A PROMISE OF OLD

CRYSTAL PALACE ?

For the past 15 years, Zala had gone through different emotional stages since Kevoy left; sadness at the fact that she no longer had her best friend with her. Anger at Kevoy for leaving her. Excitement for when she would see him again. And expectant for when they would marry; if they did.

But never had she felt the way she currently was. Walking with grace and poise through the castle, Zala let her mind wander to what her brother discussed with her a few days ago. More specifically Valerie making her accept the fact that maybe Kevoy wouldn't come back, maybe he had moved on or even married someone else by now.

The more she thought of it, the more anxious she grew. Her stomach crawled with what she believed was intense sorrow.

Since the announcement for the tournaments was made, no one had seen the princess smile. Even when Kevoy left, she smiled. And when Blaize also left, she still smiled, knowing that they would come back.

But those times were different. She was a child back then and it was easier to get her to ease up than it was now. Especially with the possibility that it really might have been child's play looming over her head.

She was so stuck-up in her head and sadden with depression that she didn't notice Leta calling her until the female touched her bare shoulders, making the princess jolt back into reality.

Zala tried to force a smile on her lips for her brother's soon-to-be wife. But it came out as a grimace making Leta flinch. It was very unusual seeing Zala so quiet and in her head.

"How are you doing, Zala?" Leta asked the princess. And she replied with a nod. As rude as that might seem she couldn't quite get herself to talk. She didn't feel like talking. She didn't want to talk.

Leta took no offense to it, knowing how hard the princess was possibly struggling.

"I'll take that as you not doing so well." Leta softly voiced out. She was every bit the poised and well-bred Queen that Zala could never be. Leta was so fragile that she looked like she might crack with a little push. Her pale skin stood out from her pitch-black hair that was held up on her head with a golden comb and a few accessories. Even in the comfort of the palace, Leta dressed as if she was waiting for a ceremony or something similar.

Zala could not imagine the soft-spoken Leta being as strong-headed as she was. She couldn't imagine the lady climbing trees as she used to do. Even now, if given the chance, Zala would gladly climb onto a tree to escape the bustle and rustle in the palace as preparations were being made for the tournament she was to host and prepare.

Zala leaned her elbows on the open window, looking down at the servants and guards. The crystal palace was where all her suitors and their attendants would stay throughout the tournament. Whilst the emerald palace is the main palace, her father gave the crystal palace to her mother on their 20th anniversary.

Her mother was allowing her to use it for her guests, too eager to see her daughter marry and apparently, to have babies roaming the palace.

"20. That's the number of guests at the crystal palace." Leta informed, standing beside the brooding princess. "And those are 10 nobles and their attendants," she added, but Zala could care less.

"That's quite the number," Zala mumbled.

She hated this. All this. The excitement was everywhere as if no one could see how much she didn't want to do this. But she needed to.

"Can you do me a favor, Leta?" Zala asked.

Leta was of the same age as her, so she had no problem calling her by her name. Zala may seem a little childish sometimes whilst Leta is more mature and well-groomed, if she may say so herself.

"If it's something that I can do," Leta answered. She liked the princess. Although she didn't talk to her much since Zala was always in her room or with her attendant, Leta liked how bold the princess was.

Even she didn't court Valerie because she was in love with him. It was more of an arranged marriage. But with the time that Leta spent with the crowned prince, she grew fond of him. So much that she could say without restraint that, she just might be completely in love with him.

"This whole thing was Valerie's idea anyway. I am not the best candidate for organizing and hosting all those people. I will be present when I need to be. But can you do the rest for me?" Zala asked of her soon-to-be sister-in-law.

As at the moment, she was afraid that she would possibly call off the whole tournament if she so much as saw any man who was not Kevoy.

"I think that I can do that much for you." Leta smiled, "After all, you are in this situation because I let Valerie have his way." she chuckled making the princess smile.

From behind Leta, Zala saw Anne rushing over towards them with a smile on her lips. Zala stood straight and turned to her friend, curious to know what happened to get her so excited.

Seeing that she was not needed now and that Zala presumably wanted to talk alone with her friend, Leta said, "If you'll excuse me, I'm sure Valerie is looking for me now."

"Yes. Thank you." Zala offered a smile. This time one that didn't make her look like her intestines were being twisted.

Anne bowed to the soon-to-be Queen when she passed by her before she rushed to her friend pulling her with her towards the entrance of the palace.

"Where are you taking me to? Will you calm down and say something?" Zala managed to stop Anne before they reached the entrance. The other girl grinned and turned to her friend.

"Someone is here to see you." Anne said with a smile before adding, " it's not your Kevoy, but I'm sure you'd want to meet this man." Anne added, wiggling a suggestive brow at the princess.

Zala rolled her eyes. Although she was not interested in anyone who was not Kevoy, she was quite curious with all the fuss that Anne was making.

"Let's just go. I want to see." she headed out with Anne.

"You might want to walk faster than that. He said he's called Blaize and that you would know who he is once I said his name." Anne grinned. Her words. The mention of that name made the princess stop on her way. She didn't know what to feel at first. Yes, she was delighted. But she was more angry than happy. She was pissed off.

"I'm guessing he's the friend who left without a word." Anne softly said, "at least he's here." she added when Zala said nothing.

Zala continued walking, slower this time.

Blaize

That asshole.

That foolish i***t.