Something About our Heart's Desires

My gold sequin dress kept staring at me as the solution to my problem but I refused to budge. I quickly put on my crop top and baggy jeans. In a palace filled with dresses I was sure I would look different to the horror of the supervisors and council members. “Oh Desire, don't tell me this is what you're wearing to the palace dance?” My bestie Iris asked me to walk into my room with her stiletto heels. I quickly rolled my eyes as I put my hair into an afro puff and started struggling with my lip combo. Why did I ever try red? “You know I have no interest in whatever this is. I'm only going because it's compulsory. I have paintings to do” I told her. She gave me a knowing look. “How would you have no intentions? Don't tell me you don't want to see our new protector?”. I sighed. “I do but my problem is I don't want to be picked on by him. He gives me the creeps”. “But you've never met him. No one has ever seen the new protector, Desire plus no one here forces you. If you don't agree you're free.” How would I explain this to her? “ I just get a whole lot of uneasiness when I hear about him. The last time I felt like this was I discovered the truth about my ex and the hours before my parents death” I didn't like saying stuff like this to avoid pity from people. It was sad, yes, especially when I saw Iris get emotional. “ Well, you've dressed as appalling as you can for the council. This should work” and we both laughed. I quickly checked my bag. Cash checked, perfume checked, pepper spray checked, lip gloss checked. Everything a girl needed. We were ready to go even though our driver had not yet arrived ten minutes to the time. But I had called him like 3 hours ago. Finally we heard the car horn from outside. In about 20 minutes we arrived at the palace. I got out of the car and the last time I came here was as a kid and it was still as magnificent as ever. Creamy white plastered walls, it reminded me of ancient Roman or Greek elite architecture. I was tempted to feel it. Whoever built this was a genius and no one entered except on special days like today. The man at the entrance ushered us in politely but the way he stared at me, I knew nothing except my outfit could cause that. I chuckled. “Did you see how he looked at me?” I whispered to Iris. We both chuckled . I couldn't help staring at the palace walls. They were white with gold almost everywhere, even the chairs. Even the flower vases were mostly china or gold. It was very spacious too. No wonder no one was allowed to enter any way they liked. Soon we were at the palace hall and about 30 minutes late already. My friend Iris looked like a diva in her high slit off the shoulder burgundy gown but still all eyes were on me. It was those of shock and disbelief. Oh well, I expected it. I smiled inside. “Ladies and Gentlemen of Mantock City, you all dance beautifully” a woman on stage in a white dress said. Great. So we missed the dance too. “Our protector has seen you all. He appreciates the people's support and would like to say it himself. Please welcome the guardian of our dear land, Asael Denoire” Immediately, I felt cold and my uneasiness rose. I looked for a nearby chair at the back to sit since everyone was standing. This darn event should end quickly. When everyone began applauding, I became curious to see his face . I moved a bit but I couldn't get a clear view. I could only see views of his golden protector clothing. Nothing really, just a Harry Potter style robe with a hoodie that covered his face. But I could see he was tall. I went back to my seat. Soon I could feel iris's hand's sinking into my skin. “ What is it!” “Oh my goodness, Desire, this protector is to die for” I'm sure he had removed his hood but I was in no mood for him. “Whatever” and I rolled my eyes. I was trying to calm what I was feeling. It was strange. “People of this good town, I have to admit everyone looked so striking and gorgeous. I was so impressed. Please a man isn't someone who beautiful ladies like you should fight for even me. I would like to remind everyone that this bride picking ceremony is only ancient. We are in the 21st century and no one is under compulsion” This led to a smile across my face and whispers around the crowd. He said some other things which I didn't concentrate too much on . Soon everywhere turned quiet and I could hear footsteps. I guess it was the protector in the crowd trying to find who to pick. I finally stood up since it would look too rude. I only saw his back when he was at the other side of the crowd. He kept walking like he was searching for someone. Then faced our direction to where me and Iris were. Oh no. Why was he walking towards us? He was walking towards us! Iris's grip on my hand tightened meanwhile I was already having a bad case of the nerves. Oh no!