Defending Left-Handed

Chapter 21

The wedding had commenced and some of the guests attention were on the royal family from Lenome because of King Conrad, a controversial king who immediately declared a killing when enthroned to the throne. The presence of Benhart, duke of Chas from the kingdom of Ashrile, with the Royal family of Lenome added an impact for them to gain more attention of everyone especially the media. Benhart was one of the famous dukes in Ashrile because of his characteristic to be able to be liked easily. No wonder Benhart got the permission of King Conrad’s to be the date of her daughter on this event.

The citizens from the kingdom of Ashrile were waiting outside the church to witness of their princess. She married a prince from different country however, the King of Ashrile asked to held the wedding venue on them because they wanted to see their youngest daughter’s wedding before she travelled to stay in the other palace with her new husband.

“I guess that will be us, soon,” Benhart whispered to Slithen. Slithen lightly laughed.

“The future is uncertain, your grace. We do not know you’ll find someone you’ll truly love soon,” Slithen whispered back.

Benhart shook his head. “Indeed the future is uncertain, your highness, however, I am certain about you.”

Slithen just smiled and focused her attention back to the ceremony. No wonder he’s deemed as the most likable duke because he’s good with his words, Slithen thought to herself.

Slithen saw that a camera was directed towards their direction. She knew the news would be filled about the possible romance between her and the duke. Slithen looked at the duke. He’s sure handsome with his long eyelashes, sharp nose, and thin red lips. He’s jaw was also defined. And he’s six feet tall. She had heared about girls falling in love immediately to him but Slithen, she knew that when the duke’s around she felt light. He always made her comfortable however, that’s just it. She never felt an exciting feelings towards him not like how she felt when Liriel’s around her and even he unconsciously spew words that didn’t not matter to him but it mattered to her, it always made her feel something.

She looked around to find him. He was just by the entrance but she felt her heart shattered when she saw Liriel talking to a girl with a smile on his face. He’s not like that to her. She immediately went her focused back to the altar. Liriel just looked towards her direction. He must have felt someone’s looking at him but she could not look at him back. He might noticed how she’s hurt with what she saw. He’s just a knight, though, why is some girl is talking to him, she thought.

After the groom and the bride was announced husband and wife, they slowly went to the venue of the reception. Everyone was now able to talk to each other without limitations. The kings were talking with each other. The queens, as well. While noble gentlemen approaches the other princesses or ladies with titles to dance with them.

“Do you want to dance?” Benhart asked Slithen as he was standing in front of her while offering his hand. Slithen accepted it since it would not look good if she rejected him in front of other people.

He held her hand as he slowly dragged her to the dance floor. He held her back with his other hand and they started dancing.

“Did I already asked you about your hobbies earlier?” he asked.

Slithen looked up for a moment to look back about their conversation earlier. “Hmmm, I do not think so.”

Benhart laughed. “So, what are your hobbies?”

Slithen laughed back. “I was not able to do it for these past few days because I was busy with social works but I like painting.”

Benhart lighted squeezed her hand. “An artist, eh. What more?”

“I guess singing, too.”

Benhart flashed a wise grin. “So am I. I guess out voices will blend well. I’ll look forward for you singing to me.”

Slithen laughed. “When could that be?”

Benhart shrugged his shoulders. “I do not know but I am sure I’ll come visit to your kingdom again, soon.”

“All right. I am looking forward to you singing then. “

“I am sure you’ll love it,” he said proudly.

“What about you? What are your hobbies? Well of course aside from singing,” Slithen said reciprocating the question back.

“Hmm, I like liking you,” he smoothly said.

Even though he could not make her feel big feelings, she could not help but blushed.

He observed her face. “Am I seeing right? You are blushing.”

Slithen denied it by shaking her head. “No, I am not.”

Benhart laughed. “Really, your cheeks are red. What is it then? Do you have a fever?” he asked as he placed his hand on Slithen’s forehead. “You do not have a fever though.”

Slithen sighed in defeat. “All right, all right. I was blushing. Happy?”

Benhart nodded with a big smile. “You are still blushing, though.”

Slithen looked on the opposite direction. “Because it was so sudden and I was caught off guard.”

Benhart shook his head. “Nope, you are already falling to me.”

Slithen laughed. “We just met though.”

Benhart nodded. “Yes, but we’ve already written several letters to each other and there’s this notion about falling in love at first sight. That’s how I immediately felt when I first saw you this morning.”

Slithen did not know what to answer. Benhart squeezed her hand again, lightly. “But of course there’s no need for you to rush. We can do it one step at a time.”

Slithen nodded. There’s nothing wrong for giving him a chance though. Ever since they have met earlier, he never did something other than making her smile all day. His letters comforted her, too, for the past few years.

“All right,” Slithen said in a low voice.

Because of Slithen’s response, Benhart could not stop smiling. “Then expect me often in your kingdom. I’ll send letters, too.”

“All right,” she answered as they bowed to each other.

“I think it’s time for you to go,” Benhart said as he saw Slithen’s parents approaching.

“Yes, I guess so and it’s already dark outside we really need to head home.”

“I will see you soon, my princess,” Behart said as he lightly kissed Slithen’s hand.

Slithen nodded, “You, too, your grace.”

~•~

“I need to go, Your majesty,” Liriel said as he saw the royal family of Lenome started walking towards the exit. He was with the King of Ashrile. The kingdom that they were now at.

“Of course. It is nice talking to you. If you ever need any help you can just come to me.” Liriel bowed to him.

“Thank you for your kind offer, Your majesty.”

The King smiled and left. Liriel immediately went after the royal family that he was serving. He never thought attending a wedding would help him gain alliance especially an offer coming from a king.