28.

The limousine pulled up to the driveway of Kingsley behind numerous other stretch, luxury vehicles. I was full of anxiety and beyond irritated. Thankfully, I didn’t think Talbott was going to expect too much dancing out of me.

I watched the other students exit their cars, all of the boys in tuxedos and all of the girl’s in elegant gowns, most of them dripping in jewels. My perception of this dance was apparently dead wrong. I expected this type of style and flare at prom, but wasn’t this just the fall dance? I tugged at my short skirt, trying to cover my bare legs unsuccessfully. If I didn’t want to stand out, a miniskirt was the wrong way to go.

I glanced up and noticed Kiran watching my failed attempts at last minute modesty and laugh. I gave him a wry look before rolling my eyes and turning my attention back to the students entering the gymnasium. At least the dance was still on school grounds and not some exclusive country club, or likewise ridiculous venue.

Eventually it was our turn to exit the vehicle. The driver came around to my door and opened it so we could exit properly. I felt like I was playing make-believe, this all seemed like some massive pretend production instead of reality.

Kiran and Seraphina exited first and she was immediately on his arm. They walked regally into the gym as if they were king and queen of Kingsley. I supposed one day they would be. Yuck.

Talbott nodded that it was my turn to exit the car, but I hesitated for a moment longer, afraid to leave the confined, but private space. He cleared his throat and looked after Kiran like a worried puppy. Fine, I thought, let’s get on with it.

I exited the car with as much grace and class as I could master, hoping to avoid a peepshow on my way out of the car. Talbott was quickly behind me. I heard the door to the car slam shut; there was no turning back. Talbott offered his arm and I looked at it with a mild sense of humor.

“Really, we don’t have to pretend,” I said curtly.

“Please, Eden; just humor me with some manners,” he offered back haughtily. I took his arm a little too forcefully and we walked the rest of the way in silence.

The gymnasium could not be farther from what I pictured, had I thought of the wildest scenario. This being my first time in Kingsley’s gym I expected basketball hoops, bleachers and maybe some streamers to decorate the place for the dance.

As soon as we walked through the wide double doors my mouth dropped open and I stood their dumbly not sure how to react. Beautiful, and elaborate black chandeliers hung from the ceiling every ten feet or so. They were adorned with white candles and dripping with colorful floral arrangements. Along the walls in every direction, candelabras in the same fashion sat evenly spaced, lighting up the room and giving the large space a dim glow.

A DJ in the far corner, spun music that reverberated the floor. Tables and chairs took up half of the space, while the remaining space was used as a dance floor. On each table were eight place settings and in the middle were replica center pieces of the chandeliers hanging from the ceilings. Colorful flower arrangements intertwined with the candle lit centerpieces over black silk table clothes.

Talbott pulled me along to our table where Kiran and Seraphina already had found their seats. Most of the tables were full already and waiters began to bring out silver platters covered in food. The food looked as elegant as the decorations. Unfortunately, my dress didn’t leave much room for expansion.

Besides Kiran, Seraphina, Talbott and me, our table was also home to Evangeline and Adelaide and their respective dates. Both of whom looked equally bored and unimpressed as the girls gushed over the dance and each other’s outfits. Not surprisingly, I was completely ignored.

I stood next to the table unsure where to sit or what to say. Talbott released my arm and pulled a chair out for me next to Evangeline. She gave me a side glance and a little snicker before returning to her conversation.

I began to sit down but was interrupted by a subtle cough from Kiran. I looked over and noticed him give a suggestive head nod to Talbott who then stood up straight, pushed in the chair he had just offered and pull out the chair directly next to it, but located side by side with Kiran. If possible I noticed Talbott become even more exasperated and Seraphina scoot her chair ever closer to Kiran. I took my seat feeling much like a criminal or leper or something equally unwanted.

“Is it what you expected?” Kiran turned his body to face me and spoke quietly; his blue eyes simmering and slicked back hair gave him a seductive quality I was having a hard time ignoring. I cleared my throat to focus.

“Not quite,” I said simply, forcing my eyes away from his. I noticed Seraphina take his hand in hers, and although he didn’t turn his body away from mine, he allowed the possessive gesture.

“Seraphina,” I found courage deep within me to pull her into the conversation. I refused to be a bizarre secret date to the spoiled prince. “How often does Kingsley have these kind of dances?”

