Fall for Me

fourteen

~ l e o r a

I WAS ALONE, and it was the most terrifying feeling ever. 

The guests around me had parted to let me pass through, not bothering to hide their wicked smiles and looks of disappointment and seemingly disgust as I strode across the floor of the great hall. Each female and male guest had a partner standing by their side for the grand ball before the feast, their intimidating looks making me want to cower in fear. They were predators and I was a mere prey for them to catch.

Brielle waved at me eagerly from the far side of the room. She and the other princesses, excluding Aurorae, were chattering quietly with their partners, who were handsome nobles I had never seen before in my month here in the palace. I made my way over, having to drag my long skirts along with me. 

Today was a red and gold day, according to my maids. Their skillful hands had stitched a crimson gown with golden trimmings and delicate gems. It looked too much, but after glimpsing the clothing of the other princesses, I realized it was much simpler in design.

"Where is your partner? I cannot wait to meet him." Brielle glanced over my shoulder expectantly, trying to spot the partner I didn't have.

"I do not have one," I answered simply, angling my head downward slightly. Brielle detects my devastation and bends down with an outstretched arm, cupping my elbow.

"I could stay with you, if you would like," she offered kindly. Relief washed over me when she uttered those words, and I immediately accepted.

But as I was about to head over with Brielle to meet her partner, the doors flung open. I turned, an instantly regretted it. Ashton was standing with his arm around Aurorae's small waist, his eyes sparkling in delight. His hair was swept back, though a few silky strands still brushed over his forehead. He was clad in red, a color that was only a few shades darker than my gown, and Aurorae was dressed in velvet green and gold with a diamond flower crown perching daintily on her head. Ashton didn't seem to notice me gazing at him as he marched into the ballroom. The guests around him circled around him and Aurorae, and in an instant, they vanished from view.

I strained my neck, desperately wanting to catch sight of them again, but it was no use. Through the corner of my eyes, I caught Brielle looking at me with a sad expression written across her face. I straightened, not desiring any form of pity or sympathy from anyone. I had been alone been alone before, and I went through it smoothly. A pang of sadness made its way into my chest, and I wondered if my family was doing alright.

Footsteps approached and I raised my head. My heart lurched when I spotted Ashton striding over with Aurorae, who looked overjoyed to be next to him. I avoided looking at either of them, knowing that if I did, my emotions and facial expressions would betray me. Ashton's harsh voice from a couple of days before pulled at me, and I hoped Euphoria's words were true.

"How are you doing tonight, ladies?" Ashton's musical voice drifted over. He stops about a foot away from Brielle and I

"We are doing spectacularly, Your Highness," Brielle replied for both of us. I was grateful for her quick answer.

"I am glad," Ashton said. He lifted the glass of wine in his hand before taking a sip. "But I am curious, is there anything you would perhaps like to be added to this festival?"

"Not at all, Your Highness," Brielle beamed. My palm began to sweat as Ashton, to my great horror, faced me.

"How about you, Princess Leora?"

I shake my head, keeping my lips pressed together in a firm line. Ashton leaned away from me, smiled his heart-stopping smile, and made off with Aurorae's hands wrapped around his arm.

"Don't be sad, Leora." Brielle tried to comfort me, though she was not successful. 

I kept still, feeling suddenly very exhausted. 

"Leora?" Brielle's gentle voice soothes me. 

I want to just shut my eyes and let the darkness cover me entirely. Natalie had told me that the darkness was friendly in a way, and could clear all your troubled thoughts away. 

"Leora, are you crying?"

My hand flew to my face, and I didn't realize moisture had brimmed over my eyes until Brielle had mentioned it to me. I swiped the tears away hastily and carefully, afraid I was going to ruin the makeup if I was too rough.

"No," I murmured, blinking. Brielle sighed softly beside me.

I could tell she was about to respond when the musicians suddenly erupted into a chorus of beautiful notes that filtered around the great room. Gasps reached my ears when Ashton led Aurorae to the center of the floor, grasping her waist between his long fingers. I hold my breath as I watch them.

No, as I watch Ashton. He glides smoothly across the ballroom floor with such easy grace that my heart stops for a moment, dazed by his excruciating beauty and litheness. 

Soon, others joined in, sweeping across the floor with the swishing of skirts and gentle tapping of shoes. Brielle stayed by my side for a while, knowing I would be scared to stand alone in this room of people. But I could see the impatience in her eyes. Her partner stood wordlessly next to her. He was a tall man in his early twenties at most with a shock of dazzling red hair smoothed back with gel. His blue eyes observed Brielle, never leaving her. I envied her, to be able to find someone as charming and as wholehearted as he seemed.

"You should join them," I suggested. Brielle glanced at me in surprise.

"Are you sure?" She asked, examining me anxiously. 

"You should enjoy yourself," I stated, nodding. She looked relieved. 

She grabbed her partner by the hand and headed eagerly over to the dance floor. He trailed after her with a wide grin spread across her face. I felt my heart sink when I realized I was the only one left. Everyone was dancing, including Paradise, who was spinning with little Aekalliara in her arms.

I caught sight of the king and queen watching from a balcony area above the ballroom I had never noticed before. The queen looked amused as she studied the dancers twirling around with one another. I was glad I was hidden in the shadows of the draping decorations twisting about the walls of the room.

The guests finished their waltzing as soon as the music came to a stop. Ashton had the honor of having a solo with whomever he chose, and for some unknown reason, I thought it was going to be me.

But I deflated completely and felt ashamed for ever thinking he was going to choose me when he gradually walked toward Aurorae, who had paused by a table to get a drink, and whispered something down her ear. The brilliance in her eyes dimmed somewhat. The corners of my eyebrows turned down.

