ISN'T THE COVER JUST BEE-YOU-TEA-FULL?!! It was made by the same person who made the Property of a Gordon cover and the person this chapter is dedicated to :D Thank the lovely maejestic for me!

Chapter Sixteen

The minutes had passed and turned into hours. Those hours allowed the sun to rest, and the moon to come out for its daily conversations with the stars.

I had taken a shower, which calmed me from the day's previous events. I had taken time to straighten my hair, something I never did in the leap. I placed a small section of it in an elegant clip, the rest cascading down my back.

I was currently wearing the dress that Prince Gordon had given me, which was beautiful. It was a pearl-colored dress that gracefully flowed to the ground, teasing it with its touch and covering my sandals. The top was heart-shaped and strapless, revealing the curve of my breasts. The entirety of the dress was simple, yet still gorgeous.

The back was supposed to zip up and allow the dress to press against my skin, yet it was doing the opposite. The back was folding outwards, and the zipper was only halfway up. No matter how much I tried, I could never pull it all the way.

Usually, Kai was the one who helped me if I couldn't tie, or zip up, a dress. Given my harsh words, I didn't think he was an option. I had knocked on his door several times, only to be ignored.

It was getting close to the time the ball was supposed to start, and I was becoming more and more nervous. I couldn't walk out like this, yet perhaps an enforcer could help me. It was doubtful, seeing as most could not tolerate my presence.

I glanced at the wall, wishing I could see Kai. He was somewhere in the neighboring room, probably still angered or hurt by my words. I regretted them more than he knew, but he wouldn't listen to me.

I started towards the door, still unsure of what I was going to do. When I opened the door, I wasn't met by an enforcer, but by Prince Gordon. His hand was raised, as if he was about to knock.

"Päästja, come in," I said, opening the door wider. He smiled in thanks before stepping inside the room.

"How is the dress?" I heard him ask as I walked towards the bathroom once again. I attempted to zip it for the last time, but was as unsuccessful as the first few. I slumped my shoulder in defeat, frowning.

"It is armas, Prince Gordon, but I'm afraid I am having trouble with it," I admitted. A second later I could hear his footsteps nearing me, coming closer and closer.

I could now see him in the mirror and found that the sight of him made me smile. Prince Gordon had chosen a classic, clean black and white suit, appearing sharp. Even his light-colored hair appeared smoother than usual, softer. His green eyes were his constant tonight, as beautiful as always.

"You look very nice," I complimented, still smiling at his figure in the mirror. "I have attempted to ask Kai for help, but he didn't answer." At that my eyes drifted from his and my smile faded.

"My dear, Kai is already outside. We have both been waiting for you for a couple of minutes, not very long," he said, and it was disappointment that greeted me like an old friend.

Kai and I had continually fought while here, although they had never lasted long. We forgave one another, yet it seemed as if our typical routine had changed its course.

"Would you mind helping me?" I asked Prince Gordon, hoping he did not see how much his words had affected me.

"Of course," he replied easily before stepping closer to me. He was now close enough that his suit brushed against the fabric of my dress as he began zipping it up.

As he did so, his soft eyes were on mine in the mirror, not leaving for a single moment. When he finished, a faint smile made an appearance.

"You appear more beautiful than I had imagined you would," he murmured before pressing his lips lightly to my shoulder. However, it wasn't the same as when my lumeleopard did so.

With Kai, there was hidden desire in his eyes, a playful smile on his lips. He would wrap his arms around me and tell me that even the mirrors were jealous at the sight of us together.

Prince Gordon's was sweet, nothing more. There was no holding, nor desire. It was simply a sweet kiss.

"Would you like me to escort you out?" he offered, looking at me expectantly.

I hesitated, but thought of Kai and shook my head. Walking out with Prince Gordon would further his anger, not lessen it. Walking out alone wouldn't cause any damage to our relationship.

I turned, facing Prince Gordon, before grabbing his hand and pressing my lips to it. I ran my own along his smooth jaw before saying, "You have been more than kind, päästja, thank you. I will only be a minute longer."

"We will be outside," he replied, taking my hand and squeezing it before walking away. I watched as he left the room, the door closing behind him. I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for tonight's events, before exiting the room a moment later.

My eyes immediately wandered to Kai, who looked dazzling in his formal attire. He was dressed in a black suit similar to Prince Gordon's, however it was a dark red hue that bled onto his buttoned shirt.

