At the insistence of Queen Ulrica, all the younger members of the court have gathered to practice the formal dances for the mid-winter ball being held in Leo's honour. My stomach churns with apprehension and I couldn't eat a thing at breakfast.

Firstly, I have no idea what kind of dances to expect and secondly the only thing like this that I have ever attended was the May Day ball in my first year at Uni. That night holds bitter sweet memories of my first kiss.

Aren's eyes twinkle as he moves towards me and I can't help thinking that dancing in his arms will make this much less of an ordeal. Unfortunately, one of the instructors steps between us and partners me with Leo instead.

We get in hold and it feels a little odd being in Leo's arms. He is taller and broader than Aren, but has those same sky-blue eyes.

"I am sorry that you have such a poor partner today," I whisper.

Leo bends his head slightly and whispers back, "I cannot concur. I find you the gentlest of ladies."

"You are so kindly sir. I shall have to try not to tread on your toes too hard then," I respond jokingly.

Leo laughs out loud earning him a look from his brother.

Speaking in a hushed tone, I ask something that has been bothering me, "Will I be able to dance at the ball? Someone said that I was too young and would have to sit with the children."

"Would that someone happen to be dancing with my brother?"

We both glance over to Aren who has been partnered with Belinda.

"Fret not. I have no doubt that you will have more partners than you can possibly dance with."

I breathe a sigh of relief and focus on the steps. I am so thankful that we covered the basics of ballroom at school. It would be unthinkable for any of the young ladies to have left my school without the skill in their armoury. I resist the urge to roll my eyes, but it is helping me to pick things up quickly.

The lesson whizzes past and is actually rather fun. It helps that Leo is an excellent lead and takes my mistakes with good humour, even when I do indeed step on his foot.

Aren does not seem to be in a particularly good mood; his brow is furrowed and there is the threat of storm clouds in the blue of his eyes. He shakes off Belinda as soon as the music is over and prowls over to us. There is something animalistic in his carriage, which I must admit I find rather attractive.

"Do you want to go and visit Storm?" he asks as summer returns to his eyes.

"I'm sorry, I can't. I have practice and then a dress fitting."

Aren pouts. "What are you practising?"

"I can't tell you. It's a secret."

"A secret even from me?"

"My lips are sealed."

Aren moves in close and ghosts his lips across mine. "Is there any way that I can persuade you to open them?"

One of the instructors clears his throat. "Prince Aren, I am sure that you have things to attend to. Everyone else has gone on their way."

.......

Tabbi is standing in her undergarments, with an older woman holding a tape measure against her, when I burst into her room. "Sorry I'm late."

She cocks her head. "Were you in the music room all this time?"

"Yes, I am trying to get my voice in shape," I explain as I strip down to my undergarments.

After taking my measurements, the woman pulls out several swatches of white silk, each with subtle differences in the embroidery, and one by one holds them up against me.

"How come we have to wear white?"

"Ahh." Tabbi blushes, twisting awkwardly. "The white indicates that it is our first season and as such are untouched."

"So, I might as well wear a big sign saying 'virgin territory, hands off'?" I motion to my body.

"Elissa, you have such a way with words." Tabbi giggles. "Though I think my cousin will certainly try to make sure that everyone keeps their hands to themselves."

Leaning close to Tabbi, I ask in a hushed voice, "Will the flatulent one be wearing white too? Because from what I heard that would be a serious violation of the trade descriptions act."

Tabbi falls about laughing, earning a raised eyebrow from the seamstress. The woman bundles everything back into a wicker basket before leaving us to get dressed.

"So how is it going with Drake? I noticed that you danced together today."

"It is hopeless!"

I hug her. "Don't worry I'm sure we'll think of something."

.....

Opening the curtains, I am greeted by the sight of a heavy frost, making the garden look like a winter wonderland. A smile crosses my face as a cunning plan comes to mind.

As normal, I call for Tabbi on the way to the great hall. "Tabbi, I have an idea that might help you with Drake. Just follow my lead at breakfast."

