Elliott

Pine. Their engagement party had to be in Pine. I'm not sure why, considering they are getting married here. We could have had it at home. Then at least I’d be in my own kingdom while I deal with so many people I can't stand. Oliver has been upgraded to tolerable, but only because he's marrying my sister, and she's happy. I've never seen her like this before, so he can’t be all bad. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not thrilled about them being engaged, but I need to learn to deal with it. She’s my sister after all, and I love her unconditionally.

The courtyard of the castle is decorated with Azure and Pine flags. There are tables spread all over with various kinds of food on them. Musicians are playing off to one side while men and women dance. Among them are Oliver and Addison. Probably the last two people I'd ever thought would dance. I keep hoping Luke will trip him as he dances, but no such luck, yet. My brother is married and soon my sister will be, too. Only Ry and I remain single.

In all honesty, I thought he'd be married first. He's someone who’s rigid most of the time, but he can joke and have fun with us. He’s a family man. I think most women only see the business side of him. The one where he’s focused on learning all he can, so should the day come where my dad can no longer lead, Ry is ready to step up. It also doesn’t help that he keeps to himself, for the most part. Never been in battle. Not much for adventure. Hopefully, there is someone out there for him. He deserves to be happy as well.

My mother sees me alone at one of the tables and comes to sit by me. "You should be out there dancing. You're missing all the fun."

I quirk an eyebrow. "Do I seem like the dancing type?"

She matches my attitude with a raised eyebrow of her own. "Does Addison?"

"Point taken."

"You're never going to find someone sitting here in this dark corner."

"Who says I need someone?"

She leans forward to put her hand on my arm, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We all need someone, Elliott. You might not think so now, but one day you're going to be madly in love and look back on your life wondering how you lived for so long without that person."

"We'll see about that."

"That we will."

My eyes narrow. "What do you know?"

"You know as well as I do that I can't tell you about your path. The most I can do is assist you along the way and hope you make smart decisions."

"Is that what you did with Addi?"

"I helped her, yes, but also reminded her she needed to follow her heart and she did. I'm proud of her. I know you're not happy about their upcoming marriage, but you can't stay angry long when you see such joy on her face."

"I know." I sigh. "I need to talk to her."

"I'll send her over before the next song starts."

"Thanks," I mumble as she walks away.

I sip my drink and continue to watch everyone have fun around me. Ali tries to coax me from my spot, but I don't move. Ever since Addi starting spending time with Sage, I've been in an awful mood. I'm surprised my family still talks to me. I need to let it go, but I’m not sure how. Yes, I only want the best for her and agree she should follow her heart, but Oliver Sage? Of all the people in the realm she could have ended up with, it had to be him.

"Arrogant knight," I mutter

"Say something, Brother?" Addi asks before dropping down into the chair next to me. I didn’t see her walk over. "Mom said you wanted to see me."

"Listen, about everything…" I take a moment to gather my thoughts. "I'm sorry. I acted terribly toward you and Oliver. You deserve to be happy, Addison."

"Thank you. It means a lot to hear you apologize."

I tip my head back and look at the stars. The party has been going for hours with no signs of letting up. "I still can't believe you're getting married."

She laughs lightly. "Me either, yet here I am, fiancé and all." I look back at her then follow her line of sight to see she and Oliver have locked eyes across the courtyard.

"Go. Spend time with him. Be happy, Addi."

She leans over to kiss me on the cheek. "Love you, little brother." Then she musses my hair with her hand.

"Yeah, yeah," I say, swatting her away from me.

I hear her in my mind as she walks away. "I mean it."

"Love you, too," I say just loud enough for her to hear.

"Awww, very sweet," a feminine voice comes from behind me.

Turning, I’m rendered speechless thanks to the gorgeous woman at my back. She has to be the most beautiful woman I've ever seen. Her focus is on the people dancing, but I can't take my eyes off her. Shoulder-length, black hair, plump pink lips, amber eyes, and that is only her head. Her body…her very voluptuous body has my pulse beginning to race. Breasts pushed up to the heart-shaped neckline of her blush colored dress, which pulls in tight at her waist, then flares out slightly to her knees. Slender legs and silver shoes with a slight heel. I don’t know what I did to garner this woman coming over to me, but I’m very thankful she did.

After I've thoroughly looked her over, I stand to introduce myself. We are almost eye level, her being a hair shorter than me. She takes a step back at my nearness. "I didn't mean to startle you,” I say.

"It's not that. I'm just not used to social gatherings. I don't leave my kingdom often."

"Oh? Where are you from?"

"The Fuchsia Lakes," she says smiling, which only accentuates her high cheekbones. If I had to use one word to describe her it would be exotic.

"My brother went there after his wedding. He had a wonderful time. The queen even invited him to stay with her."

"They are a radiant couple." Her eyes are on the dancers again.

I'm not sure why, and don't take the time to analyze my thinking, but I hold out my hand to her and ask, "Would you like to dance?"

She meets my eyes again. "You don't even know my name."

"Ah, right. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Elliott Azure." I bow.

A man walks over to stand beside the woman, interrupting our conversation. "Your Highness," he addresses her. Your Highness? "King and Queen Azure wish to speak with you."

"Of course,” she replies. The man walks away, leaving us alone again. She turns to me. "Can you please put your offer on hold, for a moment? I really would love to dance."

"I'm sorry, but I must ask. My curiosity is getting the better of me. He referred to you as Your Highness. You’re royalty?"

"I am. My name is Karis, Karis Fuchsia." She's the queen. Queen of the Fuchsia Lakes. I'm truly an idiot. Why else would she be here unless she’s royalty?

"My apologies, Queen Fuchsia. I didn't know." This whole time I was eyeing her up like I wanted to devour her, when I should have been acting on my best behavior. It could have been worse, I guess. I could have been drooling.

"There's no need to apologize.” It’s hard to tell out here with only candles for light, but if I’m not mistaken, I see a slight blush rise to her cheeks. “I know I’m not as recognizable as other dignitaries, since I tend to stay in my own land,” she continues. "If you'll excuse me. I must speak with your parents."

"Of course," I say and give a subtle nod.

Before leaving she steps in close to whisper, "Don't forget that you owe me a dance."

Turning my head, I come within a breath of her lips. "I could never forget you."