In the moments Zeven would shine, Chris realized the vast differences between them. He was a real prince. born and raised in the spotlight. Wearing the title so well, it made her feel like even more of a fraud.
Her gaze fell slowly, trickling away from him as her shame came flooding back to her.
Zeven noticed her head as it began to drop down. Removing the hand on her waist, he brushed a stray hair out of her face. Tucking it behind her ear before resting his hand there.
Just for tonight," he kissed her forehead, "Like you said, if this is our last night… let's enjoy it. People like us don't get moments like this often. We should enjoy it while it lasts."
"Is this fun for you?" She still hadn't met his eyes, but she had moved closer towards him. whether that was to escape his gaze or to seek comfort he did not know.
"Honestly? I have always hated big events like this. I do not like having to pretend to be the person they expect of me. however, this moment right now… this I am finding very… nice."
They had come to a stop in the middle of the dance floor. Apart from the gentle swaying they remained still. Noticing that where they stood blocked the flow of the dancers, Chris moved them off to the side. Leading him to the outskirts of the dance floor just as the music faded away.
All the people who had been dancing previously now sought new excitement, and in doing so turned to the most intriguing people in the room. The couples all started swarming Zeven and Chris.
Instead of ignoring Chris like last time, this time Chris was center to the conversation. A thousand questions were thrown her way by the women that surrounded her. Physically separating her from Zeven. To be apart from him set off warning bells in her chest, but she choked it down with a smile as she began to field the questions.
"How did you meet?"
"He literally swept me away." She kept the literally to herself, because it revealed too much about their actual first introduction.
"Are you of noble birth?"
"Noble enough, but isn't it almost more romantic if I wasn't. If he just saw me standing in the middle of a room and was drawn to me by fate."
"Was he?"
"I like to think so, he practically tried to undress me the minute he could."
"The man announced you as a princess, are you one?"
"Only for Zeven." She looked over at Zeven, who was within arms reach, but engrossed in a separate conversation.
"You are certainly beautiful enough."
The ladies continued to throw questions her way. Inquiring about everything they could think of.
Zeven was more interested in the conversation they were having than his own. Listening in on what they were saying, while smiling and nodding at whatever nonsense the man said. Until one particular question caught his attention.
"You and Zeven must be so happy together."
"He is the love of my life, not a day goes by that I am not glad to be next to him."
Even though he knew it was only a lie, he couldn't stop the swelling in his chest.
As more people gathered around, she found herself the center of attention of more than just the women. The men who had only been looking at her before began to initiate conversation.
The moment Zeven saw them start to reach out to touch her, he couldn't prevent himself from stepping in.
Chris found herself being tucked closely to Zeven. She could practically feel the possessiveness radiating off him. It was not an appreciated gesture, but telling him that outright was not smart in their current situation. Instead she decided to play the game.
Chris wrapped herself tightly around him. Her body pressed against his. Tilting her head she blew across Zeven's neck, feeling the tremors that he tried to hide. A lascivious smile danced across her features. Causing such a little scene that the crowd around them tittered and buzzed and dissipated with embarrassment.
"Having fun?"
"More than I thought."
With a deep breath she peeled herself off him. Pushing off of his shoulders. He looked down at her when he noticed the slight tremble in her shoulders. Instinctually he moved his hand to her face, titling it upwards to get a better look at it.
She was biting her lip to keep from laughing. The corners of her eyes creased as they shined. He relaxed knowing that she was not upset, but didn't remove his hand from her face. Instead he watched as she struggled not to make a scene. And as he looked at her he felt something undeniable surge in his chest.
Chris turned her head and stepped out of reach. Like she was toying with him, she smiled as she moved away. She picked up two champagne glasses from a nearby waiter before returning to him. Passing one to him, she took his other hand and pulled him along to a table a little ways away. Taking note of his change in attitude.
He seemed deep in thought. Lost almost. He followed along without complaint allowing her to even push him down into a chair. She turned her back to him to sit in her own chair when his arms wrapped around her waist pulling her down to him.
Zeven rested his head in the crook of her neck, the lace making imprints in his forehead.
"I don't mind this, but I need to reposition."
It was not the time or place to argue, and in this new situation Chris would be lying to say she hated it.
Almost robotically he loosened his arms around her, giving her only a bit of room to move around refusing to fully let her go.
She leaned forward and set her glass on the table so she didn't have to worry about spilling it as she got settled. Chris pulled her skirt up, bunching it on the sides so it didn't get in her way and she swung her legs around. Unbuckling her shoes before stretching out her long legs to the side, resting her bare feet on an empty chair.
Her tailbone sat in between his legs, she reached to the table to grab her glass and then leaned back against Zeven's broad chest. One hand holding her champagne the other wrapped around Zeven's neck. She looked like a goddess perched on her throne.
As they drank, Zeven slowly began to lean further and further into Chris. She didn't mind as his temple rested against her cheek. His skin felt soft and warm against hers. Absentmindedly her fingers combed through his hair as they enjoyed each other's company amidst a sea of strangers.