Apparently, everybody keeps forgetting I am the one living here.
Her face turns red, and I almost feel sorry. “I will let you ladies get ready. I am out,” I grumble. I can’t ignore the words Eliane whispers to Annie before I walk out.
“Thank you for saving my ass.”
I smirk again and walk past Annie who curiously asks what happened, and go to the only place I know where to run to.
I walk in, and now it’s my turn to blush. Everywhere I look, familiar faces stare back at me. If you didn’t know the situation I’m in, I’d probably come across like a serial killer or stalker plotting their next victim. I just can’t get her out of my head, and I wanted to get her a birthday present tonight. However, I haven’t succeeded in duplicating the sparkle in her eyes perfectly and let them give me the same feeling hers does. An animal-ish sound leaves my throat as I crumble another paper and throw in the trash ban.
Eliane her hopeful, honey brown eyes stare at me from the paper and I decide to give it one last try.
My breath stocks in my throat as I sway the door of the ballroom open. I look from left to right, holding my head high, walking confident through the crowd. Everywhere I look are people, men only. The other male candidates are standing at the drinks table. I stroll towards them. The girls haven’t arrived yet. A clap lands on my shoulders. I look over it and put my hand on my non-existent sword out of reflex. Two hands raise in the air as I spin around.
“Ho, chill, bro. I just wanted to say hello.” Two dark brown eyes and a dark skinned face look at me. Caleb. I let out a huff.
“Sorry.” I sigh on edge.
“It is all good, bro,” he cheers, pushing a glass of champagne in my hand.
Good.
I take a big sip and lean my head back. Next to him are standing more men. They are wearing different tuxedos than me. Blue, green, and black and white. Ethan and Aiden are talking aboutsomething while drinking from a wine glass and laughing loudly. “Don’t you think it is weird that today we were all being nice to each other but tomorrow people will kill each other if they have to?” Caleb looks over his shoulder at the other boys.
“It is,” I growl out, not wanting to make small talk, but knowing I need it. “But that is the way people are,” I say it with confidence, trying to live up to my role. But no one likes killing. I would rather never do it again. But is the only title the king gave me I can ever live up to. And I hate myself for still wanting to make him proud. Something drags my gaze towards the door, but nothing happens. I am not sure why they gave us a ball. The candidates aren’t the only ones there. There are a lot of people. From leaders and family friends to Zephron’s and mine old homeschool teachers. Chandeliers hang on the ceiling, lightning the room completely. Our ballroom is big. The floor is marble, and people are dancing. I look back at Caleb again and he isn’t the only one standing in front of me anymore. Six eyes stare at me.
“Did you hear what we asked?” Ethan grins. Huh? No, I did not. I must have zoned out for a bit. I shake my head, cockier than I feel.
“Is this palace the reason you’re so cocky?” Ethan sneers. He narrows his eyes at me. He hates me. He has every right to, but he doesn’t know me. I don’t give him the satisfaction of answering. Aiden does.
“Maybe you just miss your little girlfriend and you have to stop bitching on the other candidates. The trials start tomorrow, bro. Not tonight. Chill down.” Aiden smiles. He is a joker. Not sure why and how someone could enjoy life that much. He is bubbly and laughs again about something Caleb said. I didn’t hear it, lost in my own thoughts. I need to bond with these guys a bit, show some of my good side.
“Where are you guys from?”
Around me it gets silent and Aiden and Ethan’s eyes wide while all Caleb does is smile. Are they deaf or something? “What?” I shrug. Aiden chuckles and claps me on the shoulder.
“So he is human,” he starts. “I am from Ilanos, I have a little baby sis and my parents are bakers. Thanks for asking, bro.”
I hate the word bro already.
Eliane would like Aiden, I think. She would like the feeling he would give her. I cross my arms and a burning sensation raises in my chest. I feel warm and fuzzy, like he wants me to be his friend. Friends are one thing I used to dream about when I was a kid. When I was still dumb and hopeful. Of course friends were never in the game for me. Ethan answers next. Dragging my mind off this friend subject. Because the last thing he clearly wants to be is my friend.
“None of your business,” he spits out. Aiden speaks up,
“Then leave.” His face is all serious at once. Like there is this tough guy under all his rainbow and sparkles.
Caleb interrupts the both of them, “I am from Etakia and live there with my older sister. We always used to craft things with electronics. She is a metal wielder as well and we would draft all kinds of things.” Caleb smiles softly, but there is something somber in his eyes. Before I can ask what is up, the door bursts open and the whole room goes silent. The king and Zephron walk in front, strolling off the stairs. A guard walks next to them. I recognize this one. The bald man with strong arms, gives me a nod as he leads my brother and the king further down. Girls follow them. I am not sure why they get a special entrance, but I think it is because of the effort they put in their looks and the men—women balance that rules over Drimyé.
It is bullshit honestly.
First, all kinds of women walk in. I don’t recognize anyone. They wear pretty dresses and gowns. There is a brief pause among the people before the female candidates start to walk in.
Kailey is in front. She is stunning as always. Her light brown skin shines and her brown waves are in an updo. She is wearing a fiery, satin red dress and despite her height she walks like she is the boss around here. Her dress has a corset top and golden details. She is followed by Delilah who is wearing a short black dress, almost the same as a fighting outfit, except this one shows her tattoos. Her eyes are focused on Kailey and she doesn’t let her out of her sight. Hazel walks after her. Her red hair is in a low braid and she is wearing this stunning sage green dress. It is off shoulder and has all kinds of flowers covering her upper body and forming her top in corset form. It reflects her signet perfectly. The nature wielder.
I see my brother’s Adam’s apple move as he swallows hard. Hazel gives him teasing eyes and a smile where she shows her perfect white teeth on full display. Gwen and Aaliyah follow. Gwen wears an icy blue dress with white accents at the bottom of her puffy gown, matching her personality perfectly. Aaliyah is in pink, decorated with all kinds of patterns. But I don’t focus on them for long. There is only one girl I can look at for hours.
Last but definitely not least, Eliane comes through the door. Annie helps her with spreading the long ends off the dress perfectly as she walks down the stairs. I hear a few gasps here and there and it irritates the shit out of me. I focus on her and finally her gaze finds mine. She looks absolutely beautiful. Her beautiful light giving, golden blonde waves are in a waterfall braid and half updo. It looks breathtaking. She is wearing a pastel yellow dress that has this kind of tight top and flowy bottom. The bottom is a bit see through, but there is probably something under it, otherwise I would have seen her perfectly tanned legs. It shimmers with golden details on the body of the dress, but the see through part seems to give light in the same way her hair does. Her dress is being held up by straps covered in gold. As I focus my eyes, I recognize that they are little sunsforming tulle soft ruffles. My breath pitches as she gives me a smile that makes my knees weak. As she reaches down the stairs, a few men are standing in front of her, asking her to dance. I will not let that happen. Time moves slowly as her eyes keep finding mine and this tingling rushes through my body. Everybody seems to move slowly except me and Eliane. As I have finally reached her, I speak up.
“This one is mine. Let’s dance,” I growl, demanding every other man to step away.
