As Maude had said to me when I asked her, at the beginning of my training, how she isn't ever tired she told me, 'There ain't no rest for the wicked darling.' And I think she may be right. All morning I've been at her side as she ordered servants to help guests with luggage and maids to clean or fix up a room or chefs to cook. While I follow her around, I curse that assassin for sneaking in here and costing me and Sebastian sleep.

It has been too busy for me to even break away from the elder lady to see how he is or tell him what I overheard... I just hope that Sebastian is okay, I also hope they get whatever information they need from the assassin.

Since the early afternoon Maude and me have been greeting noble people, guests for the ball. Barons, Baronesses, Dukes and Duchesses, even Lords and Ladies from everywhere it seems like. Places I haven't heard of. I have counted 35 couples coming to stay here and I was told that there are only a few yet expected to arrive before the ball tonight. All couples and no single women... It seems odd but I am glad to not have seen any other women at all. Sebastian does need a Queen though if he wants to rule a strong kingdom; as I heard some of the servants whisper to each other. When will he start courting or has he started? Maybe he hasn't found someone eligible yet...

"Lady Tollund. Welcome." Maude says from my side bowing her head. I do the same but I keep my gaze on her.

I spoke too soon. The young woman named Lady Tollund strides in with her head held high, slim nose pointed to the air above her. How does she not trip without looking? Her servants follow behind, stumbling to keep up as they carry the large luggage which I'm guessing is all hers. Maude snaps her fingers, ordering our servants to help with the bags.

"Thank you Maude. It's nice to be back here after so long. Is my fiancé in his study since he didn't greet me at the door?"

"Yes My Lady, my apologies for his absence. He's been awfully busy lately since last night."

Fiancé? What does that mean?

While Lady Tollund uses a small mirror to fix her lipstick, I lean over to Maude and ask her what 'fiancé' means.

She clears her throat giving me a side glance. "They are to be married and she'll become the future queen of Adelaide."

What? Her apologetic smile makes me blink back at the young woman standing before us. That old codger knew, that's why she told me to back off from Sebastian. White blinding anger starts to boil from my stomach to my chest. Her? He has been engaged this whole time, all the while flirting with me and letting me touch him this morning, to her. For a moment I think sharp, feline claws are forming in my clenched fists.

When she's finished, Lady Tollund puts up a fine polished hand over her mouth, the left one and I see the ring. The white and red gems glinting in the afternoon sun and I wonder where Seb's is. "Oh dear! What happened now? Is he okay?" She asks with a loud gasp.

"It is not my place to tell you." Maude says sternly while tilting her head to the side with her eyes down. "All is well though."

Lady Tollund's mouth forms a hard line. "I'll go straight to his study then." But she turns to me and lifts a thin brow. "I haven't seen you before, you must be new."

Maude glances between me and Lady Tollund as I cross my arms and she clears her throat. "Yes she is. This is Raven."

She nudges me in the side after a moment of silence so I bow my head. "Welcome Lady Tollund."

"Charmed." She says with a too wide of a smile. Well I'm not charmed. Her teeth are perfectly straight and too white. Not like a normal human's... Seb's teeth aren't even that white or straight.

"We hired her about two weeks ago due to Iden leaving us suddenly." Maude explains.

Tollund clicks her tongue. "That's too bad, I liked Iden, he was a good worker." Then she turns to Maude. "Has my beloved eaten at all today? How long has he been up there?"

'My beloved.' I want to retch. This taller, prettier woman appears out of nowhere, apparently engaged to Sebastian. Why didn't he tell me about her? Just by how she looks I can guess why. Pampered and well behaved from a noble family, groomed to become the perfect wife then bear perfect children. The type of woman a King should marry like Maude was warning me about... He knew I'd be angry. The coward. There's heat rippling between my fingers and I clench them hoping they don't feel the heat coming from them.

"I am unsure My Lady, we've been busy with preparations."

Lady Tollund waves a hand. "No matter, I'll take care of him. I shall see him at once." She says then orders her servants to send her things to her chambers.

