"Well I , I ...". She stuttered.
Smith raised a brow. "Tyra?".
She let out a nervous laugh. "Well , I just want to go with Isadore and Rachel this year".
"But you have never refused to go with me".
"I was a little girl, I'm all grown up now ".
Her words did something to him. Her reason wasn't convincing enough but he just sighed, giving the tired, understanding father look.
"I understand, you are a young woman. But be careful Tyra, the night is beautiful but also dangerous".
"Yes father". She felt guilty. Immediately she left the room, she pressed the Prince's letter against her chest. She was going to see him.
Tyra stayed with Rachel and Isadore till night time. They helped her get ready. "Do not stay out late. Although he is the Prince, he cannot be trusted. Men will always be men". Rachel said styling Tyra's hair. They all laughed.
Isadore scoffed,
"And what do you know about men? If there is anyone in the kingdom knowledgeable about them, it would be me. I could even write a book".
Tyra laughed. She carried a coat from the rack beside the door. "Says someone that has never had a real conversation with any man". She noticed Isadore's gaze on her, it was sharp enough to cut through one's soul.
" I'll spare you few details from my time with the Prince".
She quickly went out of Isadore's quaters and closed the door behind her. She could still hear Rachel's laughter few steps away.
"I guess I would be in a lot of trouble tomorrow". She sighed.
The sky was dark velvet, scattered with bright stars. Lanterns still floated in the sky in a distance. Music and laughter from the Carnival of flowers echoed faintly behind Tyra as she walked to the Palace's garden.
With every step closer, her heart pounded beneath the layers of her pink dress. She had adorned her hair with pink petals and her lips bore the gentle stain of rose.
She slipped through the slightly ajar tall garden gates laced with ivy. There Eric stood beneath the ancient spring tree. He wore a navy blue tunic with silver embroidery. His hair was tied back neatly but few strands fell around his face, softening his features.
At the sound of her footsteps he turned and smiled. "You came". He said in a low and calm voice.
He stepped closer and holding her hand, helped her walk carefully through a bed of rocky stones just before the tree.
"I almost thought I imagined your letter, thought you disappeared".
" You didn't. I had duties but none of that stopped me from thinking about you ".
Their eyes met. The silence was not awkward but was nice and comfortable. He offered his hand, "Would you dance with me again?".
Without hesitating, she placed her hands in his. They moved slowly beneath the tree, not guided by music but the rhythm of their hearts. He held her carefully, protectively but noticed that she had gotten better in dancing. Her movement was smooth and her feet were strong.
He laughed faintly, "You practiced".
"Well I don't plan on waging another war on your feet in future".
He smiled. The thought of her practicing made his heart flutter, he wasn't the only one thinking about their last dance.
"So how did you find me? ". Tyra received the letter in Isadore's quarters so she had questions.
"Remember that I am the Prince". He whispered "And you are more beautiful than I remember".
She blushed.
He smiled at that.
Their eyes met again but Tyra couldn't maintain her gaze on the Prince . Her heart pounding again, she was nervous.
Then his gaze dropped to her lips. He raised her chin with his finger. He leaned in slowly, his hand cupping her cheek, he placed his lips gently on hers.
It was slow, gentle, soft. Filled with promises unspoken.
With his hand on her waist, he pulled her closer. The world stood still for breathless seconds.
And then...
"TYRA!".
The sound struck them like lightning.
She pulled back, gasped with eyes widened. Eric stepped protectively in front of her.
Few steps away from the gates, Smith stood with clenched fists, face flushed. His eyes flashed with anger, they were hurt.
Tyra stepped forward her voice trembling, "Father, I...".
He slapped her.
She held her cheek in pain. With heavy breaths tears flowed down her cheeks. She couldn't stop the whimper that escaped from her mouth.
"Go inside now!". His voice was cold.
Tyra turned to look at the Prince who adjusted his posture. "Sir Smith, please let me explain".
Smith stood before the Prince, his stature overshadowing Eric's figure that he was frightened.
"You don't get to speak to me, not after sneaking around with my daughter like a thief in the night "
Smith faced Tyra again, he held her hand tightly and walked out of the garden. Though his grip was painful, she didn't struggle but walked quietly behind him.
He pulled her into their quaters releasing her hand, he folded his arms in thoughts before the fire in a corner. Tyra almost fell but held the couch standing upright. She held her hand in pain still thinking of what happened in the garden. She thought about Eric a bit, how he felt and wondered if he was okay.
Everything happened so quickly but she only had one question. She mustered the courage to speak still trembling in tears, she clutched the sides of her dress.
"Why do you hate the Prince so much?".
She staggered when Smith turned to look at her, his eyes still flashed with anger and another emotion she couldn't understand.
Was it fear?