3. The prince

In another time and place I probably would have admired how he looked sitting in my chair like that. But given the circumstances and who he is, I didn't think it appropriate so like a good little servant, I bowed.

"Your highness, I was out, getting some fresh air. After today's.... incident.... I felt a little emotional. I've seen them around. I never thought they'd betray us like that." I said, knowing he could easily get into my head and tell I was lying.

The prince burst out laughing. He laughed hard, even hitting his knee for emphasis. I stood there, staring incredulously. "Pardon? Is there something funny about today's events? You're going to wake the other servants laughing like that." I told him.

As if I were standing here telling jokes, he let out another round of laughter. I stood there waiting for him to collect himself. And almost as quick as the laughter came, it was gone and he was face to face with me, backing me against the door.

"Do you really think I'm that stupid? I was in his memories today. I saw you, your guard.... friend, and hundreds of other people. So, tell me, princess. Where were you really?" He asked, standing a foot taller than me, I had to look up at him. But I didn't budge anymore.

"Why didn't you kill me then?" I ask. Completely avoiding his question. He knew where I was, so why he was bothering with pleasantries, I haven't the slightest clue.

"That's a good question. I should have told my father right then. I should have had you all killed. I'm to be king in just two years. But you're not the one to ask questions. You're not in the.... position to..... where were you?" He asked again.

"Why don't you get in my head and find out?" I countered. What is going on here? I haven't the slightest clue. He's never said so much as two words to me in the eighteen years I've lived here. Always oblivious to my presence or never around.

The prince let out yet another round of laughter, backing away and taking up my chair again. "Your bravery is cute. But I can tell you're scared." He leaned back, crossing his arms over his very well defined chest... Get a grip, Adira. I run my hands over my face. "Your highness, why are you here? You obviously know where I was or you wouldn't be here. I've lived here for eighteen years and you have never spoken to me let alone come to my bedroom." I told him, carefully so as to not make him laugh or push me against the door again.

"You wound me. I don't recall you ever speaking to me either. Not even when we were kids. You avoided me like the plague." He said. I stood there, again looking incredulously.

I ignored everything he just said because "You just brutally killed three innocent men, and I wound you?" I ask him, staring daggers at him, no longer caring what he thinks he is. Prince or not, he's not a good person.

"I do not have to nor do I care to share my motives with you. I know who you are. I know you're in the revolt. I know you've been meeting outside the gates now for months. Training with the guard..... what's his name? Jason? Jaylon? Whatever. It doesn't matter. My point being I know what you're up to." The prince said, never breaking eye contact with me.

I squared my shoulders, "His name is Jameson and if you think you know all of this then answer my question, why are you here? Why haven't you had me killed?" I ask.

"Why would I bother? Do you really think you could kill my fathers army? Even with the men and women you have here and in Erinswell, you still wouldn't have a chance." He said, smirking of all things.

Tired of his games I said, "Why are you here, prince? If you're trying toy with me or black mail me, I would just the same rather you kill me and get it over with."

"You would rather be dead than live here? With us?" He asked, tilting his head in what looked like curiousity.

"I'd rather be dead than live with shifters who have no care for my people. Who came over from whoever knows where and slaughtered thousands of my kind. Who only care about themselves. We are simply used as toys for your army and your maid service. We are much more than that." I told him, glaring with all my might.

"Be careful who you judge, princess. You haven't the slightest clue who I am." He says. And he's not wrong. I don't have the slightest clue who he is, where he's from, why he's here, or how much power he really has.

I hold myself a little taller, "I'm not a princess. Is there something I can help you with, prince? Or are you just going to sit here wasting my precious oxygen?" I gesture to the door. I never would have imagined myself being so bold to the prince but since he now knows who I am and what I stand for, I don't see any other way.

"You are to be my date for the ball next week. You'll find out why during the announcement my father has." He says, standing up to leave.

"Excuse me? I'm to be your what?" I ask incredulously.

"My date." He smirks, hand on the door handle, looking back at me. "I'll have a dress sent to you, while you do look intriguing in that cloak, it's hardly suitable for a ball." And then he just leaves, with no explanation.

"Im not going to the ball." I yell after him and slam my door, forgetting the late hour.

Why would he want me to be his date? Why hasnt he told his father? And why aren't I dead? I have so many questions and none of them answered as I climb into bed into a deep much needed sleep.

