Her Trail

13

I felt nervous even though it's not my birthday. For years, Papa always choose to have a separate celebration with only me and brother on his birthdays the past years, and he forbid me to attend the ball arranged for him because he doesn't want to expose me yet, especially to the Kings under the power of the Emperor.

Sir Adalius said it is because he doesn't want to receive gifts from different kingdoms asking for my hand, and I clearly don't want it too. It's scary thinking about being married off to someone I don't know.

That's why my heart is beating so fast right now. I'm in front of the mirror wearing my elegant dress for this day, it's in a combination of red and white. The gems that are on my dress made it look luxurious, not to mention the accessories I am wearing.

I can imagine myself walking like a tease in front of robbers' eyes. It almost made me chuckle.

"My lady, they are already waiting for you."

I nodded as I grasp my dress to carry it because it's kind of heavy due to the expensive stones attached to it.

It's not my birthday yet Papa and older brother are waiting for me outside that door.

When Bella and Shane opened the double door, I immediately saw their faces, behind them is Sir Adalius and Sir Betram, the other one is smiling, the latter's face is straight.

Papa and older brother have the same look on their face— plain straight.

I smiled at them as I walk towards them to hold both of their hands.

"You look pretty," older brother said, he is wearing a red tie just like father, it is the same color as some part of my clothes.

We're matchy-matchy!

We just started walking when Papa suddenly stop in his tracks. His head turns sideways, looking at Sir Adalius's side. I can't help but look at him too.

"I don't think it's a good idea to show my daughter to those..." Papa didn't finish his sentence, perhaps because Sir Adalius sighed.

"Duke Dallas Caspian Fleyr, you know making them more curious will eventually push them to investigate who she really is, do you want them roaming around your daughter?"

When I look at Papa, I saw his expression darkening, but when he saw me looking he revert his eyes away and he continued walking, holding my hand like brother.

I know for a fact that many are curious about the daughter of the wealthiest Duke Fleyr of Vanzelion Empire, they must be wondering who am I, what I am like, or if I am really the same as the rumors say.

Those who have seen me are talking about me and it made a lot of kingdoms curious, maybe that bothered Sir Adalius so he speak to Papa about this issue.

As for me, I don't really care about things like those, because I still have a lot of things to think of. Things that will make it better for the poor, regarding the things I've witnessed months ago.

When we got in front of the hall where the party was held for Papa, the knights standing still like a statue open the huge double doors for us.

The people inside greeted us with their elegant applause, I can sense a lot of them looking at my brother and father and eventually turning to me and it will last there as if scrutinizing me.

I know my hands are cold now even though Papa and older brother are holding them, my nervousness and the fast beatings of my heart just kept on winning.

The crowd became a little louder as we go in front of where the three chairs are. Papa sits in the middle, I am on the left, and brother on the right.

I noticed that brother is extra silent this day, perhaps it's because Papa told him his fiancée will attend, after all these years?

I wonder what she looks like. I am really curious about her, I even heard that she's a year younger than me.

She's fourteen as of now... I tried to roam my eyes around and there are plenty of young and beautiful-looking girls. But I can see that most of the younger visitors are gentlemen, most looks older than me, and there are some who look like my age.

I even saw Donovan, the crown prince surrounded by a lot of girls, and Amara on the other side who is smiling widely at me when our eyes met.

Sh*t, that was so creepy!

I look at my brothers' side when I saw him move at my peripheral vision.

He is looking in one direction, when I tried to look where he is looking, I saw plenty of people on that side so I can't really pinpoint.

Sir Adalius became like an elegant version of master of ceremony, he called for Papa and he gave a speech in front of everyone. Sir Adalius even called older brother to give a brief speech after Papa, but when he spoke, it was literally brief so Sir Adalius called for me...

My eyes widened because I am not ready.

I look at Papa who is glaring at the poor scholar, but instead of letting everyone wait, I stood in front.

I started the speech by greeting father and thanking everyone for their presence, I also told them how grateful I am to be part of this family and how I love my Papa and brother.

