Simina arrived back home a little later than usual. Her mind was preoccupied with what happened with Nar in the woods. Gloria was back. Simina didn't know how to act around her now that she knew what she knew. Gloria narrowed her eyes at Simina into dangerous slits.
"Where have you been?" Gloria sniffed. Simina's mind reeled for an answer. She couldn't tell Gloria, or anyone else for that matter, that she'd been in the woods kissing Nar. So she lied.
"I stayed late at Etiquette School," Simina lied. She smiled to herself at her secret. She thought about telling Olivia since Olivia was sort of her friend. Wanting to be alone to think her thoughts and think about Nar, Simina ran away upstairs to hide.
The very next day, some time in the afternoon, Simina sat at the kitchen table, studying her etiquette books. She hummed happily, thinking of Nar, thoughts of him scrolling through her mind. Simina couldn't really focus too well because her head was in the clouds. Her mind kept replaying the scene with her and Nar in the woods. She kept blushing and smiling at the memory, picturing herself kissing Nar.
Simina tried to remember the feeling of the kiss, the feeling of him, the feeling of everything, and the feeling of all those sensations she had never experienced until now. She didn't know what to call this feeling, but every time she thought about Nar and kissing him, a warm, crazy feeling spilled through every inch of her. She didn't know what to call it, but it was desire.
Aunt Lyda, busy lifting heavy pots and pans onto the stove, had been calling Simina for several minutes. Someone was at the door, and Aunt Lyda couldn't get it. Olivia wasn't in the kitchen at the moment, and Gloria was upstairs, getting ready to come downstairs, alerted by the pounding on the door.
"Simina!" Aunt Lyda shrilled. "Simina!" Simina jumped, startled, finally becoming aware of the pounding on the door.
"Huh?" Dazed, Simina finally tuned back in. Aunt Lyda grunted.
"Open the door!" she shouted. Simina jumped to her feet. Gloria tried to beat her to the door, but Simina got there first. Simina opened it. A Royal Soldier stood at the door. He saluted Simina.
"Good evening, lass," he greeted. Simina bowed her head, wondering why a Royal Soldier was on the porch.
"Hello," Simina greeted in return. She noticed he held something in his hand.
"Are you Simina Gorchev?" he asked her. Simina nodded, curious.
"Yes, I am." He handed her what he was holding. It was a small envelope, addressed to her from Prince Nar.
"The Prince wanted me to give it to you. He said he would have come and delivered it himself, but he's busy," the soldier explained. Simina took it, recognizing Nar's elegant handwriting.
"Thank you," Simina mumbled, staring at the envelope.
"Have a good day," the soldier bid and left. Simina shut the door. Still staring at the envelope, she walked over to the table and sat. Gloria tried to snatch it from her, but Simina slapped her hand away.
"It's addressed to me," Simina snapped and tore the envelope open. She pulled out a neatly folded piece of paper and unfolded it. Around the edge of the paper was a string of black roses. Olivia and Gloria peered over her shoulders as Simina read the letter.
My dearest Simina,
His Royal Highness Prince Nar has invited you to attend the Royal
Ball. It's next Saturday, starting at 8 p.m., in the ballroom. It would please me ever so greatly if you would come. Of course, there will be some dancing and hopefully some romancing as well. Wear something lovely. I hope to see you there.
P.S. If you have nothing to wear, please contact Matilda; she will
assist you.
Love,
Prince Nar.
Excitement electrified her insides. Nar personally invited her to the Royal Ball. A smile threatened to curl her lips. Gloria, next to her, flared with jealousy and hate. She stomped her foot.
"Of course, you get invited!" Gloria blew up, face red. Angry and jealous, she stomped upstairs. Olivia was excited, however. She squealed.
"Ooh, you got invited by the Prince himself!" Simina stood, excited. She did not respond to Olivia. Since the ball was tomorrow, Simina wanted to pick out a dress today. She decided to do what Nar suggested and go to Matilda for a dress.
Simina didn't know how to act around these people here. Suddenly, she was overcome with a strange feeling and didn't know what to call the feeling. She just wanted to be away from them all right now. Olivia kept ogling, Gloria kept being a bitch, and Aunt Lyda was just...a little unsocial. Who could she possibly confide in?
