Dangerous Game
1914 Words
I was so nervous.
That Prince who could ruin my whole relationship with Lev would be here any moment. I hoped this would be quick. I could see him, reject him, and then be with Lev for the rest of my life.
“Don’t be nervous,” Lev smiled. “Everything will be fine.”
“But what if he puts up a fight? What if he wants to fight you so that he and I can be together?”
“I will fight to my dying breath for you, Sela. I love you.”
“I love you too, but I don’t want your dying breath to happen for years to come.” I kissed him.
“It will work out the way it’s supposed to, I promise. We are meant to be and I know that.”
“He’s here!” Mom swept into the room. “Now, be on your best behavior Sela, and none of your powers okay? Today you are a normal Duchess.”
Normal. I hardly remembered the meaning of the word.
I stood up straight as the double doors opened. A family of three walked in. The queen was stunning. She had flawless porcelain skin with a perfect smile. Jewelry glittered on her neck, ears and wrists. The King was handsome, but looked incredibly stoic. He didn’t seem like he laughed a lot. And then there was the prince.
He had a smile on his face the moment he saw me. His dark hair was neatly gelled back and there was strange warmness to piercing blue eyes. It was odd, but it felt like I knew him. He was so familiar to me.
He walked straight up to me before taking my hand and kissing it. “Duchess Sela, I am Prince Doran. It is an honor to meet you.”
“And you,” I smiled.
“And I am to expect this is my competition?” He turned to Lev.
“I am Lev, your majesty. Pleasure to meet you.” Lev bowed.
“I am parched, Lev, could I get a beverage?”
Lev glanced over at me.
“Lev isn’t working right now. I can get you a beverage though.”
“No, Sela, it’s okay.” Lev assured me. “I’ll be back.”
“He seems nice,” Prince Doran commented.
“He is.”
“Well that makes this more complicated.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I will take the woman of a nice man.” He grinned.
“Prince Doran I am simply doing this as a favor to my parents. I have no intentions of marrying you.” I stated.
“And I have no intention of not marrying you. It seems we are at an impasse.”
“A drink for you Prince Doran.” Lev returned.
“Why thank you.” Prince Doran patted his shoulder. “Now, I wish to be alone with the Duchess. I’ll return her to you later…or not.”
“What would you like to do?” I asked him.
“Let’s take a walk. We can get to know each other better.”
I nodded, though I didn’t want to know a single thing about Prince Doran.
***
I had done it.
I figured out a way to distract myself from Enzo and his uncomfortable advances. I was going to throw Grey a surprise birthday party! It was going to be amazing and fun and it would take my mind off of my weird feelings. This was going to be perfect!
“A birthday party?” Pierce asked. “Is now the time?”
“I know things look a little dire with the possible end of the world, but that’s why we should celebrate! Grey deserves a night that’s about him. He’s so nice to everyone, don’t you think?” I asked.
Pierce still looked a little weary, but sighed. “It’s very hard to say no to someone so bubbly and nice.”
“I am very aware of that. So? Can we use your banquet room for the party? I’ll even clean up myself!”
“Yes…only because the tracers aren’t back yet though. If we’re not doing anything yet, we might as well have a party. I’ll even help plan it.”
“Really? Oh you’re the best! But remember it’s a secret!”
“I will. Um…how is Sela?”
“Oh she’s not doing great. She’s going to have to choose between two men,” I frowned.
“That is unfortunate, but it will be easy for her to decide.”
“It will be?”
“One of them might have your heart, but the one who has your soul, that’s the one who is truly meant for you.” Pierce said.
“You mean Sela, right?” I asked. “Not me. I-I um not in that situation. Never have been before.”
“If you say so Celine. Let me know what I can do to help with the party.”
***
“This is the sweetest thing ever,” Mira smiled. “You’re such a good girlfriend, Celine.”
“Technically I’m not his girlfriend. I just wanted to do something really nice for him. He deserves it.”
“He’s lucky to have you,” Irene stated.
“Honestly, you two are such a wholesome couple,” Paz grinned. “Just like me and my sweet cherry.”
“You are my cosmos, my love.” Irene whispered before kissing him.
I wanted so desperately what they had sometimes.
“Oh, I invited Enzo to help us,” Mira informed me.
“Um…why would you do that?” I questioned.
“Because Grey is his best friend. It only makes sense right?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“Hey,” Enzo entered the room. “This is where the little surprise party is happening?”
