A Dance With The Enemy
Inhaling deeply, I clutched the chain my parents had gifted me for my sixteenth birthday. It didn't cost much and frankly began to take on a different appearance in contrast to its past alluring shine.However, clenching to its cold links is where I stole most of my courage from which I definitely needed today. With determination in my heart I was ready, ‘Open’ I ordered. Truthfully I still had not adjusted to the role of King and I don't think I ever will; I would much rather be enveloped in my fluffy woolly blanket but ‘my duty is to my people’ as my Father would always say.
The gilded oak doors lethargically opened upon my orders and at that moment I wished I had inhaled more outside as I was met with the redolence of ten different perfumes. I already wanted to retreat, but it was too late.The blaring of the trumpets to announce my arrival put a stop to any plans I had of running away. People before me rose and sank into a bow, their rise and falling motion was akin to my heart's pace, except it didn't stop. My palms were clammy all of a sudden and my pulsating heart met with my chest. I awkwardly waddled over to my throne to appear like I had everything under control. I didn’t.
The ensemble could be heard several roads down, this sound was the only one I could bear. The pure intensity of its nature was beautiful and truthfully was a superior form of communication, how I wish we could all just use music instead of words and to that the universe snickered at my desire as in the corner of my eye I could see my aunt approaching.
My brain went into overdrive, I couldn't handle her asking when I would visit and when I told her I was busy I might as well have jumped off a building as that was cardinal sin.Then that wasn't a concern anymore as somebody else cut in front of her.
Oh no.
Not her.
The girl before me who is formally addressed as Princess Chloe Redfield, but I had my reservations about her.Instead she was met with ‘Greetings Spawn of Satan’ the utterance of those words brought back moments I would much rather forget, and she met my "greeting" with a giggle ‘Oh come on Luke not this again.’ Again!? It never stopped! This girl put me through hell in school; putting gum in my hair, taking my items the list goes on.
I regained my composure and for the first time took her image in completely. The response of my body was confusing but was probably a result of all the PTSD she had caused me as the quickening of my heart collided with a sudden inferno that set my cheeks ablaze. My cheek’s clearly being dusted with a bright red was much to her amusement.She began to giggle which caused me to turn an even brighter shade. She is such a problem.
Her attire consisted of radiant colours and layers. She wore a gown that swept the floor with a white lace layer that had complicated designs making it art in itself. Her dark and long fairy-tale hair fell in impossible waves that rippled over her delicate shoulders.I was overcome with the sudden terrible urge to tangle my hands in it.
I cast my glance up instead and of course what was a princess without her tiara. It was a silver tiara that matched her winter grey eyes which when light reflected off them were likened to the celestial captivation the moon possessed. She was by all definitions beautiful. ‘Luke? Is everything okay?’ she whispered whilst fidgeting with her dress. ‘ You’re staring at me’
Oh no.
How long was I staring at her for.
I had to do something quickly to break the awkward layer that settled.
‘Would you like to dance?’ I would come to regret that offer. For a moment she seemed to be taken aback as the gaping of her mouth met my response until, ‘I would love to’ she said with a smile that held so many meanings, although I chose to ignore this.The tapping of my feet was in accordance with my heartbeat. I had no idea what would follow. I gripped my chain once more hoping this would be over soon. I took her up and we began.
I don’t know if I was just enjoying the music or if I was nervous but for an unknown reason swaying with her was almost exhilarating.There was something enticing about being pulled flush against someone who is by all definitions your enemy. ' I’m a better dancer than you, aren't I?' She said with a smirk that left an ugly taste in my mouth.
Although; the sways of her body did mesmerise me, and she by far was a better dancer than I ever could be, although I would never admit it.She appeared to know that I thought this though as her next smirk was sharp enough to cut me where I stood.
Her tight grip was thrilling.Her movements were extremely fluid, almost as if we had danced these steps in another life. Our bodies flowed into each other and the heat in my cheeks rose, much like the tension between us. It was almost as if we were competing with each other.
I was quite displeased to say the least to find that my heart raced watching her move and that my body enjoyed the sensation way too much. I was bewitched by the girl before me and the realisation frightened me.