Bound to the dark king

The moment we walked in, all eyes fell on us. I couldn't stop the feeling of embarrassment that swept through me. it felt like I was way past my league as I studied the numerous beautiful People surrounding the room. Men and women dressed in shiny attires, looking extremely rich. And there was me, who looked extremely basic. I had the strong urge to turn around and run back to the safety of my room. At least, there would be no judgy eyes scrutinizing me. Just as I was about to turn away, I felt Manila's hand snake through mine, holding me lightly. I turned to look at her. She gave me a slight nod, indicating that she knew what I was silently going through and assuring me that she was here for me. 

 In that moment, I was grateful that she was beside me. She was such a sweet girl. I smiled and nodded in response. Together, we walked further in and located the space meant for the maidens to sit. I noted that the other four were already seated, looking exceptionally beautiful and bright. You could tell that most of them came from a comfortable life, contrary to mine. I tried to stifle thee pang of jealousy that shot through me. There was no point feeling sorry for myself. 

 "Hi, I'm Manila, the fifth maiden and this is Serena, the sixth maiden." Manila's cheerful voice cut through my thoughts. We were now standing In front of the girls. My gaze breezed through the girls and came to an abrupt stop when it landed on a familiar face. No way. Carla Jackson, my distant cousin was also part of the 6 chosen maidens?? At that moment, her eyes landed on mine. I saw the shock in her eyes before she quickly switched it to a scowl, looking me up and down like i was nothing but a filthy rag. Suddenly, memories of how Carla had always bullied me whenever she had the chance to resurfaced in my mind.

 Carla was from the house of steel. One of the most strongest royal families in the land. They were the richest too and somehow, they were hardly ever disturbed by the sky creatures. My papa had always said that house of steel was one of the royal families that were loyal to the sky Kingdom. Maybe that was the reason why their lives were simple. From what l knew, Carla was the only child and was very spoilt by her parents. I took in her thing blond hair and perfectly made up face and her equally gorgeous outfit. Carla had always treated me like something beneath her and I quite understood because, compared to her outfit and appearance, I looked like her maid.

 I remember when Lady Maya had come to visit with Carla for the first time when we were both 12. I had tried to befriend Carla and even given her two of my favorite dolls, but what did she do instead? She'd burnt the two beautiful dolls right In front of me, even as I pleaded with her to give it back, and then she'd poured sticky mud on my face and told me I would never be her friend because I was a filthy lowlife. 

 I had cried for days and avoided telling anyone about the ordeal, even lily who was my best friend because I had felt extremely ashamed. As I stared at her now, I had the fear that something similar would happen. After that first time, I had always avoided Carla like a plague and it was easy for me to because we only saw each other once in two years or more. But now that I was in close proximity with her, how would I avoid her? I cleared my throat and turned away from her. I took my seat beside Manila on the far end. The six of us were finally seated. We were now waiting for the king and prince of the Sky kingdom to appear. I tried to calm my nerves at the thought of meeting the greatest beings in the universe... Or so my father used to say.

 "I wonder what the Arcane family did to get their lowlife daughter to be one of the chosen maidens. You can tell she doesn't belong here." Carla's tiny voice broke through the silence. She was talking to the other maiden sitting beside her but her gaze were trained on me. Fury bubbled up inside me at her insulting words. I shut my eyes tightly and tried to drown out her voice.

 "She thinks being in the sky Kingdom will erase the fact that her father's Kingdom is drowning in debt and hardship. Her father once knelt down in front of my father to beg for livestock and grains." Carla continued. Everyone around us was listening now, including Manila. I knew Carla was mean but I didn't expect her to go out of her way just to embarrass me in front of everyone? I gripped the edge of my dress so tight, my knuckles were turning White.

 "Serena, dear cousin. Am I lying? Has your family not been suffering for years? Tell us why the Arcane household begs for food and almost every other basic thing from neighboring families" Carla taunted with a vicious smile on her face. My eyes scanned everyone close to us. They were watching with rapt attention. Even the guards were looking at us. I opened my mouth to put Carla In her place, but nothing came out. I looked like an idiot right now as angry tears welled up in my eyes. I blinked rapidly, trying to force it back, but it was coming anyway.