“Yep,” Mira got up and kissed Enzo.
While her eyes were closed, his were open and on me. I looked away from them, determined not to give Enzo any kind of reaction. I refused to give him what he wanted.
“Alpha Enzo, you can help Celine with decorations.” Paz offered.
“My pleasure.”
Enzo took a seat next to me. His scent invaded my nostrils making me almost sigh out loud in content.
“So, how can I help?” He asked. “Use me in whatever way you need.”
I cleared my throat. “If you could untangle these, that would be great. Thank you so much Enzo.”
“Your wish is my command.”
What was wrong with him? When did he decide to be charming instead of his usual grouchy self? Maybe if he was like this more often he would already be in love and I wouldn’t be in this situation.
“We’ll be right back,” Mira announced.
“Um, where are you going?” I asked.
“Takes three people to carry tables.”
“Oh…well shouldn’t you take Enzo, he’s really strong.”
“They’ve got it, Celine. I think I’ve trained them well enough to carry some tables.” Enzo chuckled.
“Okay.”
The moment the door closed, Enzo leaned towards me. “So?”
“So, what?”
“Tell me you’re not attracted to me.”
“Fine, I’m not attracted to you.” I looked down at the decorations in my hand.
“Look me in the eye and say it.” Enzo declared.
I lifted my head, ready to say it, but the moment my eyes met his, the words disappeared from my mouth. How would I lie and say I wasn’t attracted to Enzo? I mean just look at him!
Those stunning eyes, that gorgeous face, that incredible smile. I would have to be crazy not to be attracted to him.
And he knew that.
“I’m waiting, Celine.” He smirked.
“I…”
“Can’t say it because it’s not true.”
“Fine! You are attractive Enzo, is that what you want to hear?”
“Yes, but I already know that. Now admit that you have feelings for me.”
“That I won’t do.”
“I could make you say it, you know? If I wanted to.” Enzo whispered.
“Don’t you dare!” I snapped. “Just leave me alone!”
“Celine, why are you being so stubborn?”
“I like Grey. I’m doing this party for him, so just stop. He’s your best friend and you shouldn’t do this to him.”
Enzo’s face fell. He was now realizing it was more than just me and him in this situation. There were other feelings involved.
“Grey will understand-”
“Do you really think that? Enzo, we are playing a very dangerous game. People are going to get hurt.” I whispered. “Let’s just stop before this gets too intense.”
Before he could answer, the others entered the room once again.
“Wow these tables are really heavy,” Mira commented. “Maybe we need one more person.”
“Enzo, you can help right?” I asked.
He nodded. “Yeah, um, sure.”
He went over and kissed Mira as though to tell me that he understood what I was saying.
I was relieved and yet worried that he meant it.
Maybe I would miss his advances.
--
“Are you sure we should be out here?” Grey questioned.
“Oh, it’s just a quick walk. Don’t tell me you’re afraid.” I smiled.
“I am afraid of getting in trouble with Enzo. He’s been so strange to me, you know?”
“Um, I’m sure that will stop. He’s just worried about me, I think.”
“That’s nice of him, I’ve just never seen him like that before, I guess.” Grey shrugged. “So this little walk, do I get a little treat for the possibility of getting in trouble?”
“What treat would that be?” I smiled.
Grey pulled me to him and kissed me deeply. “That’s a treat because it’s so sweet.”
“Very sweet.” I kissed him again.
I knew it was pushing back our arrival, but I needed to remind myself that I liked Grey. He wasn’t my charge and therefore, something could actually occur between us that would get me damned to The Infernal Planes.
“We should get back,” I murmured. “It’s almost time for dinner.”
“But I’m hungry for something else.”
“Grey!” I gasped. “Let’s go!”
I pulled his hand through the forest. There was a sound of a snapping twig that made me stop.
“What was that?” I asked.
“Um, probably just an animal or something,” Grey looked around. “But we should hurry in case it’s something more dangerous.”
We ran back to the fortress.
“Where is everyone?” Grey looked around.
“Um, I don’t know, let’s see.” I led him to the Banquet Room. “Maybe they’re in here!”
“Celine, why are you yelling?” He laughed.
I pushed the doors open and it was dark.
“Well don’t think they’re he-”
“SURPRISE!”
I really hoped Grey would like this.
- Writer
