INNOCENCE THAT NEEDS TO BE PROTECTED

While the guests in the hall chatted waiting for the royal family, and many guests still arriving, at quite some distance from the castle, stood a muscular but flexibily lean figure on a branch of a tree. He was clad in black and it being night, he seemed to camouflage with the surrounding.

But even in pitch darkness, something shone brightly. Those were his violet coloured eyes. As rare and beautiful as they looked, they surely gave a dark, dangerous and mysterious energy. Once glance and one would know not to mess with it, no matter how much they are drawn towards it.

The man looked towards the bright castle and commented, "She is here." His voice was low, deep and dusky.

"She had to be." Said someone in a cheerfully lazy voice, before another figure jumped another figure from a higher branch into the branch, where the first man stood.

The new man too looked strong and powerful yet somehow approachable, unlike the first one.

"She had to be, ofcourse. Lord knows, how long you have been waiting for her now. I am sure, if she didn't show up in this Ball already, you would have kidnapped her by now. But it's okay. I can understand. For how long would you satisfy yourself with your han..."

"Ryan!" The first man called out his name in a warning manner, and his violet eyes glaring at Ryan.

Ryan shut his mouth and raised both his hands. "Alright. I am not saying any further."

And then he asked, "So when are we making our entry?"

The violet eyed man looked at the moon and then tilted his head, "No hurry. There is still time left. "

"When?~ I am starving! Just look there... So much delicious food moving around!" Ryan whined.

---

Back in the castle, among the hustling and bustling, the guard announced the presence of Princess Eveyln. Princess Eveyln was a she wolf, like the rest of her family and the only daughter of the King and the Queen. When Elora turned around, she saw Evelyn walking down the grand staircase, lifting the front hem of her dress, so that she doesn't step over it.

Evelyn was the most important reason why she visited the castle. The Queen always wanted Eveyln to follow Elora and be in her company. She always asked her to do everything Elora did, while Elora strictly denied Evelyn to copy her, and asked her to do what she wants.

And today, she looked as innocent as a flower in her Lavender coloured dress.

She carefully descended the stairs, and smilingly nodded to everyone who greeted her. Elora knew her to be a sweet girl. Infact, she was. She was sweet, innocent and protected from the world's cruelty. Her smile was kind and pure like that of a child's. And the more Elora stared at her, the more she felt that this lady must not change at any cost. She should always be loved and protected.

After greeting some guests, and talking to some who came to initiate a conversation with her, Evelyn's eyes now searched somebody.

Elora and Lucy noticed it. And before late, Lucy taking a sip from her glass, said to Elora, "Alright, I must get going. The Princess is coming for you. I don't want to be in an awkward situation by being the third wheel. See you around." And she left.

Not long after, Evelyn called in her soft sweet voice, "Ella! I was looking for you!" Elora smiled at the girl who walked towards her. But may be due to exitement of meeting her after months, Eveyln had let the hem of the dress loose and she walked faster. And when she almost reached Elora, Evelyn tripped on her dress and strumbled forward.

Elora's eyes widened, and before a second, she moved forward and held her, for the Princess to fall in her arms and then turned her so that her back was to the crowd. As Evelyn was few inches shorter than her, her face and expression won't be visible. She made it seem like, they were hugging each other.

Elora knew that she couldn't let the Princess fall in such an occasion and that too in front of so many people. Orelse, there would be another stupidly unwanted discussion about the Princess posture.

Evelyn was shocked for a moment, and her heart was beating loudly. She was so scared in that second that she had messed up things again. In her shock, she wishpered, "What just happened?!" Elora held her and said in a smiling sarcastic tone, "Eve, can you please remember today that you are a Princess?"

Evelyn on realising that she was just now saved by Elora, snuggled her face more into her neck and said in a spoiled tone,, " Oh my, Ella. You are my savior!"

Hearing her carefree tone, Elora smiled and said, "Alright, gather yourself. " before leaving her and standing straight. Evelyn gathered her posture and tucked a strand of hair behind ears. She then looked at Elora properly from head to toe and then nodded impressed. "You look gorgeous! I am sure my brother is going to die today. Oh, my sister in law!!!" Saying that she smiled widely.

Hearing this, Elora looked at her with an emotionless expression and said, "I had already said you Eve, that I have no interest in your brother. And it is better if he doesn't try his luck." She talked softly.

As soon as, Elora said that the smile slipped out of Evelyn's face. She knew that Elora did not like her brother. But she never understood why! She do badly wanted her to be her sister in law.