TYRION

Chapter 8

Tyrion's POV

It's been a week since the attackers invaded emberfall, no traces or sign of them coming soon. I had found myself visiting the palace often. It had started with a misconception but now, the king call for me often.

"I admire your boldness and strength, Tyrion of Mistwood. If you will concur to my request, I would love that you live with us in my palace" King Ethan had initiated a few days ago during my visit at the Palace after I told him more lies that I'm just a messenger that sees vision. To my surprise, he had reveled in the news and requested to hire me. I would have gladly accepted to protect the palace if I had the mission to expand my days in their land. But I wasn't going to. I couldn't help but think the witch was planning something more destructive.

The earlier I put a stop to her plans, the better, I could prevent more chaos if I travel to wyvernholt to stop her. The willingness to stop her as soon as possible fueled within me. I should leave. The sound of horses clattering serenaded my ears. Moments later, I was at the door attending to the palace's messengers. They informed that the king had requested for my presence. After their departure, I donned my tunic, hose, trousers and boots. Ready to grant his request, I mounted on my horse and made my way to the palace.

"There will be a ball tonight to welcome my daughter, princess matilda. She just arrived from a tour and I want you to meet her." King Ethan had shocked me by saying the reason for his invitation. To meet his daughter. The only woman I would love to see now is Isolde, she hadn't ceased from my thoughts ever since I dropped her at her doorstep a week ago. But I had a mission, and I wouldn't let the thoughts of her distract me, I had promised myself not to act further on my attraction towards her.

"It would be my pleasure to meet the princess." I said, and Queen Natalie, who was sitted by his side smile widen.

****

"I love balls" Alaric commented excitedly as we arrived at the Palace's Grand hall. His blue eyes glistening with excitement. And truly, it was an exquisite sight to behold. The sound of violins and harps filled the large hall, the melody so enchanting to the ears, and the aroma of a lavish feast laid out on long banquet tables. Everyone was laughing euphorically, raising cups of exotic wine in the air to cheer. Anxiety pricked at me; the sight before me was one I wished would never waver. It had been more than a week since the massacre and everyone was now at rest, filled with hopes that a tragedy like that wouldn't invade them again.

But I couldn't help but fear what was yet to come. I wished Alan could appear now and tell me what next, but he never did until minutes before danger or whenever I desperately sought him, which was rare. But even without Alan, I would protect the people. Just like I had protected my people back in Mistwood.

"These women would gladly get a bed with you." Alaric naughtily remarked, referring to the ladies who wouldn't cast their eyes off me, or us?...

"Don't underrate yourself so much. You are getting their attention t..." My voice trailed off as a lady with brunette hair in a fancy gold-colored ball gown approached us.

"Hello... Tyrion right? The one who lost the fight to Aaron." I scoffed and almost rolled my eyes.

"Woooo, too wise of some words for someone who wants to get noticed by him" Alaric replied to her before I could. I wasn't going to take it personally though.

"Oh, you hype your friend too much, just like the other day. I was just wondering if he is really the one from the other night, he looks too good to be true now that there is enough light shed on him, but I would have gladly passed a loser but..." There was a pause, she sized me up with her lustful eyes before she continued. . "I am Rosa though, just in case you might want to call on me later, handsome" She gently ran her tiny long fingers across the hem of my shirt, the action making her set of bangles jingled. She winked and exited.

"These town women never ceased to amaze me, maybe she would have eaten you up right here if she knew who you really are" Alaric said.

"You care too much" I told him, indifferent about the lady, I guess it was because I was used to women swooning at my feet. Hers was no different.

"Hi Handsome, care for a dance?" Another lady approached.

"Yes please" I granted and we got into action. Alaric on the other hand had found someone to partner with, and we danced side by side. The moment was really going great when the King voice sounded as he tapped on the bell to call people's attention. After getting our attention, he appreciated everyone's presence before he announced Princess Matilda's arrival. She emerged at the top stage of the hall and the king gently held her hand to help her down the short stairs to the front of the dance hall.

"Isn't she such a beauty, that's our princess." Alaric whispered to me. She really was, the type most men would ache to have, and I'm sure her father, the king, would want the best for her.

The ball went on after the announcement and everyone continued to revel in the sweetness of the dance. I was still dancing with the lady whose name I didn't know when the king's voice sounded from beside me.

"Tyrion of Mistwood, I would love to put my daughter in your care for a few minutes. I have to attend to something." The king said, startling me as he passed Princess Matilda to me, the lady I was dancing with scampered away, leaving me with the princess. King Ethan exited the scene and I had to acknowledge her now. Our gaze locked and I decided to speak first.

"It would be my honor to have a dance with you princess" I requested, just as the king would like, presenting my right hand before her in a gentlemanly manner. Her face shaped to a little elegant smile as she took my hand, gladly I guess.

"Oh Tyrion, you are just like father had described you" She said.

"I hope he hadn't said anything woeful about me." I teased and she muffled a giggle, her riped set of teeth all outside to beautify her more.

"Nothing like that, he had said many good things about you" and just like that, we chatted away and got to know each other better. Not for so long though. But long enough before a dancer was called out to entertain us. The familiar name echoed in my ears, distracting me from everything else before me as I darted my eyes towards the scene she had being announced, Isolde emerged in all beauty and glory, readying to gratify the floor with her magical steps that had captured me the very moment I had set my eyes on her. And for the first time since I stepped into the ball tonight, my heart flipped in my chest. Was I in trouble?