You know what, Lady Big hair, that sounds like a good idea.

I watch her back walk up the main stairs as the servants split to the left up to the guest quarters. If she is betrothed to the King, I am sure she will have a nicer room, up near his chambers. Or maybe they will be together while she is here. Her foolish pink frilly dress sways with each step and her golden curls bounce up towards her 'beloved.'

Maude orders our remaining servants to go back to the kitchen and I don't turn to her when she addresses me. I need to show him that I found out, that he has been lying to me. And he is going to regret it.

She says my name again when Tollund disappears up to the next floor. I'll give him a piece of my mind when I get there... "Yes Maude?" I ask turning to her, my anger seeps out slowly from my wide grin.

The elder lady blinks at me for a moment then says. "Do you need to take a break?"

"If that's okay, I would please. Thank you. I shan't be long." I tell her giving her a quick bow.

"Maybe you should take the rest of the afternoon off..." She says with furrowed brows, her gaze shifts to my still clenched hands then back up at my eyes. "I feel like I should tell you not to interfere but I know you won't listen to me anymore..." She mutters while shaking her head. "Don't forget, Claudia's girls will help you with your dress and hair at 4."

"Thank you Maude." I say, after bowing again and I walk away. Not to the stairs but towards the servants' chambers then after turning down different hallways that lead back up to the King's study. I look behind me to make sure no one is near. Empty. I step into a broom closet and shift into a cat. Time to pay a visit to the cowardly King.

The door is ajar as I step up to the study and I peek in. Lady Pompous is already here, she's standing in front of him while Sebastian sits at his enormous desk. He looks tired and uninterested in her presence. Good.

"Maude told me something happened last night. Care to divulge?"

Sebastian sighs setting his pen down not looking at her. He laces his fingers together and holds them up to his mouth. "An assassin attempted to kill me in my sleep... Thank the Divine I roused before he could strike. We have him in custody for interrogation."

"Oh, My King." She gasps. "Thank the gods they didn't take you from me. To think you lost your father to an assassin only to have the same fate happen to you." Her head lowers with her hands over her face. "I don't know what I would have done if..."

Although I can't see her face, I can hear her sniffle. Too loud, too dramatic and I can't help but roll my eyes.

Seb lifts his gaze to Tollund finally and that's when I walk in making sure he sees me.

"Jules... I am here, I am alive." He huffs repeating what he said to Maude. "It is going to take a lot more to kill me and I think I have good fortune on my side." He smiles and when his eyes fall onto me it disappears. That's right. I found out.

His mouth opens slightly as he shakes his head then his gaze quickly returns to Lady Jules as he sits still. I keep walking to his desk as she recovers herself and blabs about how much she missed him. Tollund is too busy in her melodrama to notice me.

I run up against his legs and meow loud enough for them to hear. When he turns to me he gives me a look but I keep pawing at him.

"Why hello kitty cat." He says picking me up with a tense grin.

Lady Tollund hisses in disgust. "A cat? What wretched things!"

Oh you don't like cats? Too bad we don't like you either. Maybe I should have jumped on her and used my claws to rip that ugly dress to shreds. I shift my backend towards her with my tail straight up then I curl up in his lap and Sebastian just coughs. Is something wrong My King?

"I forgot you did not like any felines. This one has a good temperament though." He tells her while rubbing a hand down my back. "Right?" He questions me when I look up at him.

After shaking my head to him, I lick my lips showing my sharp teeth then turn away. Sometimes my temper is good but not right now. Not when you keep secrets from me. Anger boils up in my chest again. How could he act the way he did this morning, let alone a few days ago, when he was intended for another woman? That's why he didn't touch me.

"Can we get back on topic please?" Lady Tollund asks putting her hands on her hips.

I place my paws at the tops of his thighs and draw my claws out. Not too far just enough to go through the fabric to hit his skin. A warning...

"Uh.. right." He leans to the side, his legs tensing underneath me. "Sorry where were we?" Feel my wrath Seb. My nails dig in a bit then retract.

