Princess Iris
CHAPTER 48

I walk away from the group to the balcony for some air. I look up at the stars and take in the cool breeze of the night. I turn around and watch the King and Queen of Divimon talking and laughing with friends. I look for Prince Jeffery within the crowd and then I find him in the crowd. He is talking to King Frederick and other Kings and princes. He looks so relaxed when he isn't thinking about the world. I smile when he starts laughing and hits King Frederick at his back. Just then Princess Catherine comes up to him and whispers something in his ears. I quickly turn around. I know she's telling him I left the ball to be alone. 20 minutes later I hear footsteps coming behind me.

Prince Jeffery walks to my side. I look up at him and he seems to be staring into the night as well.

"I never knew Isabelle or Ursula could become too much for you to handle," Prince Jeffery says.

I finally let out a sigh.

"I know I have to get back inside but I just can't deal with the tension right now. Besides Esmeralda is there so everything is going to be fine," I say.

"Do you remember all those times you spilled those drinks on me?" Prince Jeffery asks.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, she remembers," Prince Jeffery says teasingly and draws me into his arms.

"Those were not my finest moments," I say using both my hands to cover how embarrassed I was.

"I never got angry with you. Most times I was happy as long as it got me to see these eyes" Prince Jeffery says as he takes my hair behind my ears. "You know, my father always thought you spilled the drinks on me on purpose," Prince Jeffery says. And just then it clicks.

"Is that why he wanted you to marry my sister?" I ask.

He stays quiet and finally, he nods. I start to feel dread.

"Iris, Iris, listen to me. No matter what my father said I wasn't going to marry Adrianna," Prince Jeffery says.

"Why? Ri was beautiful, cheerful, has a great sense of humor, and generous," I say.

"You are right Iris but she wasn't you. I cared about your sister but she was not the one I was in love with," Prince Jeffery says.

"You just said love again," I say.

"I know you cared about me Iris, you said it to me on my 10th birthday, remember? I won't force you to say it, Iris. I want it to come to you. These six years without you have been very slow. I just wanted you to know that I never stopped loving you Iris, never. Tell me that you love me," Prince Jeffery says as his hand carefully graces my skin.

I don't know what to say. I stare at him in shock. He dips his head to my face. I feel his breath on my face. His eyes are on my lips. I think he is going to kiss me....

Just then someone clears their throat. We turn and find king Leonard leaning on the wall.

"Leonard!" I say feeling warm inside. I couldn't help it as my hand goes to my chest.

"O boy Leonard do you have a death wish," Prince Jeffery threatens.

"Like hell, I would ever let you draw your sword," King Leonard teases.

King Leonard looks at me and I feel my heart beating fast.

"You have the worst timing in the world and speaking of which what do you want Leonard?" Prince Jeffery says.

I can feel the distaste in his voice. I look at Prince Leonard and I see the frown on his face.

"The guests were wondering where you both sneaked off to so I came looking and I did remember telling you I wanted to dance with Iris before the music ends," King Leonard says walking towards us.

"As you can see I was keeping my bride-to-be company. Go away we will join you soon," Prince Jeffery says.

"Hello Your Majesty," King Leonard says bowing.

"Hello Leonard," I say smiling at him.

"Your Highness."

We all turn to the guard.

"Your Majesty, King Frederick is looking for you," The guard says.

Prince Jeffery sighs.

"May I have this dance?" King Leonard says offering me his hand.

I smile at him and offer him my hand. I turn to Prince Jeffery as he bends and kisses me on my cheek making to let it linger. He smiles at me and looks at King Leonard.

"Watch over her," Prince Jeffery says.

"With my life," King Leonard says.

As Prince Jeffery leaves us, King Leonard and I join the other dancing in the ballroom. King Leonard takes his hand to my waist, and I take my hand to his chest. The music changes and we both start dancing. I feel us slip into a comfortable silence, staring at each other as we dance. I can't help but notice how easily we can read each other movements while dancing.

"Wow, Mother's lessons are paying off," I say to myself.

"You are awfully quiet Your Majesty," King Frederick says.

I look up at him and he is looking down at me.

"I am sorry Leonard, I got lost in my thoughts," I say.

"Ahh I see, so tell me, can I give you a penny for your thoughts? King Leonard asks.

I look into his eyes for some reason they seem safe. I smile at him and look around. My eyes meet Princess Ursula, she looks at me angrily and frustrated. I turn my eyes from her and look up at King Leonard and he seems to be staring at me.

"So you and Princess Ursula," I say.

I feel King Leonard's hand tighten on my waist as he lets out a sigh.

"I see, you already met her," King Leonard says.

"Yes, I did," I say.

"What did you think about her?" King Leonard asks.

"Well she is very expressive," I say.

King Leonard starts laughing.

"This is coming for you, the most expressive person I know," King Leonard says.

"Hey, I am not that expressive," I say.

"Yes, you are Iris. I can't count how many times you and I were at loggerheads for a statement I made," King Leonard says as he turns me around in his arms.

I laugh.

"Ri would know, she always took notes about sure things," I say.

King Leonard doesn't say anything. I look up at him and he seems to be lost in thoughts.

"Leonard?"

He looks at me.

"Is everything alright?" I ask.

"Yes, everything is fine, I am glad you are here Iris, that you decided to leave your castle. I am especially happy with the thought that I can reach you, that I can find you," King Leonard says. "The best thing that ever happened to me about coming out was getting to talk to the girls after a such a long time. So, I am happy that I left the castle too," I say smiling at King Leonard.

"You know I was scared of the thought that I would never get the chance to see you ever again. That thought made me scared me. I was so scared that I took it out on a lot of people," King Leonard says. "You did?" I ask.

"My father did a lot of things to me while growing up. To protect myself, I locked my feelings inside. I keep them all in, that way no one gets to know me. That was one thing about you I admired. You said and expressed a lot. It made me feel intimidated and something else I didn't quite understand back then," King Leonard says. "Something else?" I ask.

King Leonard looks down at me, he seems to be deciding if he should tell me or not.

"Well, it was something I didn't quite understand. I always felt that way when I see you even till now, I still feel that way and right now too," King Leonard says.

My heart starts to beat fast. I tighten my grip in his hand.

"Could it be... No it couldn't," I say to myself.

"What was the feeling?" I ask.

"Warmth. I always feel warm around you," King Leonard says.

Just then, I stop us from dancing. I look up at King Leonard surprised.

"Warm? Did he just say warm?" I ask myself.

"Warm? What does it feel like, can you tell me?" I ask desperately.

He looks at me surprised.

"Please Leonard..."

"Leonard."

We both turn to the voice behind me and find Prince Jeffery behind me.

"May I dance with my Queen," Prince Jeffery says smiling at me.

I force a smile and turn to King Leonard.

"Of course, Jeffery. We were waiting on you," King Leonard says.

King Leonard releases me and takes my hand.

"I had a lovely time dancing with you Your Majesty," King Leonard says kissing my hand.

I watch as he walks away.

"Queen Iris."

I turn to Prince Jeffery as he offers me his hand. I smile at him and offer him my hand. The night fades away as we dance in each other's arms.