CHAPTER 22
The whispers started as soon as the words left his lips and I didn’t blame them. I would be curious as to why the prince has to leave his mating ceremony abruptly.
“I apologize for making you all come here in vain,” he continued, “There are complementary snacks at the gazebos and I hope that you all have a safe journey back to wherever you came from.”
As the last words left his lips, he gestured for Camilla to lead the way and they walked out of the garden. They were a sight to behold in off white colors. I hated to admit it but they looked like a newly mated couple.
I turned back to the audience and the reality of everything hit me all at once. I felt my knees wobble but I managed to keep my head held high as I made my way down the platform, past my friends and every single guest and out the door.
“Lyla.” Lucas began but I shook my head quickly. If he said anything, it would make everything real. He seemed to understand because he just nodded and left.
I didn’t notice that Alex had walked up to me until she was close enough for me to smell her perfume. It was flowery and she put on way too much because it choked me and I had to clear my throat in order to be able to breathe well. She was in a mauve colored dress that flowed behind her in a long train and was adorned with crystals and her hair was in a perfectly placed chignon.
“That was one event that will go down in history,” she whispered to
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- me.
“I can only imagine the whispers and what people would think. He left you just like that and he didn’t look back once. I cannot imagine how terrible you are feeling now. I would-,”
She stopped mid sentence to let out a loud shrick. I looked down and saw Ender with both hands stained in chocolate and smeared all over her dress. She jumped back and furiously tried to wipe off the stain but she was only making it worse.
“You horrid little child,” she growled under her breath, “This was custom made and expensive. It is not a kitchen rag for you to wipe your hands.”
“I know it isn’t.” he had an innocent look on his face but his eyes twinkled with mischief, “But you were being mean and Lucas says that if someone is being mean then I can be mean back to them.”
“I will-,” she seemed to realize where she was because she let out a heavy exhale and stalked out of the garden.
“Thank you,” my voice was soft but Ender heard me because he gave me a nod and placed his tiny hand in mine.
“Lucas and Helena are waiting for us at the car.
It was comical and a little pathetic that I was holding onto a five year old for support but I let him lead me towards the car where Helena and Lucas were actually waiting. I ignored them as I took my seat and stayed silent as Ender tried to lighten up the atmosphere.
As soon as the car pulled to a stop, I rushed out. I heard someone call my name but I ignored them and rushed as fast as I could into the palace. I wanted- no, needed to take off the dress because it was a reminder of what had just happened and how embarrassed I was.
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CHAPTER 22
2AR Woocharg
I was in such a hurry that I didn’t realize my friends were waiting for me in the hallway until they called out for me. I froze mid step and turned to them both. Rachel had a sympathetic look on her face and I could see tears brimming in her eyes.
She has always been the emotional one and I knew if I kept looking at her, I would probably end up in tears too so I turned to Anastasia. She has always been more grounded but I miscalculated how grounded she truly was because she was staring at me with concern and as if I was about to implode.
“I’m not a ticking time bomb,” I couldn’t keep the bitterness out of my voice, “Stop looking at me as if I’m about to break down or explode.”
“I am so sorry.” Rachel said suddenly, “I can’t imagine how you feel right now.”
She moved forward to hug me but I stopped her, “I’m fine, really.” I wasn’t doing a good job at convincing them but really, I was trying to convince myself.
“You don’t have to pretend,” Anastasia offered, “We understand if you‘ re upset. We are here for you.”
“I’m fine; I just need some time alone.” They looked like they didn’t believe me.
Rachel opened her mouth to speak but Anastasia squeezed her hand softly making her stop. They shared a look between themselves and Rachel sighed and gave me a nod.
“We’ll see you later.”
As we finished, I saw Ender and the others walking in. I didn’t want to be roped into another conversation so I ran as fast as I could up the
CHAPTER 21
stairs and into my room. I locked the door behind me and pulled off the dress as quickly as I could.
I threw it on the bed in frustration and didn’t even both taking my hair down before I threw myself into the bathroom and turned the water to hot. I felt it scalding my skin but I couldn’t bring myself to care.
I saw the water turn dirty as the makeup was cleared off my skin but I didn’t make an effort to wash my face. I simply sat cross legged directly under the stream of water and stared as the water swirled down the drain.
I don’t know how long I stayed there but I finally moved when the water started to get warm. I washed my skin clean and hoped that the shame and embarrassment would wash off with it. I scrubbed until my skin was raw and red then I wiped down with a towel and changed into a silk lounge wear.
It was a warm grey two piece and it felt like I was covered in a warm cloud. I have never worn anything as comfortable as this.
I had just gotten into the bed when I heard a knock on my door. It opened to reveal Helena. She had changed out of her dress too and was now in a pair of jeans and a printed button up shirt. She walked into my room without care and I felt relieved that someone wasn’t trying to walk on eggshells around me.
“Dinner is in a few minutes,” she told me, “I just wanted to remind you.”
“Thank you, but I don’t think I’ll be attending.”
“You haven’t eaten all day.”
“I’m not hungry Helena; don’t worry about me.
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She opened her mouth to speak but decided against it at the last minute and nodded, “I will have someone bring you dinner in case you change your mind.”
She turned to leave and was at the door when I stopped her.
“Is Zander back?” I asked.
From her hesitation, I already knew her answer but it still stung when she said the word, “No,”
“Do you know where he is or when he will be returning?”
“No,” she admitted,” But it has to be something important to keep him away from here for this long. I am sure that the moment he is done with whatever business has taken his attention then he will be back.”
I let out a chuckle of disbelief, “Thank you Helena; you can leave
now.
“Lun- Lyla.” I didn’t miss her slip up and she knew it.
“You can leave Helena.”
She nodded and gave me a small bow before shutting the door behind her and leaving me alone with the silence and my thoughts.
