Who Is The Princess?

*****

He looked at the pool of glittering starlight and let out a heavy breath. The moon was out staring at him. Heather handed over a strange mask to him.

"Seriously Heather?" Azriel asked looking at the black and white mask in his hands. The mask earlier was black. Why did she change it?

"The guard gave us the same mask" Heather explained. She turned to the Sigurd and asked "Did you not notice that everyone's mask is black?" he nodded and she continued "That's why I bought a new mask for my brother. The princess and the king will notice you very quickly."

"Nice one, beautiful sister" Azriel commended her. He put on the mask and asked if he look handsome.

"You look wonderful" They chorused.

The hall was beautifully decorated. The air smells of royalty. Soft murmurs filled the hall as he walked in. His eyes darted back and forth.

It was going to be the best night for the princess…but the worst for him. He was no lover of parties. He never threw one before.

Azriel ran his hand through his long dark hair. The ladies' eyes were on him. None of their whisperings seemed to escape his sharp ears. They all praised his beauty. Some said he was a god in human form and others said he was an angel sent from heaven to grace the earth with his beautiful presence.

He had no idea if they were right or wrong…or if they knew was his mission. How to take back what was stolen from him?

After a few minutes of avoiding the hungry-looking ladies of the court, the announcer finally spoke. He welcomed all the guests to Akkad and thanked them for honouring the Emperor's invitation.

"Now, it is time to introduce the most lovely woman in the world. The reason we have all gathered here today" The announcer said. He turned to the giant door that led to the other rooms in the palace.

The doors opened and A man in his late forties appeared. Beside him was a red-haired lady. Her face was as beautiful as a moon. Her gazelle eyes caught many men. Her skin was as white as snow.

Her light steps left the men speechless. The Emperor walked to where the announcer was and dismissed him.

"Thank you all" He stopped the cheering and looked around. "This is my daughter, Princess Azarel. She will be happy if you all behave yourself this night."

Azriel was speechless. He stared at the princess for a while.  Was this a joke? He met the princess this morning. Her name was Ember and she had dark hair…not red. What happened to her a few hours ago?

There was no way this person standing with the Emperor could be Ember. The most surprising thing was that she was not Ember by name but Azrael. Only the gods knew the meaning of that name.

"I don't understand a thing…" Heather placed a hand under her chin and relaxed. "Who is this girl? Why is she the princess? I thought we met with the princess this morning?"

"I am also afraid…" Stryga began. He stopped when he saw Azriel's expression. He was still in shock. "Your brother won't recover from this."

"If she is the princess…who is Ember?" Heather asked.

"The princess' cousin" Kielee replied. She was not with them when the princess was introduced. The boys needed drinks she went to get them. It was during that time that the men spoke about the cousins of the princess. They were the only ones who came out this morning.

She was sad because their efforts were all in vain. Azriel had thought that the princess was already impressed with him. But it wasn't the case. It was her cousin.

"Really?" Heather placed a hand on her forehead as her eyes searched for Ember. There, she was. The chief of liars. She was going to make her pay for everything. "I won't forgive her."

Stryga sighed. He moved close to Azriel and asked if he was okay. The mission was very important to him. They have to get the princess no matter what.

"I'm fine" Azriel replied running a hand through his dark hair. It was well-groomed by his sister over the years. This evening, she spent hours, washing and combing it. "Ember never told me she was the princess. I saw that everyone was impressed with her. So I guess she was."

"We should have asked" Sigurd stood with his hands akimbo. The plan almost changed when they mistook Ember for the princess. "I hope we will manage the princess as well."

"Hopefully," Heather said, looking at the people around. They were all interested in the princess. The women admired her but there was also hatred on their faces.

*****

I knew all eyes were going to be on me the whole night. Father went back to the study room upstairs while queen Ivy introduced a few princes to me. They were from the powerful kingdoms around. The one that interested her the most was prince Charles of Pendragon.

He was tall with a slim face. His eyes were blue and each time he looked towards light, they glowed. I must confess he was handsome but not as much as the green-eyed stranger. He was a definition of a god on Earth.

I looked around and found him leaning against one of the pillars. The young men seemed to be engrossed in a discussion. Even his servants were saying something. I wondered what it was.

He looked worried and disappointed. Ember was not with him. She was with aunt and . I wanted to go and meet him but queen ivy won't allow it. I was stuck with her and prince  Charles.

"I hope you are enjoying the party, your highness?" The prince bowed and I nodded paying the least attention to his humility. He noticed that I did not say a word to him. I just wished I could go away immediately.

The music started and everyone left the main floor. I did not realize it earlier. It was too late and prince Charles asked for a dance. I was going to say no but queen Ivy told him yes.

I wished she did not answer for me. The skin between my forehead pinched as he went on his knees and offered me a hand. It was the most beautiful way to ask a girl to dance with you. However, I found it annoying since he was not the one I wanted to dance with.