Crystalline glass shatters and fractures the light into beautiful mosaics across the room. Colours dance daintily along the ballroom floor. Gold braid and silken lace curl around the men and women like vines, exaggerating their beauty to an unnatural standpoint. Voices rise and fall in false laughter and deceptive pleasantries, turning the room into a chessboard of cheap politics and bloated strategy. I can see them all; so tightly wrapped up in their own worlds of self worth, weighing their own insignificant problems as events of world shaking importance. I sit with a cold smile that takes all my strength to muster. Today will be especially difficult. But I ought not complain; I can make out several faces in the crowd besides me that also do not wish to be here. If only we could leave together...

“My Lady,” An exquisite gloved hand is offered. “Would you care for a dance?”

I look up in shock, amazed that someone would take notice of my quiet corner. Sky blue eyes and golden hair meet me as a boy only a couple years older offers a gentle smile.

A smile I cannot refuse.

I take the hand and join the sea of colourful poison, taking care to ensure each of my actions are elegant and appropriate for my young age and rank.

Reaching the middle, I politely curtsey to my exquisite partner’s bow. He places a hand upon my waist and I upon his shoulder; I cannot stop my heart from racing as we draw near. I may not know this boy very well, but I can find absolutely no fault with him. He smiles at my flushed expression, perhaps intrigued by what he sees. I keep my eyes on his, searching for any sign of anger or greed; anything to warn me of a hidden nature. But in his eyes only reflects interest and fascination, interest in me and fascination for who I am.

I feel his breath on my cheek as he leans in to whisper.

“You are the first girl to ever look upon me with such inquisitive eyes. Most merely want something from me, but you- you are the first to search me in such a manner.”

I drop my eyes slightly, embarrassed at being caught.

“You flatter me my lord. I merely wanted to get to know you better.”

The young man laughs, a picture of perfection.

“You need not excuse yourself to me Lady Carstan.” He leans closer, whispering into my ear.

“After all, I hope we’ll become good friends.”