Blinding Light (BLS Book 1)

“Mademoiselle Hayes of House Blagrove,” the announcer says. I give a quick curtsy before walking down the gold-painted stairs and wait for Raven. The chandeliers make the main room seem like there are sparkly diamonds all over the gold walls. Most people are already seated at the small, round tables decorated with white tablecloths and gold paint at the tip. The orchestra is playing a piece of soft, relaxing background music.

“Mademoiselle Raven Song.”

Rave too gave a quick curtsy and came down, trying not to trip. Giggling, she links her arm with mine and pulls me towards a table. The chattering becomes louder the closer we get.

“Song?” I ask, nudging her slightly.

“Sorry Mila, it doesn’t mean that I’m not your sister anymore,” she shrugs. “But I like my middle name better, and it’s not an insult to you or our family,” she laughs.

“You got stuck with his name, didn’t you?” I ask and she cringes.

I mentally slap myself. Ugh, don’t be so blunt, Mila. She’s still human.

“Unfortunately, oui. I couldn’t change back to our last name. It was forbidden for me to be remarried, at least by myself, with no male supporters. So, the court forbids me to change my name back. Alas, I still have the name, but a name is just a name. I will not let that define me. But I will also not let that be my name…!” She rambles confidently.

“Alright! I get it, Rave. And it’s by the most means fine, Mademoiselle Song.”

“Mademoiselle Hayes,” she sneers at me and skips away. Laughing, I quicken my pace to catch up.

The announcer suddenly thunders, “His Majesty King Leopold of Iwera. Her Majesty Queen Mary of Iwera. His Highness Prince Nolan of Iwera.”

The king and queen seat themselves on the second floor of the ballroom, smiling down at the party as maids scramble for their drinks and food. The prince looks oddly familiar, but that thought is soon drowned out by the music changing to indicate the start of a waltz. I groan mentally; I could smell the food and wanted to eat first. A voice behind me startles me.

“Bonjour Mademoiselle, will you join me in this dance?” Before I could answer, the gentleman makes a strange expression. I turn around to see the prince standing right behind me. The man bows to him and retreats away—I almost didn’t want him to leave.

“Would you accompany me to this dance, Mademoiselle?”

He even sounds familiar. I frown, but I nod,

“It would be a pleasure.”

“Wonderful!” He says, beaming. I chuckle mentally; he says that like a little excited child.

He takes me to the middle of the dance floor and slides his hand to my waist, ever so slowly. Swaying at first, then, he grabs my hand in his and leads around the center, waltzing to the beat.

Others eventually start to join in as well around me. I lean in against his muscular frame, letting his experienced steps guide me around the dance floor. I’m surprised that this room can fit so many tables and still save a place for people to dance. It almost seemed…impossible.

My gaze travels around the room at first, and I was sure I saw Raven there too, but she disappears into the crowd before I could make sure.

I glance back at the prince. But as I look into his hazel and amber eyes. Recognition slaps me in the face. “You! You’re the one from the garden.”

“You are a good dancer,” he says, changing the topic.

“Don’t change the topic, prince Nolan…pardon me; I meant, Votre Altesse (Your Highness).” I smile. “Why would you hide your identity?”

“Bold, are we?” He asks, and I smile shyly—whatever confidence I felt earlier evaporates to steam.

“No one has seen my identity for years. This is the first time I’m seen in public in a decade.” He holds me by the waist and lifts me easily, his strong hands keeping me steady. My dress swirls along as he spins me in midair.

It felt like an eternity, but the music eventually ends. So, he bows to me, and I give him a curtsy.

“Join me for a walk?” He asks and holds out his arm.

“A short one, perhaps, Votre Altesse (Your Highness).” I link my hand around his arm. Before I reach the door, I see Raven smiling mischievously on the other side of the ballroom and winks. I shake my head and leave with the prince. He takes me up to a balcony—where the night breeze blows slightly, pushing the loose strands of hair out of my face. I inhale and sigh.

“I like to come here at times. It helps me calm my mind,” he says and sighs, mimicking me.

“It’s a beautiful view of Iwera, Votre Altesse (Your Highness).”

“I almost can’t believe that it’ll all be mine to rule over someday. Is it horrid that I’m afraid?”

“Even the bravest can be afraid sometimes. Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear—not the absence of fear.”

He chuckles, “Been studying up?”

“Maybe,” I smile shyly and feel my cheeks heat. “I do hope your evening was pleasant.” I change the topic, trying not to have a panic attack, my cheeks getting warmer.

“Oui, with the right company, always.” He casts me a sideways look, causing me to blush harder. “Please, Mademoiselle Hayes, call me Nolan. I’m not used to being in public; it’s a nice change from being called Votre Altesse (Your Highness) by your servants all the time.” He rolls his eyes, emphasizing the words.

“Only if we both drop the formalities, just slightly, prince N-Nolan.” I stutter. I don’t need to look to know he’s grinning from ear to ear.

“Okay, Lady Mila.” I like the way he said my name.

What are you thinking, Mila?! Snap out of it!

***

Prince Nolan leads me back to the ball as he departs for his parents.

“Take care, Mademoiselle.” He plants a light kiss on the back of my hand before leaving.

I find my way back to Raven, who sits with a drink and two men, being the church bell (talkative woman) she’s always been.

“Raven, how kind of you to show up today,” one says. The other looks rather uncomfortable, obviously unknowing of the relationship between the two.

“Hello, captain,” she notices me and jumps up next to me, slinging an arm around my shoulders. “May I introduce my sister Mila Hayes of House Blagrove?”

The man stands and gives me a warm smile, “I know of you, Mademoiselle Hayes. Captain James, it’s a pleasure.” He extends a hand, and I take it, up-down. “Your family has done great good in this country, saving the queen herself in the past year; I do hope your mother is doing well?”

“She passed away about twel—” My eyes travel up to the ceiling, “two years ago, Captain,” I finish.

“Tsk tsk…forgetting…” I was about to look behind me before the captain’s voice cut across my thoughts.

“Oh, how sincerely sorry I am. She was a blessing upon this kingdom—I only wish I could’ve met such a wonderful woman, a brilliant doctor in medicine who had even saved the queen herself.”

“Merci, Captain. Your sincerity is greatly appreciated.”

He nods. Poked up (embarrassed) suddenly, he turns away from me.

“But please, if you’ll excuse me—Mademoiselle Song, would I have this dance?” He looks back at her, and she nods.

“How kind of you, Captain, I would love to,” Raven whispers something in his ear.

They seem close, I think as James pulls up his friend and motions towards me.

“Now, let’s not be rude and ask the nice Mademoiselle Hayes to dance.” The man looks around uncomfortably but holds out his hand and gives me a weak smile.

“Not to worry, I do not bite.” I eye him and give him a playful but positive look. He manages a more confident smile.

“Will you dance with me, My Lady?”

And I get pulled out onto the dance floor once more, this time with Raven by my side.

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Thanks, with lots of smiles

☆•Yiona•☆