Chapter 20: Shall We Dance?

~Arika's POV~

 "I'm next? What does she mean by that, Drell?" Mayn asked as she closed her fan.

 Drell glared at Arika who felt a smile appear on his face.

 "It's nothing, my love. She's just joking!" Drell assured her as he held her hand. "Right, Sibylla?" he muttered.

 Arika continued smiling. "Oh, I meant every word of it! Every time he's out of your sight, he's already focused on another princess. He even had the nerve trying to get me to 'show him the garden' last year while holding my hand! Keep an eye out for this one, sticky fingers like his find themselves in a lot of trouble."

 "You said you fell for me at last year's event! I cannot believe you're such a lying, vile creature!" Mayn screamed as she threw her fan to the ground.

 "My love, please settle down! She's only lying out of jealously."

 "Hey, Sibylla? I was wondering if-"

 "Vira! Perfect timing!" She spoke over to him as she snatched the glass from him. "Thirsty?" she asked Mayn, holding the glass out to her.

 "Very." Mayn took the glass from her hand and splashed it onto Drell's white clothes.

 The deep crimson-stained beautifully on his expensive fabric.

 "Thank you for making me aware of this, Lady Sibylla. I'll be sure to inform my mother so he's never in my sight again. I hope you two have a better time than me." Mayn bowed towards them, stomping on Drell's foot on her way out. "Go choke on a cactus."

 Drell flinched before glaring at Arika. "You stupid weed! You have no idea who you're messing with." He walked towards her until Vira stood in between them.

 "I'm not entirely sure what happened while I was gone. But if you're going through with whatever you're about to do, I'll rearrange every bone in your body until she's satisfied." Comparing their build, Drell wouldn't stand a chance.

 Arika couldn't help but laugh. "Do keep him alive when you finish! That would be an interesting spectacle!" She joked.

 "You're only acting tough because she's backing you up. Don't get cocky…" Drell grumbled before walking away from them.

 Vira looked back at Arika with a stern look. "Why did you send me away?" he asked.

 Arika was confused by the sudden shift in tone from him. "What do you mean?"

 "You said you wanted a drink, but you just wanted me gone to speak with them. What did you say to cause this?" He asked. Vira didn't seem mad, but rather upset.

 She crossed her arms over her chest. "It wasn't gossip. He was getting handsy with any lady of status including me with little shame. I just warned Mayn so she could think about if he was the one for her. Do you have a problem with that?"

 Sin-Vira stared at her before sighing. "No… I just hate how you feel the need to always keep me out of earshot when you say certain things. Like making me cover my ears, or telling me to get you a drink you didn't want." He turned to fully face Arika. "If you're going to say something, could you at least not make me ignorant to your words?"

 Arika felt a ping of guilt from his request. She never fully thought about why she never wanted to hear what she'd have to say. Sibylla, before she was sick, was notorious for being two-faced. Sweet one moment then gossiping up a storm about every single person she met. It was always something she hated, maybe it was because she wanted Vira ignorant to it all?

 He was didn't deserve to be ignorant of what she was ashamed of.

 "I'm sorry. You're right. I guess it was a habit. Dealing with bothersome people set me off at times…"

 "It's alright. But I was wondering if-…" Sin-Vira hesitated to finish his sentence but sighed in defeat. "We haven't been talking much about our progress. How do you think your people think of me?"

 Arika did her best to not let that interrupted thought distract her. "I think the festival outside was a good indicator of how everyone sees you. It was only from a small crowd, but they seemed to enjoy your company. They even offered to drink with a royal!" Arika gave him a wide grin. "With time, more will be just as comfortable with you around!"

 He smiled slightly. "Have you discussed with your father permission to visit my kingdom yet?"

 Arika's expression faltered as she looked down at the marble floor. "No. I've been avoiding him lately, so I never got the chance… sorry. I know I'm meant to put in the effort like you're doing…"

 She was surprised to see Sin-Vira's hand reach out to hold her's. "It's okay! I'll be sure to ask him tonight in private. I'll swear to always escort you and return you before nightfall."

 Arika stared down at his hand that held her's. His hand was much larger than her hand. Even though she couldn't feel his warmth, it still comforted her. "Thanks. But we're better off asking him with witnesses to hear the conversation. Those who speak privately with my father end up slandered or dead. Depends on his mood." She placed her other hand over his. "We'll do it together."

 "Well, you better after saying that!"

 "Is your spine made of iron or straw? I swear you go from brave to scared in a heartbeat!" She laughed.

 "Your dad is scary as hell! And it's not even the over-protective 'If you break my daughter's heart, I'll kill you!'" Sin-Vira mocked in a deeper tone.

 Arika pulled her hands away from Vira's grasp to cover her mouth. Preventing her laughter from getting any louder. "You have a point! He's over-protective alright, but it's not me he's worried about. Not at all."

 Things became quiet between them after the remark was made. Arika looked towards the center of the room where some couples were dancing.

 "Dancing is always such a slow and boring this. Just watching them makes you wanna sleep, huh?" Arika looked back at Sin-Vira.

 Sin-Vira's eyes were fixated on the ground as he was rubbing his arm. His bottom lip trembled, he seemed to struggle to say something.

 "Is someone staring at you? I'll deal with it." Arika turned to search for the unlucky guest when someone grasped her hand.

 "N-No! It's not that…" Vira corrected her. Arika looked back to see Vira slightly panicked. He released her hand and cleared his throat. "I-I tried asking this earlier, but I couldn't find the right time to say it…"

 Arika stared at Vira, waiting for him to say what he had been holding back. He had been acting strange, but if it was out of discomfort he would've it so earlier…

 "I can't be romantic so I won't even try to be clever about it." Sin-Vira cleared his throat as he held his hand out to her.

 "Would you like to dance with me?"