A Plain Face.

"Help me put it on, please" Kielee who stood in front of the mirror now and asked politely. He might decline but there was no harm in trying.

"You know I don't really know how to do these things and …" He did not finish when she interrupted.

"Please, Azriel. Do it for me."

"Fine, we will do as the lady pleases" he walked to the mirror and stood behind her.

Azriel was taller than her. She stopped at his chest. He could see from her head to toes now.

He wondered how he was going to start. During his stay in Sigurd's house, he has seen him wear his wife's necklaces. He has never tried it on a woman before.

What if the princess asked him to do it? This was the best time to try.

"Go ahead," Kielee said as she tucked her hands beneath her arms.

He took her hair from the back and brought it forward. It lay on her left shoulder now.

A cold shiver ran down her spine when his hand brushed against her warm skin. Kielee found her heart beating like a drum. She stared at him in the mirror. It was beautiful seeing them this way.

He took a step forward and covered the gap between them. Her back still did not feel his chest. They were closed she felt it …but nothing touched.

He placed the necklace on her neck and looked into the mirror "Isn't pretty?"

Kielee could not say a word. She chuckled as she lifted her eyes. If every day was like this…if only she could just tell him the way she felt.

"I know you like it" Azriel put the necklace on and let go of it. He was glad that it was her.

It looked extremely beautiful on her neck.

"Thank you, Azriel" Kielee touched it with one of her hands. With a smile on her face, she held his index finger behind her.

She was surprised that he did not tell nor let go of her hold. He stood with a smile on his face.

She turned and faced him. All this beauty…grace, would one day belong to only one woman. The woman he would marry.

"Azriel, I want to tell you something," Kielee said putting a hand on his Spartan shoulders. He did not shrug off which scared her. Was he okay?

Azriel was lost in his thoughts. Was it how women behave if one puts a necklace on them? He wondered.

The door made so noise and kielee brought her hand down quickly. They all turned to see who it was.

The barman stood with his head down. Prince Charles was with him. Behind him were a few men.

Azriel's heart skipped. This was his rival in the competition. How come did they get here? They were staying in the next inn.

He wanted to tell them that nothing happened between him and kielee but it was useless. They already made up their minds…not only that. He does not answer to mortals.

Chapter 36.

I wore my dress quickly. The tournament will soon start. Father did not like when I make it to an even late. He preferred if one not go to the event than to go there late.

"How do you want your makeup?" Willow asked me. The Royal artist was waiting by the door for my call. But I declined.

"No make today," I said looking into the mirror. My maids were surprised that I canceled the makeup session. They wanted me to put on something simple at least but I did not want to. Queen Ivy would scold me if appear plain in front of the guest.

But I did not care. I wanted to see if Lord Azriel would find me beautiful today. Would he like me without makeup? Does he see only the makeup when he said I was beautiful? Many thoughts ran through my mind.

I was never bothered about my natural looks until today. I looked into the mirror once again. My face changed a bit today.

I took a deep breath and exhaled. There will be no harm to try today. I would never know if I don't try.

A knock came on the door and I answered. My cousins walked into the room beautifully dressed with full face makeup.

"Azrael dearie" Hazel was the first time noticed my plain face. She stopped and looked at me "You are not done yet."

"A few minutes to the tournament and our Princess is not ready," Ember said as she sat down on the bed.

"I'm ready" I took my hand fan from Willow and headed for the door. "Let's go."

They were speechless. I knew it was hard for them to believe me. I knocked on the door and it was opened. I left for the tournament and if any of them felt like following me, they would come after.

I strode down the steps. At the entrance door, I avoided my stepmom and aunt. If they see my face, I won't go to the tournament like this. If only they understood how it was important it was for me to present myself this way to Lord Azriel.

"Open the door, quickly" I commanded the guard standing next to my carriage. He did and went inside.

"Move it," I told the man in front and he asked if we should wait for the others but I refused. "I don't want to be late. My father is already there."

Father was there already! It was just an excuse. I wondered if lord Azriel was there.