 "Excuse me." I whispered shakily and speedily ran out of the area. My ears were ringing so loudly in my ear that I almost didn't hear Manila's voice behind me. I needed to get away from here. I needed air. I needed my home. I knew the tears had spilled now but I didn't care. I just wanted to be alone and catch my emotions. I darted out of the hall and began running down a hallway, unaware of where I was actually heading to. I needed to get out of here before I lost my mind. 

 I wasn't looking forward so I didn't have time to catch myself as I ran into someone roughly, causing me to knock myself on the ground. "Ow!" I winced as I landed on my butt.

 "Hey, are you okay? You should be more careful next time" I heard male voice say before I raised my head up to see a very handsome man peering down at me with surprise and confusion on his face. 

 "um...I..I'm fine, l just..." I was stuttering like a fool. The man was very handsome and he was smiling gently at me. I felt my cheeks flush involuntarily. Ugh, why couldn't l control my shyness when it was important? Rena, you're so annoying!

 "Okay. Okay. I suppose it's my fault for not catching you quickly. I'm sorry about that. Here."

He extended his hand to help me up, and I gratefully accepted, pulling myself to my feet. As I stood to my full height, his expression shifted—confusion giving way to a flicker of interest as he took me in. His eyes were a light blue and his features were near perfect. He looked every bit like a royal, with his dark golden hair tied back and his regal outfit fitting him to perfection. I found myself blushing again because he was so good looking.

 "What is your name and what house are you from?" He asked me when I didn't say anything. I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could speak, a beast-like creature leapt from behind him, ready to pounce on me with a menacing growl. A scream escaped my lips as I turned to flee, but his hand shot out, grabbing me gently and holding me back. 

 "Please... Do not be scared. It's just my pet and he is totally harmless and wants to play with you. I think he likes you" just as he explained, The beast curled up right in front of me, its face twisting into a frightening grin before it suddenly flicked its tongue out to lick my shoes. My heartbeat began to settle in relief. "You still haven't told me your name. I assume you're one of the maidens? I am prince Malcom." I froze in shock. Prince Malcom? I had just ran into the Prince of the sky kingdom??

 "Your majesty... I am so sorry. I had no idea you..."

 "That's alright. It's not every time one gets to run into into a beautiful damsel such as you" his tone was warm and friendly as he gave me another charming smile that melted my insides. The prince was so charming. If I didn't absolutely loathe their kind, I might have liked him a lot. 

 "Thank you, Your majesty. To answer your earlier question, yes l am the sixth maiden. Serena from house of Arcane. I'm sorry but I just wanted to get some air outside the hall and I didn't know my way." 

 "Yeah, you could get lost in these walls if you do not know your way." Prince Malcom replied amusingly. "Come. There's a balcony for you to catch some air just by this turning."

 He lead me through a short passage till we bursted out to a small balcony that had us facing the left side of the castle. it was extremely beautiful out here and I felt an instant calmness surround me. I was mildly aware of the prince standing silently behind me. I tried to calm my nerves at his closeness. He moved till he stood beside me, his face turning towards my direction.

"I get the subtle feeling that you don't really want to be here." The prince said quietly. He was quite Observant.

 "Well.. I don't find anything remotely fascinating in leaving my home and family to come to a strange Kingdom just to compete for the hand of a prince which i do not know or even care about." My voice was laced with the bitter anger that coursed through my veins. It was then I realized what I had just said and who I had said it to. I pressed my hand over my mouth in shock as I glanced at him. Why couldn't I just keep my loud mouth shut? The prince chuckled, apparently amused. 

 "I'm sorry I didn't mean to..."

 "No, don't apologize. I actually do understand and I particularly appreciate your brutal honesty. I Wish there was something I could say to make you feel better here, but I hope with time, you'll get to like this place and we may become friends."

 "Friends..?" he stared at me silently for a moment before a soft smile appeared on his face.

"I like you, Serena. And I have a feeling that you will like me as well." He said with a playful arrogance, grinning at me. He looked boyish which I found cute.

Maybe i did like him. Just maybe. 

 "I am flattered your highness." I said hoping my voice didn't sound amused as I felt. "I think I should go back in now." I added. 

 "Oh yes. See you soon, Serena of Arcane."

I nodded at him and turned, walking away. 

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