A loud giggle distracted our conversation. We looked over to see a tall man wearing a silver suit and a silver mask surrounded by many women, nobles and courtesans alike. I have never seen such a crowd gather around one man before. They were all smiles up front but their eyes distributed daggers. Seeing the man, Andrella clicked her tongue. I wondered if she knew who he was.
"Ah gentlemen, it has been nice discussing with you. We would move this along now as I have many guests to greet" Andrella just had to blink her eyes a few times and they let her go. She covered her face with a fan and pulled me along, making me almost stumble. I looked back to see if I could catch a glimpse of the man but he was no longer there. It was strange as it felt like he was looking at me.
"Lady Andrella, what a wonderful surprise. I didn't know you would be here," the words rolled off his tongue smoothly but his quivering mouth said otherwise. Those stormy grey eyes flickered with amusement.
"Your highness. It's also a surprise you're here." Andrella's mouth was covered with the fan but I could see she was struggling to be polite.
She offered her hand to him, which meant she had to drop mine. He dropped a delicate kiss on it and when he looked up, his eyes met mine. Staring straight at those eyes felt like I was falling into a never ending abyss. For a few seconds, he seemed to capture my very soul.
"Who might this young lady be?"
"I am -"
"Your highness shouldn't bother with her. I am just introducing her."
"So she is one of your proteges then? I did hear that today, some of your girls would be debuting. She looks stunning."
"If you already know, then you shouldn't bother with us, your highness. The night might be young but it will be over before we know it." Andrella grabbed hold of me again, ready to leave. The gaze of this prince lingered on me, as if giving me a choice.
If I went with Andrella, I would have to settle with lecherous old men as my patrons. If I made an impression on the prince, perhaps I would be able to get closer to my goal, even if it was by a little.
"My name is Elayne Greycastle, your highness," I said as I stopped her.
"A lovely name," he replied with a grinned. Andrella's grip tightened.
"Would you like to dance, Miss Greycastle?" He offered a gloved hand. I looked at Andrella and rage was already clouding her eyes. I apologized to her in my head and slipped out of her grip. I placed it on the prince's hand and did a courtesy.
"It would be my honor, your highness."
I could feel a scorching gaze on my back as we walked to find a suitable space on the dance floor. The crowd unexpectedly made way for us and we found ourselves at the center. Smoothly putting his hand on my waist, he held on to my right hand. I held on to him and we startled gliding.
The prince moved like a swan, controlling the pace. I followed his pace meekly despite being taught numerous times to take the lead. His gaze never once strayed from me and neither did the gazes of the numerous people that filled the ballroom. Unlike storybooks where you'd dance the butterflies away, they seemed to multiply by the second.
"Anything the matter, Miss Greycastle?"
"Nothing, your highness. It just feels a little warm in here."
His eyes lingered on my bust as if to say 'in that?'
"Well, why don't we go take a breather? My legs are hurting from dancing this much."
"Alright" We stop dancing and in front of many others walk out to the gazebo. A gentle breeze caressed my face, blowing my hair in many directions. I tried to calm it and blushed deeply when I heard a chuckle beside him.
"I'm sorry for being so shameful your highness."
"Miss Greycastle, look at me."
I slowly turned to him and suppressed a chuckle when his hair was also sticking out in many directions.
"The moon is so lovely tonight."
I followed his gaze, tracing it to the sky. I blinked in surprise when I discovered-
"Your highness, there is no moon tonight."
"O-Oh really?" He stuttered. He actually stuttered. I unfurl my fan and cover my mouth just to make sure he didn't see me trying to choke back a laugh.
"I was using a metaphor. I was trying to refer to you, Miss Greycastle. You look as lovely as the moon."
"I do not know if you're complimenting me or insulting me your highness."
"I am honestly giving you a comment!"
"If his highness says so, I would believe."
"... You're just patronizing me, aren't you?"
"Well, what does your highness think?"
"Well, I think..." He lowered his face till our noses touched, our breaths intermingling. His grey eyes were much piercing up close.
"I think it doesn't matter anyway. In my eyes, you're just as beautiful."
"How flattering." I smirked. His eyelids fluttered close and so did mine. Our lips were but a hair breath away when we heard a loud cough.
"Ahem!" Andrella did not look pleased. I pulled away immediately but the prince held me close with his arms around my waist.
"Lady Andrella, what seems to be the matter?"
"Your highness, do you not care for your reputation?"
"It's a masquerade party. I don't think anyone knows."
"Prince Kron, everyone recognizes that long blonde hair and your grey eyes the moment you walk into the room. If you want no further damage, you would let go this instant."
"But I want to accompany her."
"Not like this. Send me a formal request and we'll talk. As for you, get over here." Her tone left no room for arguments. I tapped on the prince's hand with my fan and he let go. I gave him a courtesy and walked to my master.
"See you later, Miss Greycastle."
I could only offer a small smile as we walked back into the party.
"... Elayne."
"Yes Mistress?"
"You have repeatedly tested my patience today. If you think getting with a royal is a shortcut to success then you need to have a rethink. Not everyone can be as lucky as Noelle."
"But Mistress, I wouldn't know unless I try, right?"
"You... I have nothing to say to you. Now that the prince has taken a liking to you, the other nobles are reluctant to get with you until your value can be ascertained. Although this isn't a bad thing, it isn't a good thing either. Just go stay with the others until I figure things out."
"Yes Mistress."
As my master walked off, I surveyed the ballroom, looking for Amelia. I was sure she was around somewhere. While searching, I bumped into a sturdy chest.
"Oh, I am so sorry."
"It's fine. Young ladies should be more careful when they're walking."
"Yes, I'll be more careful..." My voice trailed off as I looked up at his face. I thought the prince was the only exceptional man I was going to see that night. Apparently I was wrong.
Short and wavy red hair with bangs that curled around his face, round blue eyes, this stranger was good looking from all angles. Even with the mask, I could see his face had a softer touch as compared to the other men. He looked a little impatient and ready to flee at any moment.
"Did I interrupt something, my lord?"
"Oh, no, I was running from someone..."
"A fiancee perhaps?"
"Something of the sort."
"Would you like me to help you out?"
"Hmm, you will, why?"
"Let's just say I like your eyes. I require nothing but a dance." His eyes trailed down to my bust, snapping back to my face immediately. He looked around once more and nodded.