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"A change in date is just a number,

But a change in your thinking, the fire which will never let you surrender.

So lighten your sparks and give them winds of change,

Making this world know who is the best player in this game.

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*Mild Adult content in this chapter. But I think everyone can read it because you will find no word or action that is offensive"
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The night of the winter ball
31 December
8:00 pm

Cold winds of December were making the province of Evanguard shiver in a cold gust of winter.

Fog surrounded the palace but warm yellow lights warmed the interiors of it.
Fires were lit and people were chatting around.

This being the biggest event of the year, everyone was invited and you could see ladies dressed in expensive gowns and men wearing tailor-made tuxedo's.

The young prince, now the king your majesty stood in the centre, engaged in a conversation with a very important guest.
His eyes falling on his watch, again and again, his eyes searching for someone.

King Harold stood next to him, his eyes showing happiness but his heart filled with heaviness.
He was already 4 drinks down, trying to forget the painful memories associated with today's date.

Memories of his first love giving him the greatest gift in life.
Memories of his worst day, when she left this world after giving him a gift he couldn't take care of.

Gift of a daughter, who he hasn't seen in the last 16 years.

These fake smiles were hurting him, he just wanted to go back to his room and stare at his first love's photo.
But he couldn't.

His second daughter Angela was being persistent on marrying the young man that stood next to him, he could see that he is not interested but a father's love for his daughter made him ask Daniel.

She is a really stubborn kid, just like her mother.
He could never win from her nor her mother Claire.
He sometimes did imagine how his Evalinge would look like.

How good it would have been if she was here, with them but knowing Claire, she would never accept her.
He was so foolish to let his daughter go, he was the worst dad in this world and he would understand if his own daughter hated him.

But still, he wanted to see her, to see those warm brown eyes which resembled her mother's.
His men were searching for her since the last 16 years but there was no trace of her.

Gulping another drink, he tried soothing the pain that has started in his heart.
Being the only escape from this never-ending burden of regret.

.....................................................

The chatter in the room died down a bit when their eyes fell on the beauty standing in red.

No one had seen her before, she was a new face to most of the people present there.

Daniel and King Harold saw people stare at someone behind them and whispering.
Confused they decided to turn around and that was when their hearts started thumping faster in their chests.

The girl passed a small smile to everyone, her walk classy and elegant.
The other girls burned in jealousy, seeing her take away their spotlight.

But she wasn't bothered, picking up a glass of some expensive drink, she assessed her surroundings like a hawk.

Her plan to find out the culprit in full spring.
Ready to unveil the secret today.

Her eyes met Daniel's and she could see surprise and shock in them.
Smirking, she took small steps towards him.

Chatter surrounding her

Daniel looked beyond angry, the grip on his glass tightening as he saw so many perverts staring at her.
The way their eyes roamed to assess her body was evoking jealousy and anger like he never felt before.

On the other hand, King Harold froze on seeing the resemblance.
The girl looked just like her, those eyes, that smile.

Was he dreaming or did destiny rewarded him his 16 years of prayers.

She approached them, her eyes meeting that of King Harold's.

"A very good evening your majesty"

She said slightly bowing, Daniel's eyes holding indefinite anger.
Her cleavage to his display as she bowed, making Daniel to curse in his mind and look away from this seductress.

King Harold nodded to her greetings, moving closer to her and trying to find out who she was.

"Good evening beautiful lady. May I have the honour of knowing the name behind this beautiful face"

He said kissing her knuckles lightly, eager to listen to her reply.

"Eva Williams"

His grip on her hand tightened, along with something tightening in his chest.
The first 3 letters resembled her name....can she be her?
His daughter?

"Eva is for?"

"Just Eva your majesty. "

The smile on his face faded a bit, but still, such striking resemblance cannot be a coincidence.
He was going to find out more.

"I can't remember seeing you before Eva. Is it your first visit to Avanguard?"

Her eyes shifted to the stoic face of Daniel, her smile telling him she was planning something.