So Simina told her aunt where she was going, that she'd return later, and left. She got on her horse and rode to Nar's castle. She walked in but didn't see Nar. Just like Matilda knew she would be coming, she was in the foyer waiting for Simina. She waved at Matilda.
"Hi, Matilda!" Simina greeted happily. Matilda smiled.
"Hi, Simina. What can I do for you today?" She showed Matilda her invitation.
"I got invited to the ball, and I was hoping you'd help me pick out a dress for it."
"I thought you might come. Please follow me. I have dresses for you to look at," Matilda said and started up the stairs. Simina quickly followed behind Matilda. She took Simina into the dressing room accessed from the parlor.
Inside, there were many wardrobes and racks filled with pretty dresses of all colors, sizes, and styles. It was the loveliest thing she'd ever seen. There were more dresses than at the dress shop. Her eyes widened, and her face showed an expression of astonishment. She gasped.
"Oh wow! This is amazing!" Simina exclaimed. Simina ogled everything. The dresses were so pretty. Simina admired each one, stroking her hand across each gown. Matilda lifted a lovely red gown from a rack. She admired the dress and twirled it around.
"This one is pretty," Matilda said. She held it up to Simina and assessed it closely. After a minute or two of contemplation, she shook her head.
"No, I don't think that one will look good," she said and put the dress back on the rack.
For the next hour or so, Simina looked at and tried on many gowns, many different ones with different colors and styles. Finding her right size was the main issue. Some dresses were too small, and others were too big. Doing this made Simina feel like a queen or a princess. She thought a lot about Nar, and every time she tried on a dress, she wondered if he would like how she looked in it.
Simina wanted Nar's approval. Simina knew he liked the color purple, as did she, so she wanted to wear something purple that matched the color of his eyes. Simina loved his eyes. They enchanted her, entranced her. She regretted all of the mean things she'd said to him and thought to herself. Yes, he was cruel before but he'd changed. He was better now, sweeter and kinder. And now, after everything that they'd been through together over the past year...Simina was sure that she was in love with him.
Simina, tired of thinking and worrying, slumped down into a chair with a sigh.
"I think I'm in love with the Prince," she said and sighed wearily. Matilda stopped what she was doing and gave Simina a wary look. Her eyebrows rose. There was a slight blush on Simina's cheeks and a dreamy, dazed look. Matilda didn't know what to say or to think about that.
"Well..." Matilda exclaimed. She was startled by Simina's words. Simina wondered where he was and what he was doing. She wanted nothing more than to just speak with him and spend time together. But would they even get that chance with the looming threat of Gloria and Julian?
"I don't know what to say about that..." Matilda mumbled. Ignoring what Simina had just said, she continued looking for the right gown for her. Simina sat in the chair, staring into a space filled with Nars.
Matilda, on the other hand, picked out a pretty purple gown off the rack. She smiled in admiration at its beauty. The handmaiden knew that Simina would really like it, so she brought it over to Simina and showed her.
"Simina look, I think you'll like this one," Matilda said, holding up the gown. Simina, coming out of her daze for a moment, looked up. She gasped in awe at the beauty of the dress.
"Oh, Matilda, it's lovely, absolutely lovely," Simina gushed, standing. It was a long gown with ruffles down the skirt, covered in purple glittering sparkles. Along the bottom of the skirt was a string of black roses sewn along at the bottom, on the edge. The dress's bodice was covered in purple sparkling glitter, and more black roses were sewn all along the waist. The front of it drooped down in the shape of an elegant V, and the sleeves were long and covered the shoulders. The gown was exactly the color of Nar's eyes. Simina took it from Matilda, staring at it adoringly.
"Oh, Matilda, may I try it on, please?" Simina begged, yearning. She smiled and nodded.
"Yes, dear, go right ahead," Matilda said. Clutching the gown to her body, feeling the silky fabric beneath her fingertips, Simina went into a fitting room. Thankfully, she had no trouble putting it on and getting into it. The gown went to the floor, covering her feet. Simina enjoyed the feel of the silky-smooth fabric against her skin. It pleased her immensely. At the end of each sleeve, the fabric stopped in the middle of her hand in the shape of an upside-down V.