His eyes were on me, watching without expression, his hands in his pockets. I walked over to him, my arms finding their way around his waist before I kissed his cheek. My lips stayed there, hovering close to his ear.

"I hope you can find a way to forgive me for my rumal words, kallim. They were neither true, nor just," I tried softly, adding, "You are my imtleja. You would not be so if I believed my own words."

The moment I finished speaking, his expressionless eyes turned affectionate before his own arms wrapped around me. Teeth tugged on my ear before Kai said, "I couldn't stay mad at my sϋda, no matter how hard I tried."

I felt a smile blossom on my face, and then my lips found his on instinct. There was no guidance needed, or any hint of the upcoming kiss. It just happened and it was easy, as if there had never been an argument.

Our moment was broken as someone cleared their throat. I turned and at the same time, Kai made a disapproving noise with his throat. Prince Gordon stood there, and I was reminded of the event that could potentially lead to the renewal of trust in our kind.

"It is time," Prince Gordon told us, his voice turning formal. At the words, the enforcers stood tall and began barking orders. We then started walking.

The enforcers surrounded us from all sides as usual during our walk. Prince Gordon remained in front while Kai was by my side, holding my hand in his. It was silent except for the sound of several feet all hitting the ground at different times, like rain hitting the pavement.

Before we even reached the ballroom, I could hear everyone's leisurely chattering. They were smooth like champagne, while their tinkling laughter were the translucent bubbles that cascaded up after a conversation. Was that what it was like to live as royalty? Was it simply a life filled with dainty conversations and laughter?

I glanced over at Prince Gordon before deciding that wasn't correct. He was always somewhere, busy with clients. His smile was rare in a room filled with people, and even more rare was his laugh. I don't think he was aware of how to laugh around others.

The ballroom abruptly grew quiet as we rounded the corner, now in view of it. The doors were resting, both open for the night. The room was as stunning as the first time I saw it, yet now it sparkled with various colors from different dresses and suits. This was the most elegant even I had ever seen, and would likely remain that way.

We continued walking and as if told by someone, the enforcers fell back, lining up against the wall. However, Prince Gordon continued forward, so Kai and I followed close behind. I could see everyone had moved, creating a path for us to the center of the room.

Once there, Prince Gordon began talking. "Good evening, friends and family. I am honored that you each chose to attend tonight's celebration. You will not have another opportunity to attend such an exclusive event, one that will be remembered throughout history." He paused at the end, light murmurs running throughout the room as eyes turned towards Kai and me.

Among the crowd were several familiar faces. I could see Prince Gordon's parents, who briefly acknowledged me with slight nods of their head. I could also see his brother, Kendall, standing off to the side with an exotic female I greatly admired.

Her curls were twirled to the side, a dark curtain of hair between her and her former Master. Her eyes flickered towards Kai and me, but left not a second later to return to Prince Gordon.

"I am very grateful and elated to introduce to you the two responsible for the evening. Please welcome Kai and Ivy, who hold the future of their kind," he said, his voice loud before applause erupted throughout the room.

I could feel Kai squeeze my hand before I looked up at him to see he was not smiling as I was. His face was smooth and without emotion as he scanned the crowd.

I brought our linked hands to my lips before whispering, "All is fine, Kai." At this, he gave me a small smile and relaxed only slightly, pressing his own lips to our hands before guiding them back to our sides.

"I believe that these two have great potential and determined hearts," Prince Gordon started, silencing the crowd. "I truly believe they will make a difference and prove that second chances are something that can lead to change."

Some believed that second chances should be treated with great care or not addressed at all. Some treat it as if it was a plague, one that could lead to no good. People turned their heads at the two words, no longer listening. However, Kai and I were fortunate enough to be given a second chance and so much more. Nothing could prepare us for Prince Gordon's next words.

"For the progress that they have both made, their village is currently being rebuilt. It is theirs for later use and to rebuild their community that was lost."

Sometimes, second chances could lead to more than hopes. Because of second chances, Kai and I would be able to begin our own leap on the lands we grew up together. Sometimes, second chances were a blessing.

[päästja - savior]

[rumal - foolish]

[kallim - loved one]

[sϋda - heart]

[imtleja - admirer]

[armas - lovely]

I have also gained a true Estonian who has volunteered to help me, so the next chapter will be dedicated to this lovely person :)