The Last Offering

The Ball

Asier

I woke up with the first rays of the sun and saw Uma standing at the clearing watching down at the capital of Estermond. Her mind was quiet but I could feel the coldness in the atmosphere around her. She had her arms crossed in front of her chest and she just stared at the castle. I carefully got uo and sneaked behind her.

- You'll get a cold. - I said seeing that she was rubbing her arms with her hands. She glanced at me over her shoulder and her eyes looked like the fire of last night, in the early sunshine.

- You must try to speak. Today is going to be a tricky day. We won't be able to give you orders all the time and you might have to defend yourself also. So, you are allowed to do anything as long as it won't tarnish Estermond and the Royalty of Estermond's pride and reputation.

- Don't worry too much Uma! Our reputation is pretty bad so let's say that the line is pretty flexible! - dad added and I rolled my eyes at his comment. Although, he was right. We were known as monsters so what harm could a weak human do to us?

- But, Asier is right. You need to engage in small talk and act like a lady today. If you prefer that way this is your duty for today, and of course to be Asier's partner.

- Dad!

- Shush silly boy! I don't want that Princess's petit hands on you. - I saw a slight relief in Uma's eyes.

- By the way Uma, can you dance? - father asked and she shook her head.

- Sorry, I couldn't hear you! - dad said with a grin and she sighed. I almost couldn't hold back a chuckle. The second flash of emotion on her face today was annoyance. I wonder what else will I see.

- I can't, your Highness.

- That's better, I mean that you spoke, but the lack of dancing skills is something we haven't thought it trough.

- She can step on my feet and just follow the steps. - I said and dad grinned.

- Good idea, but what if someone else asks her for a dance? - I shrugged.

- She can simply say no. - Father pat my back and laughed.

- What makes you think she'd say no? - He is right... What if she wants to dance with someone she knows here? I looked at her and couldn't tell by the lack of emotions what she was thinking about. This is frustrating and why am I getting protective and jealous over imaginary situations?

- Maybe because you like her? - I heard dad's voice in my mind.

- Get the f**k out of here! Have you ever heard of private space?!

-Of course! You are the fruit of mine!

-You are a gross old asshole!

- And you are a spoiled brat, but my brat so you are excused.

- Let's practice small talk first shall we? The dance will be our last issue. - dad said and he turned Uma towards me.

- Come on, greet him. - he said and Uma shrugged. With excellent manners she curtsied and with a soft smile she said.

- Good morning! Pleased to meet you Prince Asier. I hope you slept well. - she lofted her glance and I froze. She called me by my name. Father cleared his throat and I reached for a kiss on the hand. I kissed the back ot her hand and her skin felt cold as ice.

- Good morning, Uma! I've had a pleasant night. What about you?

- I've slept well, thanks for asking! - she turned to my father and asked.

- Is this enough for practice your Highness? - he looked pensive and Uma forgot her hand in mine. I didn't dare to grasp it in fear that she might crumble under my touch.

- That will do, just try like this in the ball as well. And you can call Asier simply Asier or Prince, as for myself, call me "My king". - Uma nodded and I've released her hand.

- Great! So as for the next topic, the dance, because no one will expect you to know the etiquette.

- Wait a second, Uma, can you handle if they gossip or stare at you? - I've asked and she smiled gracefully but her eyes looked wicked.

- Of course my Prince, that won't be a problem. "As long as it's just talk and stares it is going to be a piece of cake." - she thought and I was getting more and more curious about what could've happened to make her like this.

- Good then. - we practiced dancing and for her first time, she was really good. As soon as this was touched out of our agenda, we headed to the palace. It was already getting dark and time for the ball. Our horses grew out their wings and landed in front of the toher carriages that gathered in front of the palace carrying the guests. Everyone stared at awe and dad grinned confidently. He lived for this kind of attractions. Before the coachman opened the door he turned to us and said.

- Kids, Showtime! - the door opened and my funny, crazy father disappeared. Instead, a tall, unapproachable, cruel looking man stepped out of the carriage. I turned to Uma.

- Are you ready? - her eyes sparkled and she nodded. I stepped out of the carriage and immediately heard the soft gossiping about how I looked like. I've extended my hand towards the carriage and Uma put her hand in mine. I've helped her put and locked arms with her. I want you to be safe tonight, yet I use you as a tool. I thought and we walked arm in arm after my father. I was glad that Uma couldn't hear what I heard.

" Who is that b***h with the Prince?

Rumors said that they are monsters, but both the king and the Prince are so fine!

Look at that girl... Could it be the Princess?

They don't have a Princess.

Hey isn't that the last sacrifice?!

How is it still alive?!

We are doomed if she is still alive!

Does this mean we have to keep sending girls?

Couldn't she just die like the ones before her?!

That was her only job! To die for her country! - I felt my blood boiling. Uma squeezed my arm and looked into my eyes. She didn't say a word, nor thought about anything, yet I could tell what she was trying to say. " Don't care about them" I smiled at her and we headed into the ballroom. King Bartholomew walked to my father with a big smile and with open arms.

- King Novak! I'm so grateful that you were able to to attend om such a short notice! - Dad chuckled coldly.

- Are you Bartholomew? Well, I'm glad to hear it, I was starting to think that you sent the invitation deliberately late to avoid our presence.

- No! How could you assume something like that! This is a huge milestone for our kingdoms we must celebrate together! Please let me introduce you my kids. - We were standing behind dad and Barty was too occupied with him for now to notice us.

- This is my oldest son, Taylor.

- Pleasure to meet you King Novak. - the oldest bowed. He had blonde hair and green eyes, also a disgusting aura just like Uma described him.

- He is my youngest son, Edmud. - the young prince bowed deeply to my father and to me as well.

- Pleasure to meet the Royals of Estermond. - father smiled slightly and said.

- I like this one. - Bartholomew shivered a bit but kept on his fabricates smile.

- I'm honored king Novak. And she is my treasure, my only daughter. - the princess walked in front of father. In a gold and golden dress, she curtsied elegantly and said with a sweet smile.

- Pleased to meet you kong Novak, my name is Alma, welcome to Adanford! - Dad smiled and took a step aside saying.

- Now that I've met the royalty of Adanford, let me introduce my only son and his companion.- he stepped aside and I could see the horror in Barty's eyes and the greed in the Princess'. I've nodded while Uma curtsied.

- Pleasure to meet the royalty of Adanford, I'm Prince Asier.

- Nice to meet you all, my name is Uma. - I couldn't hold a smile back at how she greeted the royals. It wasn't formal enough for a king, but it wasn't informal enough to be punished for it.

- Ultima?! What do you think you are doing?! - the princess asked and Uma smiled.

- I'm sorry Princess, who are you talking to?

- YOU! You are not royalty! You are the last offering for Estermond!

- And you are being really loud. - I've said and father shook his head.

- King Bartholomew, I'm afraid the Princess is still lacking proper education despite that her coming of age ceremony was already held. - Barty excused for his daughter's outburst and told his son to take hsi sister to rest a bit. Once the crowed calmed down Barty asked my father.

- Although the way my daughter spoke was inappropriate, but I must ask, why is our offering here? Wasn't she to your liking? - Father laughed.

- Does she look like someone who wasn't for our liking? - he asked clearly pointing out that Uma was dressed almost better than the Princess.

- I apologize for the misunderstanding, I thought she'll give her life for the peace like anyone else. - his eyes stared at Uma with hate and I could hear her chuckle in her mind. I glanced at her expression and her smile looked evil but sweet, while she thought. "Surprised to see me? Enjoy your party"