Chapter 50: Chapter XXIII Last Evening-2

"I'm nervous," "Well that's obvious. I think the easiest course of action would be if I just do this," and without warning, Alejandro scooped me up into his arms. My face immediately flustered, my instincts wanting to cover my face from the world. "Well this is terrific," I retorted, reluctantly letting him carry me to the other side of the palace. "You look beautiful," he commented and that shut me up. I was quiet as he carried me, my mind a warzone. When we got closer to the banquet hall, he placed me down on my feet. I could hear the gently buzzing from inside but I tried not to take notice. I was attempting to clear my head but it didn't work out as planned. After spotting us, a Royal Guard stepped into the banquet through open doors. They looked completely different than the United Kingdom's guard but just as elaborate. I could hear him introducing Alejandro with his detailed title, and then I could hear my own which I'm trained to recognize. "... Su Alteza Real de Reino Unido, la Princesa Melanie Annabelle Darlington la Cuarta," I never noticed how long my title was before it was said in another language, and that made me even more nervous considering how longer the title, the higher the expectations. I felt Alejandro tugging me inside, rearranging my arms so that I had one arm hooked through his. I still felt unsteady on my heels but luckily it was the banquet first, which didn't consist of a full course meal but finger foods which took longer to eat. I had a while before needing to dance. The banquet hall was filled to the brim, at least sixty well-groomed people having their eyes fixed on my form. I tried to appear as calm and collected as possible, which I think I managed by the impressed looks on the seated faces. Inside, however, my heartbeat was echoing against my eardrums. Breathe in, breathe out. I was escorted to the other side of the hall. There were three tables, two at the sides and one at the end of the hall. I spotted the King of Spain in his formal attire, the gentle look on his aging face calming me somewhat. I noticed that the Queen was absent but faintly remembered Alejandro saying she was sickly. I felt bad for her. We came to a stop in front of the King and collectively bowed and curtsied. He wasn't as strict as I had expected, a smile overtaking his face as he stood from his seat and came around the table, stopping in front of us. "Princess Melanie, it is an honour for you to be here with us," he said with a warming tone I recognized. Now I knew where Alejandro got it from. He took my hand into his and placed a gentle feather kiss to the back of my palm. I was surprised to hear he spoke English with me, but after one look at Alejandro, I noticed it was because of his doing. "The pleasure is all mine, Your Majesty. I feel truly welcomed into your country," I gave another smooth curtesy. He gave me a smile before greeting his son, pulling him in for a hug. I could practically feel the proudness of everyone behind me for their Royal Family who didn't hide their close relationships. They were family, after all. My parents wouldn't dare hug me in public, and rarely did so in private. It made me envious of the encounter which was taking place in front of me. They gently ushered me into a seat at the head table, next to Alejandro who took up a seat next to the King. I didn't feel as tense anymore and discovered myself to be calm, but I still ignored all of the eyes from the other tables. Men and woman sitting in formal dresses and tuxedos, military outfits and badges shining through the room while glittering jewellery blinded my vision. I felt underdressed, but then again I didn't pick out my outfit. And I felt beautiful, so who cares about their opinions? The gentle buzzing resumed as everyone talked, the King making small talk with me about my time in Spain and all the attractions. I was honest in all my descriptions, happy to have seen such a beautiful country up-close. He asked me about the brace on my hand, and I was momentarily afraid that he might change his opinion on me after hearing what I had done. Surprisingly, he laughed it off and mentioned how Alejandro fractures his arm after being trampled by a bull. The hospital visit the day before had been quite the experience, but at least he could cover up his injury with his suit. Mine was visible for everyone to see, but after almost a month of wearing it, it felt integrated. We talked about my parents and some of the encounters my parents had in Spain, including meeting Alejandro when he was still a teenager and how he got respect from my father. Apparently it included taking my mother to a spa and personally cooking my father's favourite meal. It made me chuckle imagining him in the kitchen, the staff standing by with wide and concerned eyes. It made me wish for more time, a craving within me to see all these different kinds of sides from my Spanish friend. The food was delicious, but after tasting the palace's food once before, it came as no surprise. These people knew all about fine cuisine. As the banquet progressed I found myself forgetting all about my nerves. I even conversed with some of the other Spaniard, but mostly about how I felt about Spain in comparison with the UK. I felt liberated by my past worries, and it felt like I was on a happy high. This was my last night in Spain and I was enjoying it to the fullest. Eventually the King stood up and addressed the room, stating that the part was being moved to the ballroom. Alejandro translated for me, and now I was feeling a little bit more worried. Alejandro and I were expected to deliver the first dance, in front of everyone. I still wasn't comfortable with my heels, but I feel that I never will. If I could ban heels from the world, then I would. But I'm short, so it did give me some boost. "It'll be fine. I think my feet can handle it," Alejandro whispered to me as we headed to the middle of the ballroom, my hand securely in his. All of the eyes surrounded us and I felt like some sort of creature on display. "Let's hope so," was all I mumbled, not willing to put up a fight. We settled into a position for slow dance and waited until the mini orchestra began a classical piece. We swayed gently, just liked how we had practiced at the beginning of the day. My footwork was unpolished and I hope they wouldn't notice, but under the mermaid dress I guess it was impossible to tell. I recognized the music, but I couldn't figure out from where. On second thought, my brothers may have played this. A longing for home settled deeply within me and I danced my emotions out. Alejandro was surprised at my quickening and diverse dancing style but followed through with it. It wasn't long before the rest of the people gathered partners and joined in the melody. The King without his King sat on top of a throne at the end of the ball on a raised platform, smiling over his people. His face was a mixture of proud and contempt as he watched Alejandro and I dance. I didn't feel nervous anymore. It reminded me too much on the night Sarina and I had danced under the moonlight, her in her waitress uniform and me in my ballet clothes. I missed ballet more than I could have ever dreamed and found myself longing back to the good old days. The days where I would impress Madame with my grace and Caleb would tickle my sides while placing feathery kisses all over my face. I longer for the days where my parents were contempt with my lifestyle and the twins weren't getting themselves into trouble. I longed for the days where I would feel rebellious sneaking out to see my lover and Ian proclaiming his absolutely loyalty to me. The only difference was, I wished that Caleb and Sarina were replaced. I longed for Sarina and I couldn't deny it anymore. No matter how much I wanted to. Without realizing it, I pulled myself closer to Alejandro until my head was resting on his chest. Our feet were moving gently and I found myself wondering what kind of things were passing through his mind. Would he miss me when I'm gone or would he rejoice? After all of the problems I've caused his poor emotional state, he might enjoy me out of his hair. I was a handful, I admit, but anyone who can deal with me for so long deserved to be deemed important. I just can't wait for him to be King. "What are you thinking about?" he mumbled to me as we headed to a waltz. "I'm going to miss Spain," I admitted that fact for the first time out loud, and he almost seemed too happy to hear my words. He leaned over and placed a lasting kiss on my forehead, not caring who was watching. I felt my cheeks warm up and I instinctively pulled him closer. I wondered to myself, had I not have feelings for Sarina, then would I have for Alejandro? I quickly realized the answer. Even if I was alone and had no one, I still wouldn't feel anything towards Alejandro but attraction to his warm personality because I finally accepted a part of me which I didn't know about. It was the part of myself that admired males, but adored females. Did I ever love Caleb, or was that a trick my mind had played with me? "In that case, you better enjoy our last evening here," it almost sounded like a threat but knowing the type of person he was, it brought a smile to my face. I squeezed his bicep as we danced and gave a quick nod, a smile adorning my face. Confidence seeped in my soul as I enjoyed my first official dance with the Prince of Spain.