Jasper's POV
I sluggishly cuffed my sleeves and stared at myself in the mirror.
"I cannot believe father is making me do this."
Jake took a sip from his glass then placed it down. "Why are you so upset? I know you hate social gathering because you are socially ackward, but you have never been this upset."
How do I explain that the hostess had caught me outside her window in the night and I had somehow lied about my identity?
I glanced at him through the mirror. "I have something to tell you..."
His eyes narrowed. "Did you do something illegal?!"
My mouth dropped open. "No!!"
He nodded. "Hm... Obviously. Why did I even bother to ask. So, what did you do?"
"Who told you I did anything?"
At his look I sighed. "I got caught spying on a lady. I swear I didn't mean anything."
His brows shot up. "You what?!"
I scratched the nape of my neck. "Well, I found myself at her home somehow.... I didn't intend to be caught!"
He stared at me like I was a banshee then broke into huge grin. "My Jasper is all grown up!!"
"What?!"
He walked over and slung his arm over my shoulder. "Of course it is weird that you decided to spy on a lady in the night, but look on the bright side. You are finally attracted to someone!!"
I tried not to turn scarlet. "Keep shut!"
He ruffled my newly combed hair. "So, who was it."
It felt like my throat had closed up. "What?!"
He sighed exhajuratedly. "You've asked that up to three times now. Who was the maiden whom you were so taken with that you had to spy on her?"
I swallowed. "Is it so important?"
"Yes! Especially since that is why you don't want to go to Auro–" He froze. "Oh God. Is it who I think it is?!"
I shrugged him off. "Look, I know–"
"It's Hera isn't it?! Of course!! This is being held at her home, it is only logical you don't want to go!! I have always know you have a liking for red heads–"
I almost choked. "What?! No! No..... It's.... It's Lady Aurora."
He looked surprised then relieved."Well then, at least we know you don't like a social ladder climbing gossip. Aurora? Really?"
He stroked his shaved chin. "She is rather stunning....."
"Yes, and I reckon she'll recognise me at first sight and think I am nothing but a lying spying scum."
He shook his head and straightened out my lapels. "Calm down. I'm sure you'll be able to explain and charm her with all your princely looks." He winked.
I groaned.
************
Everything looked splendid. The design was with a Royal purple and cream.
Maids hustled around handing out flutes and glasses.
I plucked one and took a deep breadth. My heart was basically pounding out of my chest. My nerves were a wreck.
Jack placed a hand on my shoulder. "Calm down. She is just a beautiful woman."
I felt like shucking him in the shin. However, we suddenly got flocked by unmarried ladies.
I tried to make my way out but they all seemed very perisitent. "Your highness!!"
"His princeship!!"
"Sire, good evening."
"Your highness may I have a word with you."
"A dance is all I ask!"
"I want you marry me!!"
"I love you!!"
I managed to shrug out and sent Jake a sorry look before slipping away. He sent me a betrayed look.
Once it turned around, I was ambushed by two women.
Hera was wearing a dark purple dress, which I had to say brought out her dark red hair and blue eyes. It was in layers down her back.
Isabella wore a light lilac dress and had her hair in ringlets down her back. The dress was impressive too.
"Why, evening your majesty." They curtesied.
I nodded. "Evening. My apologies from the king. He had important issues to attend to."
Hera waved it off with a smile. "Oh he shouldn't apologize, after all he is the king, and the king has a lot of duties I am told."
Isabella nodded. "Yes." Her cheeks were flushed.
Hera took an arm. "Well, how are you enjoying the ball?"
I sipped from my glass. "It is quiet good."
She seemed to absorb the praise. "Good then. Of course it wasn't easy for me to plan all this." She lowered her voice as if saying a secret. "Aurora is new at this and needed a helping hand." She straightened. "Naturally I offered my help graciously."
At Aurora's name I swallowed and my heart sped up again. "That is true, where is she?"
Her brows furrowed. "Who? Aurora?"
I nodded.
She shrugged and nodded towards the dance floor where couples glided together."Probably dancing with some guests."
"His highness requested me to send his greetings."
She nodded. "Well I'll take you to her then. Isabella get me a glass of wine." Then she whisked me away.
We made our way through the room till we spotted her.
My breadth caught in my throat. Her pale back was visible through straps of purple that crossed over it. The dark almost black purple looked sinful on her flawless creamy skin.
Hera called out to her. When she turned, I totally stopped breathing. The dress hugged her body. Her pale breats were just barely peaking out, like it was dearing you to explore.... To find the rest of it's creamyness..The dress flowed down her hips like a purple waterfall. Her shoulders were almost bare and the sleeves hung midshoulder.Her dark hair was in a low bun, treadils framed her face. Her lips were a plump red and her eyes.... Those sharp cold blue eyes seemed to stare into my soul.
The man she had been talking to sadly slunked away.
"Aurora! We've been looking all over for you."
Her eyes slid to Hera.
"This, is prince Jasper."
They snapped back to me. Sharp as swords."Prince, Jasper??" Her voice was soft yet had a sharp tinge. I could tell she remembered our encounter.
I stretched out my hand. "Lovely evening Lady Aurora."