"The wedding. I think we should push up the date so we can do it sooner. I'm worried if something were to befall on you before we got married..."

No way is that happening. My nails go deeper and he winces letting out a quiet squeak like a mouse in a trap. Seb places a hand on my head sliding it down to my neck and grips it tight, all while looking at the other woman. That doesn't hurt me, but I know this hurts you.. Again my sharp nails bite deeper into his skin. He grunts low that only I can hear.

"Are you all right my King?" Tollund asks with a frown taking a step forward.

"Actually... um no. Last night's events are catching up to me." With his other hand, he rubs his forehead. "Can we talk about our engagement another time, alone?"

She huffs loudly. "We are alone..."

No you are not. I peek up to him and he runs a hand through his hair then I sit to watch her. He doesn't want you here so leave lady. The King and I need to talk.

They stare at each other but Seb says gruffly. "Can we just discuss this another time please? I'm very busy."

Her mouth opens slightly but she bows. "I understand Your Majesty. Don't work too hard, it is your birthday of course." She smiles at him weakly then starts to walk to the door. "I will see you tonight my love." Lady Intruder presses her fingers to her lips then blows moving her hand away towards Seb.

My claws go in as far as they can and when she closes the door behind her, Seb yelps jumping in his seat. I let him go and hop up onto the table glaring at his reddening face.

"Fuck Cam!" He screams rubbing at his thigh. When he stops, he sighs not looking at me. Coward! Look at me like the strong King you are supposed to be. The boiling anger spreads to my ears and face, the heat surrounds me that I want to burst.

He leans back in his chair running a hand through his hair. "I'm sorry Cam... I should have told you about the engagement sooner. I wanted to..."

Yes, you should be sorry. I'm furious and I'm not even sure why. No, I do know why. He kept it a secret and I thought he felt something for me because Maude and Nez were sure of it. I certainly feel something for him, whatever it is. It was good thoughts before this happened. I turn away not able to look at him anymore. How could I have been so foolish to think he could feel anything for me?

"You should be sorry that I had to find out this way. Why didn't you tell me?" I say starting to pace from side to side. What I had wrongly thought was that we didn't have any secrets kept between each other.

"Because," He sighs then laughs to himself. "Our parents arranged for this marriage years ago to strengthen our army. It's been months since I have spoken or even seen of her. We are completely different people now and I was waiting for the right time to break it off."

I look down shaking my head. If he felt that way, why didn't he break it off sooner? Before he met me would have been a good time or soon after. Not while I was developing a connection to him... Curse him and curse her... Curse these unknown feelings that are roiling through me.

There's silence and he stands up, resting his hands on the table. "Don't hate me and please don't be jealous of Jules."

I sit down to stare at him. "Jealous?"

"I am sensing a bit of resentment towards Julia. Do you not want me to marry her?" He asks lifting an eyebrow and he starts to smile.

I scoff shaking my head. There's no way... I don't even know what he means. And no I don't want him to marry another... Is that selfish of me?

"Or do you feel threatened by her relationship with me?" He presses his lips together as our eyes lock.

I really don't know what I feel... Maybe I am jealous. For some reason I feel protective over Sebastian since I saved his life twice and he saved mine. We understand each other and we are broken people. We helped each other out of our own darkness... "Well it certainly surprised me when I heard that you were already taken by another. It hurt that you kept that from me."

Sebastian rubs the back of his neck and nods. "I understand, but you don't have to worry about her. There won't be a wedding because I don't have any feelings towards her, never had." He turns away biting his lip. "Can you turn back? It's weird talking to a cat about these emotions."

So he doesn't have feelings for her. When did this happen? No, that still doesn't change what he did. I stay on top of the desk to shift back into a human. My body sits on the edge and my legs hang off as I stretch out. "You weren't going to marry her then?"

He glances back stepping towards me. "Initially I was but now, no. I'm not."

"Why?"

Seb smiles looking up to the ceiling. "Maybe because I have developed feelings for someone else and I want to save myself for them."

