Touch of Flame

Ravina wanted to know how he knew. What exposed her? It must be her burning face that now burned for another reason. Fury. She was infuriated by his satisfied smirk that she was innocent. She wanted to slap it off his face.

"Enjoy your delicacies." She said standing up to leave.

He grabbed her wrist when she was about to walk past him. She turned her head, seeing everyone watch them through the window. She looked down at him. "Don't make a scene. Everyone is watching."

He smiled roughishly. "Don't make me make a scene."

She tried to wriggle her hand out of his grasp without being obvious but failed. "What are you doing?" She said between clenched teeth, glancing inside again.

"Not letting you leave." He drawled.  "You come and go as you please."

She saw Saul smirking and turning to say something to Zoila who sat beside him. She giggled and looked at them again.

"Alright." She said, moving in between his legs she sat on his lap.

His lips parted and he looked at her surprised. "Oh... I thought you didn't want to make a scene?"

She tried not to look to see Saul or Zoila's reaction.

"Since you wanted to make one I just took advantage of it." And maybe he wouldn't find her so innocent. "However, I am not sure who is more upset. Zoila or your brother."

Malachi showed his perfectly straight white teeth. "He is possessive too."

"I can see that," she said shifting unknowingly.

He tensed.

"What is wrong?"

"If you keep rubbing yourself on me..."

She rose before he could finish his sentence. She did not want to hear one more word.

He chuckled, as she went back inside. She felt as if everyone was staring so she left the parlor and went downstairs to get outside and be alone for a while.

What was she doing? She must have lost her mind. She felt hot despite the cool wind.

She walked away for a bit, her feet taking her to the river. People glanced her way, men's eyes lingering a little longer. She became a little worried but ignored them.

Near the river, she sat on one of the large rocks. She remembered the day it rained and she lay on the grass with Malachi, but she specifically remembered what his wet body looked like. The water dripping on his chest, from his wet hair, and down his toned shoulders and arms.

She shook her head and rubbed her forehead disturbed by her own thoughts. The man had nothing else than good looks and a vulgar mouth.

"Are you alright?"

She looked over her shoulder to find Aaron. He came to sit with her.

"Yes," she said her face flushing red.

He just nodded, which made her feel even more embarrassed. She knew he had been watching.

"There will be a dance party tonight."

"Like a ball?"

He laughed. "A ball? No. Our dance is different. You will see."

"Where will it take place?"

"Outside. Saul arranged for it as a way for more people to see that a princess is here to meet Malachi."

She shook her head. "He seems to be trying harder than her."

Saul was her real opponent. Not the princess.

"So, what should I do at this dance party or prepare for?"

He shrugged. "I am sure your best friend Zoila can help you. She is looking for you."

Ugh. "Please, let us sit here just a little longer."

After a while, they had to go back and the ladies gathered in a room. Araminta had prepared clothes for them to wear to the party. These garments were more luxurious, embroidered with gold or silver. Some were decorated with rhinestones and other shiny stones or fabrics.

"Pick anyone you like," Araminta told her.

Zoila picked an orange one with golden decoration. It looked stunning on her skin color. Ravina being her usual self tried to look for something white or with faint colors. There was none. It was red, orange, yellow, green, bright pink, or purple. All very bright colors.

Ravina took the purple and tried it out. God, why were these clothes so revealing?

The skirts this time didn't need to be folded. They were worn normally and flowed nicely.

"You chose a nice color. It looks good on you," Zoila said.

"Thank you," Ravina replied. "Orange looks perfect on you."

Zoila smiled. "I feel a little nervous to dance." She said.

"Oh, don't be." Araminta waved with her hand. "I have seen you dance. You are excellent."

Her smile widened.

As if the jewelry they wore wasn't enough already, for the party they really went heavy.

"Umm... This is enough. I don't think I can carry all of this." Ravina said when Araminte kept dressing her with jewelry.

She chuckled. "Alright. You look beautiful anyway."

While Zoila and Zara tried on jewelry, Araminta took her aside. "Is Malachi treating you harshly?" She asked.

Ravina shook her head. "No."

Araminta studied her for a moment and then nodded.  "Oh well. It is good to hear." She smiled. "You seem to know how to interact with him."

Ravina said nothing to that.

The party was not what Ravina expected at all. It was lively in another way. There were burning bonfires and torches that lit up the place. Decorated tables were brought outside, and food was being grilled. There were several small shops decorated with flowers and leaves and standing here and there. They seemed to be selling sweets. And then there was the music.

Loud drums, trumpets, and almost every other instrument she could name. Ravina saw a group of women dancing from far away, swirling in a way that made their skirts fly.

While watching her surroundings she bumped into someone and almost fell back before two arms caught her. She was horrified when she discovered who it was.

Saul.

He seemed as shocked and they pushed away at the same time. "I see you have dressed nicely. You waste your time." He said.

"What better could I do while I am here?" She asked.

People looked their way while passing by. "What will you hold on to once your position is given away?"

"I will still be his breedmate," she said. "Why are you torturing your brother?"

"I am helping him."

"You really think this is helping him?"

"Why? Are you already feeling threatened? Today, everyone will see who the king will take as his queen, and everyone will take pity on you."

He walked around her. "You will be seen as the woman to only ease his hunger." He whispered.

Ravina felt anger bubble inside of her. He came to stand in front of her again and pretended to be thoughtful. "What are those kinds of women called in your world again?"

Her hands clenched into fists. He smirked. "Enjoy the party. You might not want to miss the future queen's dance for the king."