The Forest gate palaces were brighter now, the gloom having lifted from the houses . Raina stood at the gates to the Dancing Wind Palace looking out into the forest beyond . Her eyes were lost in the forest and and deep within herself . There was so much going on and all she wanted was the past .
She missed the days she got to play with Grandma in the garden while her cousins played with the Emperor . It was true that she had never been included in their fun and games, but she hadn't really minded . If she went to play, then Grandma would be lonely, and she couldn't let that happen . The tension had always been there, the pressure for their cousins to be better than her, and they couldn't help but feel resentment toward her . Raina knew all this, but she missed those days . At least then, she had her family around her .
AdvertisementHer morning had always started with meeting grandmother, then the cousins . They did their lessons until the Emperor joined them . Then the children would play while Raina watched . She would go to play in the garden with the beauties until dinner, which she would spend with her Dad . Now she was back and everything was different . She didn't feel like this was home anymore .
The thought crossed her mind as she turned back to the Dancing Winds Palace . These walls had once held her heart, but now she longed for the dark forest of the Shadow Veil hall . She wanted Uncle Mordrin's training sessions and Grandfather Moradakai's warm spiced tea . She wanted to feel wanted again . Here she felt more like she was extra . Unneeded and unwanted .
A gentle cough caught Raina's attention and she turned to face the source of the noise . Standing behind her, was a boy she barely recognized . He was about Raina's age . Long dark hair pulled back in a low ponytail, and a gentle smile . His eyes were warm black and filled with a sense of mystery that she got a little lost in .
"Raina, darling Princess, your cousins have asked me to invite you to tea . " He spoke gently, and in a way that was soothing to her . Raina felt a odd heat in her cheeks as she reflexively looked down at the earth beneath her feet . There seemed to be something that caught her attention there .
"Haden… It has been a while . " Raina replied blushing softly as she looks away . He chuckled .
"Yes it has been, Pretty Princess . Your just as lovely as you have always been . Will you come with me?" He asked offering her a smile . Raina frowned .
"My cousins asked me to come to tea?" She asked a bit more guarded as she realized where he wanted her to go . Haden offered her a smile .
"Yes, they are having tea in the garden . We have also invited 2 of the Dancing Wind Guard if that makes you feel better . " He offered and Raina seemed to think for a moment . Her little face was more serious than he had seen before . It was adorable, but he couldn't help but wonder what was going on beneath those deep blue eyes .
"I will join them for tea then . Refusing would be rude . " Raina concluded aloud as she raised her eyes to meet his . She smoothed her dress and turned back toward the house . "I will change and then I will join you . " She replied smoothly, it was clear she had no interest in discussion . He chuckled and stood aside .
"As you wish, Princess Raina . " He conceded, this was more than he had hoped for . This mission was supposed to be a guaranteed failure . That was why none of the maids wanted to extend the invitation when the Prince had suggested it . Haden however, didn't care if it was successful or not, he had his own agenda .
Chapter end
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