Simina stepped out of the fitting room to show Matilda. She cheered with delight at the sight of Simina in the dress. Simina found moving in it quite effortless. The color matched her skin tone perfectly. It fit snugly against her body shape, fitting her curves, pronouncing her lovely body shape.
Matilda clapped her hands together with glee, smiling from ear to ear. "Oh, you look marvelous, Simina, just marvelous! The Prince surely won't be able to take his eyes off you in that gown!"
Simina's face blushed pink at the flattery. She never really thought herself that pretty because she never really stopped to look at herself in the mirror. Simina smiled and wondered what Nar might be wearing to the ball. She was sure he'd look so regal and handsome, dashing in all his princely, graceful manner.
"This is the one," said Simina. "I will wear this one." Matilda sighed with a longing look and approached Simina. She placed her hands on Simina's shoulders.
"You look just as beautiful as a queen," Matilda commented, admiring Simina's beauty, stature, and posture. To Matilda, Simina looked like she was made to be royalty, yet she was born a mere peasant.
"Thank you," Simina murmured, at a loss for words. She swallowed. Seeming suddenly timid, Matilda stepped back from her and bowed to Simina.
"If you wish, I will deliver the gown to you tomorrow." Simina nodded.
"I would very much like that. Thank you, Matilda, for your service," Simina said regally. She returned to the fitting room to remove the dress, so Matilda could have it cleaned, pressed, and sent to her. Bidding Matilda another thank you and goodbye, Simina left the castle, dreaming of tomorrow night.
Without delay, it seemed to Simina, the next night soon arrived. Her excitement was uncontainable. Anxiety coursed through her veins. Nar—or rather the King—invited the rest of the noble populace. That meant Gloria, Olivia, and her aunt were going. Apparently, their father had been some sort of nobleman. But Simina, as far as she knew, was the only person invited by the Prince himself. She was excited but also scared. She kept thinking that something might go wrong. Simina knew that Julian and Gloria were planning to poison them, but it seemed that to her that Nar wasn't really taking the threat seriously.
She was all nervous and jittery inside. She did not know what to do with herself. Nar was sending a private carriage just to pick her up. Quickly, she went upstairs to get ready because she knew the carriage would be here any minute.
Matilda had already sent the gown in a box. Simina put it on, and Olivia helped her put on a touch of makeup and did her hair. It wasn't put up or anything fancy. It was simply curled, and a part was pinned up in the back with a small hair clip. Simina didn't need much makeup. She was already naturally beautiful without it. Olivia only added a slight touch of eyeshadow to accentuate her lovely eyes, a gentle, subtle blush to her cheeks, and some simple lip gloss.
When Olivia finished, Simina took a glance at herself. She smiled, admiring herself, and wondered if Nar would find her beautiful. She couldn't wait to see him tonight. The ball started at eight. That's when people would be arriving. In fact, it was about fifteen minutes till. Olivia smiled and clasped her hands together.
"There. Now you're ready!" she said. The door opened, and Aunt Lyda popped in.
"Simina, your carriage is here." She looked at Olivia. "You should start getting ready, Olivia. We have to leave soon."
Simina rose and allowed Olivia to drape a shawl around her shoulders. Simina inhaled sharply and breathed out a slow, shaky breath. She left her room and slowly descended the stairs, holding up part of her skirt. Simina didn't see Gloria anywhere. Olivia and Aunt Lyda waved goodbye as she approached the door.
"Have a good time!" Olivia called. Simina waved back but said nothing. She walked out the door and boarded the waiting carriage to take her to the castle.
Upon arriving, Simina noticed quite a crowd entering the gates through the castle doors. Simina's excitement flared. She clutched the invitation in her hand, for she needed that to allow her access into the castle. Dismounting out of her carriage, she followed the crowd. Simina saw dozens of beautiful young ladies dressed up all fancy with an overzealous look in their eyes. She hardly saw any men, but she saw some here and there, swimming among the crowd of many women.
Light flooded the castle, streaming out into the night. Simina could hear the faint sound of music playing. The crowd formed a sort of line, and when Simina passed through the threshold, she saw Oliver standing inside, just to the right. He was dressed up fine in a suit, his white hair combed and swept back, his beard trimmed. He was taking invitations and putting them in a basket, and then he was taking people's coats and hanging them on a coat rack.
Oliver saw Simina, offered her a pleasant smile, and bowed his head. Simina curtsied and handed him her invitation.
