The Bridge Between Worlds
Chapter Twenty-Four

Victoria and Regina were in a fit of giggles. They kicked off their shoes. Danced to lively music. Enjoyed too many glasses of Xiphisian wine. Regina’s father was amused by their folly. His wife was performing tricks for the excited, little children. The Council, not including Eadward, remained in their corner chairs. Edyth and Eadward joined one of the dances. Regina was shocked to see Eadward participate in any activity of enjoyment.

“My lady.”

She faced Kalib. An unladylike snort escaped her. She covered her mouth with her hand. Her cheeks burned. Her heart raced. Her eyes watering.

“Sorry,” she mumbled through her fingers.

“You should dance with the sexy guard,” her sister whisper-shouted, giggling in Regina’s ear. “If you don’t, I will!”

“Actually,” Kalib chuckled as he took her empty glass away. “I wondered if her royal highness would honor me with a dance.”

Regina licked her lips and nodded.

“I would love to dance,” she giggled as Victoria shoved her in his direction.

She stumbled into Kalib’s waiting arms. Her hysteria sobered as his hands came to rest on her hips. His smile was bashful as they joined the magnificent dance floor. Her fingered rested on his shoulder as his right hand found its way to the small of her back.

“Not very princess-like,” Regina whispered, referring to the scene displayed by her and her sister. “Not the appropriate behavior for an almost queen either.”

“You were enjoying yourself,” Kalib whispered back as they fell into a gentle swaying motion. “It’s fine, trust me.”

She glanced around, realizing the guests had paused to watch her and her dance partner.

“Its just you and me,” he went on; she turned her gaze back to him. “Middle of the night. Out on the roof. Under the stars.”

Regina bit her lip. Her neck and cheeks felt hot again. Kalib smirked; the music carried them through the dance. She was content to the silence. They shared a laugh when she stepped on his foot. He teased her for being a clumsy partner. She joked about dancing all night long.

“I am open to the possibility,” Kalib replied with a chuckle.

“Oh, um . . .” Regina mumbled with an uneasy laugh. “Okay, let’s do it. But if you’re dancing with me all of tonight, you have to promise me you will dance all night long, after my real coronation.”

“Your wish is my command, my lady.”

As part of the dance, he pulled away, hand extended. She slipped her fingers into his, and he brought them to his lips. Sounds faded away as he drew close again. The music became a gentle whisper. The laughter and conversations drifted away. The room was a swirl of color as Kalib became Regina’s sole focus.

“Have I complimented your dancing?” he asked with squinting eyes.

“No, you have not,” she laughed, shaking her head. “But there should be nothing stopping you.”

He smiled, “You are the most wonderful dance partner . . . If you wanted to receive suitors . . . Or marry . . . Any gentleman would be blessed if you chose to set your affections upon him.”

The seemingly never ending song came to an end. As did the dance.

“May I have the next dance?”

Regina’s father appeared beside them. His dark eyes were shining. His smile and skin seemed to glow.

“I would love it,” Regina said, turning her smile to Kalib. “You gave me your word. Do not forget.”

“My word for what?” he asked as the smirk returned.

“You already know.”

Her father took her by the hand, leading her away.

“What was that all about?” he asked, chuckling as he still watched Kalib.

“I made him promise to dance with me, all night long,” Regina replied, shrugging. “After my real coronation.”

“Hm, and how does that make you feel?”

“If I’m honest, it gives me something to look forward to . . . After the chaos of today, I place my faith in the Tree. I hope there will not be any hiccups on that day.”

Her father turned her, which gave her a thirty second window to smile at Kalib. His grin ignited the butterflies.

“I know we are still working on this father-daughter situation,” she went on, sighing. “But I need to know. Are your fatherly instincts natural, or did you have practice?”

Her father chuckled, shaking his head.

“A bit of both, actually,” he explained, glancing to where his wife stood with Victoria. “My sister and I raised the Anerathian princess in her parents’ absence. I did everything I could to keep Astra away from sadness. Glint believes I spoiled her, and perhaps I did. But imagine the hours and days I spent watching her grow, knowing I had missed that time with you.”

Sorrow filled his eyes. Regina frowned and pulled him into a tight hug.

“Control is not always within our grasp,” she whispered, using her hand closest to her head to keep her crown from falling off. “I am grateful to know you now and I am looking forward to spending more time with you. Especially now that all the craziness is passed. Most won’t admit it, but all girls need their fathers. No matter how old they are. And I happen to be one of the lucky ones to have you.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she pulled away. Embarrassed, Regina laughed and sniffled, swiping at the rogues.

“Then perhaps I should tell you,” her father whispered as he also wiped away her tears. “I certainly do hope to build a strong bond with you. And when the time comes for you to select a suitor for a husband, I would be honored to walk you down the aisle. If you will let me.”

She grinned, “I do not know what would make me happier. Thank you.”

“Also, on the subject of being a father. After years of believing we would never have any of our own . . . Kinasha and I are expecting our first child.”

Regina gasped, her chest swelling with strong happiness and love. She threw her arms around hi.

“Congratulations!”

Tears of joy replaced the tears of thankfulness. She ran to where her sister was, and embraced Kinasha. She congratulated her and embraced her again. Victoria was confused at first, but after explaining everything, she joined Regina in the real celebration.

“Oh no,” she whimpered.

“What?” Regina asked, watching her father lead Kinasha to the middle of the dance floor.

“I just imagined the most adorable scene, but realized it won’t happen for a long time.”

“Again, I ask, what?”

Regina forced Victoria to look at her. Her sister’s smile was sad. Her eyes red and cheeks flushed.

“Regina,” she said, shaking her head. “Girls like you and me, we’re the good ones. We wait around for Mr. Right, and sometimes he actually shows up. I know you want to focus on your duties. But I don’t want you to be alone. Don’t deny what I am about to say. Promise me, on your new, royal name.”

Regina rolled her eyes.

“I promise on my royal title,” she smiled, “I will not deny your words.”

“Okay . . . If not Mr. Dashing with a Sword, promise me you will consider many romantic suitors.”

“Why is everyone suddenly talking about suitors, tonight?” she asked, laughing as she tried to replace Kalib in the crowd. “You, my father . . . Kalib.”

“Kalib mentioned suitors?” Victoria gasped and it was her turn to force Regina into looking at her. “Oh. My. Goodness. Regina, he likes you. He wants you to be happy. He’s willing to give his life, for you. I don’t care if he can hear us talking. Please, promise me you will not push the possibility away.”

Regina sighed as Kalib’s face appeared in the crowd, several yards behind her sister. He was talking to Lord Eadward. She didn’t see any signs that he had heard the conversation with Victoria. Her mind decided to re-enact the feeling of having his arms around her. The butterflies were back.

“Vic,” she whispered as Kalib’s gaze fell on her. “I will take each day as they come. And I promise, I will not be alone.”

He smiled and bowed slightly. Regina smiled back, pretending they were the only people in the room.