Chapter 90 - She's Like A Younger Sister...

Ava halted and stood frozen, she had turned her head slightly, and to her surprise, she saw James.

She saw how anxious he looked from a distance. She could sense that he wanted to stop them if he could, but something was preventing him. She averted her gaze and looked at Prince Edmund, who had two lines in between his brows.

"Is everything alright?" He curiously asked while turning his gaze towards where she had looked a moment ago. The corner of his eye caught a glimpse of James' silhouette, and he knew right away what made Ava hesitate to continue.

"If you're not comfortable dancing to slow dance, It's fine. We can dance again later when the music is more upbeat." He then took her arm and guided her towards the table at the corner of the ballroom where they were standing at first.

When James saw that Prince Edmund guided Ava leaving the dancing floor, he let out a sigh of relief. Then, finally, he didn't have to make a spectacle of himself by cutting in while they were dancing. Because that's what he was planning on doing if they had continued to dance.

Prince Edward saw the whole thing from the corner of his eyes and tapped James on his shoulder, "My good friend, if you don't stake your claim on her soon, you might have a problem in the future." He sincerely advised James while looking at him thoughtfully.

"Someone already has a claim on her, it should have been me, but I was too young to know any better," James murmured loud enough for Prince Edward to hear. After hearing that, his curiosity got to him, and he grabbed James's arm and pulled him to the closest sofa away from the crowd.

Once they were seated, "Speak! What are you talking about? Now, you got me curious, and I will not stop until you tell me everything." Prince Edward was adamant as his face almost changed with James's.

James was quick to push him away; he then took a deep breath while contemplating if he should unburden himself and tell Prince Edward everything. 

"So??? Are you going to tell me, or do I need to beat it out of you?" Said Prince Edward. He was only kidding, of course. He would never have a fistfight with his newfound friend, even if it killed him.

James looked at Prince Edward while seriously thinking. Then, after a moment, he heaved a heavy sigh before he began recounting what had happened many years ago...

===

After hearing everything that had happened, Prince Edward was dumbfounded, unable to utter a word. It was too unbelievable for him to even comprehend the turn of events. James was initially betrothed to her, but he has then given her away to his twin brother, and now he's attracted to her and wants her back.

What a cruel reality; he didn't know what to say to comfort his good friend. He was speechless.

===

The following song was an upbeat one, and Ava and Prince Edmund once again made their way towards the dance floor. This time, it didn't change as they arrived in the middle of the dance floor. They started dancing to the beat of the music. Surprisingly, Prince Edmund was a great dancer for a typical teenager. Ava showed her share as well and truly enjoyed dancing with him. They attracted a lot of attention, and soon everyone was circling around them while the two were dancing their hearts out.

Once the music finished, the two were out of breath as they stared at each other with wide grins on both of their faces. People around them applauded and cheered while they were trying to catch their breath.

"More!"

"More!"

"More!"

Shouted the masses around them. While waiting if the two would comply.

Prince Edmund asked Ava with his eyes if she was up to it. However, when Ava shook her head, he extended his hand to guide her, and they left the dance floor with a full grin on his handsome young face. It was exhilarating to dance with her. He was over the moon and would cherish it for the rest of his life.

On the way to the corner of the ballroom, he moved closer to her and whispered, "Thank you!" only loud enough for Ava to hear.

She stopped for a moment and looked at him curiously, "What are you thanking me for?" Her eyes were filled with innocence. It was only a dance, and she enjoyed herself as well. So, why was he thanking her? She was at a loss.

"It's the happiest I have ever felt in all my life. I truly enjoyed dancing with you. So, thank you for giving me the happiest moment of my high school life." He then bowed slightly to give her proper respect.

"Oh, my God! Hahaha! You don't have to give me a bow. You sure are funny..." She was still laughing as they reached their destination.

===

Meanwhile, at the other side of the ballroom, not far away from where they were, James saw the whole thing and now had a frown glued on his forehead. Especially when he saw Ava laughing while happily chatting with Prince Edmund, he couldn't stand it. 

When the next song began playing, it was slow music. He swiftly stood up, and without any hesitation, he stormed straight to where Ava and Prince Edmund were standing. Once he was right in front of them, he bent over a little towards her and whispered.

"Would you dance with me?" His voice was mellow and sweet. Although he was out of breath, he tried to stay as calm as he could.

Ava looked at him, wondering, "You want me to dance with you to this music? That's a slow song!" She blurted out unconsciously. She didn't mean to sound surprised, but she was, so it showed in her voice.

"What's wrong with the song?" He asked before he took her hand and pulled her towards the dance floor. There was nothing she could do but let him drag her toward the middle of the dance floor. Once they arrived, he put her two arms around his neck while he put his two arms around her waist. Then they started dancing to the beat of the music...

===

It was the most nerve-racking dance Ava had ever done in her entire life. She had never in her whole life been this close to any other boy before. The only male she had ever danced with close contact was her relatives, never an outsider. But then, James was not really an outsider; he's her big brother, so no harm done... At least that is what her young, innocent mind thought...

James's heart was beating so fast that he was having a hard time breathing. He felt like he was having a heart attack as they danced to the music. In his entire life, he was never this close to a girl. Not even within his family. He almost stepped on Ava's foot from not paying attention to the music playing.

"I'm sorry! I was in deep thought and didn't realize that I was offbeat." He whispered as they continued dancing.

Ava was not looking at James, but instead, her face was almost buried to his shoulder. "It's alright! You didn't step on my feet, so it's fine." She mumbled shyly.

While the two continued dancing, the two Princes were having a conversation.

"I hope you're not thinking of pursuing her in the future. She's already taken as far as I know." Prince Edward's face was solemn as he spoke.

Hearing that, Prince Edmund's head jerked towards him. His eyes were filled with curiosity. Did he hear him right? Ava's already taken? How could that be? She's not even an adult yet. Could it be that she's betrothed to James? His head suddenly turned towards the dance floor and looked at them as they danced beautifully together as one.

Prince Edward watched him from the corners of his eyes, and a slight smile popped on his lips. He needed to pave the way for his good friend, although he shouldn't get involved. A couple of days ago, his older brother King Alexander had a word with him and discussed Ava in the process.

Although he never really paid attention to her before, he now saw her in another light after hearing her traits. However, after hearing what his friend had told him a moment ago, he decided to pave the way for James instead.

He tapped Prince Edmund's shoulder. "It's alright, my friend, we're still young, and we are Royals after all. First, our lives have just begun, and so has Ava's. Second, we still have a very long way before we are old enough to take relationships seriously. Lastly, our marriage is not for us to decide. Keep that in mind." He then took a sip of the non-alcoholic cocktail drink that he was holding.

Prince Edmund realized that Prince Edward was right. But, they're still young, and also, if he was serious about Ava, it was not for him to decide if they could be together in the end or not. So, he put on a brave smile and turned to face Prince Edward...

"Who said I like Ava that way! I only consider her as a younger sister, just like Princess Rose. She's not my type at all!" He exclaimed loud enough for Ava and James to hear as they arrived after they finished dancing...

Ava froze where she was standing for a moment. She didn't know what to say or do after hearing Prince Edmund's declaration. It had never occurred to her that he liked her in any way other than as a friend, but she had never thought that he could sound disgusted based on the thought of being with her. This devastated her and made her unsure of what she should do next....