"... to everyone, I hope you enjoy this night."

I ended the little speech with a smile. I felt like my knees wobble when I turn my body to face my family, and there I almost lost my balance, good thing, Papa and older brother were quick enough to catch me.

My nervousness was replaced by chuckles, their face was alarmed when I was about to fall!

"Bunny's don't laugh like a hamster."

That made me frown.

I wanted to get back on him but the orchestra started playing, I look in front to see what's happening, and everyone is already talking with each other, some are walking towards the center to dance, I saw some drinking wine while some are enjoying the food.

My attention went to brother, I am really curious about something, he saw how my eyes stare at him so he raise his eyebrow at me.

"What is it?"

"Well, I wanna meet your fiancee."

I am hopeful, but I bet he won't let me meet her for now.

But I was surprised when brother nodded after a while.

Oh gosh!

I swear my excitement is over the room when older brother talk to Papa about it and he nodded, letting us go to where the girl is. I mean, hey, is she someone he will love, someone brother will hurt, or she's someone who can make this distant and cold man kneel with tears?

I'm smirking as we mingle with the crowd, some tried to approach us, especially me, but brother is dragging so I can't stop my feet from walking, I just smile at everyone so they won't have any misconception that I am a spoiled brat like some rumors says, I don't know where it came from though.

When we stop, near the corner and where the buffet is, I look around.

Who from these girls is she?

Well, they are all pretty...

I look at brother to see where his eyes are set when I look at it, he is eyeing a girl eating in front of the buffet, she's lovely— no, gorgeous, she's younger and she looks really cute in her pink-themed dress, and as she chewed her food, I can see the elegance and simplicity combined. She's so adorable while eating!

My eyes went to brother again because he's not moving from where he is standing. But... oh, he looks like a love-struck fool. He's standing beside me, eyes fixed on the girl who's oblivious of her surroundings, I can see from my brother's dark red eyes his amusement. Seriously...

She is someone who will break him into pieces, I'm so sure of this because whenever I look at the mirror thinking of Donovan in my past life, my eyes are like those, the ones that express honestly what's within.

From what I know, he rarely meets her, but from the looks of it, it seems like brother fell for the girl...

I remember our small talk while riding a horse years ago, he said that he already met her, after two years they meet again, it was for a few times including this one.

But perhaps, years ago, she was too young for him to like. Monarchy is really something, they can marry off their daughter at an age like that. Suddenly, I'm wondering if Papa will do the same.

I touch brother's arms to get him out of the daze. He blink few times then he looks at me.

"That's her?" I pointed to the girl, he nodded, still shocked at what he did.

"You like her a lot, brother?"

His eyebrows furrowed, "She's too young for me, Elora Ember Fleyr."

There.

I shut up because he already mentioned my full name.

But oh well, he won't do anything even if I asked again because he loves me that much.

"So this is all for connections, brother?" asked I.

"Elora Ember," his voice is warning me.

I pouted.

"But I'm curious..."

Why do they need connections anyways, as per what Sir Adalius taught me, the Fleyrs are even richer than some kingdoms in the empire, so Papa and even us are very respected, connections run to us, so I don't see why they needed to arrange a marriage for that purpose.

"I thought you wanted to meet her?" he asked, reverting the topic.

I pouted but still nodded in response.

When we reach the girl, I stood beside her while I reach for a macaroon.

"Hi!" I greeted.

Her brown eyes went to me, she looked shocked when she saw me but she immediately smiled.

"Greetings, Lady Elora," she bow down to greet me and I did too.

She looked at the man beside me, I can see the nervousness in her eyes when she saw him.

"G-Greetings, Lord Memphis."

When I look at brother I saw him raise an eyebrow. Now, I noticed some eyes directed at us, perhaps because everyone knows the connection between these two. And this girl, if I remember Sir Adalius's words correctly, is one of the princesses in the Kingdom somewhere in the west.

"How can I address you?" I asked for her name.

