My legs moved with a mind of their own no matter how much I tried to run away. I didn't know where I was but my body navigated as if I had done it many times before. The sound of the heels echoed in my ears with every step, unnerving me in a way I could never express.
I entered the ballroom through a pair of double doors and walked down a flight of stairs. The ballroom was enormous and filled with music. The room looked all the larger by the scarcity of guests. That must be what happens when you keep a tight invite list. I was standing on the dance floor for only moments before a young nobleman asked to dance. I did my best to shout something vulgar but all I heard myself do was giggle instead and I took his arm.
Much of the night was the same. I was on my feet dancing close with nobleman after nobleman, with no rest. It was frighting and embarrassing how many men wanted to dance with me. They would hold me and whisper things into my ear that made me want to gag. I desperately wanted to leave this place and try to forget this ever happened.
After the 18th dance or so, all of the music stopped. The quite was only for a moment before the main door burst open and trumpets sounded. Walking with an air of confidence was Prince Hammond of the Forester family line accompanied by a small entourage.
All eyes were on him when he gestured to the pianist to resume playing. I spotted Montclair quickly joining the prince for his first dance before I was dragged on to dance once more. |