Stopping at the head of the stairs, Prince Elric and Damia waited for the herald to announce their arrival.
"Ladies and gentleman, His Royal Highness, Prince Elric of Wesdon and Her Royal Higness, Princess Damia of Wesdon."
Elric and Damia descended from the staircase with their usual elegance and grace, but regardless of this being commonplace for them, the crowd still stood in awe.
"So that's the princess. Tell me Adrian, has she been promised to anyone? She seems to be of age, yet she walks in with the prince."
"I believe not, My Lord. Though I did hear talk from some of the other guests that the King has declined any requests to call upon the princess."
"Is that so. Perhaps I shall need to be more forward and ask her to a dance."
---
As soon they had entered the room, she felt his eyes on her.
"I must be imagining things," she thought to herself. "This presence feels so similar to the one that I have dreamt of all these nights. But if he's a royal, why have I not felt anything like this before. Surely everyone here has been here before today."
"Are you alright, Princess? You look a bit pale." Elric spoke softly so only she could hear him, but did not take his gaze away from the crowd.
"My deepest apologies, Prince Elric. I am not feeling quite like myself at the moment, but I'm sure it's simply my addled brain playing tricks on me."
Elric called for a servant who brought over a chalice for him. "Take of sip of this then. Perhaps the wine will help calm your nerves."
Was this really the same Elric? His act was a bit too good today, even for him.
Damia took a sip from the chalice and returned it to the servant. "Thank you. Yes, that's what I needed."
Prince Elric looked her over, then guided her towards the dancefloor. "I can't remember if we've ever danced at these events before. Are you familiar with the steps, Princess?"
Damia had always been allowed to be accompanied by Adi before, but they would usually stand away from the group and kept to themselves. Adi had taught her how to dance, but she feared the King's reprimands should she falter.
"I'm familiar, but I have not danced before. I do not wish to embarrass the King, or you, Prince Elric. I will be fine here and there are plenty of ladies that I'm sure are waiting for His Highness' attention."
"Nonsense, Princess." And with that, she could not argue further so she followed his lead.
Damia did well, and it helped that the prince expertly adjusted for all of her missteps. Surprisingly, she did not make many and, for the first time at one of these events, she was truly enjoying herself.
The song came to an end and Elric was guiding her towards one of the food tables when she felt it again. She was instantly consumed by fear and found it difficult to move from her current position. Elric took note and stopped, but before he could inquire about her condition, a voice was heard.
"Prince Elric, may I be so bold as to ask that you allow me a dance with the princess?"
Elric looked at the man before him. Tall, as tall as he, and dressed in a royal blue tunic and white coat. It was clear that his clothing was that of nobility, but this was the first he had laid eyes on the man. All those that had been invited to the King's birthday would have been acquainted with him as well. There shouldn't be an unfamiliar face.
"I'm afraid the Princess is not well. Allowing you a dance would dishonor you, Sir...," Elric prompted for a proper introduction.
With a slight bow, hand over his heart, the man spoke, "The Right Honorable, Prince Elric. Marquis Xerxes of Easlan, at your service. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."
"I was not aware that the king of Easlan had appointed a Marquis."
A cheeky grin spread on Xerxes face, "Well Prince Elric, I attempted to make my acquaintance with you sooner, but I'm afraid my intentions had been misconstrued by your knights and I was forced to leave before they apprehended me as a spy."
So, the rumors had some merit. Elric was not impressed.
"Well it is customary to send a letter of introduction prior to one's arrival."
At that moment, the herald sounded his trumpet, and all attention turned to the head of the stairs.
"Ladies and gentleman, His Majesty, The King."
The King descended the stairs and walked straight towards the two men, pausing only to briefly greet the men of higher nobility along the way.
"Oh good, it seems you two have already been acquainted. Son, the Marquis has been sent by his king to discuss plans for fortifying their defenses at the Dark Forest. Since he could not speak with us before today's festivities, I have invited him to stay in the East wing of the castle, and we could have a proper discussion tomorrow."
Damia tried to restrain herself from showing any reaction as the King did not seem to notice her presence, and she did not want to draw attention to herself now, but the East wing was the location of her chamber. Was the King no longer concerned about how it would appear to have a man so near to her? Not to mention that she was not given guards. This man would be free to roam and she would have no protection against him.
"My King, perhaps it would be better to have the Marquis stay in my apartment. It would make communication more efficient tomorrow as we could then meet in my study on the same hall."
"The East wing would allow the Marquis more privacy. He should enjoy his stay here as his king's letter stated he would remain with us through the duration of our collaboration, as a sign of good faith."
"Then in that case, we should have the servants relocate the princess to my apartment for the same duration, to ensure complete privacy for the Marquis."
"The princess?"
As if suddenly becoming aware of her presence, the King turned to Damia. "Are you in agreement with Prince Elric."
Damia did not like either idea, but the prince at least had guards posted throughout his apartment so she would not need to fear anything.
"I will do as His Majesty commands, though I do believe that the Marquis would be more comfortable if I were not underfoot."
"Very well. Have Adi direct the staff." The King turned back to the Marquis, "I do hope you enjoy the festivities. There are many eligible ladies of nobility present. I'm sure any one of them would be honored to share a dance with you. You shouldn't stand here idling, discussing work with so much to enjoy."
"I believe you're right Your Majesty. I was actually hoping to have the next dance with the Princess, if she would do me the honor."
"She would be delighted! Damia, do not keep the man waiting." And with that, the King left them. Once again, Damia's feelings went unnoticed, and the King unwittingly undermined Elric's attempt to keep Damia to himself.