“Dora, hi…I thought you would be joining us..” Noami started, when I fully faced her, my hand still clasped with Diana’s.
“Don’t worry about the strictness of their faces, they are quite cool, especially the boys. I have seen how you catch their attention, and I think they will be pleased to see you, and know you…your mask..”
I watched her stutter, like she hadn’t seen the mask that covered my face, like she was just seeing it now.
“It’s something I have to wear.” I answered stiffly, probably because I didn’t want a conversation about the mask, or most probable because I hated that she had classified that crowd as cool.
Yes sure I didn’t know the queen’s children upfront, but from the tales of Laura, and I know she couldn’t lie to me, I was sure that they weren’t any good either.
Just a bunch of entitled assholes and egocentric jerks. The triplets and Claire were entirely on a next level. Those were bastards, wicked bastards. Why was Naomi with them? Why did she find them a good crowd?
I watched her watch me, perhaps wondering why I was fixated on the mask, if perhaps I had an injury that I didn’t want exposed.
I watched her take a deep breath and knew that she had resigned not to talk about the mask. I was pleased.
“Well, my point is, you can join us.”
“Why?” I asked, before I could stop myself, almost apologizing when I saw the confusion run across on her face, and when I felt the gentle tug on my hand.
Diana thought I should be easy on Naomi. After all, she was innocent. Or was she?
Well, I didn’t know what to think again. Claire was evil. That much was evident in the party, and now she was cool? And now my best friend was cool with that?
Color me intrigued, and not a good intrigue.
“Well, as I said before, they are curious to know who you are. I am too. And it’s not bad to make new friends…” Naomi answered.
It was on the tip of my mouth to offer that I wasn’t interested to be known or to know any of them, but I kept mute and nodded, choosing to follow Diana’s tactic. Best to know your enemy so that you will know how to strike.
“Good, let’s go… they are waiting.” She said, leading the way for me and Diana to follow.
When we got to the mini open space, there was only a vacant position on the pavement to sit, and it was close to Timothy, Naomi’s brother.
I sighed, watching the position. But that would be better than staying close to Adam or any of his brothers.
I walked gingerly to the space, with Diana, aware that we were the center of attention.
I sat first, then settled Diana between my hips, letting her sit on the triangular space that the opening of my legs had created on the pavement.
“Nice of you to join us.” That was Claire. She was staring at me with open curiosity. I guess that would be wiped, if she ever saw me making a pass at Adam.
I thought of triggering her, but then thought better of it. I just wasn’t interested. As a matter of fact, I just wanted to be out of here, in the safe confines of my lodging, but as Diana had advised-Know your enemies.
I nodded at Claire’s statement, before turning to the beautiful garden and the stream running through it, the reason why I had wanted to show Diana this place. It was beautiful and peaceful.
“It is beautiful.” Diana muttered, and a glimpse at the people who were staring at us, told me that they weren’t aware of what Diana just said. She was using a cloaking mechanism.
I let a smile slip through my lips. It must have showed in my dimples, for Claire scoffed the next minute.
“Like seriously, she is talking and cloaking it? If that is so, then I don’t see a reason why you both are here. You both are not the only magic specimens!.”
I scrunched my forehead in distaste. I thought of speaking, but then let it go, choosing to ignore her. Apparently that didn’t sit well with her either.
“Hey, I am talking to you.” She screeched, looking uglier than usual.
Diana replied this time around. “Well, she doesn’t want to talk to you. Deal with it. Hello Raul, how are you doing?” She asked the queen’s second son, who just smiled at her.
“I’m fine, Diana. Still as sharp as ever.” He taunted, and she giggled, a giggle that didn’t sit well with me.
I wasn’t happy that she was talking with the boy. If Laura was here, she might skin me alive.
Calm down, Maya. Everything will fall into place with time. I thought, my face still turned toward the garden.
“What’s your name, new girl? My sister mentions that you are…”
“My name is Dora. What’s yours?” I finally spoke, turning around to see who had spoken.
Yes, I hadn’t known who had actually spoken, I had only cut in because the dude was about to sprout my real name.
I was aware of how accurate I was when I saw the confused look on Rachel’s face. Her mother must have told her my real name.
Well, let’s hope that she wouldn’t sell me out here, that she would keep her mouth shut.
“My name is Duke. I am the queen’s first son. Pleased to make your acquaintance. I don’t think we have met before.”
“No, we haven’t, Duke,” I answered, meeting his hand with mine in a handshake. It was a warm one, but of course he wasn’t to be trusted.
From Laura’s story, he was just like Adam, only without a wolf, and with magic. No wonder, they got along well, despite the age difference.
“Dora, that is a nice name,” He mused, refusing to let go of my hand.
Nah, don’t do that dude.
“Same here, Duke. But I think it’s high time to let go of my hand. It is beginning to get clammy with sweat.” I retorted, unaware of the smile that just grazed Adam’s lips.