Who? Judging by his stare I want to say me but that seems far fetched even if a small part of me hopes. My cheeks start to heat up when he leans closer. I'm still mad, I'm still mad... I swing my legs and the end of my shoe touches his leg and he grabs my ankle.

"Nothing to say?" No... I stay quiet, feeling his touch. "You don't want to know who I have feelings for?"

Oh no. Not again. My heart quickens as his fingers inchworm their way up my leg. He's getting braver each time and so am I. Each time I let him closer, my calf isn't an intimate part of my body so I'm not uncomfortable to his touch there. In fact I revel in it... Which scares and excites me at the same time. He's at my knee now. Testing how far he can go. I am allowed this, to be glad to be touched by someone I care about. To know that he won't take advantage of that. I want him to touch me as much I want to touch him again.

I'm supposed to be mad but the more I look in his eyes, the more I see a broken down man in need of affection. Companionship. Maybe he wants to feel something other than sorrow or hate. The circles under his eyes are more prominent than usual. He's tired, not just from last night but from all his sleepless nights. They are catching up with him. I didn't get a chance to see him after this morning until now. I wonder how his 'interrogation' with the assassin went.

"How are you?"

His hand stops at the middle of my thigh where the skirt starts and his smile drops to a hard line. He's quiet as he holds his hand there but he answers with a low 'fine.'

"And what of the assassin. Did he tell you anything?" When the subject was brought up, a while ago now, he seethed with rage. He told me he would do whatever it took to get an answer from anyone, to find out who is planning his demise. Sebastian swore that torture was permitted at this point in the battle, that he couldn't show mercy. It scared me to know a man like Sebastian would go to such lengths...

He shakes his head looking down. "No, not a word was spoken in our favour. Not even after.."

I tilt my head to the side. "... After the torture?"

He lets go of my leg and I let it drop down as I stare at him. The pain in his face says enough to know that he didn't want to do it but thought it was necessary.

"Yes Cam. We had to do what was imperative to our safety. To mine and to the Kingdom's. Whoever is against us, we cannot lose to them." He says with narrowing eyes. Telling me stop poking at it.

But I can't stop the snort and the words that come out. "Look what good it did you."

He glares at me with flared nostrils. "What am I supposed to do? There is someone out there plotting to take the throne and my family is paying the price! I almost died if it weren't for you!"

The anger and desperation flits across his eyes. "I have a duty to my parents and to my people, to promise them a safe haven. We can't let them win, it will destroy not only us but the world. I'm sorry to tell you this but violence is the only option when we are on the brink of war where I don't even know who the enemy is. It could be all territories or just one, all I know is that they are sly, and I need to figure out who is trying to kill me so I can resolve this before the world goes into chaos!" He yells slamming his fist next to me causing the table and my to body shake. His body towers over me and I look down.

Seeing that display, it hits me that he is right. If I didn't come to his room he would have been killed. He would be dead. Gone... I shouldn't have said anything, not when I don't know much about this world. It wasn't my place, even if I don't agree with his methods... There is a lot weighing on his shoulders, he can't break or show weakness. War is cruel and unforgiving. He can only do what he feels is right.

He places both hands on the table with his head hanging low.

"I'm sorry..." I say quietly and my gaze falls to his hand that's closest to mine. "I didn't mean to,"

"I know." He sighs, his fingers curl up into fists, the knuckles turning white. "I am sorry too Cam." Is all he says.

The anger melts away as I watch him stand there, a look like he wants to give up and I can't stop my hand from closing that gap and wrapping around his. I grip tightly and tell him that we will get through this. We will figure this out. I wish there was a way to help him, help his kingdom. Whatever I can do, I want to do all in my power to stop this war. To save him and this city.

He finally looks up at me with gleaming eyes and a small smile appears. "You are truly a blessing Cam." His hand twists to grab mine then he lifts them to kiss the top of my hand as we share a smile. "Do you have my present yet?"

