The Whisperer

Chapter 7- Hot and Cold

The teal silk lay nicely on me. The plunging neckline showed my cleavage but yet it wasn't too revealing. The torso was tight and the bottom flowed out at my hips. The cups didn't attach to anything, leaving my shoulders bear. The skirt split in the middle, showing my tan legs. The fabric was embroidered with a silver thread. Cain did a wonderful job designing it.

My black heels crept up my calves. I placed a silver dagger in the straps. Hopefully, my mother didn't find out. This ball was supposed to be peaceful with no weapons but I'm the General of Aquila's military. Better to be safe than sorry.

A quiet knock landed on my white doors. I open them expecting Cain but the man that faced me did not please me.

"Adviser Jarred," I looked into the hallway to see if anyone was around "what brings you to my room."

His deadly glare tried to but failed to, scare me. "Step a toe out of line tonight and I will make sure your mother takes away your title. I will make sure you are not allowed to train or talk to your warriors. Do you understand," he said in a dark tone.

This guy is getting on my nerves.

Before I could contemplate what happened, I hear skin-to-skin contact. A nice red spot lay on Jarred's cheekbone. It was quickly turning purple and blue. I could tell my eyes had changed to grey seeing the extra amount of fear place on his face.

"How dare you think you can talk to me that way. I am the princess of Aquila and General of the Royal family's military. You, my friend, are nothing but an advisor," my voice slowly rising "I should be the one taking away your title not the other way around. I suggest you learn your place here because I outrank you quite a bit. My father never liked you, and for good reason."

His pained expression lay on his face, I wasn't sure if it was because I punched him or the fact my father didn't like him. But to be honest I didn't care.

I walk past him, making sure my shoulder runs into him. About ten steps away from him I called over my shoulder "Ever talk to me like this again, I'll make sure your target practice for my soldiers."

I didn't even have to look to know that his cheek was purple and black by now. He stays standing at my closed door, his mouth wide with shock and his hand touching his cheek. In the silence of the hallway, my heels made crisp clicking sounds.

It's a real pity he doubts me so much.

I HAD FOUND CAIN AT THE TOP OF THE STAIRS BREATHING FAST. I luckily calmed him down just in time for the footman to announce our arrival.

"May I present General Siren and Prince Cain, of Aquila," Brent said smoothly.

My eyes searched the ballroom. I found some friends scattered around. My sister was talking to girls her age, not even noticing our presence. My eyes finally land on the person I would be trying to avoid the rest of the night.

Prince Damon of Funa.

His warm brown eyes swam with wonder and admiration. Damon's brown hair slicked back and his stubble perfectly complimented his sharp jaw. His cool, composed face turned confused but that suddenly turned into a smirk.

At that moment I knew my eyes had changed.

I had heard that he too could change his eye color, at will. I had not yet been able to control the slight change in my eye color.

A girl stood beside him. Princess Carlin of Atreostia.

I leaned close to my brother's ear. "Denali will have fun torturing the royals of Funa," I say in a whisper. He looks at me with my father's eyes, a warm blue with painted yellow streaks. One of the many features of my brothers that I absolutely adore. I let out a breathy chuckle and so does Cain. My little brother's suit matching my dress. Just as he had planned it.

After we reached the bottom I walk to my friend. Thalia the Earth Princess. Her long brown hair tied up in a loose bun, curls fell in front of her face. She was wearing a beautiful green silk dress. The sleeves hang of her shoulders. It looked absolutely beautiful on her. I noticed that she was glaring at someone. She was glaring at Carlin. Not only because she was Erani's enemy but because Carlin was in a competition, a competition for a man.

Little did Carlin know that this race was going on. Thalia had her eyes on Prince Jason ever since we were little. But it seems that Jason fancies Carlin.

I've spoken to Carlin many times, she never shows any interest in Jason.

I finally got Thalia's attention as I hugged her.

I felt a pair of eyes burn into my back. I did not care.

"You look absolutely beautiful," Thalia whispered to me. I laughed at her sweet words

"Well you look breathtaking," I tell her. She lets out one of her giggles. I smiled, I knew how worried she's been about the war between Erani and Atreostia. Seeing her so light-hearted made my heart dance.

Slowly the burning sensation left my back leaving me cold. Like a draft of cold arctic breeze flew through me. I suddenly felt a tap on my back. I whipped around to face Cain. He bowed, extending his hand dramatically and bowing. I chuckled as I took his small hand in mine. A more upbeat song was playing. Cain started to move his hands wildly. I gave a stare of confusion before I joined him. And soon my body was heated again, knowing I was being looked at once more. I heard a few murmurs of disapproval and shock.

"Why is she being so childish?"

"This is unacceptable for a princess!"

To be honest I was ready to kick them all out. They don't know the story behind why I'm doing this. Why should they care?

They have no say in what I do or why I do it.

The sudden stop of the music shook me out of my trance. I curtsied to my brother dramatically and he bowed to me. I chuckled as he ran off.

The burning sensation never leaving my back.

I grabbed a glass of champagne, telling myself I needed this. To be honest I did. I needed to numb the memories. If that meant becoming grossly intoxicated, then so be it. But then I noticed the food table.

My one of many weaknesses.

Food!

I was about to stuff my face with strawberries and raspberries until I heard a voice.

"I've already claimed the strawberries," a cold voice said. This cold was not emotionless. No, this cold sent shivers up your spine and you could feel your fingertips get frozen.

I spun around to face this cold-voiced person. His white hair was slicked back nicely, showing his bright blue eyes. But one little strand fell in front of his forehead, no doubt got his mother in a hissy fit.

"Prince Jason, how dare you think you can just claim the strawberries for yourself," my face in all seriousness.

"I have every right. You see the strawberries-only want to be eaten by me," he also wore a serious mask over his face. A smile threatening to break through his façade.

"They told me themselves," Jason said triumphantly.

"That's a pity because I'm going to have to decline their request," I said with my arms crossed.

"Wait, you can't decline their request to me," he said in confusion.

I picked up a bright red strawberry. "Watch me," and I plopped it in my mouth, peeling of the green stem.

His face shared hurt and betrayal. "I can't believe you've done this, my own sister," his hand placed on his chest as he looked at the floor.

"I'm not your sister," I tried to stop myself from laughing. I was partially successful. I ended up making an odd noise from my nose. Thank the goddess that no one heard it as I covered it up with a cough.

"I think of you as a little sister," his eyes still on the floor.

"You are a child," I let out a ghostly chuckle.

At that point, I hadn't noticed that the burning sensation had left my back once again because of the cold that was radiating.