Bezmun (part 3)

The festivities in the grand hall was already in full swing when Ysabel and Reis joined in. They were greeted with polite smiles and curt nods from the other monarchs.

Most of them gawked at Reis, wondering who she was. In her delight and nervousness, Reis squeezed Ysabel's hand.

Music blared from the place, enchanting the palace maid even more than the assortment of food on display and drinks served by the servants who mill around. The monarchs from the other kingdoms were chatting happily, glancing at Ysabel when she made the late entrance.

Ysabel tilted her head slightly, greeting them in exchange.

Colorful and elegant gowns paraded in her vision, and the smell of liquor hung heavily in the air. In one corner, Ysabel saw Gwendolyn whispering to Lady Dolores, daughter of Duke Meynard from Quinnsvale.

It was a kingdom between Eyeris and Bezmun but wasn't heard of until they became famous for their silks.

They have magnificent quality silks and the finest.

The Lady was a beauty. Gwendolyn was whispering continuously in her ears. Lady Dolores subtly hit him in the arm, laughing at whatever he had said.

Ysabel didn't fail to notice the large ruby stone that hung elegantly on her neck. She quickly tore her gaze away before Gwendolyn could notice that she was staring.

"He found another innocent victim," Ysabel muttered. "But is she really innocent?"

"Your Highness?" Reis squeezed Ysabel's arm, pulling her back to the sound of festive music and joyous waves of laughter.

Little did the palace maid know that she had saved Ysabel from drowning in her memories. The flashback was enough to bring out her strong feelings against her stepbrother.

'I need to practice self-restraint more often. The fate of Eyeris and your people are in your hands, Ysabel.' Ysabel thought to herself. She turned to Reis, the corners of her mouth forming a light smile.

"Come," Ysabel grabbed Reis' hands, slowly pulling her to the table full of food. "I'm starving," the young monarch whispered.

Reis giggled at Ysabel's never changing enthusiasm for food. They each grabbed a plate, and Ysabel picked all the sweets she could find, from cookies to cupcakes.

The princess wanted to have a feast of sweets but knew better than to face her mother's lecture if she suddenly gained some weight.

Being an heir to a throne came with a price.

But it wasn't the same for her friend. Reis had filled her plate enough to feed three children. She carefully balanced it in her hand, grinning with unsuppressed mirth when Ysabel turned to check on her.

Influenced by Reis' enthusiasm, Ysabel shook her head and joined her delight. They took their plate to an empty table in one corner and happily ate their fill.

A playful song came on, one that had the gathered guests clapping and pulling each other into the open space in the middle.

The jolly atmosphere amplified, making Ysabel forget the things that troubled her mind for a moment.

She ate her share and accepted a glass of fine wine to chase away her thirst. Then she focused on watching the dancing people, her attention falling on Reis from time to time.

She happily ate the food on her plate, a few crumbs tumbling down on her dress, but she patted them away, whisking the mess on the marbled floors.

Someone cleared their throat, catching Ysabel's attention. She felt her heart skip a beat, the weariness of the travel suddenly disappearing at the sight of Prince Hinrik standing before her.

He had a change of clothing. His attire was befitting the title he carries, and being the party host, he looked even more charming.

Ysabel darted her gaze and reached for the wine glass beside her now empty plate. Prince Hinrik smiled even though the inner corner of his brows were raised.

The princess of Eyeris seemed to be upset with him.

'This can't be,' Prince Hinrik thought. 'I need to do something if I wish to win her affection.'

"A pleasant evening, ladies," Prince Hinrik greeted, his smooth velvety voice resonating in Ysabel's hearing. But she refused to cave into her feelings.

But Reis got on her feet and bowed deeply.

"Your Highness," she addressed Prince Hinrik politely.

"You look lovely," Hinrik answered. Reis blushed at the compliment, her cheeks turning into the darkest shade of red.

"T-thank you, your highness."

"You may sit and eat. There's plenty of food and drinks to spare."

Reis giggled, obeying the command, and happily returned to her food.

Turning to Ysabel, Hinrik extended a hand to her. The music had turned melodious, and the rhythm slow. The lively dancing stopped, and couples were formed, dancing to the sweet music filling the grand hall.

"May I have this dance, Ysabel, princess of Eyeris?"

Ysabel hid her hand in the folds of her dress. She clutched on the hem tightly like her life depended on it.

'Don't make a scene,' Ysabel reminded herself. 'It's just one dance.'

The thought didn't comfort her at all. She could hear her heart thumping and her pulse jumping.

But she knew that refusing the host of the party was rather considered rude. Thus, swallowing the lump in her throat, Ysabel reluctantly accepted the offer, slipping her hands on his.

When their skin touched, memories of their shared past and the night they had kissed swarmed Ysabel. She absent-mindedly let Prince Hinrik guide her to the middle of the dance floor, where the other couples gave way to them.

Ysabel imagined an invisible spotlight illuminating them. The rest of the guests and servers faded in the background.

Hinrik put a hand on Ysabel's hips and clasped her right hand with the other. Then, they danced with the slow beat, a tense silence rising between the two monarchs.

The young prince leaned closer to her ears, wishing to whisper the words he wanted to say.

"Forgive me for my recklessness, Ysabel," Hinrik started, his warm breath sending goosebumps on Ysabel's skin. "I am truly sorry for how I acted that night, and thank you for accepting the invite."

Ysabel was wary of responding. The flashbacks rattled her resolve to stay away from the dashing prince. Her emotions were threatening to burst.

The silence stretched on until the song came to an end.

Thunderous applause echoed in the grand hall, surprising Ysabel as she didn't notice how everyone had stopped dancing and watched the dance she and Hinrik shared.

Placing a hand to her heart, Ysabel pushed the young prince away, pulling herself free from his hold.

The latter didn't fight her, but his brows wrinkled.

"Are you alright?"

Ysabel gathered a fistful of her dress in her hands and took a step back. The scene was vaguely familiar.

'No, no. This isn't the same.'

"Ysabel."

Ysabel shook her head, refusing to explain, and took another step. She briefly caught Hinrik's gaze.

"I'm sorry," she mouthed before turning and eventually running away, leaving the prince, and everyone in the grand hall perplexed.