Code of Shadows

Chapter 21: Escape

I blushed, but only on the outside. I was freaking out on the inside.

Connor was staring at me weird.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

I laughed. "Yeah, sorry, I just wasn't expecting that."

I took his still extended hand. HOLY CRAP FROM A ROYAL COW! I can't believe this is happening!

"You got a really pale for a moment and I thought that you were going to pass out."

"Oh, if anything was going to make me pass out, it would be this dress!"

Connor laughed. "That is why I like suits better than dresses."

.........

There was a slow song being played by a string quartet. There were only a few peopleon the dance floor and all of them were swaying gently with the music. Goodness this was nerve racking. 

Connor led us to the middle of the dance area, then placed on hand gently on my lower back, and the other in my hand. I, in return, placed my other hand on his shoulder. His touch was not like the guards back in Windsdover. If felt comforting, not insulting.

Then, we started dancing. Maybe I shouldn't say dancing though. It was more like swaying. Honestly anything more complicated probably would have gotten both of us on the ground because of tripping. 

My stomach swirled uncomfortable and I just wanted it to settle down. Then I could maybe have enjoyed myself.

Finally, the violist ended the song with one final flourish. I let out a held sigh of relief. Connor bowed, I curtsied, and we went our different ways. I tried so hard to not run away... Goodness that was... Well, I don't know. Nerve racking was probably the best way to explain it.

When I walked into the table section of the ball room, Aala smiled.

"You looked beautiful out there. You were a natural!" she teased.

"Uh huh. With all of our crazy moves of swaying side to side," I blushed.

Aala laughed and her face turned bright. She took in a deep breath, then her face suddenly turned serious.

"Are you ready?" I glanced at her, understanding the hidden meaning.

"One second. I have to go say a few good byes." The first person I found was Kara. She was sitting at a table laughing with a few strangers. I quickly said goodbye, then hurried further into the ballroom. Next I found Uncle Jamison. He was standing alone staring out into space. I walked up from behind him, then tapped him on the shoulder. He jumped at least a foot into the air.

"Hello rabbit," I said. Then I broke into laughter.

He smiled at me. "Wow Cait, you look beautiful tonight," he paused for a second. "You looked amazing when you were dancing with that fellow," another pause, "Who is he? How did you meet him? What is--"

"Uncle Jamison, you are just like Mom!" I paused, then blushed. "That was Connor, and he is training to become an official. I kind of stood up against a bully for him..."

Uncle Jamison gave me a look.

"No! I--never mind, I didn't come here to talk about this. I came to say goodbye, I am going to leave soon."

Uncle Jamison gave me a curious look. "Leaving the party so early?"

"Yeah, I have a long day tomorrow and I don't want to be tired for it." Then I hugged him, for the last time. I squeezed him with all my heart, then almost started crying, but I kept the tears in.