Tea Party.

The Tea party was supposed to be in the afternoon but I woke up early to try on my dress. Last night seemed like it was not going to end.

I thought of the green-eyed man who danced with me all night. We did not talk much but I enjoyed the short conversation we had. Unlike Prince Charles, he asked reasonable questions.

I was eager to know more about him but he did not give me the chance to. Not even the giant snake.

I got up from the bed and called on my maids. They were going to bathe and make up my hair. I wanted to look perfect for the tea party…I wanted his eyes to be on me all day.

A naughty smile appeared on my lips as I got into my bathroom. The water was warm so I relaxed in the bowl. It was going to be a long day and I hope we get to chat more.

"The Lord is a handsome man" Willow told me. She added milk to my bathing water. "He was the talk of the city yesterday."

"City?" I was surprised. How did he become so popular overnight? He was handsome but it was beyond that. "How?"

"He was spotted with the children at the market square" She continued. The smile on her face made me know that she liked him. It might not be a romantic way. "He will be a good father."

"You think so?" I asked playing with my legs in the water. It would be fun watching him play with the kids. I wished I was there to see for myself.

"Yes, my Lady" She dropped the bucket of milk and took my scrubs. "Even the older women want him."

My eyes widened "Are you serious? It was going to be a competition. I did not want to fight over a man. If he wants me then we were going to be together no matter what."

"Do you like him?" Hope asked when she came to the bathroom. She had my towels in the basket.

"I don't know. We just met" I said without giving it a thought. I did not know what love felt like. It has never happened to me before. Gently, I stroked my long wet hair.

"Your father will never allow your marriage" Hope added. It was obvious she did not like him.

"I thought the same but I will still let him know if I fall in love with Azriel," I told them. It was the end of the discussion for me. I stood up from the water while the ladies turned their backs.

I took the towel from the basket and wrapped it around my wet but delicate body. It took me a few minutes to apply the oil brought from India. It was a gift from their queen.

Hope combed and perfumed my red hair with herbs. It was a lovely experience. Since it was winter, the hotness of the steam felt like a massage to my scalp. It also made my hair soft.

At last, we were done. Willow went downstairs to bring my dress. It wasn't as bright as yesterday's dress. It was a casual silk gown to me. I wore it and took my hand fan.

"Here are your beautiful blue shoes for a match" Hope placed a pair of shoes in front of me. Quickly I stepped into them and headed for the door. They were surprised to see me in a haste. I was not the type of girl that run after things. "Be careful, princess."

I stopped at once and maintained my pace. If I go to the party injured, Lord Azriel will be worried.

When I got to the entrance door, Ember and Hazel were waiting by their carriage. Mine was made of gold. I wished they could join me but my father would not agree. He gave them theirs as well.

"You look fabulous…as always" Hazel complimented. I was happy to hear a nice comment from her. I needed it.

"Thank you," I said. "It is just a casual dress."

"It is not" Ember rolled her eyes. She walked to her carriage and gave me a hot stare. "You look more than casual."

I wondered what was wrong with her. She has been acting strangely since the party yesterday. Hazel told me not to mind her. She was having mood swings.

**

At the tea party, Azriel avoided all the ladies. He waited patiently for the princess to arrive. It was high time, he showed how much he loved her.

"You look perfect, brother" Heather said brushing off the snow that fell on his breast pocket. "You just need to choose the right words and finish her."

"Do not fall in love in the process" Kielee warned. As soon as this Mission was over, she would confess her love to him.

"Do not worry, yourself" Azriel offered a warm smile. He turned in the direction of the door and waited. The venue for the tea party was a bit far from the main palace. But he expected her to be here on time.

"Attention, everyone," The guard on the door said. "The princess of Akkad had arrived.

Everyone was on their feet. They stared at the door for some minutes before she graced them with her presence. Just like he had expected, she looked like an angel. Her blue gown matched the season and the colours of the curtains.

She walked with grace keeping her head so high. If there was anything he loved about her then, it was the fact that she was going to die in his arms after their marriage.

Azriel stood with his hands clasped behind him. She walked straight to him and he bowed. She brought her hand forward and he kissed her knuckles "princess Azrael."

"Lord Azriel," She smiled at him.

Azriel returned the smile. He led her to the table that was reserved for her. She urged him to join her and he did.

She relaxed back to the seat and watched him from the corner of her eyes. His raven black hair was beautifully groomed and tied into a knot. It was shiny and she wondered if it still smells of the spicy perfume, he wore yesterday.

Her eyes travelled to his face. His eyebrows were thick and carved into an arc-shaped. His eyelashes were long and shaped. Whenever he closed his eyes, they pressed against his impressive cheekbones.

She was still staring at him when he looked up and their eyes locked.

There was a moment of silence. The whole world seemed to pass by while they stayed staring at each other. His hand moved as if he wanted to touch her face but he stopped and broke the silence "How was your night?"

Azrael shook her body fiercely. She was grateful to him for interrupting this awkward moment. The guest might have noticed the attraction.

Her lips were dried. She did not know what to say.

Relaxing back in the chair, she answered "I was wondering who you like. Your father or mother? Or…none?"

He chuckled as if he was expecting the question. she changed the topic so fast "Well, I looked like my mother."

"What was her name?"

"Ariadne…" He said all of a sudden. When Azriel realized his mistake, it was too late. The princess was surprised. He looked around and saw that Heather was watching him from afar. She looked exactly like the late Emperor, Sargon. He hopes that nobody gets to notice her.