Heir's & Enemies: Breaking Bloodlines

Chapter 4: The Gala

~Princess Rowen's P. O. V.~

Today was the day Ruhn and Elias, along with Elias' father, are going to be here. My sisters and I were in mother's room getting ready to meet them outside of the castle. We were all snickering like little girls again. My brothers were awaiting their arrival in the Foyer. Mother was off making the last preparations for the gala tomorrow evening. We heard the stomps of horse hooves coming from mother's room. We all went to the window and, sure enough, Ruhn had returned.

"Stay here, Rowen. We want to surprise him." My sister Rhoslyn made me stay seated on the vanity stool. I nodded. Ruhn had been sending frequent letters to us. In one of them, he spoke very highly of Prince Elias. All of my sisters left to meet with them. My heart was beating faster than it had in a while. I heard the door open to Ruhn's carriage and my heart started beating a kilometer a moment. Behind Ruhn stood a prince I have never met. He had black as night hair and was taller than the older gentlemen behind him. Not as tall as Ruhn, but close enough that you couldn't tell without really looking. I couldn't see his eyes, though. But from here, he looks like a warrior along with being a prince. My mother was the first to meet with them.

"My son, welcome home." I heard her say. "You must be King Demetrius and Prince Elias." She bowed to them. "Welcome my lords to the Kingdom of Ilsena."

"No need for formalities, Queen Aerona. If all goes well, we will be family." King Demetrius bowed back to her. "May I introduce my son, Prince Elias." Elias bowed to my mother.

When he spoke, I felt weak in the knees, "It is an honor to meet you, Queen Aerona." I saw my mother gesture for him to rise.

"The honor is mine. Rowan will be down shortly. These are the rest of the Princes and Pincesses of Ilsena; Rodric, my second son. Rhoswen, my first daughter. Rhydian, my third son. Rhiain, my second daughter. Rhion, my fourth and final son. Rhiannon, my third daughter, and Rhoslyn, my fourth daughter." I saw them bow to these two men.

"So many R's" King Demetrius laughed, "How could you keep up with them all?" I laughed too. We often question mother about our names.

"It was a challenge at first. One gets used to it. Come inside. You must be famished." She led everyone into the castle. I heard them going to the dining hall. All but my brother Ruhn.

"Mother, where is Rowen?" He questioned.

"She is up in my room. You should go see her first." All of a sudden my heart began to pound hard in my chest. I heard Ruhn's footsteps coming closer to mother's room. Was I ready? Did I look presentable? I looked at myself in the mirror and straightened my dress. The door opened and I bowed to my brother.

"Welcome home, elder brother." He lifted me in a warm embrace. I returned it and buried my head in his neck. "How was Court?"

"Long." He chuckled. "Hope you all stayed safe." I smiled up at him.

"We were well enough, brother." He gently caressed my cheek. "You have been missed." I took his hand in mine as I leaned further into it.

"You look beautiful, Rowen. Now, shall we join the others?" He offered his arm to me and I took it. We walked to the dining hall talking about Court and how Teilo would have declared war had King Demetrius not stepped in. He said that we may have an enemy kingdom. Ruhn hated that, but there was nothing that could have been done about it. We reached the dining hall and suddenly my feet stopped moving. Ruhn looked at me with concern at first, but with a gentle smile told me to wait there while he introduced me to my fiance. "My lords and ladies, may I introduce you to Princess Rowen." I stood straight and willed my feet to move. That was it, our eyes met and I was instantly in love with this man. His green eyes held no wrongs or bad in them. Just wonder and beauty. My cheeks burned a little as I smiled at him. He immediately got up and offered me my chair. I bowed to him and sat in my chair. All of my siblings were snickering at us.

"Children." My mother warned them. They quieted their voices.

"Princess. It is my deepest honor to meet you." He took a knee and bowed his head. "I am Prince Elias." The room burst out laughing at the scene.

"That is the most adorable meeting I have seen yet!" My eldest sister was falling out of her chair in laughter.

"She is as red as a r****h!" Rhion pounded the table with his hand.

"Enough!" Ruhn commanded. They all regained their posture and looked down. "You all should be ashamed of yourselves! We have guests here and you're all acting as if that doesn't matter!" He took his seat and stared them all down.

"Apologies, brother." They said in unison. He looked at us next. "Elias, please take your seat." He stood and bowed to my brother.

"Demetrius, Elias. I have sent for our seamstresses. Tomorrow night we are holding a gala for you and Rowen." Mother spoke up. She was handed a tray full of unread letters. "And not one has declined, it seems."

"A gala is a wonderful idea, Queen Aerona." Mother looked up from one letter and raised her eyebrows. "Beg pardon, Aerona."

"I have even sent for your queen. She should arrive momentarily." Demetrius had shock written on her face.