Aren looks up as we approach our table, tilting his head slightly, possibly because of my uncharacteristic smirk.

"It is so beautiful outside. I thought it might be fun if we girls challenged you guys to a game of chase." I look to the others at the table to gauge their reaction.

"We are ladies," Belinda reprimands coolly.

"I think it might be fun," Tabbi pipes up.

Rosamond looks indecisive.

"On second thoughts." My eyes connect with Aren's. "I don't think any of you gentlemen can catch me."

"Count me in," Aren responds, instantly rising to the challenge.

"What would be our reward?" asks Ray.

I tap my lips thoughtfully. "What do you suggest?"

Ray tracks the movement. "How about a kiss?"

I smile brightly as if the idea hadn't already crossed my mind. "So, who's in?"

"I am game." Drake smiles and nudges his sister. "Come on Bel, it will be fun."

Amused, Leo indicates that he is in also.

"Well I suppose if everyone is taking part." Suddenly Belinda changes her tune, I don't suppose she likes the idea of being left out.

"I will be the adjudicator," Bram volunteers. "I suggest that, to be fair, there is no use of magic."

As we make our way to the woods behind the castle, I pull Tabbi to one side and ask in an urgent whisper, "Can you run fast?"

"Yes," Tabbi whispers back. "My family are all wolves, and what am I? A gazelle!"

"Oh! You poor thing. That is kind of twisted. Anyway, don't make it easy for him."

As the men start their countdown, I sprint off and only stop to look back once they are in pursuit. Chagrinned, I grind my teeth when Belinda falters pathetically in front of Aren. That woman is unbelievable.

However, Aren does not take any notice of Belinda; he simply dodges around her and keeps running directly towards me. I have to snigger to myself when Belinda just stands there in disbelief, allowing Ray to run up and grab her. Not letting go of his quarry, Ray kisses Belinda full on the lips, until she shoves him off. That will serve her right. Two down.

Shaking my head, I berate myself for getting distracted; Aren is catching up. Setting off once more, I lose myself in the freedom of running through the forest and relish the sensation of the cool air rushing by.

At the sound of a piercing whistle, I stop and find that Aren is not far behind me. The smouldering look he sends me has my heartbeat quickening. I could so easily get lost in those eyes. Come on Elle don't get distracted. This is for Tabbi, not you.

Pulling myself together, I motion that we should find the others. When we congregate, I discover that Leo caught Rosamond, but that Tabbi has yet to be caught.

Turning my back on Aren, I wink at Tabbi. "We are just too fast for these two. We should ask them to concede defeat."

"No way!" Aren protests.

I spin to face him again. "Then a new challenge is in order. I have to get to the castle and one of you two needs to try to catch me."

Aren growls, stepping closer. "Drake's challenge is to catch Tabbi. You. Are. Mine!" He annunciates each word.

Involuntarily, I shiver at his possessive tone and wouldn't mind conceding defeat right now. Instead, I assume an unaffected mien. "Alright. And when I win, I want a rose as my prize."

"It is the middle of winter," Aren complains.

I quirk an eyebrow. "You are lucky that I did not ask for twelve red roses, for that is a sign of love in my old world."

"I accept your terms." Aren belatedly turns to Drake. "Do you concur?"

Drake smiles amiably and shrugs.

Aren's heated gaze returns to me. "You had better keep your lips warm for me, my love. I will be claiming them soon."

Those butterflies are wreaking havoc inside, so I allow my competitive side to come out. If he thinks that I am going to make it easy, then he has another thing coming.

Cheekily, I blow both challengers a kiss and grabbing Tabbi's hand, we run off together. As soon as the chance presents itself, I steer us behind the shelter of some trees and pull to a stop. Then I start loosening the ties at the front of Tabbi's dress.

"What on Elysium are you doing?" Tabbi challenges.

"You have assets girl. When Drake catches you, a bit of heaving bosom isn't going to hurt."

I give her a wink and set off running again, determined to win.

.....................