The Imprisoned Princess

Chapter 7

I was so lost in thought, I had forgotten where I was for a second. I was still standing in the garden, face to face with the General, and he was watching me. I looked up and again was caught by his icy blue eyes. Why did I feel like he could see right through me?

"We should get back. They'll be making the announcement soon," The General said. I got the impression he was disappointed in something, but I wasn't sure what. I was confused but didn't have time to figure it out now. If he was right and we were not present for the big announcement…… I shuddered to think of the consequences for me.

The General led me through the maze of gardens with an unnerving sense of direction. I was all turned around but he knew exactly what direction we needed to go in and led us back to the party with stealthy ease.

We arrived only a moment before we were called on stage and our engagement was announced. The courting was "officially" started and the General led me out to the dance floor as the guests still roared in their approval. Apparently, our match was well liked by the other nobles, which I found slightly odd given our age difference. Still, General Ahriman was known to be a mighty warrior. The prospect of such a future king must have thrilled them, not to mention the strong offspring we would be expected to produce.

I made it through the dance and then the General and I were placed in the center of the room and a toast was served. I had never been allowed champagne before. I was never sure why. Younger girls than me had drunk it in the past but my Mother would never allow me to, and I had never dared to defy her. Tonight she enforced no such rule and I savored the crisp, sweet, bubbly concoction as it slid down my throat. This was delicious! I finished the first glass by the time the 8th group had begun congratulating us. My glass was quickly refilled and I didn't say a word. I just continued to sip and say "Thank you" over and over and hoped my Mother didn't notice. I finished the second glass and I suddenly felt too warm. I was uncomfortably warm and slightly dizzy. I hid it as best I could. I almost moaned aloud when the band started to play again and the General led me back out to the dance floor. How would I make it through this with no one noticing?

I practically clung to the General as we started the dance. I was so discombobulated I wasn't even sure what dance we were supposed to be doing.

"Neoma!? Are you a little tipsy?" The General asked, sounding amused. My heart raced as I stammered out my response.

"I, I, I, didn't mean to get… I just. I've never had champagne before and I, I didn't know two glasses was too much. It just tasted so good." I finished, blushing furiously. I hadn't meant to say so much. I had just admitted I was slightly drunk to the General.

"Your secret is safe with me." The General said, winking and holding onto me a little tighter. I sighed in relief. He wasn't mad and it didn't seem like he planned to tell on me. I just had to keep it together and avoid drinking anymore champagne.

When the dance ended the General led me off the dance floor, loudly announcing that he had had enough dancing for the evening. I breathed a sigh of relief and felt very grateful for the General being so gallant.

He gave me his arm and we left the ballroom and strolled over to a bench overlooking the fountains in the garden. It was a beautiful night. Clear and full of stars. I almost wondered if I was seeing double, but I hadn't drunk that much.

“Sit down, please Neoma.” The General asked politely. I sat down beside him and he put his arm around me. I found it oddly comforting. I had never really received much physical affection. My parents were hardly the affectionate type. Milena had been more affectionate when I was little. Always giving me tickles and cuddles. I remember really liking it until my Mother put a stop to it. I think I had been five, maybe four when she had decided that I was too old to be handled like that by a servant. After that the servants were not allowed to touch me unless it was part of their duties. After that, there was a rare hug or show of affection, usually for show, by my parents. Now the General had his arm around me and I found his warmth and proximity to be very comforting and I snuggled closer without thinking.

The General chuckled in response. “Are you cold, Neoma?” He asked.

“No.” I said without thinking and blushed crimson. He thought I had snuggled closer because I was cold. By denying it I was stating that I had cuddled him for other reasons. I suddenly felt very embarrassed. The General didn't seem to mind though and pulled me even closer to him.

“You are very beautiful, princess.” The General started. “I have thought so for quite some time and must admit that I was very happy when your parents accepted my proposal.”

I was too shocked to say anything. How long had he thought I was beautiful? I was so much younger than him and he had known me when I was in diapers. And he proposed? I had thought my parents had probably approached him thinking him the best candidate for the future King, but I really couldn't understand their choice. After all, the General was only a few years younger than my Father. Knowing he proposed this match made a little more sense. My parents really valued the General and wouldn't want to upset him.

“Thank you.” I simply said, not knowing what else to say.

“Can I kiss you, Neoma?” The General asked. I looked down, blushing again. I could hardly say no. Not only was this my future husband, but he had also been my knight for the evening. I nodded and the General stood, taking my hands and pulling me up with him. He towered over me but I didn't have long to think about it before he leaned over and touched my lips softly with his. He pulled back and looked at me. I opened my eyes in confusion to see him looking down at me and I saw that look in his eyes yet again, desire. It sent a shiver down my spine and the General must have misinterpreted my shiver for my own desire. His lips were back on mine but this time they were far more demanding. I wanted to pull away. I was overwhelmed and confused, but I didn't want to risk upsetting him. Thankfully, a large group burst out from the ballroom forcing the General to pull away for propriety's sake. We were unchaperoned in the garden. If someone saw us, it would look indecent.