Chapter 12
*Thang*
*Thang*
*Thang*
Arina followed the sound till she got to the palace courtyard where she found Cyrus training with a wooden doll. His powerful strikes left alot of dents in the doll. His royal robes were nowhere to be see, probably thrown away to sulk pitifully in a corner, leaving him with just a white sleeve and his pants.
Arina walked towards him but he showed no reaction almost like he wasn't aware of her presence. She snuck up behind him and hugged his neck and suddenly he froze, his sword stuck midair.
"Arina, why are you here" He asked with a stiff voice.
" Well I couldn't just leave my only friend alone, what if you had- I don't know; jump into a well or something. What would i have done all by myself?." Arina's eyes widened at the thought and she dramatically placed her hand on her chest like her fragile heart was on the verge of collapsing.
Cyrus chuckled and turned around with his usual arrogant smirk plastered accross his face.
"Oh Little Arina, you truly underestimate me, but anyways since you are pleading so much, I will grant your wish and stay else who knows what would happen if you are unable to see my handsome self in a day."
"..." It was Ariana's turn to be speechless.
"* Sigh *, being handsome is really hardwork, what can I say beauty is a curse" he said wiping his imaginery tears away from his eyes.
"Even after three months, it seems it's impossible to get used to your obnoxious attitude. I'm leaving." Arina said walking away
"Hey, wait up." He yelled running after her which in turn made Arina giggle and run even faster.
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The day flew by and soon it was noon the following day, the time for prince Sirius arrival. Everyone gathered at the royal courtyard. Soon a fiery red carriage zipped into the courtyard.
Arina stood beside Cyrus and both of them behind the King and Queen.
The carraige pulled to a halt and a head full of hair as dark as night came into view. When Arina saw the man standing ever so gloriously in front of the open doors, only one thought crossed her mind. '_Holy cow!!, He's beautiful!_'.
The man in front of her was so damn good looking - no scratch that - 'good looking' couldn't even begin to depict his appearance. The man in front iyf her was the very definition of perfection. She was sure that he was at least a hundred times more handsome than every male celebrity she had ever seen. His inky dark hair looked like it had been combed by his fingers and swept away to the side of his head. His strong, well defined jawline screamed masculinity. But his eyes..., they were black in colour just pike the rest of his family but still there was something about those eyes that seemed to throw her of amd suck her in at the same time. Arina just had to admit it to herself- yes Cyrus was handsome but this man was handsomer!!, She felt like Cyrus was the most handsome man she had ever seen but now... It was as if the Scale of godlike men had been reset and sadly poor Cyrus was shifted to rank 2, with the new prince on rank 1.
While Arina was busy ogling the prince in her heart. Prince Sirius just stared at everyone before bowing to his father and mother.
" Greetings your majesties."
"Oh Sirius, my son come here, come to mother." Queen Nora said, arms spread wide ready to embrace her son. A small smile crept to the prince's face and went into his mother's embrace. When the mother- son duo finally seperated, he turned back to look at his father, and somehow Arina felt a difference in the prince when he faced his father. It was almost... saddening. She looked at everyone's faces but it was as though only she had felt it... like no one had noticed it. It was a simple glimmer but she was sure it was there. She was pulled out of her internal contemplation when someone slightly nudged her arm.
" Hey, what's wrong?." Cyrus whispered looking concerned.
" Um... Nothing, it's just..." She paused and looked into his eyes wondering if she should say anything or not..
" You have done well my son" The king said patting the prince's shoulder. " Come let us rejoice for Fire has once again ridden itself of it's enemies through our Prince. We shall invite the other royal family of the other realms" The king said leading the queen and prince inside
" Oh, spare me.. Cyrus dramatically whispered to himself while Arina just chuckled and slapped his arm playfully before they followed the others inside.
The maids were ever so busy preparing for the night's ball with so many dignitaries coming, the king emphasized on perfection.
Soon the much awaited hour came and the ball started. The guest began arriving at the palace through the main entrance, making way for the courtiers before they followed. The ball was simply but beautifully decorated with dark red velvet and pearl white curtains, with a dazzling chandelier hung above the ball. Every guest upon being received by the butler felt compelled to compliment the splendor of the ball. Arina, dressed in a beautiful ball gown with an adequate v- neck that showed just the right amount of cleavage, her long hazel hair that she allowed to fall down her waist and a shiny black mask with gold highlights; walked down the stairs with her handmaid Jenna, a step behind her. All eyes fell on her as she walked gracefully into the party. Walking around, Arina's heart thunped heavily inside her chest.
'_ Oh heavens, why do these people have to stare so much. I feel like I'm about to be sacrificed.!!_' She lamented in her hearts.