Unmasked

Chapter 31

"Maid reads all over your face."

My blood runs cold.

"I- I don't know what you mean."

"Your face right now says other wise," he responds simply, voice still cold.

"I-"

"Whether you're with the Prince here or not, it's still dangerous for you here, so I'm getting you out." He pulls at my arm again and this time, I'm too weak to hold back, I move with him.

We seem to be walking slowly, as the party around us goes quickly. It's almost like I was being thrown out, as should happen. What did I expect?

"But first," he releases my arm and I notice a wide set table covered in colorful dishes I've never seen before in front of us, "when was the last time you've eaten?"

I look at the boy, he no longer seemed so young or as strange as he presented himself to the prince.

"Why?" I couldn't think of a proper question to ask him. Who exactly was this boy?

"I'm the third prince of Clarines, I'm the only one in this room who cares about the servants and maids living in debt," Our eyes meet and something in them compelled me to believe every word, "but maybe your prince cares too, who knows, he did bring you here."

I only stare at him.

"Lucky for you, the exit is just nearby and you can leave after you finish eating, but if you wish to go back to him, he's just in that direction." He motions towards the doors just behind the table, not the same doors that I entered through earlier but still exits. I didn't plan on using them.

William turns and begins to leave.

"Wait!"

"Hm?" He looks over his shoulder at me.

"Why would it be dangerous for me here?" I remembered his words.

Whether I was with the prince or not.

"Just believe when I say it is, you wouldn't shop at the noble's market would you?"

I pause for a moment and he leaves before I could respond.

There I was, alone, I look back at the table and all the foods on it. Seeing them with this many makes me wonder how we're so little on it.

I take a step closer and pick out from the dish closest to me, a cubed fruit, and take a small bite. It's sweet, fresh, like it was just grown.

Who knows when the last time I'll have food again. I finish the piece and turn away from the table, walking away from it.

My eyes search through the sea of men and women as I carefully made my way back. William's warning echoing in my mind the entire time. I can't leave, not without him.

"Be careful!" Suddenly a familiar shade of blonde catches the corner of my eye.

She was so close but she hadn't seen me yet, she was too busy trying to guide Alexandra through the dance floor.

"You're gonna get us kicked out," I hear her scorn.

I hadn't realized I stopped breathing until my heart began to pound. Quickly I turn away and head straight for the exit that I was shown. If they were both here, then mother wasn't too far either.

Who did she marry?

I shake my head and run, not slowing even when I'm finally at the peacefulness of the hallway. My fear in my stomach and pounding of my heart made it hard to breathe. I was so close.