"Good evening, madam." He greeted and took her shawl. Simina let him.
"Hello, Oliver," Simina greeted and smiled warmly. Then she passed on and followed the crowd through the foyer toward two great big double doors under the stairs. They were wide open, and that's where the music was playing. It was a pleasant sound, a jolly sound. Somebody played the violin, and Simina heard the gentle piano keys. She wondered who was playing.
She gazed out over the great expanse of the large ballroom. At the end of the long, wide, and vast room was a slightly raised platform with steps leading to two thrones.
The King was seated, dressed finely, looking his best despite the sickly pallor of his skin. The other throne, however, was empty, to Simina's dismay. The room gradually filled with people; some were already dancing to soft, romantic music. Through the crowd of people, Simina scanned around for Gloria. She's probably not here yet, considering she'd probably left a little after Simina. She did see Nar's uncle standing on the raised platform, speaking with the King.
Simina's dismay did not last long, for when she turned and looked to her right, she locked eyes with Nar, The Dark Prince. His eyes twinkled aglow, and a smirk gently tilted his lips. Simina's eyes were instantly drawn to his mouth. Her face flushed at the memory of them in the woods. Nar narrowed his eyes, and his smirk grew wider. He lifted his chin in a very esteemed way, and proceeded to stride over to her, confidence in his steps. It didn't take him long to reach her and close the distance between them.
"Simina, I'm honored that you accepted my invitation," Nar mused, voice wispy and silky, flowing sweet. He bowed with a distinctive flourish. Nar grasped her hand gently in his as Simina curtsied. He took in her appearance, eyes ravaging her, and Simina saw approval dancing in his eyes. He pressed his nose to her hand and inhaled her scent, closing his eyes.
"Mmm." A low sound resonated from his throat. Nar opened his eyes, locking them on Simina. Her breath caught at the intensity of the look in his glowing, purple eyes. She could not look away. Nar pressed his soft, feathery lips to the back of her hand, kissing it. He never took his eyes off her. She was too beautiful.
"You are radiantly lovely," Nar gushed as he pulled away, dropping her hand. Simina blushed and lowered her eyes. She only had the courage to gaze at him from under her lashes.
"Thank you," she responded coyly and took this time to take in his appearance. Like usual, he wore all black. His shirt was black linen, and over the top of that, he wore a black blazer. Simina admired the way his black leather pants fit tightly on his legs, hugging his thighs, making his long, graceful legs look breathtakingly sexy. Nar's shoulders were brilliantly broad, and his sharp collarbone peeked from under the lip of his shirt. A button or two was undone, and Simina saw part of his chest with a few hairs peeking out. His torso curved slimly as the jacket hugged his physique, spiraling down to a slender waist and hips. Nar was breathtaking and so handsome, and Simina lost all ability to think properly.
A soft, romantic melody simpered into the air and started playing. Nar's lips stretched up into a smile, and he offered Simina his hand, palm up. Simina noted the gentle, subtle, dark peach fuzz dotting his cheeks and chin.
"May I have this dance?" Nar asked softly, gazing intently into her eyes. Simina didn't take her eyes off him as she placed her hand on his.
"Yes," Simina whispered. Nar smiled and grasped her hand tightly, tugging her gently toward him. Simina placed a hand on his shoulder, Nar's hand coming swiftly around her waist. Simina's breath hitched at his touch, and her skin beneath the fabric tingled. Their other hands clasped together.
Slowly, they started to dance, moving swiftly, their feet in sync with the music. Luckily, they'd taught Simina how to dance at Etiquette School. Simina could hardly breathe at the moment. Her face was inches from Nar's, and she stared straight into his deep, luscious purple eyes. Simina's breathing turned shallow. Everything and everyone else melted away into the background. She was completely mesmerized by him.
Nar took in the awestruck expression on her face. Her lips were slightly parted, her breathing shallow and quick. Her eyes were clouded and dazed as she stared dreamily at him. Nar smiled at her, cocking his head to one side. His eyes narrowed curiously.
"You look lovely, Simina," Nar murmured, breaking Simina out of her daze. She blushed, and Nar grinned. He liked it when she blushed and was glad that he was the one who caused it.
