11 Till We Meet Again

"I think your idea is very unique and interesting," it took him a while before the name rolled of this tongue, "King Alistair, will love it."

"What?" Sierra looked at him in confusion.

Before she could ask him another question, Sierra found herself being pulled back into the ballroom.

"Silas, what are you-"

"The Ball seems to be almost over, I thought you might like to have a dance before the night is over," he said with a smile on his face, "It would be good practice for when you have to dance with the King."

He did not really give her a choice. He brought her to the center of the dance floor and took her hand into his. Then, he placed his other hand on her waist. As the first notes of a new song began to play, they began to dance.

Lucky for Sierra, her father had insisted on her taking dancing lessons like most other noble ladies. Though she was brought up to fight and serve her Kingdom, she was still the daughter of a nobleman.

"I will not have anyone looking down on my daughter," General Leon would say.

As his words rang in her mind, a smile formed on her face. She missed him dearly and hoped he was well. As they continued to dance, Sierra realized her dance partner had his eye on her the entire time. He had never once glanced away.

"Is there something on my face?" she asked curiously.

He laughed as he replied, "Just the beauty of a thousand moons. I just wonder what you look like beneath it, that's all."

His reply was so smooth, she could not think of a proper comeback. As the song came to an end, so did their dance. He escorted her off the dancefloor and got her some food from a passing servant.

"This is where I must leave you for the night, Princess Sierra," he declared before kissing the back of her hand, "I've had a wonderful time speaking to you. Till we meet again."

He did not wait to hear her response. He simply turned on his feet and disappeared into the ballroom crowd. The way he moved, it was almost as if he was a ghost. Sierra did not think too much of it. After all, she doubt they would meet again.

Unless she somehow found herself in the King's Quarters.

She looked down at the small plate of food he had taken for her before he left. She could not wipe the grin on her face even if she could.

Little did Sierra know, her little encounter with the mysterious man named Silas had been carefully monitored by the Queen herself. She had been informed by one of her maids whom she had asked to keep a close eye on Sierra and her new friend.

As the night drew to a close, Queen Roxine decided to take her leave. She got up from her sit to speak to a few of the royals in the ballroom before making her exit.

Instead of heading back to her quarters, she went in a different direction. None of her entourage dared to ask any questions at first.

Eventually, they arrived at the King's quarters. It was a separated building within the inner palace.It was heavily guarded by an elite group of knights, handpicked by the King himself.

"Your Highness," both guards greeted Queen Roxine upon seeing her.

"Is His Majesty in his quarters?" she asked.

"Yes, he is." one of them replied.

"Good, announce my arrival. I wish to speak with him." she ordered as she folded her arms.

The guards glanced at one another for a moment. Eventually, one of them leaves the scene to go inform the King. Queen Roxine waited impatiently on the outside.

"What's taking so long," she wondered to herself.

Not wanting to wait any longer, Queen Roxine was just about to walk in herself when the guard stopped her.He did not allow her or any of her entourage to past.

"What is the meaning of this? You dare forbid the Queen from entering?! Are you ready to lose your head, soldier?" Miss Marionne warned.

She was the Queen's closest confidante, and had been her maid even before she married King Alistair. They were virtually inseparable.

The guard quickly got down on his knees, begging for mercy and as he explained.

"Please forgive me, Your Highness! His Majesty put up a barrier spell around his Quarters. Without his approval, no one can enter or exit."

How could she have forgotten? After the recent attacks, the King had ordered that security throughout the castle grounds are to be enhanced. His personal quarters were no exception.

Alistair found it difficult to trust anyone with the security of his quarters so he took charge of it himself. The barrier spell was unlike any other. As the guard had explained, no one could enter or leave unless he allowed it.

Shortly after, the guard who went to inform the King came running back. He was huffing and gasping for air by the time he made it to them.

"Your... Your Highness, King Alistair will see you now. Only you and Miss Marionne may enter."

"Very well," Roxine sighed as she walked through the gates with Marionne following closely behind.

They entered the main entrance of the building to see the King standing by the fireplace with a glass of wine in his hands.

"Your Majesty, her Royal Highness Queen Roxine is here to see you," the accompanying guard announced the Queen's arrival.

Alistair turned around to face her, waving the guard away as he walked over to her. He kissed the back of her hand before greeting her.

"My Queen. To what do I owe this late night visit?" he asked with a smile.