Her nervous gazes went to me, "Call me Inah Revu, Lady Elora."

"Your name is as beautiful as you Princess Inah."

She smiled, eyes twinkling and it seems like she have forgotten for a while the nervousness she felt around my brother who is still beside me.

I suddenly wanted to shoo him away because I wanted to have a girl talk with her.

"Call me Lady Inah, that will be better."

I smiled and nodded.

"Brother, will you please leave us?" I asked politely but the tone is merciless.

His eyebrows furrowed, and his angled jaw move a bit as he look at me and the girl with us.

"Uh, I also w-wanted to know m-more about Lady Elora, I-I'm.. uh... curious of her so..."

My brother's eyes glow again, I saw how his lips protruded, hiding his smile.

"Fine..." it was almost a whisper, it's almost sensual that I'm having goosebumps.

Oh gosh! Hearing him and seeing him like that really creeps me out!

Goodness, gracious! I can't help but copy Shane's usual line in my head.

When brother went away, Lady Inah's eyes met mine and we both giggle without reason.

I love her!

"So how is it like to be a princess?" the first thing that I've asked because I'm really curious.

She chuckled, "Not so far from what you experience, I mean, your family is even wealthier than our palace, so..."

Oh. Really? They are one of those kingdoms who was exceeded by the Fleyrs?

I pouted a bit, "Do you have siblings?" it was a very random question but I'm curious about something.

Even though she's confused she nodded, "Yes, why did you ask?"

"Uhm... years ago, brother told me that his marriage is for connection, and you were so young back then, eleven, are all your siblings boys?"

She laughs because she can she my nervousness.

"I am also aware that this is for connection, but Lady Elora, we are very thankful that of all the families, the Duke chose us, and the Duke also choose me for him, I agreed because it is also for our kingdom."

Oh. So that's what happened. I wonder why Papa pick them as the extension of our family, I mean, how did Papa choose the candidate for brother's wife? It's not because of money... so how? Was it base on the kind of kingdom are they, or was it because they are on the emperor's faction? I'm curious.

I suddenly have the urge to ask Papa.

"I'm glad that I meet you here, Lady Inah," all that I could say.

"I am, too. I heard a lot about you so I became really really curious, especially the rumors that the Duke and your brother—I mean, my fiance adores and loves you a lot."

I giggled, "I'm glad the rumors you heard are not about how bratty I am."

She laughed at that, "That's so far from what I am seeing right now, Lady Elora."

"You said it right! I was really shocked when my teacher told me about those rumors, I didn't even do anything bratty when we held the party for my birthday! How I wish I invited you there."

She reaches into both of my hands, "Don't worry, if I received an invitation from you, I will gladly leave the palace to come here."

Out of control, I pull her for a hug...

I don't know, it's just that I didn't notice that it's been so long since I talk like this with a girl, I'm happy because Bella and Shane are the only women in my life, she's now an addition to that.

I can feel that she was shocked at my sudden move but she hugged me back.

We lose the hug to each other when someone fakes a cough near us.

It was brother with Donovan...

Our eyes met, his serious expression look at me and I don't know what to do. Am I going to revert my eyes from him? Or will I ignore him?

In the end, I mimic Lady Inah when she bows to honor the crown prince's authority, and I did it too, finally escaping his serious dark eyes.

I can still feel the intensity of his stares following my every action.

I hook my arms on Lady Inah's, I felt her calm down on my presence...

Oh, is she scared of older brother?

When I look at him, his gazes are deep too, it's as if he will devour a prey any second now.

"It's time for a dance, Elora."

Already?

I look at Lady Inah with saddened eyes. Too bad, our encounter was short.

I went to my brother, still escaping someone's obvious stares at me.

When we reach the center, we dance with the sweet flow of music.

"You're happy with her?" he asked.

"Yes, brother. I like you so much."

He showed a ghost of a smile, "Good."

My forehead crease, "Was it important?"