“What do you mean?” she asked snidely, turning her head but not her body to face me. The look on her face made me tremble beneath the surface and I reminded myself to be brave.

“I mean, that this dance seems so extreme, is this like Kingsley’s version of prom?” I cleared my throat again, feeling more insecure than ever before, but praying my plan to involve Seraphina into our conversation worked. I couldn’t stay irritated and angry at Kiran if he continued to stay so damn sexy.

“I don’t know what you mean by extreme; this is the way a Kingsley dance always looks,” she rolled her eyes, but her tone was less derisive than before. “I guess it is nice though,” she turned her body to face us then and pulled Kiran’s arm even closer to her body.

“It’s beautiful,” I said softly, more to myself than anyone else.

“And we have one for every equinox and solstice, plus there’s Christmas and prom too,” she smiled ever so small and I felt encouraged to be braver.

“I didn’t know people celebrated those holidays,” I tried a joke.

“You didn’t know people celebrated Christmas?” she asked dryly, and her attitude was back.

“No, I mean, I know people celebrate Christmas. I didn’t know people celebrated like the fall equinox,” I did my best to clarify, but she just looked at me like I was speaking a different language.

“You’re so weird,” she rolled her eyes again and then turned back to Adelaide to pick up where they left off.

“Trying to make new friends?” Kiran asked smugly under his breath.

“Well, you’re certainly no help,” I turned my body completely away from him and looked out into the tables of students.

“Did it ever occur to you that maybe I want you all to myself?” Kiran’s hot breath tickled the back of my neck when he whispered in my ear. His accent was very alluring, and I shook my head to regain focus.

I stood up frustrated and practically stomped away from the table as quickly as I could. I couldn’t sit next to him anymore; and I couldn’t be party to his sick games. I was going to be the one that got hurt in the end.

I searched for the bathroom or a dark corner or something, but settled with the punch table. I just needed something to occupy my hands. I noticed a familiar figure pouring himself some punch as I approached the table and was suddenly very grateful to see Avalon.

“Hey!” I blurted out a little too loudly, overcome with joy to see him. “I thought you told me you weren’t coming to this thing?” I nudged him with my elbow playfully. He turned and faced me with a horrified expression on his face that quickly turned to anger.

“What are you doing here?” Avalon demanded, practically dropping his punch.

“Um, I don’t know,” I responded tentatively, unsure what to make of his reaction.

“You’re not supposed to be here, Eden,” his tone was accusing and I could not figure out what he was so mad about.

“You told me you weren’t coming either,” I accused back, not half as mad as he was, but at least it was something.

“I changed my mind,” he growled.

“Well, me too,” I folded my arms stubbornly, not sure if I wanted to stand here any longer, and not sure if I was ready to head back to the table. Thankfully, it looked like couples were beginning to dance.

“Don’t tell me you came here with him,” Avalon squinted his eyes in disapproval and looked in the direction of Kiran.

“He came with his girlfriend,” I mimicked Avalon’s facial expression and realized I sounded jealous.

“Then who are you here with?” Avalon turned to face me, his expression still hard and angry.

“Talbott,” I said softly and fearfully.

“Oh, like that’s any better,” Avalon raised his voice and gestured with his arms wildly, spilling his punch. He looked down at the puddle on the floor frustrated and instantly it was gone. I felt his surge of magic as he cleaned up the mess with only a thought.

“I don’t know what you want me to say. I was forced here against my will! I’m not happy about it either,” I raised my voice and hardened my eyes. How dare he blame me! I didn’t want to be here anymore than anyone wanted me here.

I pushed past Avalon and fought back tears. I had never felt so alone. I was tired of apologizing for things I did or people I talked to. Why couldn’t I just have a normal life with no magic, no exiled friends and no freaking prince?

I ran through the closest door and found a staircase leading upwards. I took it not knowing where it would lead to. My six inch heels click-clacked on the wooden staircase, eventually drowning out the house music below. Soon the dance was only a faint hum as I made my way to the top.

At the top of the staircase there was only a heavy metal door with a push bar for a handle. I contemplated rejoining the party, but decided quickly against that. I also contemplated just sitting down at the top of the stairs to have a good cry, but decided quickly against that as well. In the end, curiosity got the better of me and I pushed through the heavy door.

