After dancing with an excessively grabby nobleman, I turned to find myself face to face with Prince Hammond. Against my will I curtsied and he bowed.
"May I have this dance?" he asked offering me his hand.
Begrudgingly I was forced to except with a breathy, "It would be an honor."
Placing his hand on the small of my back he responded, "To dance with a maiden so lovely and fair? No, the honor is mine."
This was the worst thing to ever have happened to me. We danced and swayed together the rest of the night, the prince and I. As much as I hate to admit it, he was an excellent dancer. It was a relief to have a partner that didn't keep stepping on my toes. Luckily, he was also a gentleman and his hand stayed only in appropriate places, I'm mean, if I was a girl that is to say. His arms were strong, yet gentle and he smelled quite pleasant, in comparison to the rest of the men.
"May I ask the name of my lady?" Hammond spoke.
After a pause I was forced to respond,"Elisabeth, my Prince," Where that name came from, I'll never know.
Hammond smiled at that and just looked into my eyes. As much as I wanted to, I couldn't look away from his dark eyes. We gazed into each others eyes and that's when it happened. I saw it coming but I couldn't avoid it. I pulled with all of my might but remained still as Hammond leaned in. |