He nodded, "Of course, if you don't like her I will cut off the marriage, I don't want to create turmoil between us, but I trust my Bunny's liking so I don't worry that much."

I frown when he calls me bunny again.

"Are you implying that you don't worry about me not liking her— does that mean you know I will like her and you trust of it that much... perhaps, you really like the girl!"

His expression became serious so I shut my mouth immediately.

"She's still too young."

You're not even denying it, brother.

Because of his actions and words, I suddenly wanted to tease him.

"Really? Then what if she likes someone her age now, will you let go of this marriage?"

My nervousness boomed immediately when his expression darkened, his eyes are like daggers and his jaw are moving out of sudden anger.

"Damn," I heard him whispered, trying to control his emotions.

Our dance suddenly slowed down, and he put his head on my shoulder, still trying to calm down.

"Did she told you that?" he asked, still whispering, anger is evident in his voice.

"I'm just asking, brother."

He loosened up a bit, but he remained in our position. We are no longer dancing I just felt like I'm consoling a beast around the crowd of eyes staring and curious of us.

"Then if that happens... I will end it."

He had a hard time saying every word. He seems forced but wants to stand to respect what she feels, even if it's not true.

"But you told me this is just for connection..."

He stiffened.

"Still... I won't force myself."

I pouted. I will really be hurt for him if it really happens, knowing that brother is just in denial but the truth is, he likes her.

I can understand that he wanted to deny it as much as possible because she is underage and still too young for him. But his courage to say that he will not force himself moved me.

But my naughty self still wins sometimes.

"Really? Even though you like her and she marries someone else?"

That made him remove his head from leaning on my shoulder.

He stood in front of me, shocked and imagining something inside his head.

"Did you told you that? She wanted to marry someone else?" he sounded really alarmed.

My always compose, cold and distant brother is acting like this because of a young girl... I can't believe my eyes.

"I told you, it's just a what-if, brother."

His jaw is clenching, reverting his eyes away.

"I won't answer that. I refused to."

He looks really mad, his eyebrows are almost meeting each other because of the things I just said to him.

"Fine, I'm sorry, don't think too much of it..." I tried to console him because I know this is my fault.

He didn't answer. We remain standing in the middle for a few moments.

"Seems like you are done, can I dance her?"

My eyes widened when I saw Donovan asking my brother's permission. Still mad at something, brother just nodded and he went away looking around— looking for someone.

"Can I dance with you?" This time Donovan asked me.

I have no choice but to nod because we are in the middle and everyone can see our every move.

His arm went to my waist and he use the other to guide my arms towards his nape when satisfied, he place both of his arms around my thin waist.

I felt really nervous because there's no space in between us, as in no freaking space!

My mouth gape because he even made our bodies crush each other.

"What are you—" I can't finish my sentence because I don't know what to say.

Our eyes met and his expression is dark for some unknown reason.

"Many wants to marry you... I heard a lot of them," the first thing that escaped his mouth.

"We are so close..." it was not connected to what he said by I can't help but to point it out.

"I dance like this."

"To every girl?"

Your frigging mouth, Elora Ember Fleyr! Why do you even care?!

He didn't answer the question but he looked amused so I tried to make his mood foul.

"Thank you, I learned from you, crown prince, maybe, I should dance like this to everyone," I smiled sweetly.

His amused expression change into a darker one. The expression that was so familiar for me, suddenly, it hit me... why am I even doing this.

I felt his arms loosening around my waist, when I look at his eyes, he's serious.

"This is how you should dance with them."

He loosens his touch to the point that I let go of my hug from his nape because we are too far from each other.

"This is the right distance you need to have when you dance with someone."

I can't help but roll my eyes. Really? How are we going to dance when our distance is like this? He's sabotaging my next dances!

He held my waist again, my hug to his nape went back. Our bodies are almost touching each other again.

"And this is the distance you need to remember when dancing with the crown prince, do you get me, Elora Ember?"

My eyes widened.

"How could you call me by my name—"

"Because you'll be the candidate to be my queen."

Shit?