Welcome Party IIII

**

I did not move. My heart thumped abruptly in my chest. I wished someone would save me from this. It was not going to end well like this. I turned a bit and I saw her big eyes staring at me. She wanted to know why I was going to the Party.

"My lady," I heard Lyla's voice. My chest calmed. I backed my stepmother...It would be better that she did not see my face. She left with her and sighed. It was so easy to make her leave and yet I almost got caught if not for Lyla.

I opened the door and soft music filled my air. It was a beautiful sight if not the most beautiful sight for me. The last time I attended a gathering like this was my last birthday.

But I was surrounded mostly by girls. They kept on saying nonsense in my ears. Many of them wished they were princesses. I listened to their complaints every year. I was glad that this time, it was men that my dad invited.

If only he did not tell them about the marriage, I would have enjoyed myself this time. It was going to be a boring experience for me once father does the introduction.

No one seemed to notice me. I went to a large table by the corner and grabbed a tray. I put two cups of wine and fought my way to meet the green-eyed man. My aunt was standing close to the entrance door. Fear gripped me when I saw her. She would spoil the fun if she sees me.

I waited for Ember to end her discussion. It seemed she loved talking to strangers more than family.

I have never seen her laugh this way before. She enjoyed every moment spent here.

Finally, I got rid of Ember too. She went to meet other guests. The green-eyed man leaned against the wall. His Spartan shoulders spoke of unknown strength.

I watched him closely. Now, no one was with him except his maids. I walked to where he was holding my veil tight with my left hand and the tray with the other.

"Lord," I called when I got to him. His eyes flew to me and I almost fainted. Why would a man be this handsome? "I brought you a drink."

He looked at me for some time before taking the drinks. I thought he was going to drink. He handed them over to the maids beside him and they thanked him.

I was surprised that he did that. It was a rare case. Many people did not take good care of their servants. The servants tend to do all the work.

"Thank You," He told me. I wished I could ask for his name. But he won't say it to me just like that.

I stood there staring at his beautiful face but he never noticed. His eyes seemed to be roaming about. I wondered what he was looking for. Was it Ember?

"Look, she is staring at you, Lord," The Blondie beside him said. They looked alike if you imagine him having blonde hair.

But, her eyes were blue. I watched them closely. They seemed so happy together. The three of them might be friends.

Sometimes we make friends with the servants. Hope and Lyla were friends. I shared most of my problems with them.

"Is there anything else you want?" The gentleman asked. He left the wall and came closer. I took a step back and avoided it.

He might recognize me as the princess.

"Yes, your highness" I bowed. The party will soon end and I needed to get out of here.

I grabbed the edges of the dress carefully and walked in the direction where I came. However, I was not lucky as I thought.

My aunt was coming my way. My foot missed a step and I fell. The tray went to the floor causing a loud noise. Everyone looked at me but I did not let go of my veil. I held to it tightly.

My aunt rushed to me and began to shout at my stupidity. She told the guests not to worry and the music continued.

"It is not her fault, your highness" I heard a familiar voice defending me. Of course, it was my fault. If only I stayed up in my room just like my father instructed, I won't have fallen here.

What if my ankle broke? I felt pain down there and my hands could not run it. I have to hold tight to the veil.

"If she causes so much distraction, Lord," My aunt said in a low tone. I wondered why she pay him so much respect knowing the fact that his status was low. Something was going on and I had no idea.

I tried to get up but my ankle failed me. Next, my aunt commanded me "Get up silly, girl. Do not mess around again."

"I will help," The Green-eyed man offered me a hand. I was surprised. He was so kind. I was about to take it when I saw angry and jealous Ember coming.

I quickly placed my hand in his and got up. The feeling was different this time. I have danced with a few princes before. I have touched my cousin, Williams' hand before. Nothing felt like this one. Cold chills ran through my spine. I wished I could not let go.

My spirit was down all day but this touch healed everything. His palm was not soft. It showed that he has trained on the battlefield a lot. I was holding his hand when Ember came. She was furious.

I pulled my hand slowly touching his fingers for sometimes before letting go. An unknown heat crept into my body. If I do not leave, I might get swallowed by it.

"You may leave, m-aid" Ember ordered. The way she called the maid made me chuckle. She was so jealous…I mean always jealous. I bowed and left. However, when I got to the door, I noticed that he was looking towards my direction.

I smiled and opened the door, only time to meet with my Father's angry face. I almost dropped dead. Who told him about my plan? The guards had my maids. They were arrested.