Isle of the Damned

Outside the party

Once I got back to the castle I had the pleasure of telling the group of what'd I'd done. They thought I was insane but I'd eventually talked them into it. They weren't willing by any means but what was done, was done. Myla was particularly unhappy with the situation as she was sure I was going to kill us all. James had managed to calm her down, for now. He could see the possible benefits and wasn't going to jeopardise that.

We'd all spent the day in the castle, getting to know King Teo and Queen Braelynn The more we talked and laughed with them the more they seemed to relax. I was glad they'd let us stay whilst Evander recovered. He was still on bed rest but was steadily healing. I'd went to see him early in the day and he said he was grateful for the chance to rest and think. Something I wished I was able to get. He also mentioned that he would be fine not coming to the party but wished us all luck. 

I was now getting ready. I slipped on the dusty pink dress I'd found in Brilanthi. It fitted perfectly. The dress was designed to go in at the waist, creating a very slim silhouette. Flower patterns adorned the top of the shoulderless dress and the blue ribbon created a contrasting effect that highlighted the figure. The colour highlighted my raven black hair making by stormy grey eyes stand out. I looked like a Queen in it. 

I slipped on some simple shoes the Queen had lent me and put on a matching blue earring/necklace set. I was now ready to head to the ball. Analia had been away visiting another kingdom and would be back tonight. I hoped her parents could convince her to accept us. It'd be a struggle to manage her and the prince. 

I headed out of the door in search of the others. It was likely they'd be waiting for next to the doors of the hall where the party was being hosted. The castle was huge and as I was walking down the hallway to head downstairs when a tap on my shoulder made me jump. 

I reacted quickly pushing whoever it was up against the wall with my arm against their chest. 

"Well, Queen of the damned, I see we meet again," a familiar voice said, I swear I could hear a smirk. 

I looked up and there, staring at me, was a pair of two, highly amused, brown eyes staring down at me. Of course, it was prince Tyson. I really couldn't catch a break. I'd hoped to meet him later so I could have a few minutes to enjoy the part or at least scope it out, see who was there. 

"What are doing up here? Trying to get yourself killed?" I asked with a glare. 

"I'm up here looking for you. I explained to the Braelynn and Teo what was going on so they sent me up here to find you. Not my fault you're jumpy as hell," he explained. 

"Braelynn and Teo?" I questioned. It wasn't often that people drop formalities, particularly when in their territory. 

"My charm is undeniable," he said, with a wink. 

A snort escaped my mouth. The guy that tried to kill me thinks he's charming. Attractive, yes. Funny, kind of. Charming, no. 

"You're about as charming as a dead squid," I said with a snigger.

"You truly must be evil if you're not taken by me," he said, playfully offended. 

I rolled my eyes heavily. 

"Oh, come on. I'm at least a little bit charming," he said, genuinely seeming shocked when he realised that I didn't. 

"Nope, now come on. I want to get this over with."

We walked down the hallway and stairs together. He stayed in stunned silence. I guess this guy has a little bit of an ego. It was somewhat amusing. 

"Arabella," A voice shouted as we got downstairs. I looked up to see James and the others. I walked forward, knowing this may well be the worst idea I've ever had. 

"Hey! So this is the famous prince Tyson," I announced as we reached the group. 

"Hello, I'm Ava," she said reaching her arm out for a handshake.

"I'm Alvaro."

"Hi, I'm James"

"And I'm... Myla," she said giving the prince a once over with seeming disgust.

"Nice to meet you all, I guess. Arabella here says that you all ain't that evil," Tyson said, trying to pull off some of his usual charms in the uncomfortable situation.

"We're not, just human," James said with a small laugh.

"Not evil, maniacal, soul-sucking, weirdo's like your father seems to think," Myla spat with a glare. It seemed she still didn't like this plan and she was going to show it. 

"I'm here to give you a chance. There's no need to attack my father!" The prince retorted. 

"Yes, there is! He's the abhorrent one here!" Myla shouted back. 

"Myla please calm down. He is here to give us a chance," I said trying to control this situation.

"NO! I will not. He's the son of our enemy. I will not encourage contact with him. I was uncomfortable bringing him here in the first place. Now that he's here all I can feel is anger at what his father has done. Anyway, it should be you that's repulsed. His father is the one that slaughtered your parents like animals," she raged.

The reminder of my parents caused my stomach to drop. I missed them dearly and although I was resentful towards the king of Pethryn I knew that his son was just that, a son. He hadn't wronged me in any way himself. Well, except for trying to kill me last night.

"MYLA FERNSBY! I am your queen. I may not always be right but how dare you disrespect me like this. He is not his father, just like you are not your mother. We're here for a reason and you are putting our whole purpose in danger. You go and sit with Evander. I do not want to see you for the rest of the night. If you ever disrespect your queen like this again I will punish you," I said angrily but firmly. 

She looked at me in shock and then tears started to fill her eyes. She gave Prince Tyson a scowl before heading off to her room.

"Do any of you wish to leave as well?" I asked, raising my eyebrows. They all shook their heads in response, slightly surprised. 

"I'm sorry. I didn't know she'd react this way," James said giving an apologetic smile. 

"It's okay. I understand it. I just can't have emotions getting in the way like this."

"I'm sorry too. I've never questioned my father's teachings about your people before. I promise I'm not him. From what I've seen you're not evil, just bullied by others," Tyson said in a sudden change of heart. I guess our display of humanity may have done more convincing we could've ever done through talking. 

"In that case, let's go in and get to know each other," I said with a smile. 

I guess it's now time to meet the famous daughter, Analia.