"Yes, You see your highness, Dan here invited me to this ball. He said I will love it here!"

She moved towards him and held onto his arm.
His eyes fixed on her smiling ones, trying to see beyond this facade.

"Oh, you know Daniel! That's great! Daniel's friends are most welcome here"

He patted Daniel's back, making him to look at king Harold.
Faking a smile, he pulled Eva along.

"Excuse us, king Harold"

King Harold could only nod, as he saw him pulling her along with him.
People were staring, but he didn't care.

But she did.
He couldn't take her further away from the crowd when she pulled her hand away from his grip.
Caught off guard he looked at her surprised.

"Stop it, Daniel, I am not going anywhere"

His anger flared.
Pulling her to his chest, he stared at her.

"Why are you here like this? Is this some sick joke for you?"

She rolled her eyes at him, ignoring his burning stare.

"What is it to you? Don't interfere Daniel. Leave my fuck*** arm!"

He looked around at the crowd staring at him. Passing them a fake smile, he whispered in her arm dangerously.

"So you started swearing. Not a good thing I would say"

She tried pulling her arm away, giving him a smirk.
When he refused, her pencil heel rooted in his expensive shoes.
Making him swear at her.

He lost his grip on her and she moved away from him.
Flipping her long fake hair and not bothering to look back at him.

He saw few men staring at her swaying hips and that perfect figure.
Making him run his hand through his hair in frustration and turn his back on them.

Slow music was playing and couples were dancing.
He was swirling the whiskey in his glass at the bar, his hooded eyes staring at her back.

She was talking to someone, her hand resting on the man's shoulder casually, tapping him as if he was her childhood buddy.

The man looked happy, his hand moving through his hair occasionally, showing his anxiousness while talking to her.

Off course he will be anxious.
Eva was looking like a goddess today.

He thought taking another sip of his drink. Ignorant of Angela's useless chatter falling on his deaf ears.

She could feel his eyes on her but she didn't care.
She was here for a reason and she will not let anything distract her.

The man in front of her was openly flirting with her and she was politely replying, trying to find an excuse to get away from him.

He was not the one, but the person who was attacking Daniel was definitely here.
He has to be here and he was going to come after her.

After all their first target was Evalinge Williams.
And here she stood ready to be the bait to find out the attacker.

No one recognised her, they were just mesmerised seeing her.
But she forgot him, who came and placed his hand on her waist.

"Mr Henry, if you will excuse us"

The man nodded a bit reluctantly and she looked back to see Charlie coming to her rescue.

A smile came on her lips seeing him and he smiled back at her.

"If it isn't Miss Nerdy who turned out to be a bomb"

He chuckled while complimenting her, she simply smiled.

"Where were you all these years Eva? I thought I will never see you after that night"

She moved her fringe behind her ear, trying to concoct a lie

"I wanted some time alone Charlie...just a break from everything"

He nodded, showing that he understood her.
His eyes meeting Daniel's stare and he chuckled in return.

"He is still staring at you"

He said, while Eva's back was towards Daniel and Charlie could see him throwing daggers at them.

"I know"

She said making Charlie chuckle again.

"Don't tell me you guys are again together"

Eva simply smirked, raising an eyebrow.
Making Charlie think about how much she has changed since he last met her.

"Who knows"

Her riddle-like answers not settling well with Charlie.

"You can't be serious. He is engaged to that princess of the northern province."

"So?"
Her questioning eyes confusing him.
What did she want?

"See I know you like him but he will never accept you. I care for you as a friend Evalinge, don't gi-"

"Charlie!!"
She stopped him and placed a glass of Vodka in his hands.

"Drink this and relax"

"Bu-"

"Shhh"

She said looking around for anything suspicious.

He couldn't understand much, but one thing was clear.
The way Daniel kept staring at her, he was not over her.

"Care for a dance?"
He said showing her his palm, she slowly placed her hands in his, moving towards the dancefloor.

