195 vi. I Have Been Waiting Long

She took a deep breath as they were led to the grand banquet. It is the first day of the selection. Night, rather.

Where they are to be presented for the first time before the crown prince, as official candidates for his hand in marriage. Everyone is supposed to be at their best so as to leave a lasting impression before the highness’s eyes.

She is nervous for two reasons. One, she is underdressed. Two, she didn’t know how she would feel during this meeting.

For reason number one, she is the only noble who doesn’t even have enough funds to buy her dresses that are in season. To add to that, she has no skills in painting her face and contented herself with adding just a bit of color to her lips.

Seeing everyone so beautiful and elegant like this, she feels a bit more overwhelmed. Next to all these beauties, she would be like a wallflower the prince wouldn’t even take a second glance at.

As for the second reason... her thoughts trailed off as her whole world stopped with his presence.

Having been called inside the banquet, she and her cousin walked towards the prince. Her wobbly knees shook as she tried not to stumble forward.

His golden eyes were intent on her, and she felt that being looked at like this by the prince made even breathing difficult.

She made a curtsy after her cousin did so, being reminded of proper etiquette which she somehow forgot during the few seconds their eyes met.

.....

The crown prince has always been too dangerous for her. At least she has to be reminded of that.

“Rise,” she lifted her head after hearing his voice and was shocked to find the prince standing inches before her.

What does she do in this situation? She panicked and tried to go back to her curtsy, bumping into his chest as she does so.

She was shocked as she felt his hand on her head, and the other on her waist, “I’m trying to help you not to fall.”

She blushed as she felt the hateful gazes of the women around her, and the curious stares of the other attendees. She kept still not knowing what to do.

All she wanted right now is to disappear. To be swallowed by the ground completely, is what she desired.

The king cleared his throat, and only then did the prince step back a bit, a hand still on her waist. She felt her cheeks heat up over the brief encounter and tried her best to stop the impulse of pushing him away.

“I- I am okay now, your highness,” she said in a voice she wasn’t sure was loud enough to be heard by the prince. It was barely a squeak.

She let out a sigh of relief as he broke into a gentle smile, his hands finally freeing her from their confines.

“Be careful, my lady,” he whispered, his voice low enough to be heard by only her.

She felt ecstatic since it was almost as if it was their little secret no one can tell. But also, she felt nervous as she glanced over the women staring daggers at her.

She mused over how the others could have misinterpreted the crown prince’s actions. It was almost as if the crown prince doesn’t even care.

But this is the first night of the crown prince’s selection. In here somewhere is the woman he would one day wed.

She frowned a bit over how careless he could be and how little he seemed to mind the growing misunderstanding of the other participants.

The crown prince clicked his fingers and slow music readily flowed into the banquet hall. She felt her throat dry up as their eyes met again and he let out a smile.

She felt like someone who wanted to protest. The prince has never smiled once at her in all these years. He can’t just smile twice in a row like that.

What of her heart? Her thoughts completely stopped as he offered his hand to her.

“May I have this dance, my lady?” he asked her as he looked at her expectantly.

She wanted to laugh seeing his reaction. How can she dare think the crown prince is nervous? But his clenched jaw made her think he is experiencing something similar to that at least.

She extended her hand and the crown prince took it in his. Soon, the whole crowd seemed to fade. In her little world, there is only the crown prince.

His hand was firm as he held her by her waist, and the other held her hand to guide her. She felt mesmerized by the way their bodies swayed to the music he created.

Magic. Is it also a part of his unlimited supply of magi that was causing her heart to beat erratically against his chest?

“Your mind seems to be preoccupied, my lady,” the deep baritone of his voice brought her back to the present.

“I- I am just nervous,” she answered.

“Is that good?” his voice was serious, as if the matter is something too important to him right now.

She thinks for a moment and tilts her head a bit, “It can be considered that, I guess. Nervous in a good way.”

He smiled and she felt like the nervousness she was feeling a while ago just doubled. If the crown prince doesn’t quit his smiling then she might just have a heart attack.

“I am glad you finally arrived,” were his words as he stared at her. His hot gaze gave her goosebumps as he continued, “I have been waiting long.”

The music ended before she could ask the crown prince what he meant about the words he last said. Has he been waiting especially for her?

She would roll in her bed that night barely catching sleep as she contemplated on his words.

historical

“I have been waiting long,” she murmured and covered her face with a pillow as she giggled before falling asleep.