The Destined Queen

Chapter 11

Ashten glided me through the floor. My creamy white gown glowed under those many lights. His black eyes shone and it was wholly concentrated on me. And mine on him. The music was marvelous, it took us to another world. A world full of dreams and hope. I smiled at him and he at me. I glanced over his shoulder to find Rose instead my eyes met with grey ones. It read something that I couldn't decipher. I squinted to see him, but he disappeared. " Are you already betraying me, My Queen? " Ashten smirked. I looked at him and smiled. " Are you doubting me already, My King? " I asked, my chin held high. " Why are you looking at anyone except me, then? " " Because there are swarms of men who are more handsome than you. " I grinned. He pouted and I chuckled. He laughed, his voice booming in my ears, something blooming in my heart that was never there before. We danced and danced. Until the music stopped and couples stepped aside. We were returning to our seat, when limelight fell on us. " You. In white gown and your partner with shiny black hair, which I have come to adore. "The announcer shouted. We turned as everyone laughed in the restaurant. " Yes. You two. Come here. " He motioned us to go to him. We looked at each other. Ashten shrugged. So, I sighed and we walked towards the announcer. " You two are great couples. So much chemistry. So much intensity in your eyes. " The announcer said. But before I could deny that we aren't couples, he again started shouting. " As you all know, who are common customers of our, we crown the winners here. And I would love to announce that these two are tonight's winner. What are your names? " The man asked us. " I am Ashten Simpton and My partner here is Winter Salvia. " He introduced us. " Wait a minute. " The man looked carefully at Ashten. " My goodness. You are Ashten Simpton, the famous rising business man. Gods. No one saw you with any woman. Is this gorgeous woman the reason? " The man asked. " Yes. She is the sole reason. " Ashten smirked at me. I quietly and secretly nudged him. " I don't doubt it a bit. If I would have had a gorgeous lady like her I would have done the same. " The man chuckled. Ashten's hand tightened on my waist. I frowned at him. " So, the winners are Ashten Simpton and Winter Salvia. " The man announced. And the crowd cheered. I glanced towards Rose and Isaac. They were clapping at us. Uncle and Aunt were in the crowd clapping ans shouting for us. Soon, a lady came with two crowns. And a man, maybe the restaurant owner strode to us, with a grin on his face. " Congratulations. " He said and shook our hands. I took my crown in my hands and he put a glittering golden crown on my head, it was quite heavy, I hardly managed to stay straight. But Ashten was holding me. So, I was okay. Phew. Ashten took his crown off of his head and the man placed a same golden crown but it was meant for a King. And it suited him perfectly. I didn't know if it was heavy on him, too. If it was he didn't show it on his face. Not even a wince. No. He just smiled at the Man and then down at me. I returned his smile. " Congratulations, My Queen. " His husky voice reached me. My knees wobbled and he held me tightly. " Congratulations to you, too. " I said, my voice barely upon a whisper.  

" You two were so elegant there. " Aunt Annie gushed as we reached our table. Everyone kept staring at us and murmured. Ashten glared every one of them and they cowered away. "Thank you. " I smiled at Aunt Annie. I have been smiling a lot lately.  

Rose and Isaac exchanged their numbers and they promised to call each other. We entered our cars and rode back home. To silence.  

" You remembered waltz. And my every steps. " Ashten said. " Obviously. We were partners. " I nudged him, smiling. He chuckled. Yes. we were dance partners at high school. And We learned Waltz together. Not only Waltz. We learned hip hop and freestyle too. But we love Waltz. It is elegant and very Royal. We always crushed everyone else at contests and programs. In school and outside. We were perfect. And after tonight, I am confirmed that we are still perfect. We rode home in silence.  

" Tonight was great. But tomorrow we have to go back home. " Rose flopped on the sofa. " Why? You all can stay another day. " I said. " No. You need to rest. We will go tomorrow at the evening. Because tomorrow is Sunday. " Aunt Annie informed. " And my boss called, he wants me to do some things. So, I need to go back. " Uncle Gerald kissed my temple and said. " That is the reason? Can't you stay here and do it? It's Sunday. " I whined. " Sorry, Sweetheart. " He apologized. I sighed and flopped beside Rose. " Isaac is cute. " I said, winking. She groaned. " Yes. He is quite a man. " Aunt Annie said, smirking. " Mom. " Rose whined and ran to her room. We laughed and sat on the sofa. Beside me, Ashten sat and out down his crown. " Isn't it heavy? " I asked. " No. A king knows how to wear a crown. " He grinned. I rolled my eyes. " So, You are going tomorrow? " I asked, biting my lip. " Why don't you want me to go? " He leaned and asked in hi husky voice. Something has changed in him. Something that I couldn't quite point out And something changed between us, too. I think after he confessed, Something changed. And I am afraid if this will affect our friendship. He snapped his fingers in front of me. " What ya thinking? " He drawled. " How to kill you when you are asleep. " He laughed, he placed his hand on his stomach and laughed. I rolled my eyes but a smile etched on my face.  

