The One Night That Changes Everything

The room, which was private, was darker than I had anticipated, the lights low, falling on the plush furniture and velvet walls. I sat down in the enormous chair, still holding the glass of wine I had insisted upon having, my hands a little shivering. All of my senses were tingling with excitement and anxiety, the tension of the last twenty-four hours winding in my chest. My life would never be the same tomorrow. Tonight... tonight was mine.

A knock sounded at the door.

"Miss?" a quiet voice called. "Your dancer is ready."

 I said yes; my throat was all at once dry.

 He came in, tall, broad-shouldered, and self-confident without being arrogant. His gestures were graceful and conscious. He said nothing, only made a short, respectful bow, and turned on the music.

 The dancer moved to the rhythm. All movements were smooth and sharp and were of command without being commanding. My eyes went with him, along the lines of his arms, the angles of his shoulders, and the curves of his hips. I took a gulp of my wine, and my heart was pounding, seeking to think of something else, some other thing, but my mind would not obey. My body answered to his every gesture, and something in me, which I had long repressed and which had felt desire and never ventured on it, came out, crude and insistent.

Minutes later, I knew that I was no longer a spectator. As he passed by me, his hand touched mine, and he made it appear to be a casual movement, but he did not withdraw. There was a moment of daring in me. My other hand got in, audacious, insistent.

He didn't stop. He smiled, and this made my stomach turn over.

 Hours blurred. Drinks were poured and emptied, hands touched, and faces laughed and swore words I could hardly hear over the music. And then... everything shifted.

I could hardly recall when we crossed that invisible line, but I knew we did, and there was no going back. I was sitting, sipping my wine, struggling to maintain my composure; the next moment I was screaming and moaning as he rammed me.

 When daylight forced its way through the thick curtains, I was roused to my senses.

 The bed was empty.

 And then the truth struck with a blow.

I had to go home. I had no choice. The kingdom was waiting, the council was waiting upon me, and my life was going to be turned out of the rut altogether.

I scrambled out of bed and hastily pulled on clothes. My hair was all over the place, my skin was flushed, but I had no time to bother about it as I drove my car down the road like one that has been chased.

 My phone buzzed.

 It was Rowan.

"Where have you been all night?" His voice was kind.

"I... I did so, as you suggested," I said with a shiver in my voice. "I... My last night as a free woman was pleasant.

There was a pause. Then, I was just playing a joke on you, Auri. Did you do anything reckless...? I hope you did not do anything...

 “I did not,” I said hastily, hoping that my words sounded more sincere than I was feeling. "I just... needed to clear my head. You see, it was different before... everything changes.

 "Good," he replied. "Don't worry about packing. And all is ready. Just bring yourself. That's all."

The telephone connection was broken, I parked the car, and I went into the house.

A few seconds after, an e-mail was sent: the instructions, the departure time of the royal aircraft, and the details of the flight. Then again, it was still the same member of the council, telling me that the jet was at hand and manned and ready to carry me.

 I had no time to ask questions. I showered quickly. I did not bring many things with me, just the things I needed: a change of clothes and some personal things.

I was met by a royal escort when I arrived at the jet. They were warm, professional, and quiet and provided me with space but made it clear that this was no ordinary trip.

The flight passed in a blur.

On landing, the palace rose before me. I had previously seen it in the distance, but now with the weight of the crown bearing down upon me. As I got out of the jet, I was greeted by members of the council, staff, and lastly... Rowan. He made me feel more at ease and, at the same time, more uncomfortable than ever before, bringing to mind that I was his sister and was now moving into a world he once dominated.

 "Welcome home," he said, and his voice was calm. I could read the acuity of his eyes—the cautious judgment of the manner in which I should meet this new reality.

 I smiled and concealed the storm within me. "Thanks," said I, keeping my voice even when my heart was racing. I knelt down a bit to the members of the council and held myself together. I was panicking, dizzy, and tired of the events of the night inside.

 Rowan was taking me up the great corridors, the old but strange environment filling me with nostalgia and horror. But at length he came to a group of chambers. "This will be your room," he said. "Rest. You'll need your strength."

I nodded, scarcely able to speak. I needed to sleep—my body and mind could not scream otherwise. The last twenty-four hours had taken a toll on me: the abdication of Rowan, the beckon of the council, the royal plane, and... him. The dancer.

I stretched my legs and took the covers and attempted to push the thoughts and the tension away. The light and uneasy sleep came slowly.

I woke up and saw that Rowan sat calmly and composed on the edge of the bed. I think he had been waiting on me since I roused myself.

“We ought to talk,” he said to me and leaned a little backward, with a serious, yet gentle, expression.