Ready to give a show, and that's what she gave.

Charlie alone was enough, but when she kept dancing with one man after another, his anger couldn't be kept at bay.

The man had his hand on her naked waist, her long slit making her legs look longer.
Her back on his chest and that bas*** moving her hair away from her neck.

He was speaking something and she was replying, ignoring his burning stare altogether.
He was aware that she could feel his stare, but still, her courage to ignore him was not settling well with him.

She was his and she better remembered this.

This continued and he couldn't stop it.
Their hands-on something that is his, raging him beyond his control.

Only when she excused herself to go to the washroom, did he found his opportunity.

Gulping down the remaining drink, he got up from his seat.
His steps following the girl in red that everyone couldn't keep their eyes away from tonight.

....................................................

He pushed her against the wall, his hands blocking her exit by trapping her.

Her expensive perfume not to much of his like, making him remember her original fragrance that he got so addicted to earlier.

"What are doing Dan?"

She asked impatiently, not liking his interruption in her motive.

"What are you wearing Stalker?"

He said moving his hand down her long slit, trailing his fingers along her thighs.
His eyes moving towards her cleavage and back to her smoky eyes.

"A dress"

"That I can see but don't you think it is drawing too much attention. I hate it when people look at you"

She looked into his eyes.
Lust was overflowing and she looked away from him.

"Maybe I like their attention. It's not like it matters to me what you like or hate"

His eyes darkening and his grip on her thigh tightening.
Pressing her more to the wall and lifting her thigh.

He whispered in her ear, making a chill to run down her spine.

"You like their attention huh? What if I give it to you.
Would you stop teasing me then?"

She tried getting out of his grip when he predicted her next move.
Locking her wrists above her head, he pressed his chest to her.

Her breathing coming out heavy and her chest moving up and down in a rhythm.
His breath hitting her painted lips and cologne interfering in her senses.

"I...I was not teasing you"

She replied honestly.
Yes, she wore such clothes to get attention, but her motives were different.

He chuckled, to which she just stared.
Not knowing what he found humourous in this.

"Well, I don't know about you, Stalker. But I will love doing it to you"

As his words sank in, her eyes widened.
Before she could say something, the next door was opened and she was pushed inside.

His lips slammed on her instantly, making her knees go weak immediately.
Pushing her back on the bed, he was ready to show her the colours of ecstasy.

She could see his intentions crystal clear.
Her heart telling her to go along but her brain warning her.
Her turmoil was answered when he used his skilful hands to test her folds.

Making her forget her very name, let alone her intentions and plans to catch the trails of their foe.

His eyes, the only thing she could see, his touch, the only thing she could feel.

Sweat was forming on her forehead as she experienced these foreign feelings.
Her heart beating with random unsystematic temper.

As he played her, showing her the power of his love and lust.
She accepted it, losing herself in this fate's weird game of trust.

Her body no longer only her's and his heart thumping seeing the willingness of his love.

She was at her edge, his anger and lust clouding him of his love.
He was going to stop, to not let his lust rule his heart.
To not let her lose her trust in him.

Retreating himself he moved back, making her close her eyes and regret to rush his insides.

He was so angry at himself, how could he do such a thing.
She will surely forever hate him now.

Afraid, he saw her brown angelic eyes opening.

He thought she would reject him, she would push him.
Slap him if not stop him.
But she looked back at him, with eyes as vulnerable and lustful as his.

Her eyes unveiled their secrets and miseries.

"I...am sorry"
He still managed to say, asking forgiveness for showing her the power of his touch.

He looked down to see the shoulder of her dress down to her chest.
The length of it lifted to her waist.

She lay there giving herself to him when he didn't even ask her permission.
Self loath trying to get a base in his chest.

"I...was.."
For the first time in life, he was lost at words.
He was stuttering in front of a girl who crushed on him.

He was going to lose her forever, he will never feel her touch again.
Her eyes...they will always look at him in hate.