I look at him deadpan, pulling my hand away. "So eager My Beloved." I say in my most feminine voice, trying to mimic the woman who was to marry him.

Sebastian throws his head back in laughter and I can't help but smile a bit too.

"My goodness, you really are jealous of her."

I shrug. "Maybe. She is pretty and more... right for you. Being from a noble family."

"Yes, she would have fit right in here but I don't want her." He says with pursed his lips.

Hm. If he doesn't want her then he should break it off with her today. I hop down so I'm standing in front of him now and he stands up straight towering over me but I pull my shoulders back to make myself as tall as I can. I'm not going to the ball while he is still engaged so I tell him, "If you end things with her before the party I will go and give you two gifts."

Amusement dances across his face. "Demanding little thing aren't you." He says leaning down a bit.

My eyes narrow at him, I'm not giving in to his little game. Not until he ends it with her. And a small smile spreads across my face. "Yes. It's all I ask of you."

"Or..." He says with a wide smile. "You give one to me now then I'll go straight to Jules and break the news to her."

He's getting closer so I put up a magical barrier between us, he doesn't notice. "What exactly do you think I have for you?" I ask crossing my arms.

"I'm hoping for something special." His eyes peer down at my lips. He better stop or he is going to hit his face. I don't notice my own smile grow as I watch him get closer which makes him smile more then his face hits an invisible wall.

"Ow!" He grunts leaning back with his eyes screwed shut and he covers his face with his hand. "What was that for?!"

I laugh. "Because I can! That's what you get for being too close."

After rubbing his nose he squints his eyes at me and shakes his head with a small smile. "You're getting better at your magic. You've spent too much time with Nezra."

I smirk with my nose up in the air but he grabs my wrist pulling me right into him. The sudden jolt  makes me lose my balance. I throw my hand forward so I don't crash into him and it lands on his chest. Oh no.. Twice in one day. Why does this keep happening.

"What's wrong with being so close..." I don't answer which makes him grin. "Do it again." He says low then raises his hand slowly towards my face.

As I watch his fingers lift up, I imagine where they are going to land and then put up a wall like I did before. His hand stops mid air just before my skin. "Good job." He says with a beaming smile.

I smile back and drop the wall to see what he will do. His eyes widen slightly, feeling that the barrier is gone and he moves his fingers to my skin ever so slowly. My heart races, waiting for his touch.

My eyes don't leave Seb's as his hand makes contact with the side of my jaw. His thumb caresses my warming cheek. The pad of his thumb feels rough against my skin but I welcome it. He smiles at me showing a dazzling grin that I haven't seen shown to anyone else.

I grin back as he lets go and I take a step away. My whole body is tingling.

"I should get to finishing this paperwork before the dinner and go have a very awkward conversation." He says rubbing his neck, his cheeks flush a light red colour too.

"Right." I say with a nod and clasp my hands together behind my back. "I shall see you later then."

After my bath, two servants are waiting to help me into my dress and do my hair. Claudia has done an incredible job on this gown, it fits perfectly to my body and the skirt flows so light and freely. It looks much different from when I chose it at the boutique a week ago. This style though, is a little different than I have ever seen which I don't mind. The dresses I usually wore covered more skin than this one. But I am growing to like the fashion as it is warmer in Adelaide.

The corset plunges down between my breasts stopping just below them and there are no sleeves with just a single white piece of material that starts from the left by my armpit and crosses up to the other shoulder then down the back holding up the right side of the dress. What makes me a little uncomfortable though, is the style of my shift, a single string holds the top of the silk fabric that covers my chest area and then the short skirt but it is attached making leg holes. I guess it would be very short pants in a sense. I'm not too worried though, it's not like anyone will see under my dress.

Another accessory I like is the deep blue tulle cape draping from the bodice itself flowing down leaving a glittering trail behind me which gives it a nice touch. It reminds me of a clear night sky. When I walk over to the vanity I see myself in the gown in the reflection and it's as if I have been carved out of the Zythine crystal itself. The top of the dress is white melting into the dark purple and at the bottom of the skirt is almost a black colour matching the colours of my necklace. A gradient of purples. My goodness this dress is truly beautiful...

