Ultimate Temptation

~Chapter 11~

Two days after the final exams, my bags were packed and ready to go. I had wanted to leave the day before but Aunt Tessa had insisted I wasn't fit for travel yet.

Looking wistfully behind me at the cottage which had been my home over those years, I felt a pang. I would miss this island and the little things which made me happy. The crisp smell of the salt in the air, the coolness of the sand as I walked barefoot along the shore in the morning, the perfect view of sunset and sunrise amongst a few other things. With a wave at the now empty space, I wished the next occupant good luck and picked up the luggage lying at my feet.

I was done with this and finally ready for the next phase in my life.

Aunt Tessa was waiting at a shed near the beach and was already tapping her foot impatiently by the time I arrived.

" What was the holdup?"

"Sorry, I was simply saying my goodbyes. Lets go"

"Are you sure you can do it? Or should I call Agnes?"

I was to portal both I and Aunt Tess back home. This task was usually done by Agnes, but three years ago, I had stopped her and had taken over. How was I supposed to be of any help if I couldn't open a simple portal. My first trial then had taken me far from the castle and into a town I had no recollection of ever visiting. Deciding to try again, the second had taken me to a desolate village where I could at least see the shiny peak of the castle roof from a distance. Drained of power, I ended up hiking the distance home.

Even though this was my first time teleporting someone with it, it wouldn't be like that. "No", I answered. "I can do it."

Taking hold of her hand, I closed my eyes and pictured Demonia, the always bustling streets, the smell of the clean air mixed with the scent of fresh bread from the baker shop located in the market square, the grey cobblestones which were replaced each year before they were even worn out. A small smile came on my face as I could just smell it all. Power hummed through me and I saw the door to Demonia open behind my closed eyes.

I was about to leap through and then-

"Aris, wait!" I looked behind me to see Fred waving as he ran up to me.

"What do you want?" I growled angrily, suddenly reminded of how he had lied about me to his mom.

Finally caught up, he scratched his head uneasily as he looked at everywhere other than my eyes. He finally settled down to look at his feet.

"If you have nothing to say, I have somewhere to be" I said, closing my eyes once more.

"I'm sorry" he blurted out, clasping my hand in his.

Storming up to him, I looked down at him because he was a head shorter than me. "Who put you up to this? cos I doubt you suddenly grew a conscience"

"No one. I swear!" Yet as he said that, his eyes wandered behind me before flickering back to the ground. I had a nagging suspicion about who had put him up to this but I decided to let it be. It felt good to have someone looking out for me.

I looked behind him with skepticism but nothing was in sight apart from some seagulls. "If this is because you think I'm going back to be a princess with a grudge against you, it's fine. I have no space for hate in my heart...even though you do deserve it."

"Thank you" he whispered.

"Yeah, just go tell your mom the real truth and that'll be the end. Bye"

After he had left, I swung around, pivoting on my heel to face an innocent-looking Aunt Tessa who was whistling as if she hadn't heard the whole conversation.

"Did you put him up to this?"

"No. Never seen him before", she shrugged. "Lets go"

+

I did it. We had arrived just outside the castle gates with all our limbs intact and of course our luggage. This was as close to the castle as I could get because there was an extra protection spell fortifying the castle cast by mom. As long as she was alive, no one could gain entrance to the castle without her permission .

A small faction of people waited just outside the castle walls to welcome us. A letter had been sent in advance announcing our arrival. As soon as we were spotted, the troupe started playing trumpets and hitting drums. A wreath was placed on my neck by a girl around my age as she twirled and twisted to the beat as she threw rose petals at my feet. There was a loud bang and a large poster dropped from the wall.

Written in bold black letters were the words, 'WELCOME HOME PRINCESS'. I felt my heart hum with warmth.

The grand castle doors opened to reveal mom and dad. Their faces beamed with happiness and pride as soon as they sighted me.

They walked arm in arm down the stairs and engulfed me.

"We missed you daughter", Mom said, placing a kiss on my head. She was the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen. Her curly bright auburn hair loose against the pale skin of her back, she was dressed in a shimmery green gown with a skit showing her pale thighs. On her neck was a diamond necklace which twinkled almost as brightly as her grey eyes. Many people often told me I looked like my mother, but that was a lie. I was nothing in contrast to her, apart from the same skin tone and the same unruly curly hair, and same grey eyes. That was where the similarities ended.

I was the copy of dad, on the other hand. Posture, height, same jet black hair, amongst other things. I had no definite curves and the little I had was hidden under the baggy clothes I found comfort in.

Waving off the maids who had come to help with my luggage, Dad lifted them like they weighed nothing, and beckoned me over to head inside.

My room was exactly the same as I'd left it. On the king sized bed was my favorite cream bedspread and about a dozen pillows. The purple velvety curtains had been draped open to let in sunlight and they gently fluttered in the cool morning breeze. I traced my hands over the numerous figurines and dolls I had collected on my dresser and smiled contented.

There was not a speck of dust anywhere.

"Good as new, eh?" Dad asked from where he was propped against the door.

"Yes"

"There will be a feast in the ball room by evening to celebrate your return. Get settled in before then and do not be late". With that, I was left alone to savor the few hours of solitude. I stumbled tiredly on the feather bed, sighing with bliss as I sank into the cloud of softness. My eyes became heavy as the exhaustion from teleporting two people descended on me.

I would close my eyes for a few minutes before exploring the castle grounds. There was enough time.

I woke up with a start, there was a gentle knock at the door.