"Forgi-"

He couldn't complete.
Her long fingers were wrapped around his neck and she turned the tables.

Throwing his body on the bed and sitting on top of him, she looked at him.
Her fingers moving up from his neck to his jaw.
Trailing it slowly and teasingly.

Her other hand still on his neck, putting pressure on his sensitive points.

"Do you have death wish messing with me?"

He looked down, ashamed of meeting her angry stare.
Loosening his body, he was ready to accept her punishment.

Not trying to lose her grip, he could feel how angry she was at his actions.
She was right though, she should be.

"I am sorry Eva...I was just jealous and I couldn't con-"

"Shhhh"

She said narrowing her eyes at him and placing her hands on either side of his head.

Her eyes swirling with emotions, anger not the only one in it now

"I want to kiss you"

She said and he started blabbering like a kid in kindergarten.

"Yes....kill me, Eva...I deserve it I...I will accept it if that's what you want..I am such a stupid assho**...I..."

She looked at him in confusion.
Internally smiling at him.

"I said kiss you stupid!"

His blabbering stopped immediately and he looked at her wide-eyed.

"Huh?"

She just moved her head in frustration and next they know, she had softly placed her lips on his.

Igniting the fire that was beyond anyone's control.
Deepening a bond that will make true love hold.

Their clothes were discarded and he took back his control, making her drown in feelings she never thought existed.
Making her moan his name and the walls to remember a night that they contained.

They were ready to forget this world and get lost in each other's curves.

She felt perfect for him.

Her tears of pain getting replaced by heights of pleasure.
Kissing the trail of her tears, he asked her of her permission each time.

Scared of hurting her with her first time.
His words soothing her and his kisses a reminder of belongingness and love.

She trusted him with her everything and this was what he always wanted.

Her trust.

Trust that she will forever be his, trust that he was hers entirely.

As the world has started the countdown, he started his climax.
Ready to keep his stalker with him, no matter what it takes.

Her hands held the sheets tightly, feeling her insides scream in pleasure and delight.
Nearly begging him to continue and make this new beginning, their forever.

His eyes fixed on her brown ones as he fastened his pace, putting in his all to pleasure her and make her his tonight.

9

He held her neck delicately, making her head to fall back and place slow lingering kisses on her neck.

8

Moving down he slowered his kissing pace and increased the other.
Making her head to fall more back if possible.

7

She was feeling something building up, something that was dying for a release.
Looking at him with those innocent eyes, she conveyed her readiness for it.

6

Her approval was all he needed to dive into the depths of her innocence.
Breaking all the barriers and proclaiming his territory within.
Opening doors that have never been opened and exploring them without any obstructions.

5

Her body quivered just like her insides, tears of pain and pleasure intermingling all night. Her hands held his back tightly as she felt the harshest pain hit her insides.

His kisses trying to divert her attention and being successful in making her drown in the depths of his eyes.

"Breathe"

Was the only instruction he gave, making her nod and give him all that it takes.

4

He has started it again, ready to end what they dared to begin.

3

He continued not liking the trembling of her lips.
Her body accepting his and engulfing around his for heat and comfort.

2

"Trust me"
He said and she nodded.
She moaned his name as her eyes remained fixed on his.
His eyes again travelled to the trembling of her lips.
Their bodies reaching the points from where neither one could escape.

1

"Let it go"

Was all he said and that was when fireworks started their show.
The room got filled with loud noises of crackers and they both let go.

His lips capturing hers and their bodies no longer their own.

He smiled at her and she smiled in return.
Her whole body quivering and his eyes softening.

"Did it hurt?"

Asked his concerned eyes as he placed his palms on her cheek, liking the contrast of his cold hands with her warm cheeks.

"Never, till I have you with me"

And that's when he smiled and placed a long kiss on her forehead.
Sealing their bond and night for a lifetime.

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Now that I have you in my arms,

I won't let you go, even if this world tears me apart.

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