Chapter 24: THE SECRET DANCE

“Mr. Armstrong, please do have a seat,” Mike said to me as I shook my head in frustration. Why is he being professional with me? I dragged the seat out and made myself comfortable.

“So tell me, how is she?

“Well, she is fine. Although I might need to run more tests on her just to confirm that she is perfectly fine, I think she passed out because of stress.

I don't think she has been able to get enough rest in a few days. Do you know what caused the bruises on her neck and arms?”

“No, like I said, I found her in that state.” I said, skipping the thought that was running through my mind. From the look of things, I think Seth is abusing her.

I didn't want to say anything since it wasn't really my place to say that, and I can't jump to conclusions without making sure or confirming with her.

“I will question her when she wakes up. If you ask me, I will say she might have been involved in a fight with someone. The bruises around her neck looked like someone had tried suffocating her.

Anger began to rise inside me. All I wanted at that moment was to find Seth and beat the devil out of him. How could he treat a woman he calls his wife like that?

“Xender, Hello, why do you have that look in your eyes?” Mike asked when he noticed I was spacing out.

“What look?”

“The look that states you want to beat someone until the person passes out.” I can't believe he was able to see through me, or were my eyes really saying it all?

“I don't know Mike; I think her husband might be abusing her.”

“Why did you say so?”

“Because I witnessed it once. The way he talked to her and handled her regardless of the cloud surrounding the room.”

“Wow, then why stay in a toxic and abusive marriage? She is young and beautiful; she still has enough years ahead of her.”

“I don't know, but I'm not about to mingle myself with someone's personal matters. Can she be discharged today?”

“Yes, once she is awake, I will ask her one or two questions, and she is good to go.”

"Thanks, Mike; I really appreciate it.”

“Yeah, I mean, what are friends for? Now let's talk about my payment.” He said with a smile on his face, It was a creepy smile. Why do I have to have people who turn my daily life into fun as friends?

“I will just leave a check for you.

“You don't have to; you can keep the money. I want something else.” 

“Which is?” I asked as I waited to hear what made Mike reject money.

“A date with your sister; please set me up with her." I was stunned. Mike wants to go on a date with Emily.

“Dude, are you drunk?” I questioned him as I drew him by the collar of his lab coat, sniffing him out. He pushed my hand off and glared at me.

“I don't drink during working hours; I love my job as much as you love yours. And do you actually think I can't date your sister?”

“Not really, but I know one thing.”

“Which is?”

“Emily is going to chew you up, just like when we were little. You and I know Emily still have feelings for Charles, and I will not advise you to come in between them.”

“Fine, I will love my check,” he said with a frown on his face. I couldn't help laughing at him as he tried to maintain a straight face.

“That will be given to you once I'm sure she is okay.” 

“Why do you care about her so much? You told me she is someone you have a contract with, but you looked so worked up and even angry about her situation.”

“Am I supposed to smile and laugh at her instead? And I also have a fucking issue with her so-called husband.” I said this as I was reminded of the millions of dollars being held by Mr. Sebastian.

“Calm down, Xender; you really need to learn how to keep your cool. I'm already seeing you beating the devil out of her so-called husband.”

“I'm just worried. She is way too nice to handle someone like him.”

“It is up to her to take action; if not, then there is more to come.” I know Mike was right, but will Alda see it that way?

Siofra's POV

I stood within the clouds as the festival kicked off. Dances were presented by the princesses of many kingdoms who were invited to the festival. The warriors of Álfheimr were called out as they each lined up, getting ready to dance their way in.

I have only been privileged to read about the queen selection ceremony in books or from my mother, but witnessing it was more awesome than having to hear it as a story.

The dance of the warriors began as they each held a spear in their hands. They started by marching towards my mother, who was seated on her throne, as they all bowed and said their greetings. 

“The warriors of Álfheimr will dance to the tone of our music!” Mum announced. The drummers start up with a low, dramatic sound, and the warriors dance to the beat with their spear acting like a third arm around them.

When the sound of the music changed into a more intensive, dramatic sound, the warriors engaged in a more intensive dance as they made use of their powers.

It was a very nice view, and I couldn't help nodding my head to the beat of the drum as its sound circulated the whole place. I felt a little disappointed when it ended. The warriors marched out, leaving the cloud cheering with joy.

“The warrior's dance has come to an end. I will call out my daughter, Princess Alma, to present the secret dance. Only a few among us know this dance,” my mum said with a beautiful smile appearing on her face.

The secret dance wasn't really a secret among the royals, but it is believed that everyone who was privileged to learn it will be blessed.

The dance will turn out to be a gift. My mum said she was blessed with me from the dance. She said I was the gift the dance gave her. Having seen Alma practice all the time, trying to master her moves, I also picked up her interest and joined her.

Yes, I can dance the secret dance, but it has never brought me any gifts. I have tried so many times, but it never happened. I started doubting the fact that the secret dance wasn't really a big deal.

I thought to myself that maybe all those who received or happened to be blessed with good fortune were just a coincidence.

“Alda!” The sound of someone calling out my name snapped me out of my thoughts. It was Alma; she was standing in front of me with a smile on her face.

I couldn't understand what was going on. I looked towards my mum, and our eyes met. Her face was void of any emotion, as she gave me a very unpleasant look.

“Come dance with me,” Alma said as she took my hand, drawing me out of the cloud. She didn't give me enough of a chance to decline her offer. I really didn't want to cause any trouble.

"Alma, are you sure about this?” I asked her.

“Yes, I am; now let's show them how it's done.” She said. She was holding my hands in hers as she smiled down at me. I nodded to her in response and smiled back at her.

Alma signalling the drummers as they started hitting the drum. When dancing the secret dance, you have to channel your spirit into the wind and let it be your guide.

Closing my eyes, I tried relaxing my mind. I felt the wind dancing around me as I tried to connect with it. I opened my eyes and stared at Alma. We both took our first step, backing away from each other.

The drummers started increasing the pace of the music as Alma and I approached each other, entangling our hands as we invited the air between us.

A strong wind danced around us as it surrounded us. We dance through the wind as we each let it lead us through the flow. At a time, I felt like I was floating, like I wasn't a part of this world. The feeling was natural and beautiful.

Having practiced this dance a few times, I have never been able to summon much wind. What does this mean? Is this a sign that Alma and I are stronger together? 

Does it mean we will both be great if we work together? I felt like the wind was trying to whisper a message to me as it became loud in my eyes.

I swiftly disentangled my hands away from Alma's as I froze at the spot.

What just happened?