The king

18

THE KING
~ Jaxson's pov ~

The ball. Serena's engagement announcement was this evening and I was dwelling upon tonight when it shall happen. I knew Arabella couldn't be too happy for this event, and she made haste with her family in a carriage while Bridger and I waited for another to accompany us.

The sun was setting soon, and the family of Houstings was surely going to be late if they did not hurry.

Therefore I and Bridger entered our awaited carriage. The door closes, and Bridger gazes upon my presence.

"Speak, Bridger," I say, rolling my eyes playfully.

"I think you should make a move tonight," he says finally.

"With whom?" I raise a brow.

"With Arabella," he scoffs. "You are waiting too long to make a move. She will be moved on by the time you do so."

"She was speaking as yesterday about it was nearly her turn for marriage," I grunt out with displeasure.

"Of course, it is. She is next in line, she will be married off to some duke or viscount if you do not wed her of your own." He hits me in the chest with the back of his hand, rolling his eyes. "And tonight is only the beginning. These gentlemen will realize that Arabella is next in line and they will make sure they are seen by her tonight."

"What if she takes a liking to them? You can not let your lady go," he adds, pointing his finger at me. He was taking this courtship seriously, he wanted me to have Arabella so he could become matchmaker of the century.

Of course.

"She will not take a liking to them." I laugh out.

He smirks, shrugging. "Alright, do not say I did not warn you."

"And let's say I do make a move..." I trail. "What if she does not feel the same?"

He leans forward, smiling softly. "Trust me, Oden...She feels the same."

***

Music is flowing through the air, juices are poured for the ladies, whiskey is poured for the gentlemen. Couples danced or even the people who were after each other mingled around amongst the crowd.

I got lost in the crowd somewhere, losing Bridger along the way, trying to find Arabella. My eyes lurk over the ballroom floor, not finding the brunette.

I could feel her presence but I could not see her. The warmth she brought into the room, the way the room shined so brightly with her presence inside.

Then I found her. As if time had stopped, she stood near the wall with her father, talking with him in hushed whispers, but she sparkled all over the room- like a diamond.

This particular gown she was wearing was dark green, that went well against her pale skin. She wore gloves that hid her petite hands and I can still feel the way they wrapped around mine yesterday in her dressing room.

Her hair is curled longing across her back, and she's eyeing the room carefully; looking for someone.

Music starts playing in a soft tune, and the crowd moves over to let someone move through them. Sir Kingsley finds his way out of the crowd, holding the hand of Serena who is holding onto a joyful smile.

She's happy, or at least that is what she is portraying to others.

The crowd gasps as they take a look at the diamond ring on her finger, announcing to everyone that she belonged to Sir Kingsley.