After I placed the gown in its original place, I showered with my scented rose soap and face wash. I relaxed after the shower. I wore my shorts and tank top and went to bed. A knock jostled me up from the bed. " Come in. " I sat up on my bed. Ashten peeked through the little open space between the door. " Am I allowed in your room, your highness? " He asked. " Yes. " I held my chin high and replied. He laughed and walked in my bedroom, after shutting the door.  

He sat beside me. " I am tired. " I said. " Me too. I just wanted to say goodnight. " He said. " Okay. Good night. " I smiled innocently. He pouted and then sighed. " Come on. Spill it, Ash. " I narrowed my eyes. It always made him spill the beans. So, I tried. " Fine. I enjoyed tonight. " He smiled. " Me too. " I said. " And Are you seeing anyone? " He scratched his head. He is uncomfortable. " Why? " I asked. " Just because. " He shrugged. " I am not seeing anyone. " I said. " Good. I might have smashed his head. " He said, gripping the bed cover tightly. " Why are you acting up like this, Ashten? " I asked. His gaze turned to me and it softened. " Can't you see? Are you that blind , Winter? I also confessed to you. " Ashten said. I flushed. He did confess. And It did change something between us. " I... I.. " " What are you afraid of? " Ashten whispered. " I.. I.. " I burst out crying. " Winter. " He called my name but my ducked under my hands and sobbed. I couldn't control it. " Winter. " He embraced me. " I am sorry. I am sorry. " I sobbed. He didn't say anything, just kept stroking my back and hair. He pressed a kiss on my temple and that stopped my sobs and looked up at him. He rubbed my tears away with his hands and shook his head. " I am sorry. Please. Don't cry. " He said. My lips trembled and my hands wrapped him. His hands wrapped me, too.  

We broke the hug after I stopped crying. " I have always been afraid of loving someone. " There is it. I said it loudly. " After my father died, and people called me names and bullied me, I... I thought it to be true. I didn't let anyone in except you and Rose. I feel that If I love someone that dearly, I would lose them. Like I Lost my father. And Now my fear has grown. I lost Maw. She is gone, Ash. She is gone. " I cried. He gulped and looked at me, his hands holding mine, tightened. I looked up at him and I saw tears welling up in his eyes. " I am sorry for everything, Winter. I wish I could bring them back. Bring her back. " He said. I nodded, biting my lip, to stop it from trembling again. " I miss her too. " He whispered, inhaling. He looked up at me and sighed. " I will go tomorrow. But we will meet soon. " He smiled through his tears. " I am going to miss you. " I embraced him again. And this time when we broke the hug. My lips were inches apart from him. So so close, that my breath hitched and choked in my throat. His breath fanned on my face. His eyes looking at me, intently. He leaned. I did too. My gaze fell on his lips, so luscious, so soft. He brushed his lips on mine. I moaned and blushed. He looked at me and got his hint and he kissed me. His lips were so soft. So soft. I bit his lower lip and he groaned, pulling me closer. In minutes I was straddling him. Her breath and scent mixed with each other. My hands tugged on his black hair and his hands trailed my stomach and lower down my thighs. A smashing sound broke us apart. I gasped for air and saw my pretty vase on the floor, smashed into pieces. I looked at Ashten and my eyes widened. I scrambled away from his grip and sat far away from him. He looked at my fave which was horrified. Something twisted on his face and stood from his place. " I.. I need to be somewhere. " He stuttered and left the room. I sighed and brushed my hair out of my face. It was a horrible mistake. A horrible one. I laid on the bed, flushed and hot. " You look like a horse after a race. " Emerson leaned on my window, picking at his nails. He blew some invisible dust from his fingers and looked at me. Raising his brow he asked, " What? " " Bad time, Emerson. " I said and faced the wall, my back towards him. He whistled. " Nice back you have got there." He said. I groaned and punched my pillow. " What do you want? " I asked my facing him, my face red hot and my hair disheveled. " I am getting what I want. " He smirked. " Don't boil my head, You wicked soul. " I said and turned from him. " But I love to boil your head, Sweetheart. " He cooed and sat beside me. " Leave me alone. " " What happened? Why we're you crying? " Emerson frowned at her. Yes. He saw my flushed face, red nose and my silent sniffs. I was embarrassed, so, I put my blanket over my head to cover my face fully. He couldn't yank it away. " Please, don't hide yourself. You know I can't touch anything. " Emerson's voice was desperate. I threw the blanket off and said, " It's none of your business. Get out. " Emerson sighed but stood from his place. " I am sorry for whatever you are going through. I wish I could take the pain away. " He vanished.  

He can't take my pain away. No one can. I have to do it myself. So, I flipped my blanket and covered myself, after flicking the light off. I tried to doze off. Tomorrow is going to be so awkward. I don't know how am I going to face Ashten. We kissed. And it was an hungry one. And I kissed him back. I groaned and flipped over on my bed, trying to sleep. Which came at last, thankfully, after flipping, turning right and turning left. But I did feel a tingle on my cheek when I was half asleep. I shrugged it off because I wanted to sleep. I could think about it tomorrow. Tomorrow is really going to be awkward.