"Thank you. Matilda helped me pick it out," Simina answered shyly. She cleared her throat, trying to clear her mind. Nar was amused. He enjoyed the way Simina looked at him. Her insides melted at their closeness, turning into a sweet, joyful goo. His warmth enveloped her like a fuzzy, cozy blanket. She stared at his full, luscious pink lips.
"You're handsome," Simina complimented, unable to take her eyes away. Nar smirked.
"Thank you. I know," Nar replied smoothly. He kept his steps light as he moved. Nar twirled Simina around in a slow circle.
He stared at her inquisitively. "Nothing suspicious yet. Keep your eyes open."
Simina nodded. "I know. I haven't seen Gloria yet."
Soon, the orchestra playing ended, and the music stopped. The piece had ended. Simina and Nar stepped away from each other, and disappointment followed at their separation. He bowed to her, and she curtsied to him in turn. Applause followed, and once the applause ceased, Simina saw the King rise from his throne. He held up a hand, silencing the buzzing of the excited crowd, drawing everyone's attention. The King smiled delightedly at them all.
"My friends. My people. It is such an honor to have you here tonight, joining us in welcoming our special guest: my brother. We gather here today to welcome him to our home and kingdom. But this party isn't just for him. I know you all must know I won't be here much longer. My son, the Prince, is soon to take a bride to be his queen. This ball will allow him to pick a suitable bride to marry for once I am gone." The King stopped for a moment and smiled at everyone. He sighed.
"But, please, continue to enjoy yourselves. This is a night meant for pleasantries and revelry. Please carry on, carry on," he urged. Finished with his speech, the King returned to his seat. The orchestra began to play again, and a soft but upbeat tune crooned melodiously into the air.
Nar turned back to Simina and held out his hand to her with a knowing smirk. Smiling, Simina retook his hand. Nar pulled her into his arms, faces inches apart, closer than before. Simina's face warmed as Nar's breath brushed against her cheek. A strange, pleasant feeling pooled inside her belly. She liked the closeness. A slight smirk kept his lips tilted and there was a deep, sensual look in his eyes as he stared at her from under thick lashes with beguiling eyes.
Simina couldn't help but stare at his lips. They looked plump, ripe, and succulent. She wanted to kiss those lips. They danced gracefully through the throng of people, dancing through the crowd.
"Can I ask you something?" Nar whispered. Simina smiled.
"Mmm. Yes," she answered. He pulled her closer.
"Are you in love with me?" Nar asked her, his voice growing deep and low. Her face heated instantly, and her breathing quickened. He pulled her closer, so close that his lips brushed against hers, his breath against her face. Her eyelids fluttered.
"And if I was?" Simina breathed. Nar spun her, holding her away from him a moment until he pulled her back to him, clasping her hands in his. He pulled her so close to him that their bodies touched. Their faces were so close that Nar's stubble gently scratched her cheek.
"Then you'd be mine." Nar breathed passionately into her ear, possessiveness filling his voice. Simina stifled a little sigh, and her breath quickened. Nar twirled her and dipped her low to the floor, arm around her waist. Her blood danced excitedly in her veins. Excited electricity sparked through her. Nar stared down into her eyes, and she stared up at him. Her belly clenched deliciously. He looked so hot, so delectable. Desire boiled deep within the pit of her stomach.
Nar pulled her back to him, and Simina put her arms around his neck. She gazed deeply into his enchanting purple eyes, swimming in everything that was him. Simina wanted to be a part of him. She wanted to lose herself in him. The music faded, and everything around her melted into the background. Simina wanted to be his, forever and eternally his. His scorching purple eyes burned hot, hot with desire. Nar wanted to be alone with her. They kept drawing closer and closer, slowly leaning into each other. Simina slipped the tips of her fingers into the ends of his soft, black hair. She ran her fingers gently through it, stroking softly through his hair.
Simina pressed her forehead against Nar's, taking in a deep breath, then breathing it out slowly through parted lips. They swayed slowly from side to side, in sync with the soft, sweet melody of the music. Nar brought his hand to the back of her head, tilting her head back ever so slightly. His lips parted. Simina's heart was pounding out of her chest. His lips grazed hers, and Simina fluttered her eyes closed, yearning for his kiss, waiting for it. He pressed a light kiss to her lips, and before he could deepen it, another man's voice ripped through their moment and tore it apart. Someone tapped his shoulder. Nar and Simina broke apart from each other, separating. Simina opened her eyes, disappointed and slightly disgruntled.
