anything to me even after here. I wanted to go and ask Azriel but I didn't. He was with Ember. It was obvious that something was going on between them….or why won't he come to me?

I thanked a few of the ladies for honouring our invitation even though I know they wanted to be here no matter what. It was the king's party. Anyone would want to come and enjoy the luxuries of life. Also, handsome young men were important people in their society. They came from rich homes.

Many girls would want to try their luck and get a match. But they did not look for the other men this time. All eyes were on Azriel. I wondered if they will eat him raw if he removed that mask from his face.

He was so handsome that I was beginning to regret it. I did not want to fight over a man I just met.

I grabbed my dress and lifted it a bit so that I could walk. It was almost midnight. My head needed rest because I had no much to do tomorrow. My dress for the tea party was yet to deliver. I hope it arrived early.

I was climbing the stairs when I heard my name. Could it be Azriel? Has he realized that I was left alone? A shudder skittered down my spine at the thought and I shoved it away.

I turned to show no interest. He walked to where I was and I stepped down the stairs.

"I want to apologize for my rude behaviour" He lowered his eyes as he spoke. I could hear the sincerity in his calm voice. "Forgive me, princess.

A smile appeared on my lips. I was not expecting such an apology. He was a gentleman.

Everyone was looking at us so I quickly stop the smile and said "There is nothing to apologize for. I have forgotten about it, Lord."

"Thank you, princess Azrael" He bowed deeply. When he lifted his eyes, our gaze met. For me, the world stopped and our story began. "Goodnight," he said all of a sudden interrupting my thoughts.

"Goodnight," I curtsied. If looks could kill, then Ember would have been a murderer.

Azriel was still standing when I got to the last step. I smiled at him and knocked on the door. As soon as I was out of their sight, I took a deep breath and leaned against the wall.

My feet hurt trying to fit into shoes that were not my size. I told queen Ivy but she said there were perfect for my red gown.

"Crazy people," I cursed as I took off my shoes and necklace. My head ached even though it was the best evening of my life.

I ran to my room to enjoy the rest of the night alone…thinking of the man I fell for.

**

The Author's POV.

"What the hell was that thing?" Stryga asked on their way home.

Azriel shook his head. He had no idea. There were no such things in their kingdom. A giant snake with two colours "It's not supposed to move so fast because of its size."

Heather nodded. She was about to say that. After hearing the search story from Sigurd, she concluded that something was not right "I think the Emperor knows something. He is definitely hiding it from us. What do you think Kielee?"

She kicked the empty bucket in front of her and said "I don't like the sisters and their weird family. They seemed to hide something from the works."

"Come on…everyone has a secret," Stryga told her. He walked beside Azriel who was calm. "There is something about this snake that left me speechless."

"What?" Kielee asked. She looked at Azriel. He was not paying attention to her.

"We followed the wide body prints…it went through the garden. There is an orange orchard behind. The prints stopped. It seemed like someone covered the path…or the snake just disappeared."

The girl was shocked. A disappearing snake? How was it possible? Were there other supernatural beings among them? Who was the main target? How did the dead prince come across such a snake? Many questions ran through their minds as they walked to their room.

That night, Azriel told them not to worry. He would find out what went wrong in the garden "prepare for tomorrow's tea party" He said as nothing happened.