A forgotten princess

The Ball (Part II): A small princess

Among the loud conversations in the room between the ladies, Marie sat silently. 'You would only cause trouble for others' Those truthful words echoed inside her head. 

Because of her, the knights had to look for the stolen report, instead of looking for the princess. Maybe, if she hadn't stolen the report, the knights who were supposed to be on patrol, would find the princess earlier, or maybe even spot the carriage she was dropped off in. 

Marie's confidence dropped. She knew that she did not know anything about the law, or how to solve an actual case. The detectives would surely do a better job than her. Although her intentions were pure, she couldn't help but think she had utterly failed. 

The sight of the distressed face of Melanie flashed before Marie's eyes. Since she considered Melanie a friend, she wanted to help. But she did not help her at all. Marie sat up from her chair and left the room. 

She hurried over to the ballroom. Slow music was playing, and people were already dancing. Among the dance partners Marie spotted Melanie, dancing with a man with long sapphire blue hair. They both looked so happy dancing together. That must be her husband. Marie though to herself. 

Although the atmosphere between Melanie and her husband was bright and happy, the atmosphere in the ballroom was very dark. It seems as they were looking down on Melanie for dancing with her husband, but that was absurd. 

Marie walked forward, to the table of sweets across the room, when she accidentally bumped into someone. The little girl was very small, and looked up at Marie with an amazed gaze. Marie's heart skipped a beat, looking at the very cute little girl. 

-Excuse me! Apologize to the 1st Princess!-A boy a little bigger than the girl yelled out. Marie was filled with even more joy, knowing this cute princess is her half-sister. The princess looked about 10 years old, while the boy looked 11 or 12. 

Marie crouched down to the little princess' level,-What's your name?-Marie asked her. The princess seemed a little flustered at fist.

-Um...my name is C-Clair.-The little, brown-haired princess answered, adverting her diamond like blue eyes to not make eye contact. 

-Hello, Claire! My name is Marie, i'm your half-sister.- Marie smiled at Claire, and that's when they finally made eye contact. They both smiled at each other and chuckled. 

The boy next to Clair didn't seem too happy with Marie talking to her like that, and all he did was scowl at Marie. Marie noticed daggers being poked at her, so she turned to the boy. -And what's your name?-Marie asked. 

-Felix Kole. Son of Duke Kole. I am assigned to be Princess Clair's bodyguard.-He responded. Marie couldn't help but find it cute that they are trying to pass off their friendship as just a princess and a bodyguard. 

-Felix, can we go to the kitchen now?-Clair pleaded, grabbing his arm. He nodded. 

-Why do you want to go to the kitchen?-Marie asked. 

-Because the baker promised me sweets!-Clair answered with a delightful face. They both left the room, and Marie waved goodbye. Up until now, she didn't know a small princess like her excised.