"Hey there, nephew. Mind if I cut in?" Simina heard the voice of Nar's uncle. Simina looked up to see him. He was squat and short, bearded and scary, and also ugly. Simina hated simply seeing his face. Nar seemed irritated, but Simina knew he was hiding it as he showed fake politeness.
"Oh, not at all, Uncle," Nar said politely. He turned to Simina, resuming his stature of grandeur.
"Please forgive my rudeness, Uncle. This is Simina. I never got the chance to introduce you to her earlier." Nar took Simina's hand, noticing her discomfort. Her body tensed, like a coiled spring. Simina relaxed just a bit when Nar took her hand and breathed in relief.
"Simina, this is my Uncle Julian," Nar introduced politely. Simina curtsied to him, and Julian smiled. He bowed to her and took Simina's hand.
"How do you do, Simina?" he greeted and bent to kiss her hand. Simina couldn't be sure, but she thought she saw a nasty, lustful desire in his eyes.
"I'm very well, thank you," Simina responded kindly. A waiter appeared seemingly out of nowhere, holding a tray with three glasses. Each glass was filled with sweet wine, the bubbles inside popping and fizzing. One drink was a clear and bright, vibrant pink, while the other two looked slightly cloudy.
"Sweet wine?" the waiter offered.
"Yes, thank you." Julian plucked the vibrant one from the tray, carefully holding the stem.
Prince Nar took one, and the last was offered to Simina. Gulping, she shook her head.
"No thank you, I'm not thirsty," she said.
"I insist." Julian took it from the waiter and practically shoved it into her hands. Simina stared into the dreary liquid, thinking of the poison she'd heard them talking about.
"A toast!" Julian exclaimed, turning his attention towards Nar. Simina took that chance to quickly pour the drink out onto the floor behind her back. Dancing patrons nearby stared at her oddly, but continued on their way. Simina held the empty glass in front of her.
"A toast to my nephew! May he find the noblewoman of his dreams tonight, so that he can finally marry!" Julian said boisterously. He clinked his glass against Nar's.
"Cheers," Nar said, smiling tightly. He slowly raised the glass to his lips.
Simina's mind went haywire. She couldn't let him drink that. She decided to spill it somehow using magic, but realized that she'd left the crystal at home. However, Simina had to channel her own. This was a matter of life or death. Staring hard at the glass of wine, Simina pulled hard on the magic energy deep inside of her. Energy zapped through her entire body, sharp and powerful. Shatter.
Just before the liquid could touch his lips, the glass cracked and shattered in his hand. The liquid spilled out everywhere, spilling on his blazer. Startled, Nar dropped the stem and the glass pieces tinkled to the floor. A waiter rushed over to clean up the mess, handing Nar a towel.
"It's quite all right," Nar assured the waiter, refusing the towel. He simply touched his blazer, and the liquid that soaked into the fabric dried up, leaving it just as it had been a moment ago.
"Oh dear," Julian said, faking concern. A look of dismay flashed in his eyes, but disappeared quickly. "That was unfortunate."
He downed his drink and handed his empty glass to the waiter. Simina did the same.
"I hope you don't mind, Nar, if I steal your lady for a quick dance," Julian requested, holding out his hand to Simina. Simina saw Nar's lips twitch uncomfortably. His brow seemed to flinch. But quickly, Nar composed himself, even though he despised the thought of his Simina in Uncle Julian's arms.
With a fake smile and pursed lips, Nar nodded. Simina gulped. She internally shuddered at the thought of being that close to Nar's gross uncle, who had just attempted to poison them. Simina wanted to glare at him, but she held it back.
"Of course," Nar agreed politely, smiling falsely. He turned to Simina, bowed to her, and drifted away, melting into the throng of people. Simina's eyes drooped, and her heart fell. She wished Nar hadn't left her with Uncle Julian. Simina turned to him and took Julian's hand. He pulled her to him, taking her waist. Simina flinched at his touch. She did not like it.
Simina put her hand on his shoulder, taking his other hand, and they danced. She looked anywhere but at his face. She did not want to look at his face. It was too much for Simina to bear, being around the man who tried to kill Prince Nar. He also stank, reeking of a terrible odor of something unclean, covered up with the stench of cologne.