Ashton turned slowly and my breath hitched in my throat. His silver-gray eyes were probing and pensive, as if he was dealing with a raging conflict of opposing thoughts inside his head. No one made a sound, eyes all following Ashton as he reached me, bowing low.

"May I have this dance, Princess?" He whispered, holding out a hand for me to take. I was unable to form words - his beauty was baffling, and I couldn't think straight. I felt a nudge at my lower back, and I shifted my gaze to Brielle, who was smiling in encouragement.

I took his hand, curtseying.

"Of course, Your Highness."

He pulled me into his chest and a gasp escaped my lips. He led us to the dance floor, always holding me close to him.

"It is Ashton to you," he mumbled lightly, using his free hand to brush a lock of my dark hair behind my ear. My breath was shaky as I exhaled.

The musicians exchanged a look before starting a new piece. The mournful music filled my ears, and I felt myself floating gently in Ashton's strong arms while he spun us around the room. I didn't fail to notice the guilty expression on his face when Aurorae fled from the ballroom with all three of her sisters trailing after her, desperate to try and make her feel better. I knew that deep down, Ashton felt bad for making this choice.

"Ashton?"

"Mm?" He looked down at me with the brightly glowing eyes I loved so much.

"Why did you choose me?" I was worried he was still mad about the argument.

"The truth?" He paused, thinking hard for a second. "I could not bear watching you standing in the corner by yourself."

"You noticed me?" My voice was quiet.

"Of course I did." He looked surprised. He must have snuck a look in my direction when I wasn't paying attention to him.

"But aren't you mad?" I blurted without a second thought.

To my astonishment, his features remained as soft as they were before. His eyes glittered, and my heart skipped a beat.

"Why would I be mad?"

"Because I slapped you," I reminded him, blushing profusely. He chuckled, the vibrations sending fluttering sensations coursing through me.

"It is not your fault, Leora," he reassured. "It is mine, and I should be the one to apologize to you for what I said and all of the mistakes I have made in the past." He cupped the side of my face in his palm. His skin was slightly calloused, but I enjoyed his touch anyway. 

I closed my eyes, taking in his indescribably addicting scent. When my eyes opened, however, I noticed his were hooded over, blazing with an emotion I couldn't comprehend. He pulled me impossibly closer to him and dug his face into my hair.

"Forgive me, Leora," he breathed, tightening his hold around my waist.

"I forgive you, Ashton," I whispered in return. I felt his lips turn into a small smile against my neck, and I shuddered.

We kept dancing, waltzing around the room with elegant, fluid motions as the guests watched, stunned.

~*~

We were standing in the tower of the East Wing, facing the ageless night sky above us. Ashton had brought me here, despite my complaints. It was even more breath-taking of a view than he had described to me when we excused ourselves from the feast.

Ashton was strolling over to me with two beautifully decorated lanterns.

"I prepared them especially for Aurorae," he admitted quietly, gesturing at them with a dip of his head. "But when I saw you standing in the corner of the room, I realized it was you I wanted to share this moment with."

"Do you not think you upset Aurorae a little too much?" I questioned, surveying the lanterns.

"I was harsher than I had intended to be, and I must apologize to her," he assured me. "But as long as I have you, everything will be alright."

I flushed a deep red.

"Here, hold this while I light it." He held one out to me, and I took it carefully. He reached for something stashed in the blackness of the stone wall. "And let it go once I do."

I held it up high as he struck a match, illuminating the dark area. The lantern gave off a lambent gleam, and I let it out into the night through the small opening of the window just as Ashton had instructed. It swayed in the gentle breeze blowing past before slowly floating up into the sky, accompanying the stars. Like before, Ashton lighted the second lantern and let it fly into the night air. 

"Make a wish," Ashton said gently to me, taking my hand. He closed his eyes himself, a peaceful look crossing his alluring face. 

What did I want most in their world? I thought, searching for a wish I could make. The feeling of Ashton's skin touching mine sent shivers running down my spine, and I suddenly knew.

I knew what I wanted most in this world.

"What did you wish for?" Ashton had opened his eyes once again and was looking down at me. 

I was struck again by his dazzling beauty.

"Well, it would not come true if I told you, would it?" I responded, reaching up instinctively to touch his cheek with my fingertips. He sighed in content, leaning down so his minty breath fanned across the tip of my nose, tickling my skin.

"You have no idea how happy I am right now, Leora," he murmured softly, taking my face in his hands. 

"I am happy, too, Ashton," I replied, noticing how his eyes flickered down to my mouth as I spoke, and lingered there for a moment.

Without warning, he dipped his head and his lips touched mine briefly, sending flutters in my pit of my stomach. I let out a small gasp and he took the chance to fully capture my lips with his, gripping my waist and crushing me into him.

And Ashton Layne, crown prince of Aecho, stole my first kiss right then and there under the glistening light of a thousand stars and lanterns.

~*~

~ a s h t o n

May 10th, 2020, 11:42 pm

My dearest Leora,

I am the happiest man alive right now. 

I cannot put into words how much I loved this evening. I felt guilty at first as I watched you standing alone by the wall, and I knew that you were upset because of me. I know that I may have been too harsh when speaking to Aurorae and telling her it was not her I was doing the solo with, but I am content and nothing can drown out the happiness of just being by your side.

The kiss on the tower was, and still is, my favorite part of our nigh together, though I really do desire to know what wish you made. My wish was for us to be able to be by one another's side forever and watch as our children grow together.

The plan is coming to an end soon, and I hope you already know who I am going to choose to become my bride and the future queen.

You are my life now, Leora.

Yours truly,

Ashton