I sit in a chair in front of the vanity as the girls work on my hair and makeup next. Accents of purple and black are brushed onto my face. Anita colours my lips with a dark purple, she called it eggplant, then outlines my eyes with a black line and uses a lighter purple on the inner corners of my lids. I keep my eyes closed as she brushes something onto my lashes to make them longer. And I can feel Samantha combing my hair up and curling the bottom layers.

The door opens and I hear Maude gasp which makes me open my eyes to see her mouth is dropped open. "By the Divine you look... gorgeous."

She walks towards me holding her hands to her chest and I watch her because I am too afraid to see myself yet. The girls tell me that they are done so I stand as Maude holds onto my shoulder. Samantha passes my simple black heels to me and I put them on.

"His Highness won't be able to take his eyes off of you now." The elder comments with a raised brow at me and squeezes my arm a little too tightly.

"I don't think anyone will." Anita says with a giggle. Not noticing Maudes stern reaction.

I take a deep breath ignoring Maude then turn and for a moment, I don't recognize myself. My hand lifts up to my lips but I don't touch incase I mess up their makeup. It is my reflection staring back at me, I wish I could see myself in my true form, with my black hair and blue eyes... My golden hair is half tied up in braids wrapping around the mid of my head with the rest hanging down curling into soft waves, flowing down the length of my back. Indeed, Sebastian will not be able to take his eyes off of me and I am starting to believe that maybe I am beautiful.

The ballroom is decorated with summer flowers that I recognize are camellias. There are faelights floating above us to light up the large space now that night has fallen. As soon as you walk in, there are tables stacked with a variety of food and drinks. Another round table is clearly designated for gifts to the King. As I glimpse at a few large ones, the one I intended to give to Seb feels small and insignificant compared to these ones but I hold it tight in my hand knowing that he will like it.

To the left along the wall of windows, the band is set up. They are already playing some joyous tune for background sound while the guests gather. Doors are opened on either side to the balcony allowing more space as well as fresh air.

Chairs and plush couches are lined along the opposite wall then my gaze sweeps up to the grand staircase on the other side of the room. That's where Seb will come from to make his grand entrance. People have started gathering in the ballroom making it a little crowded and I haven't seen Sebastian yet so I haven't missed it. 'A king loves to make his guests wait, especially on his birthday.' I roll my eyes at the memory of him telling me that. Royals...

I would have visited him before I went down but all the passages to the upper chambers were guarded. No doubt to keep drunken guests from wandering off. So for the moment, I stay to myself as I watch the others prattle on about their attire or politics and hope he is coming soon.

More guests have appeared and I wonder where Little Miss Entitled is. Did she leave because Seb broke off the engagement? Maybe that is what is taking him so long to arrive to his own party. They were to have a banquet before the ball, I wonder if he did it before then. I have helped myself to the food since others have been doing so but I stay away from the drinks. I've also noticed none of the guests that I greeted earlier today haven't recognized me at all. Well no surprise, why would a servant dress up like they are some noble's daughter but I am a guest. Seb wanted me here, asked me to attend. None of them do notice me, as Seb has said before and I am thankful. I wouldn't know what to say if they asked who I was or where I came from.

Two strikes from a cane hitting marble sound and the room and band fall silent. All our attention is turned to the grand staircase and a man in quite ridiculous clothing stands at the top. Upon looking closer, I recognize him. It's Sherman. He's wearing a light purple shirt that has puffy sleeves and his trousers bunch up at the top of his knees puffing out as well. They are paired with very white stockings and some sort of heeled leather boots with too big golden buckles. What catches my eye though, is the large purple hat with a white feather sticking out the top.

"Ladies and gentlemen, my lords and ladies. May I present to you the King of Adelaide, fourth of his bloodline, Sebastian Velan Hawthorne. Son of late King Velan Hawthorne and Queen Eva Whitmere." The man's voice booms across the room and then doors behind him swing open. "And his uncle, brother to the late King Velan, firstborn of Vanthin and Royal Advisor to present King, High Lord Vernon Hawthorne."