"So, you're Simina. How nice to meet you," Julian greeted formally. Simina thought he sounded like a snake.
"Yes..." Simina responded dryly. Julian nudged her chin up with two fingers.
"Let me look at you. I'd like to see you better." Simina was forced to raise her head. He stared at her closely. Julian slowly took in her beauty, and immediate desire swept through him. He wanted her. He wanted Simina to be his. She was young, beautiful, and most likely a virgin.
Simina saw the lustful desire in his eyes and instant revulsion clumped in her throat, leaving a sour, nasty taste on her tongue. She yearned to be back in Nar's arms, dancing with him, staring into his wonderful purple eyes. Her stomach squirmed, worming around uncomfortably inside her.
"You are a lovely young lady, Simina," Julian complimented. Simina hated the blush that came into her cheeks. She looked down at her dancing, waltzing feet.
"I see why Nar has taken quite an interest in you," he continued. Simina scowled. He hardly knows me, she thought. How could he see why? It wasn't just her beauty that Nar liked. It was her personality, her kindness and understanding.
"Thank you." She tried to keep the bitterness out of her voice. Simina was half-minded about telling him that she was betrothed to Nar already, so that he'd back off.
"How old are you, my dear?" he crooned. Simina gulped.
"Twenty-one years," she answered quietly. Julian was surprised at this. She is twenty-one and not yet married, he thought. He could have her as his. Yes, no one had a claim over her. He assumed that she was a noblewoman or some sort of royalty because it was rare for a peasant to be this beautiful.
Meanwhile, Simina was scanning the dancing crowd for Nar. She could not spot him in the crowd of all the dancing people. Her eyes kept searching. Just seeing him would make her feel better, even a little. Looking for him took her mind off who she was dancing with. Finally, Simina spotted him among the crowd. He was dancing with another young woman, someone she didn't know. At the sight of him, her heart yearned to be by his side, to be with him.
"And you aren't married?" Julian's voice reluctantly brought Simina's attention back to him. She shook her head.
"No," Simina said with a sigh. This piqued Julian's interest even more since it confirmed his assumption. Simina hated the fact that he was interested in her. She didn't want him. She didn't love him. Simina loved and wanted only Nar.
"You are young and eligible, Simina. You should use that," Julian suggested. Unnerved, Simina looked up at him.
"What do you mean by that?" Simina sounded incredulous. He smiled at her in a very creepy way.
"Take advantage of it. Marry someone. With your beauty, you could woo any man into marrying you. Marry someone eligible, someone rich. There are so many eligible bachelors here. Like myself," Julian explained, voice a low, disgusting husk. Simina blinked at him. She couldn't believe this.
"If you're willing...would you marry me? You're so young, lovely, and fruitful; I'd be pleased to have you as my wife, Simina. Would you?" Julian asked, voice soft, sickly sweet, and placating. Simina's heart jumped into her throat. Revulsion swept through her. Disgusting. She couldn't imagine ever marrying this man. Soon after the revulsion, Simina was overcome with the sudden, overwhelming exhaustion that came with using magic. Her knees buckled, eyes fluttering and Julian held her up to prevent her from falling. Her stomach toiled in disgust at this, and coupled with the exhaustion, Simina couldn't stand to be near him any longer.
"Excuse me, please..." she pushed away from him, loosening herself from his slimy grip.
"Are you all right?" he asked, but Simina was already staggering away through the crowd. Simina needed air, and she headed for the exit.
It took longer for her to get tired. Usually, it happened immediately after using magic. But it had been a few minutes since she made Nar's glass explode. This was an improvement. The music slowly faded as she walked deeper into the foyer. Simina ran as fast as her heels would allow, picking up her skirts so she wouldn't trip. Finally, she burst out of the double doors and into the cold, wintry night. Breathing heavily, she rested a moment against the wall.
She gathered herself, and the exhaustion soon melted away into a soft tiredness. Feeling a bit more at ease, Simina walked through the snow to the garden, stopping at the bed of black roses. She caressed the petals gently on each flower. Footsteps crunched in the snow behind her, but Simina did not turn.
"Is everything all right, Simina?" Nar's voice interrupted.