"Come in"

Three maids entered and curtsied, one carrying a beautiful cream gown while the other two's arms were filled with various beautifying equipment.

"We have orders from the Queen to prepare you, Princess.", one said.

I couldn't help gulping. This was going to be torture.

The bathtub had been filled to the brim with warm rose water and I dipped a toe precautiously before finally settling into the water. Without sparing me a moment to loosen up in the relaxing heat, I was scrubbed and then waxed thoroughly. It was a painful ordeal that had me biting the inside of my cheek, but I knew better than to complain. I was no longer a whiny child. Finally satisfied, after I was squeaky clean, I was handed a bath robe and led to the dressing table in my room.

Another maid groaned as she saw the tangles and knots in my hair.

Laughing sheepishly, I said, "Sorry, I don't really have time for beauty in school." Nodding, she began her work. She finally nodded with satisfaction after a series of yanks, combing and snipping with her scissors and my hair had a healthy gloss to it. It was styled into a half-double-wrapped braid with tiny strings of pearls decorated in it as ringlets fell over my face.

The cream gown was a V-neck spaghetti-strapped-line gown with full skirts. The skirts had been layered with a cream net with tiny pearls sewn on. The corset fitted me like a glove and I tugged at it uncomfortably as my cleavage was open for all to see. This was ridiculous. How did mother expect me to walk around a ballroom filled with strangers in this outfit?

The gown was paired with a black knee-length boot with low heels, which i was grateful for. I mean I was already tall, there was no need for me to reach the ceiling in heels. After applying subtle touches of makeup, I was finally ushered out.

"Her Royal Highness, Princess Aris of Demonia!" The bellman shouted as soon as he saw me round the corner.

There was a hush in the ballroom as I carefully stepped down the stairs, praying to the heavens not to trip. I could feel my skin heat up from the hundred pairs of eyes watching my descent.

Left foot..right foot..left foot..right foot...

Father was waiting by the foot of the stairs with his hands outstretched and I let out the breath I didn't know I was holding as the led me to the smaller throne beside his and mom's. After bowing to everyone, I took a seat and the guests continued with their little chatter. The table in front of me was piled with assorted dishes and I instantly began filling my plate with delight as I was reminded I'd only had breakfast all day.

As I was about to put a bite of grilled pigeon in my mouth, a voice interrupted me.

"May I have this dance, Your Highness?" A tall, scrawny, looking boy about my age asked as he nervously scratched behind his ears.

"No-", I winced as my toe was stepped on. Looking beside me, I saw mother scrowling down at me.

"I mean yes", I replied with a fake smile. "...would be delighted", I added dripping sarcasm, but he seemed not to notice and instead held out his hand, which I reluctantly took.

I was a bad dancer but he never once complained about me stepping on his toes. Instead, he simply placed his hands high on my back as we spun around the dance floor till the song ended. He shyly bowed after and I curtsied in return, grateful to be finally free. I had enjoyed the dance a little but I was not going to tell him that.

"What's your name?" I asked politely.

"Carter"

"Nice to meet you, see you around", I waved, heading back to my food.

I hadn't taken two steps when another male stepped in my path.

Oh God, I inwardly groaned. Can't a girl just eat in this place?

"May I have this dance?" Not like I have a choice!

"Yes"

And like that, I was spun for something that felt like a lifetime. Passed from hand to hand, all starting with 'may I have this dance?'. So far, I have danced with five guys but this current one was the worst. While others had pointedly avoided looking down at my cleavage and exposed pale skin, he had looked directly at it, not even bothering to hide his lust.

How disgusting.

His hands tightened at my waist and I felt my skin crawl at his unwanted touch. I was tempted to break a finger, but it wouldn't be princess-like, especially with eyes watching my every move. I stepped away from within his arms as soon as the band stopped playing and made a beeline for my seat, sidestepping anyone who was in my way.

"Aris, why are you back here?'' Mother asked when I slumped exhausted in my seat.

"I'm done mom", I groaned, stretching my now stiff back.

"Remember where you are and sit up straight!" She immediately scolded. "Go back right now to the dance floor and mingle"

"But mom-"

"Now!" She whispered harshly. Dad was nowhere in sight and he couldn't come to my aid.

"Fine" I huffed, slamming down the cup of juice I was about to drink loudly on the table. The sound had drawn the attention of the tables closest to us but I couldnt care less.

I ducked behind an old demon couple as I caught a glimpse of a young man headed my way. I was done dancing.

"Did you lose something?" A deep voice asked.

Ignore him and you'll be left alone.

"Excuse me miss?" There was a tap on my shoulder.

"What?" I snapped, looking up at the owner of the voice, and the next words died in my throat. He was handsome!

His shoulder-length sandy brown hair fell over one eye as he bent down to look at me, but that didn't obstruct my view of his face. A face as if chiseled by the gods, sharp jawlines connecting to a sturdy neck and a broad back. The suit and under-shirt he wore were both black, which made his green eyes contrast beautifully against his tanned skin. He was as tanned as I was pale. He had no horns, so he wasn't a demon. Who was he? For the first time that night, I was intrigued.

"Ah Princess, apologies. I had no idea it was you. You were in my seat."

"Oh, s-sorry", I stuttered, immediately getting up.

I wanted to start a conversation with him but there was no time as I had been caught on my prospective dance partner's radar once more. Spinning on my heels, I was about to make a dash for it in the opposite direction when I was halted by his voice.

"May I have this dance, Princess?"

Hell yes!

"Yes"I breathed, feeling tingles as my palms connected to his outstretched one and he spun me away.