Aurora's POV
Anger, cold as ice wrapped itself round me.
I studied him. So this man had dared to lie to me....
My eyes ran over his dark hair which even having been combed back still had strands falling over his face. His eyes were a dark deep blue. Like pools you could fall into. A dark stuble formed on his chin and his clothes –Purlpe and gold silks, hugged his torso and looked expensive, like it was made of real gold.
He had a guilty look in his face. I knew what it was about. He knew I knew that he was the man who had spied on me the other night.
And there went any little trust I had for men, which was none actually.
"Good evening Lady Aurora." He bowed and held out his hand.
I hardened my gaze on him but softly offered him my gloved fingers. "Good evening your highness. It is such a pleasure seeing you." Again.
Somehow, I don't want Hera knowing about our first meeting.
His hand tightened my fingers over mine. It was warm. The warmth travelled through my gloves and warmed my hand. He slowly leaned down and softly kissed my hand. I stiffled a gasp as unexpected tingles shot through my hands from where his soft lips touched.
I quickly pulled it away.
He straightened up. "The king sends his apologize and greetings."
I slowly nodded then turned and walked away. My mind was working. Why would I feel such from a contact with him? Could he have some sort of power?
I carefully studdied him from across the room.
A lot of people were dancing on the dance floor. Skirts swished and boots thudded.He was led around by Hera. He looked relieved when she left persumely to get something and slipped away. I guessed dislike for the woman was a common thing.
He was flocked by many young and older women similarly. It was obvious they saw him as a means of marriage.
I slowly took a sip from my glass.
He was clearly influencial and powerful. I froze when his blue eyes landed on me and looked away.
He slowly made his way over, as a lion would a prey. Like he was assessing me. Finally, he stopped in front of me.
I took my time raising my head. Finally, my blue eyes met his in question.
"May I have this dance."
I realised that people were switching partners and leaving the dance floor.
I levelled my gaze on his.
There were a lot of things I needed to do. A lot of people to talk to.
"Yes." I curtseied.
He tensively took my arm in his. His other hovered over my waist as if asking permission.
I placed my hands on his shoulder then stepped forward till his hovering hand met my waist. There it was again. The electric zaps that made my toes curl.
I frowned. "I hope you can dance. I hate people stepping on my feet." My words had a double meaning.
He didn't seem to catch it. "Thank God I learnt ball dancing then." His lips were pulled in a smile.
He led to the middle of the floor, then we started moving slowly to the music.
I pointedly stared over his shoulder. A plan was already starting to form.... I needed to get as close as I could to the throne..... It seemed as if people were just setting the way for me. I almost considered not going on with my plans. Almost.
He wasn't lying for once. His dancing was great and effortless. I barely had to do anything and as floated across the floor.
His throat cleared. "I know you must think of me as a lying piece of scum now."
I blinked up at him. "Pardon?" Yes.
He sighed and twirled me. "I wasn't lying though. My name is Kiaran.... It's my third name. I didn't want you to know my identity because I didn't want to tarnish your image of the kingdom by my foolish actions. I shouldn't have been spying on you in the middle of the night, or any time at all and I am sorry." He finished in a breadth.
Well an apology was nice.
I didn't hate him as much, though a question kept rolling around in my mind.
"I forgive you." He exhaled in relief. "Although, I keep wondering.... Would you ever tell me why you were spying on me?"
He seemed to stiffen and red traces fanned his cheeks and crawled down his neck."Uhh.... No??"
No? I tried to stop my eyes from narrowing. He seemed suspicious. Why would he spy on me? Why did his touch send electric shots through me? For some reason he triggered warning signs in me.
No matter how helpful he could be to my mission, I couldn't risk it. I knew personally that the hard sure way was better than the short unsure way.
I hummed. "You don't say?" Then looked away. "Should I be concerned?"
His laugh was deep and rich. Like hot tea in winter. It was also nervous.My brows furrowed. Innocent or nervous of his mission?
"I don't think so." He cleared his throat again. "I won't spy on you anymore I swear!!"
He flung me away then pulled my back into his arms. This time my back was to him and my hand covered his on my waist.
"Anymore meaning you have done this more then once??"
He fervently shook his head. "No! No.... It was only that once."
He spun me to face him. "How about we start on a new slate? Good evening. I am Jasper."
I thought over it for a while then nodded. "I am Aurora."
He slowly started moving again. Taking me with him."So, what brought you here?"
My suspicions were up again. I slowly replied. "I came from abroad to find my own fortune."
His eyes narrowed in curiousity. "Where?"
"France."
He slowly nodded. "Any siblings? And what of your parents?"
I tried not to freeze up or him. "Two siblings. Both are dead. So are my parents."
I was an only child but Oliver and Laura had been like siblings to me.
His blue eyes turned soft.It only made me more angry."I am sorry."
I looked away. "It is fine." I turned back. "What of you? What is your story?"
His eyes changed. The expression in them was unreadable. "Nothing really. Mother died years ago and I have no sibling. I have a best friend who is like a brother though. Jack. You should've seen him. The man with green eyes and a mischievous look."
At the thought of Jack, a smile subconsciously tugged at my lips. "Yes. I have. He is quite a peculiar man."
He grinned.
My mouth almost fell open at his straight white teeth.
"I know. I love him like that."
I was suddenly conscious of how handsome the man was.
His hand on my waist burnt me.I pulled away.
"I.. I need to go around. See how the party is doing..."
He reluctantly pulled away. "Oh. Of course.."
I quickly turned and walked away. Away from the handsome man and his electric touch.