"I did forget to mention, elder brother, that mother had been planning a gala since the night of your first letter home." I said with a look of an apologetic smile.

~Prince Elias' P. O. V.~

Last night had come and gone in a flash. Mother arrived earlier that evening. To say Queen Aerona and my mother get along is putting it lightly. They were excited about the gala and Rowen's and my betrothal, because I had thought I had lost my mother to Queen Aerona. Yet, the most fetching creature walked into my life last night. Ruhn's description did not give Rowen's appearance any justice. It was like my heart was hers the moment we laid eyes on one another. I planned on taking her hand when she comes down those steps tonight. People were already arriving and the ballroom was being filled. Her mother did a grand job at putting this together. Mother helped the seamstresses with my suit for tonight. She wanted me to wear our colors. White with red accents. Mother helped with my hair as she made it into a low ponytail.

"You did well, son." She smiled up at me and embraced me. "Your father told me what happened at Court. To think that a prince looks down on women like that. Such a shame."

"Do you approve, mother?" She was my best friend and teacher. Her thoughts matter most in this.

"I approve. Rowen is such a beautiful young lady and a kind-hearted soul like King Ruhn." She looked behind me and her eyes widened. "Not yet, Elias. Close your eyes." I did as instructed. "Rowen, you look majestic, darling." She paused. "Not yet. He will meet you down at the stairs."

"Oh, if you are positive," I heard Rowen's small footsteps walking away.

"She looked magnificent. You can open your eyes now." Mother was crying. "I am happy for you son." I went to her and handed her my pocket cloth. She took it and wiped her tears away. "You're ready. Go to the ballroom and stand at the bottom. We have instructed you and her to meet there for a reason." I nodded and bowed to my mother. I was now curious what my bride would look like. Mother's reaction made me want to see her right away. However, if I do, mother will be angry. I stifled a laugh at the thought.I went to the ballroom as instructed and stood patiently. Princesses from all over were gathered here along with other princes. The bellman called out several royal and noble names. Then it came time for her family.

"Ladies and gentlemen, your gracious host, King Ruhn." I had to turn and bow, as did everyone else. Ruhn came down and offered his hand to another princess. I think her name was Kaileen. "Prince Rodric." We all clapped for their entrance. "Princess Rhoswen." Rhoswen came down and took another prince's hand. "Prince Rhydian." Rhydian was what one would call a womanizer. He winked at almost any princess that was not his sisters. "Princess Rhiain." Rhiain came down and looked around, then landing her eyes on her betrothed. He got up and offered his hand. She took it. "Prince Rhion." Rhion was the shy one of the 9. He waved nervously and almost missed a few steps. "Princess Rhiannon." Rhiannon flew down those stairs and into the arms of her fiance. Giggling as she did. I thought a draft had come in. "Princess Rhoslyn." Rhoslyn held her head high as she gracefully walked down those stairs. Her betrothed came up to her and offered her a daffodil. She daintily took it and smelled it. Smiling at her prince. "And Princess Rowen, of whom this gala was made." I turned to look towards the entrance. My jaw fell open. Her hair was done in lightly loose curls, her dress was a ballgown of deep violet. She had matching red jewels adorned on her neck and wrists. I shook my head to clear it as I offered my hand. She smiled as she came down those steps. Her hand lightly took mine. They were perfect in mine. The music started. I led her to it. We started the dance with a bow. Then, we danced together. It was as if the rest of the world didn't matter anymore.

"Princess?" Her gorgeous amber eyes met mine. "Will you give me the chance to prove I am worthy of marrying you?" She looked down with a smile.

"You already have."She looked back up at me.

"When do you wish it?" I whispered, so the others wouldn't pry.

"I would like to wed you on my 18th birthday. It's in the summer." She looked a little sad. I refocused her gaze.

"In 2 years, I shall make you my queen." Her eyes sparkled as if they truly were made of amber. "May I steal your first kiss?" She was surprised.

Then she spoke, "You may." I slowly leaned forward, closing my eyes. I could feel her breath as I cupped her cheek. Then I felt those lips on mine. Her beautiful peachy lips were plump and tasted sweet. It lasted only for a moment. But at that moment I knew that this was the princess I was meant to marry.

"Elias?" Her breath was shaky.

"What is it?" I held her closer to me.

"You not only stole that kiss, you have also stolen my heart." We became inseparable after that statement.

"You stole mine too." We danced and enjoyed our night. The food was superb, the orchestra was spot on, and best of all, I had my princess with me all night. When it was time for bed, I walked her to her room and kissed the back of her hand. "Until tomorrow, Princess. Have a pleasant evening." Before I left, she grabbed my wrist.

"It might be too soon, but I have to say it." She whispered to me. "I think I am in love with you."

I turned back around and took her dainty hand in both of mine. "I think I love you too, Rowen." I embraced her. "Good night, love." The night ended.