What titles. I would be winded after saying all that. Seb and his uncle appear and the guests start clapping as they walk down the many steps to the main floor so I do the same. They are both well dressed in their Royal attire but my eyes linger on the handsome King. Sebastian's coat is a almost black but as I look closer, I see a hint of the dark purple that is twin to my dress that colours the bottom of my skirt. His sash is a rich purple and his pants are black as well as his knee high leather boots. I also notice the sword hanging off his hip as he holds onto the hilt. His hair is neatly combed back with his golden crown sitting atop and there are no dark circles under his eyes anymore.

When he and his uncle reach the bottom I straighten up but I don't approach Seb because others have come up to greet him and wish him a happy birthday. His smile is wide as he thanks each one, he looks happy and he deserves to be. Sebastian is not going to let what happened last night ruin his birthday, this special day. For that, I wait as patiently as I can as he talks to his guests.

The band resumes their song, filling the silence. I watch Seb go through the crowd, greeting everyone and shaking their hands, slowly making his way to the back of the room where I am standing. My heart thumps harder as he gets closer. He hasn't spotted me yet and I don't move. What will he make of this dress? A Duke and Duchess standing near me are whispering giddily to each other then walk up to the King. When he turns to talk to them, his gaze shifts for a moment and falls onto me. Our eyes lock and his smile disappears and I feel the heat as he gazes at every inch of my body. The ball in his throat bobs but he turns to the couple giving them a warm smile. He tries to hold their gaze while I watch him converse with them. This time he is quick in dismissing the couple and he pats the man on the back then strides over to me.

Guests in his path greet him, he politely nods but continues on to his goal. Me. The world falls away from me as our gazes hold, the people and music fade. The distance between us feels too great and before I know it my feet carry me towards him, closing the gap.

When we are only a few footsteps apart I curtsy low. "Happy Birthday My King." I say looking at him and his eyes roam my body again and I can't help but blush.

"You are stunning." He says after bowing his head. He hasn't done that to anyone in here. Then I remember we aren't the only ones in the room.

"Thanks." I say, biting my lip, forgetting that I am wearing lipstick. I can't help but glance around to the people standing near us who are pretending not to stare at me and Seb.

Seb smiles taking my hand in his and kisses the top of it. "Don't mind them Cam, for tonight it is just you and me."

So did he break it off with Julia? My heart jumps into my throat when he winks at me, confirming my thoughts. Oh my. He grips my hand tighter and pulls me into the middle of the floor. The guests step out of the way for us to pass then he snaps his fingers. An upbeat song starts to play and everyone cheers as they grab their partners to dance along as well. How long have I wondered about this moment, when I was alone in that room in the Inn. It feels like it's been months since that day where Seb caught me on the street. I smile to myself thinking of it all, all that has developed within these few weeks here. Elyse would be proud, would have been delighted to have seen where I have ended up.

Seb pulls me tight against him, holding my right arm straight out while the other rests at my back. Whereas I place my hand on his shoulder and we start stepping to the beat. I follow his lead as he steps forward with his right, I step back with my left and soon we are in a quickstep. Our bodies swift as we move as one. Laughter bubbles up, feeling the uplifting music and Sebastian carry me across the floor. He chuckles a low hum into my ear sending a shiver up my spine. The people around us are laughing, dancing in different styles and truly enjoying themselves as well. It certainly is a joyous time. To celebrate life and everything in it.

We spin a couple more times and the song comes to an end. Our hands lower but he still holds onto them as we step apart. Sebastian and I are a little breathless when he asks where I learned to dance.

I shrug. "From the circus and Elyse, she taught me some traditional dances too."

"You never cease to amaze me Cam." He says with a smile. "Would you like something to drink? It doesn't have to be alcoholic."

"Actually I would like to try some wine."

He grins taking my hand. "All right." Then leads us toward the tables.