chapter 28 ( Amelia's birthday)

The kingdom gathered to celebrate the birthday of our beloved princess. Noble families from around the kingdom were present, famous dances and singers that I knew not off were invited and everyone was dressed in their best outfit. I was wearing a long light red dress, it was off shoulders with long sleeves and my hair was beautifully made, and I looked so beautiful. I told Ella that it was too much but she said that if I was to win the game then I have to be on my best tonight. and to be honest, I forgot about the game, it turns out that the game was still on they were observing our every performance and Ella said I was winning, I was beginning to win Rowan's heart. I was surprised by this So every moment we spent in the castle was part of the game and I had no idea

" Silence!! " the king raised his voice and the hall was taken by silence. we watch the king stand uplifting a cup of wine " we gather here today to celebrate the birth of my beautiful daughter, Amelia," he looked at Amelia who sat next to him and they smile at each other "may your long life be filled with greatness, happiness and a good marriage" he said, Amelia gave a fake smile, he didn't see it but I did " Let the celebration being" immediately we were taken by noise and music

From where I stood I watched as gifts from different kingdoms and families were present, even my kingdom Aldovia sent a representative to bring a gift. it was a dove made out of old, representing love and freedom. Amelia loved it. then a woman came to sing an opera and for faking sake what is she saying, it was just blabbing nonsense to me and the entire hall was enjoying it. they even clapped for her and then some group of dancers came to dance, which, I enjoyed. now slow music played and we were all dancing, well everyone else except me, I didn't have a thing for classic music. from where I stood I watch Amelia dance with several men, she faked her smile to every one of them which made me wonder if she doesn't want to, why do it?

" may I have this dance " standing in front of me was a fine young man, with dark hair and brown eyes and I gave him an apology smile

" and may I ask why you reject me?" he gave me a very curious look making me think of the right excuse to give him

" because I already have this dance " Out of nowhere Rowan appeared

" your highness " the young man seemed familiar with Rowan

" Malow " Rowan greeted " how is the evening going "

" splendid your highness " he replied " may I ask how you beat me to the young lady " Rowan looked at me and his reply took me by surprise

" she is my fiance, lady Natalia of Aldovia " then he offered his and for me to take

" really?" Malow was surprised

I didn't want to dance but looking at Rowan's hand my heartbeat increased " he called me his fiance" I said in my head and my face heated. I took his hand and looked at Malow who seemed happy about the whole event

" Wow your highness after so many years, congratulations"

" thank you " Rowan looked down at me " shall we " with that he led me to the dance floor, with his hand around my waist he held my right hand high and my left around his shoulder and we danced slowly to the music. at this moment I was lost in a dream world, his touch was like electricity in my body, I felt something in my stomach, a feeling that I liked. I looked into his amazing eyes and for the first time I saw something different something new and I didn't know what it was. he pulled me closer to him and lead down to my ear, my legs got weak the moment I felt his breath on my skin, it took me a lot to remain balance

" you seem happy " he whispered, God his voice

" I am " I replied

" have you given Amelia her present"

" No, I intend to give it to her after the party, don't want everyone to know I got her a dagger" he laughed softly and I couldn't help the overwhelming joy in me

" why a dagger?" with curiosity in his tone

" well this will help to get her close to Colin " Rowan raised his head to get a better view of my face

" Pardon?"

"wait you haven't noticed that they like each other have you " I was surprised

" no, I haven't" I raised an eyebrow

" you are so blind, they do, a lot, I don't know why he won't tell her but I know she Hasn't told him because she is shy " I explained

" and how do you know"

" I am observant," I said

" I am as well " he defended

" yes, you are, but not to things like this, it is not relevant to you " he shrugged off what I said " you see I am a born detective, maybe you should employ me, we will make a good team " he smiled at me

" I will keep that in mind"

smiling " you said the prisoners were poisoned, we need to find that maid," I said with seriousness

" I already got that covered, she hasn't returned and when she does I will personally question her," he said

" I want to be there when you do," I said excitedly

" I don't think you can stand it "

" try me " my response made him laugh, pulling people's attention to us but he didn't care nor did i

" I forgot I shouldn't challenge you " suddenly, the music stopped and the people clapped not long it started again and out of nowhere Malisa came and took Rowan's hand

" My turn," she said smiling at Rowan and I frown

" Melissa that..." Rowan was about to say something but I cut him off

" it's ok, I am hungry anyway" I began walking away then I saw Amelia, about to take the hand of another man, I ran to her and took her hand, taking both of them by surprise, I laughed " sorry, " she is mine now" the man frowned and walked away

" what are you doing," she asked worriedly

" dancing " I replied, I took her right hand and put my hand around her waist and she could not help but laugh

" ok " with her hand on my shoulder we began dancing

" finally you look happy"

" well you sent my last suitors away at least I don't have to fake anything," she said making me proud of myself

" I got you a present "

" really" she looked excited " what is it "

" something that will get you close to Colin " the moment I said those words she began to blush

" wh...what do you mean " oh God she looked so cute

" forget the act I know you like Colin," I said

" is it obvious " she bit her lower lips

" yes " nodding my head

" what about you " I raised an eyebrow at her words

" what about me?" throwing the question back at her

" don't you like Rowan " I was talking aback by her words

" I..." I wanted to say no, indeed he was good looking, nice and sweet, and I enjoy being with him but I just had a crush nothing more " it's just a crush " I said

" just a crush?" she gave an I don't think so look

" what?" suddenly my eyes caught him and Malisa dancing and my heart began to hurt, it felt like I was being stabbed and I just wanted to walk up to them, slap Malisa on the face take his hand. I shouldn't be liking him, I have known him for a few weeks and I was here on a mission, I was not even close to figuring things out yet and I was having feelings

" I don't think it is just a crush " I heard Amelia's low voice that was when I realized that Amelia and I had stopped dancing and I was looking at him

" yes it is," I said

" if you say so," there was silence between us for a long time as we watch them dance " he likes you " Amelia finally broke the silence

" Pardon?" looking at her

" Rowan likes you, " she said the word that made my heart hurt more

" no, he does not" I smiled at her trying to make sure she was joking

" he does, a lot, I have never seen Rowan enjoy a person's company like yours and he smiles brighter these days, since our mom died I haven't seen those smiles"

I was beginning to have a headache, Rowan is not to like me, I mean I can't even be a princess talk more of a queen and the moment the mission is over I am leaving and he will be heartbroken, it can't be true, he can't like me

" he can't," I said in a low voice

" Sorry I didn't get that" Amelia said

" he shouldn't like me," I said to her

" why " she was confused

" because it will never be, we won't work, " I said and walked away