Chapter 22: Tearful Outburst

~Arika's POV~

 The feelings Arika felt as she danced with Sin-Vira was one she couldn't express without grinning. He was far from being even proficient when it came to dancing, but it was fun to not focus on the idea of perfect performance.

 Sin-Vira nearly made Arika fall from his sudden turn. Though she took it as another mistake.

 "That was smooth! But try not to be so quick about it!" She placed her hand on his shoulder. She failed to notice how damp his clothes were until her white glove became tainted pink. "Vira? What happened?" She asked, pushing his drenched hair out of his face. He looked mortified.

 Behind him, someone was hysterical cackling. She stepped to the side to see Drell holding an empty glass bowl dripping the same colored liquid that was on Sin-Vira.

 "Whoops! I was aiming for the liar! But a bath seems just as suiting to filth like you."

 With that statement, the entire room roared with laughter. Fingers pointing at Sin-Vira who stood with his head down. Arika calmly walked past Vira and stood in front of Drell.

 "With your dirty tongue and trash like him, you two really are perfect for each other! Maybe next time you'll–!"

 Before she considered her actions, Arika reached back and gripped onto the base of his hair. Pulling him to the ground as she dragged him towards the line of food. He screamed in agony and desperately tried to stop her. By the time he got his hand on her, his face was slammed into a bowl of steaming stew.

 Arika watched him struggle with a blank expression before looking back at the now quiet guest.

 "Hm? Why is everyone quiet?" She threw him to the ground where all could see his bright red face steaming with tears. "The joke was so funny I wanted in on the fun. So go on, laugh!" When they continued to stay silent, she lost it. "Oh! I get it! It's only funny because you all dislike Prince Sin-Vira! The audacity of a genuine prince to show me a good time at a party I hate going to every year!"

 She walked back to Sin-Vira's side and pulled out a handkerchief. Sin-Vira took a step back from her.

 "Please don't get close. I don't want to stain your dress…" He raised his head enough to see him smiling. "I'm used to much worse happening, this is nothing really…" he assured her.

 Arika dabbed the cloth on his face to at least dry it. "You all are pathetic." She clenched onto the stained cloth. "Ganging up on someone just because you know he wouldn't retaliate! Sin-Vira has more of a heart than you all have combined! He spent days learning how to dance just to ask me to dance with him! He sees me as more than just a toy for you all to manipulate into getting the upper hand! You all are slimy, cowardly, useless pieces of– augh!" She screamed in frustration.

 Sin-Vira pulled Arika back gently by her waist. "Princess? I'd hate to interrupt your tongue-lashing. But I was hoping we could finish our dance if you don't mind that is?" He whispered.

 Arika reached back and pat Vira's cheek. "Alright. After that, I'll take you to the washroom." She was released and looked over to the musicians who were watching the situation. "Excuse me? May you please continue from before, we'd like to finish our dance."

 With the guest backing far away from the couple, the music resumed as they got into position. Arika took notice that Sin-Vira was more relaxed and hardly made any mistakes.

 "I'm sorry if the smell bothers you," Vira spoke in a soft tone.

 Arika only shook her head. "Fruit punch is great on you," she joked. Vira seemed confused for a second before smiling.

 Time felt endless as she danced along with Vira, who also seemed to be enjoying himself. By the time the music came to an end, she felt a bit disappointed it wasn't longer…

 The audience sheepishly clapped for them as the two partners bowed to each other. When she rose, she saw her father from the opposite side of the room. Pushing his way through the crowd harshly.

 She grabbed Sin-Vira's hand and hastily pulled him away. "Follow me to the washroom! Quickly," she spoke the last part in a quiet tone.

 Sin-Vira did as she said without question. Keeping up with the brisk pace as the crowd parted for them. Arika went through the open door to the hallway and led him down it.

 "Why are you in such a rush?" Sin-Vira asked.

 "Don't ask. Just keep going. Please!"

 "SIBYLLA!"

 A shout rippled through the air, making Arika stop dead in her tracks. She was as still as a statue as fear began seeping in. She could only pray he wouldn't tear her apart. Heavy footsteps slowly crept up behind with his heavy jewelry clinking together.

 "No matter what happens: do not say or do anything…" Arika ordered Sin-Vira before turning to face her father.

 "Do you have any idea how much trouble you're in right now? An outburst in front of the finest nobles and royals in the country. Making a scene over nothing?" She flinched at his harsh tone. "Do we need to have another session so soon?"

 Arika kept her head up as she nodded. She couldn't make Sin-Vira worry over her mistakes. "I believe that is necessary, sir. My emotions clouded my actions."

 His face twist with disgust."You not only humiliated the Lord of the Cosmos Kingdom but brought harm to him! Do you have any idea how his father will see this when he gets word? It was a harmless joke you took too seriously. After your sessions, I expect a written apology for him and his father. Do I make myself clear?"

 Arika dropped her head in defeat. "Yes sir…" she mumbled. When she looked back up, she saw his clenched fist hurl straight towards her face. She closed her eyes to accept her fate.

 Only it never happened.

 When she opened her eyes, Sin-Vira had her father's first in his hand.

 "I'm aware Princess Sibylla made a few mistakes tonight, but she doesn't deserve to be hit. You're here father, can't you have more compassion towards her?" he asked. "I should've done more to calm her down. Please allow me to take her punishments instead."

 Arika could see the twisted desire in her father's eyes as he grinned at the suggestion. She began fearing the worst and stood in front of Sin-Vira. "Please ignore him! He doesn't know any better. He won't last…" she laced her fingers together. "I will take him to the washroom then attend my session. Please excuse us." She bowed to him before leaving with Sin-Vira.

 She pushed Sin-Vira into the open washroom and slammed the door behind her. "I told you to say and no nothing! Why couldn't you do something so simple? Do you want to die that badly!?" She shouted. "My father is a twisted monster! Why would you ever suggest something as dumb as to accept my punishments!? If he agreed– y-you would've… I couldn't…" she fell to her knees and began to panic.

 Her words were a jumbled mess in between hiccups. She didn't know what was happening to her and couldn't calm down. Her vision became blurry and wouldn't clear up.

 The thought of Sin-Vira having to experience the torment she went through made her more afraid. She was mad, worried, and anxious because of Sin-Vira's words.

 "Sibylla? I'm sorry if I messed up. I didn't mean to make you cry…" Sin-Vira's voice became close as she felt his hand gently pat her head.

 Crying? She couldn't be able to do that…

 Right..?