*******************************

The past week nothing out of the ordinary has happened. We and the other maids have been preparing the castle for the ball. Cleaning rooms for our "guests", setting up the menu, decorating, the lot. The castle looked even more beautiful than usual.

I hadn't told my parents or Jameson about my "invitation" to be the princes date so imagine their surprise when one day before the wretched ball, I receive a beautiful gold and black gown. It was long, to the floor, the bottom flowy and the top supporting my shape with a V neck that exposed more than I'm used to, jewels incrested on it.

My mother, complacent in our lives and rulers, was ecstatic about the prince "finally" noticing me. She wasn't suspicious about it at all. Chalked it up to my "beautiful" looks and left it at that.

My father was neutral. He doesn't show his emotions these days so there is no telling how he really felt about it. Probably that it's out of his hands, and there's nothing he can do.

Jameson. Well, he was livid. After I gave him a brief summary of what happened after our meeting, how the prince knew who we were, he thinks it might be a trap and that I should refuse to go. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Not with everything the prince knows and his ability to kill me on the spot for refusing him.

So that is why, thirty minutes before the ball was supposed to start. I slipped the beautiful black and gold dress on. An hour prior my mother helped with my makeup and hair, something we rarely get the luxury to do. If it wasn't for my mom having worn makeup before living here, I doubt she would know how to do it now. That and she helps the queen with her makeup and hair on a regular basis.

"Oh you look absolutely lovely, Adira. The prince will be smitten with you." My mother said, looking at my reflection in the mirror. I did look better than usual. My brown hair was pinned up in the back with hair left hanging on either side of my face. My almond shaped blue eyes stood out with the eyeshadow my mother picked out, giving me a Smokey eyed effect. My high cheekbones stood out as well. The dress making me look regal. Almost like I belonged at a ball. Almost.

I sighed, looking away from my reflection. "I'd rather go with Jameson." I mumbled. My mother tsked, shaking her head. "Now, Adira. You know it is an honor here to be the help and still going to the ball. And with the prince nonetheless." She chided.

I roll my eyes, "If you think he's so darling, go in my place. I'd rather stay here than be somewhere I'm not wanted due to my title, or lack thereof." It's almost as if she's been brainwashed to love it here. Like she doesn't remember hiding me eighteen years ago, for weeks, so we didn't get captured by these beasts.

My mother opened her mouth just as a knock at the door was heard. She looked to me eagerly, "Is that him? Did he say he was going to walk you down?" She asked.

"I don't know mother, why don't you answer the door and find out." I say, sitting in my chair  as she walks to the door to answer it. Rubbing her hands over her outfit to straighten it before opening the door. Standing in the doorway was the prince himself, giving my mother what was supposed to be a charming smile as she curtsied.

"Linda, is it? I'm here to escort your daughter to the ball." He drawls. I discretely roll my eyes and look away, not making an effort to stand or curtsey. Mother coughed, trying to get my attention. Hinting, I suppose.

"Adira." The prince says, and I finally meet his gaze. Standing, I walk over to him and put my arms across my chest. He's at least a foot taller than I and definitely a lot bigger but I square my shoulders anyway and say, "Is there anyway my mother can go in my place? Or anyone really? I'm sure you have a line of women who would be more... qualified and willing."

My mothers eyes widened and the look in them could cut glass, "Adira." She warns but Delion cuts her off, "Perhaps. But none of them are as exquisite and.... interesting as you." His eyes gleam as he says that. Perhaps a warning or threat. Not wanting my mother or anyone else to find out what I'm a part of I simply say, "Lead the way then." as he takes my arm in his. My mother left swooning over his last words. I roll my eyes.

As we walk out of the quarters, arm in arm, the prince says, "I suggest not talking to me like that in front of anyone at the ball. While I do find it comical, nobody else will. We don't want any unnecessary attention, do we?" He asks.

I give him a grim smile, "Of course not. Although I'm sure you're going to attract extra attention anyway seeing as how you invited the help to be your date. I would still like to know why I'm being forced into this when a few days ago, you didn't even care of my existence."

Delion chuckles, "Eager, are we? Patience, you'll find out soon enough." He says as we cross the courtyard leading us to the dreaded ballroom.  "I still would like to know why you haven't told anyone. What is your motive?" I ask, still edging for details. The prince just smirks as he leads us into the lions den.