Ten

"WHAT DOES THAT MAKES US? PARTNERS ON crime or something?" Well, I like the idea of being partners with him.

"More like, partners in vengeance!" I said giggling. "And that also makes me owe you something." I'll be glad to do anything for him, especially if it is between the lines of marriage or something. He's totally my type. I wouldn't mind marrying him, even if he isn't rich.

"I like that," so do I. "So, Lady Hope, is it true what I heard some of the Knights of the County saying about you singing some of the songs you wrote, tonight?" Oh, how did he hear that from them?

The only Knights that know about this are Gavin and Lawrence. Could he have heard them talking earlier?

That means they were talking about it. And that's quite amusing. "Yep. It's true." I felt my face hot again when he smiled at my answer. His lips look more kissable than ever.

"So, you are a singer and a songwriter as well, hm?" Not necessarily, but think whatever you want.

"Yes."

"How many songs will you sing tonight? One? Three? Five?"

"If everything works out, five!"

He bit his bottom lip, and damn that caught my gaze like a magnet. "Can you dedicate one of them to me then?" He's shamelessly flirting back, I like it.

I licked my lips, "Alright. But I won't be able to tell anyone else about it when I began singing, okay? Otherwise, people would talk, and it would be annoying."

The man nodded, as the third song began, "Which one will it be?"

"Enchanted!" My reply came automatically, and I felt my face hot. "It'll be the first song I'll sing tonight, just so you know. It's one of my favorites. I hope you like it."

"I'm sure I will, Lady Hope!" As I didn't say anything, he kept going. "So, how is your relationship with your family?" I arched my eyebrows. "I can't trust the rumors, so it's better to hear it from you."

Then something snapped inside my mind, "I didn't invite you here, did I?" He grinned but said nothing and that suddenly looked quite dangerous. Hot, but dangerous. "That means you are one of my dad's guests." And when I side-looked at my dad in the left corner of the ballroom, his eyes were on us, then I looked at the man dancing with me again. "Seeing how he is glaring quite intensely at us, I guess I'm right."

"You are not wrong," hm, so, that's a yes!

I scoffed. "So, you are flirting with me for political reasons, hm? And if you want to know more about my family, that means you aren't very amused by them. Am I right?"

"Hm," quite the short answer.

"That's also the reason why you didn't tell me your name, isn't it?"

"You didn't ask either!"

"You have a point," I rolled my shoulders, letting him guide me through the dance floor. "And I won't either, as you don't seem comfortable with such a question. But don't worry, Sir Hotness, I'm not on my family's side, and they aren't on mine either. If one thing, dancing more than a song with me like this, in front of them, will only make my father annoyed with you."

"Sir Hotness?"

"I don't know your name. And I can't call you delightful stranger, because the last part would be rude!" The fact that he sounds suspicious of my family makes me even more attracted to him.

[Someone who will stand against my family if needed to protect me or whatsoever.] Check!

"By how you are behaving, I take that your relationship with them isn't good, hm?" Now he's being straightforward. It makes things easier.

"I'll tell you everything you want," then the third song ended and I struggle with myself to put some distance between us. "But now, it's time for the show. I can't handle those boring songs anymore!"

We bowed to each other and he smiled again, "Then I can't wait to hear the song you prepared for me!"

"How self-centered," I mocked and winked at him before turning my back and going to where Shane Hermansen and Jonathan Schmidt, the two guys who will perform with me, were.

Thank God they came and we're just fine. When they saw me, they bowed and smiled gently. "Lady Hope Bissonnette!" They said together.

"Hi, boys. Is everything ok?" A nod. "Awesome. Let's get ready, I'll announce our performance in a minute. And remember what I told you, stay as far away from my family as possible. Otherwise, you could be in danger!"

"Yes, my Lady!" They said in sync again.

Then they followed me to where the Butler was. "You can get the piano, violin, and guitar in position!" He was already aware of it, so he got the message right away and left after bowing. So, I clapped my hands gently to get everyone's attention. "Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen present here tonight!"

As usual, they all bowed lightly.

"It's an honor to have you here, together with me to celebrate my birthday. And though this birthday ball is mine, I prepared a present for you all. As I believe that like me, you are all sick of those boring songs, and craving for something new, right?" That caught their attention like a laser in front of a cat.

Then the Knights positioned the piano and a seat for the violin and the guitar. I got there and so did the boys. Shane with the guitar, and Jonathan with the violin. While I sat in front of the piano, preparing myself.

"Many of you don't know this, but I'm a songwriter. And a singer as well, although I only sing in the shower," that took a laugh from everyone else, and it was good to lighten up the mood. "These two with me, for those who aren't familiar, are Shane Hermansen and Jonathan Schmidt, two musicians natural of the south. Six months before tonight I've been teaching them my songs and their melodies, so they would be able to help me present you with a good performance."

The shock was mutual on everyone's faces, and I caught my eyes traveling to where the guy I danced with was standing, staring at me, waiting. Then I let my fingers touch the tiles of the piano, without making a sound. Still looking at him.

"I've written multiple songs so far, all in a different melody from what you are all used to. And I like to call it Pop. However, for tonight, I prepared five of them for you," I licked my lips, and suddenly Marianne brought me a glass of champagne, so I drank it to satisfy my thirst. "By the way, you should all taste this champagne, it's the best in the Kingdom," that made them giggle again. "Well, let's wrap it up, shall we?" When I heard their agreement, I smiled. "I call this first song Enchanted, and it's by me!"