I half expected some type of alarm to go off, but only the quiet of the evening greeted me. The cool fall air wrapped itself around me and I found myself on the roof of the gym. I took off my shoes, stepping gingerly over the cool concrete and to the ledge of the building.

All of Omaha surrounded me and the sight was breathtaking. The tall, lighted buildings of downtown sat to my east and the quiet suburban neighborhoods were located to my west. I could see St. Cecilia’s cathedral towers to my North and the Mutual of Omaha building to my South. Despite being in the middle of a big city the stars still shone brightly overhead. I inhaled a big breath, finding serenity for the first time all night.

“Stop being so over-dramatic. There’s no need to jump,” Kiran’s clean accent sounded amused as he entered through the roof top door.

“Go away!” I whined, exasperated, covering my face with my hands.

“Oh come now, you don’t mean that,” he walked slowly over to me, hands in his pockets, letting his eyes float over my figure.

“Where’s Talbott?” I asked, looking past him. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him to leave or not. I had never been more emotionally confused; I felt frustrated, irritated, nervous and excited all at once.

“Dancing, I expect,” Kiran glanced over his shoulder and then continued to walk towards me.

“I better join him,” I decided on my escape route. “He’s probably wondering where I am,” I walked quickly towards the door, but Kiran stepped in front of me before I got too far.

“I doubt that,” Kiran gazed into my eyes intently, his signature smirk flaring up. He took a step towards me, and instinctively I took a step back until my heels touched the ledge of the building once again. “What’s with all the hard-to-get nonsense; I thought we were passed that,” his fingers brushed my arm gently, sending butterflies and magic racing inside of me.

“That was before I learned you were engaged,” I held my ground, despite the dizziness his closeness was causing.

“I’m not engaged,” He said firmly. When I gave him a doubtful look he continued, “I’m betrothed. And the two are very different things.”

“Oh really? How so?” I challenged.

“An engagement would suggest that I asked her to marry me; that it was my idea to get married or that we had been in a relationship prior to the engagement. But a betrothal is an arrangement made by parents; I had never even met her before I came to this school.” He jutted his bottom lip out and looked up at me from beneath his eye lashes. He reminded me of a little boy, and I couldn’t help but melt at the sight of him.

“Oh,” I gave in a little, leaning back against the building’s ledge and relaxing. “But you are going to marry her?” I asked glumly.

“Well that is what my father expects,” I heard the sadness in his tone and felt sorry for him.

“When?” I sunk down against the ledge and managed to sit down, legs stretched long without ripping my dress.

“If father had it his way we would already be married, with little ones on the way,” he joined me on the ground, and although our current position was not as seductive, he still sat close enough so our bodies touching. “We compromised; that’s why I’m here. I’m supposed to get to know her.”

“How is that a compromise?”

“The kingdom wants stability; they want to see that their future king is steady and responsible. It doesn’t matter that I will live forever, or that my father will for that matter. They can be quite demanding,” he gave me his smirk again. At least he could joke about it.

“The kingdom… oh brother,” I mimicked his expression.

“Yes, the kingdom,” he gave me a playful nudge with his elbow. “And how is it that you didn’t know about our betrothal? This whole time I thought you were defying royal law on purpose!”

“Of course it wasn’t on purpose! I’m new to this whole Immortal thing, remember?” It was my turn to give him a nudge, I found his rib bones and he squirmed.

“How could I forget?” he rolled his eyes teasingly and then laid his head on my shoulder. The gesture was so unexpected, but so charming that I simply allowed it. “So, I suppose I have no chance with you now?” he picked up a rock and skipped it across the rooftop.

“Nope, absolutely no chance,” I blurted out defensively, although I was not sure if I believed myself. “What kind of home wrecker do you think I am?”

“I was just hoping that we could….” he lifted his head off of my shoulder and leaned in until our faces were only millimeters apart. I knew he was about to kiss me again and no matter what I just said I was powerless to stop him.

Unfortunately, instead of butterflies and lightning storms, the magic suddenly became overwhelmingly alert and my senses focused sharply. I sat up straight before any contact was made and noticed that Kiran had done the same. We struggled to our feet just in time to meet five cloaked bodies burst through the roof top door.