Layla by Lacie Perry Parker

  Chapter 13

  I tugged the new gown over my head. It was hard to get my arms through the sleeves without my fingers getting caught on the other openings. I entwined my tiara into my mass of braid and coils that LaShebah styled my hair with. I stood looking in the mirror. I looked like a princess. I bit my lips, giving them color. Why did I look like someone I wasn't? I slumped for a second, and made myself look fierce. That did not look like me. I stood up, back straight as a board, chin titled up ever so slightly, with an important air. That was me. Princess Layla. No, not princess. Just Layla. The lone princess of Tentaleigh.

  I looped my middle fingers through the holes made for my fingers in the skirt and started downstairs. I relished the last time my fingers would browse over the marble so freely. The hand railing was cold, but it had an inner warmth. Something that the other staircase did not have. But it would not be the last time! I had forgotten that I was to make a deal with father, and get my room back. I needed to shove all worries away and enjoy myself tonight!

  I looked around for Brye standing on my tiptoes at the foot of the landing. Finally I saw his ocher head above the crowd. He certainly was tall. When he got to me, he took my arm without a word.

  "Don't tell me you're not going to look at me, either!" I exclaimed above the chaos.

  "What?" He forced a fake laugh. Play-acting. He glanced at me.

  Then everybody moved from our path, and I realized I was standing on a red, velvet carpet. "Um," I whispered. What was going on? I hadn't had this kind of treatment since I was christened.

  "Make way, for her majesty, Layla Abbel, Princess of Tentaleigh!" A voice boomed from somewhere I could not see. Trumpets blasted way too loudly inside a building. Everyone turned and smiled. Everyone. Suddenly, I was nervous. I swallowed panic that had formed in my throat. One trembling foot after the other, I followed Brye's lead down the center of the walkway. I couldn't look anywhere but straight in front of me, so I did not see the rumple in the carpet. I looked down right as I stepped on it, but I didn't trip. The next thing I knew, I was on the ground! Why had I fallen? I was splat on the ground for no apparent reason. Then I realized that an old man had straightened out the wrinkle, just as I stepped on it. I did not dare look anybody in the face now. I got up and dusted off. I could feel my face the color of a plum. I heard a muffled laugh from beside me.

  "Brye!" I whispered.

  He gave me an innocent look and shrugged his shoulders. He had embarrassed us both. But why be embarrassed? Me? Warriors were not nervous, never embarrassed. Were they? I lifted up my chin and walked tall. I was important. Not embarrassed.

  As soon as I regained my composure, I stumbled. Luckily I did not fall on my face this time. But Brye laughed out loud! And it was his turn to look embarrassed. He turned red! He had never done that before.

  After eating, I arose to dance. This time Brye was done eating early. Everyone seemed extra pleasant and polite tonight. After a few dances with Brye, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I could tell by the look in Brye's eyes who it was.

  "Wade!" I spun around. His mood seemed extra happy. I watched Brye reluctantly retire.

  "I have something to tell you!" Wade exclaimed after one dance. His expression worried me somewhat. I crossed my fingers, praying he wasn't going to ask to marry me. It was common for commoners to do something like that, even if they were not eligible. He led me to a bench. I quickly pulled my hands away.

  "Yes?"

  "Layla, I am joining your father's militia!"

  Inside, I wiped the sweat from my brow. That was a relief. Now at ease, I remembered to smile. "That's wonderful, Wade!"

  He nodded with vigor. "Now I can be closer to you and your family!"

  I chuckled inside. Wouldn't Brye be happy!

  "Yes, um, well, isn't that dandy!" I rose from the bench. I looked over, and Brye was motioning for me to follow him outside. I started after him into the garden, where we sat on a stone bench.

  "Tell me, Layla, would you ever turn against me? Become my enemy, for any reason?" he asked carefully.

  "No, of course not. But? why?" I furrowed my temple and cocked my head, in deep confusion.

  He smiled and laughed nervously. "Oh, you know! I see you with Wade, and I want to make sure you two aren't going to run away or something!" I could tell that was not really what he was trying to tell me. He wouldn't worry about something like that. What wasn't he telling me? Was it the same thing no one else would?

  Brye opened his mouth like he was about to say something, then closed it and sighed. "Well, enjoy yourself tonight." He patted my shoulder and left me alone amidst the greenery.

  Whatever it was, I would have to find out in the morning. I left the garden and entered the ballroom. Adda grabbed my arm.

  "Come do the Optyloue with me!" She tugged at me.

  The Optyloue was a dance one usually did alone, but a partner was optional. It was more of a little kids' dance. Should I be caught doing something like that?

  "Sure," I said.

  And that ended up being the last dance before I went to bed.