I arrived at the ball an hour ago and I was already bored out of my mind. My mother was speaking with some of her lady friends that no doubt had marriageable sons and Father was speaking with some foreign guests. I used Mother's distraction as a chance to slip away undetected.
I slipped away to my newest hiding spot, it was nestled over by the library and it was right by the ballroom. I could see everyone that used that entrance, all without being spotted myself. I opened my book to the spot where I had left off at and I was getting to a particularly good part when a man cleared his throat and said "Excuse me, miss but shouldn't a lady as beautiful as you be at the ball?"
I raised my eyebrow and said "Well, how do you know I want to be at the ball in the first place?"
His voice was tinged with amusement as he said, " Well, I could point to your dress as evidence and your hair. However your lack of makeup is quite curious."
Something in his voice made me look him in the eye and I saw something in his blue grey eyes, something almost wolf-like, but it didn't scare me. I saw his dark brown hair, I could smell something like sandalwood. I have always favored the woody scents but sandalwood was hands down my favorite of them all.
"Yes, but how do you know that I wasn't simply forced to be at the ball?"
He seemed mildly impressed and said, "That is possible and most likely the case considering that I found you here, hiding away, instead of dancing the night away. In any event, a lady like you must have a name."
I smirked and said, "I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours." He offered me his hand and I took it.
He pulled me to my feet and said, "Fair enough. My name is Jared of Sovrano, what's yours fair lady? "
"Rose of Sicilia"
He raised his eyebrows in surprise and said "Well now, I suppose that as a gentleman, I am honor bound to offer my escort to such a noble lady."
I giggled and said, "Thank you my lord for such a kind offer, one which I graciously accept."
We began to walk back to the ball room with my hand in the crook of his right arm, while I was trying to ignore the scent of sandalwood that was suddenly very strong.