She sighed. "I just needed some fresh air."
"It was you who made my glass explode, wasn't it?" He smirked.
"Perhaps," Simina answered vaguely, smiling slightly. "I didn't need the crystal this time."
"You're getting better." Nar stared at her with approval and admiration. "What are you doing out here?"
Simina frowned. "Your uncle is slime."
"What happened?"
"He asked me to marry him..." She suddenly regretted telling him as she realized that she wasn't sure how he would react.
Nar's eyes widened, then narrowed, filling with outrage. He frowned and gritted his teeth.
"What?" he hissed. His eyes began to glow.
"I'm not going to, of course," Simina said quickly.
"I'll kill him!" Nar growled, spinning around back towards the castle. The snow melted instantly where his feet stepped, a dark cloud trailing after him.
Simina grabbed his arm before he could reach the castle doors. "Nar, calm down."
He halted, taking a deep breath and turned towards her, purple eyes ablaze. She placed a hand on his cheek.
"This is not who you are," she whispered.
The glow in his eyes dimmed slowly, and he calmed. Taking her hand in his, Nar kissed the inside of her palm.
"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I forget myself."
"It's okay."
"You see right through me," Nar muttered. "You're the only person who's never treated me like a monster."
Simina squeezed his hand. "Because you aren't."
Prince Nar stared at her for a long while, completely silent. Then, without warning, he pushed his fingers into her silky hair, tilted her head back, and kissed her. Nar gently pressed her against the wall, arms around her.
Simina moaned softly, responding eagerly to his kiss. He moved his lips on hers, savoring her taste and kissing her deeply, passionately. Peasant or not. This was the girl he wanted to be with for the rest of his life. Simina's fingers dove into his hair, curling around the short, wispy strands. She pulled him closer, reveling in this sensation, his heat. Simina loved the softness of his lips and the urgency, passion, and possessiveness of his kiss. Nar's hands slowly traveled higher, higher from her waist up to just under her breast line.
Simina's hand traveled down his face, stroking her fingers across his throat, his pulsing pulse trailing a sweet, sensual touch down to his shoulder, then his collarbone. His skin, hot with passion, yet soft. His muscles rippled, hard under her fingers. Simina traced her finger slowly across his collarbone. Nar moaned, lips breaking from hers. Simina just realized that her face was hot. Nar grabbed Simina's hand.
"Simina..." Nar murmured, his lips brushing gently against hers. The pit of her belly tingled with sensation. He pressed his forehead to hers, eyes closed, breathing in her lovely scent.
Her fingers skimmed across his skin at the edge of his shirt. He clasped her chin between his thumb and forefinger and kissed her once more. Simina slipped her arms around his neck, drawing him closer, enjoying the feel of his arms around her, his strength. She was utterly captivated by him. She grasped a handful of his coat in her fist. Nar cupped her face with a gentle caress, his fingers twisting into her soft, silky hair as he stroked through the tresses. He kissed her deeply, savoring her until he finally broke away from her.
Taking her face in both hands, Nar stared down at her with smoldering, blazing purple eyes.
"Marry me." It came out as a demand, not a question. Simina stared at him in shock, her mouth agape. He really wanted to marry her, a peasant? This had to be a dream, a fairytale. But it wasn't. It was better than a fairytale because it was real. The Prince, the imperfect prince with all his flaws, wanted to marry her.
"Yes," she answered, holding back tears. Then Simina hugged him tightly, pressing her face into his neck. Nar smiled and pressed his nose into her hair. He held her tightly against him, wrapping his arms around her.
"Mmm..." He sighed with content.
"I love you," Simina whispered into his jacket. She whispered it so low that Nar almost didn't hear her, but he caught it.
He smiled. "And I love you, Simina."
Simina thought that she'd never want to marry anyone, much less get married in the first place. She hadn't found anyone to interest her, until now. But she'd never actually been involved with a lot of men. She's only known and associated with three men in her entire life. Her father, Ernest, and now Prince Nar. The Prince who wanted to marry her.
After a long moment, Nar finally pulled away from her. He stared at her for another brief moment before saying, "We should get back."
Simina nodded in agreement. "I'm sure everyone will be wondering where you are."
Silently, the two of them headed back inside the castle, reveling in their newfound love.