purple tie. His hair was smoothed back, which made his handsome facial
features even more prominent. He held out a pair of silver strapped sandals for
me.
“Take a seat.” Kai motioned to a nearby bench. “We can see if these will fit.”
I sat, and he knelt in front of me. I felt ridiculous.
Just put on your shoes, and then go. You have a boyfriend. A fiancé. But he
isn't here. I hated myself for such thoughts. No! You love Cole. You are reacting to the magic.
“I can try them on myself,” I insisted.
“Don't be silly. You are a princess, tonight, and will get the royal treatment.”
Kai held his hand out, waiting for my foot.
Had he read my mind? No, he probably figured it out by your childish
behavior in the mirror. Go on and get this over with, I, once again, scolded
myself.
I stuck my foot out for him to slip on the sandal. I warmed from the
sensation of his touch, which sent a shiver through my body. When he fastened
the strap on the first shoe, I pulled my foot away and held out my hand. “I think
I'll be able to put the other shoe on myself.” I grabbed the other shoe and slipped
it on. "See, all good here."
As if on cue, Bay and the other elementals came in to gush over how
wonderful I looked. Catching a glimpse of Kai watching us, I saw a sadness in
his eyes. Before I could ask what was wrong, I was swept off by another group
of Water elementals to begin the evening's festivities.
We took the same path as my first tour through the caves. A crowd of elementals
met us, each dressed in elegant gowns or stunning suits. The excitement around
me filled my heart with such joy that I was able to forget to be sad or worried about my family.
As we ascended the steps up to the Air elemental platform, a warm breeze
blew over me. Kai was behind us, and I could see the sadness in his eyes was gone. He had returned to his normal self and was flirting with everyone within
his range. The giggles and fake protests of Oh Kai from his fan club rang out.
Another twinge of jealousy filled me.
I focused on the excitement around me rather than the feelings I was not
allowed to have. The trail of partygoers led us to our destination. When Bay and
I reached the top of the platform, we were greeted by Breeze, Daisy, and Blaze.
“You all look so amazing.” I hugged my friends tightly.
The four of them always looked beautiful, but tonight, each of them was
truly magnificent. They all wore their hair up in the same fashion as mine, and
the dresses they wore were different colored copies of the one I was wearing, as
well. Despite our similarities, I knew I must have looked like a little girl playing
dress-up when compared to them. They glowed with beauty and magic. I would
have been envious if I was not so enchanted.
