A Private Dance

"Do not be nervous. They do not bite," Rupert assured.

"For some reason I do not believe that," Nya commented.

So this is what a ball looks like.

Rupert, the king's butler, led her into the ballroom. It was hard not to notice everyone in attendance staring at her. Though they were whispering, Nya could hear every word they said about her.

"Who is she?"

"She must be one of those overseas maidens who couldn't find a man in her country."

"I know everyone in town but I have no idea who she is."

"Maybe she is another one of the king's promiscuous lovers who feels they are entitled to be queen."

Nya did not care what they thought of her as she was busy admiring the decor. When she thought of what the ball would look like, she imagined it to look duller. It was bright and colorful.

Nya noticed many ladies roaming across the dance floor. They did not dance with the other men who were busying themselves with drinks. Instead, they gathered in circles, talking to each other while making strange gestures with their fans.

"I do apologize, but it seems that I am needed elsewhere," Rupert apologized.

"You do not have to apologize for attending to your duties," Nya said.

Rupert bowed as he excused himself. Now alone, Nya walked around the room, trying her best not to look out of place. She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing server. Nya leaned on a pillar, sipping her drink as she looked to see what the other ladies couldn't stop staring at. It was king Cassian.

He was in the center of the dance floor with one of the ladies dancing to a very slow song. Even though she stood far, Nya could see each individual tooth the noble lady bared as she looked adoringly at the king. However, Nya did notice that the king did not share the lady's look of admiration; instead, he looked rather pained. His forced smile went unnoticed by his dance partner. Nya laughed into her glass as she watched the king silently suffering.

Though most seemed to be distracted by their own conversations, Nya noticed a few people still staring at her. She shifted her weight from one foot to another, tapping the empty glass and doing her best not to focus on the people staring.

"Something tells me you are out of place here," a soothing voice spoke.

Nya looked to see a dark-haired man leaning on the same pillar with two drinks in his hands.

"What makes you think that?" Nya asked.

"Because I too, have felt as though I wasn't meant to be here. It also doesn't help that everyone keeps on staring," the stranger stated.

He leaned his head on the pillar, staring softly at her with his sharp blue eyes. He stretched an arm out, offering her a drink.

"Don't worry, it is not poison," he assured.

Nya raised her brow as she slowly took the drink out of the stranger's hand.

"That is an odd thing to say. Have there had incidents of people attempting to poison others at these events?" Nya questioned, inspecting her drink.

"Well not that I've heard of but people tend to be suspicious of one's niceness," he stated.

"Well, it is rather strange for a complete stranger to offer one a drink upon first conversation," she stated.

"Well, yes, I guess that makes sense, but I assure you that there is no poison."

"I never thought there was any, to begin with."

He smiled at her as she downed her drink.

"Well, that was not very ladylike of you," he jeered.

"It is not ladylike? I have seen mostly all the men in this room downing drinks one after the other. Now tell me, is that gentleman like of them?" Nya questioned.

The stranger stood with his eyes wide open, running his fingers through his head, lost for words.

"I'm sorry if you wanted me to take tiny sips but it's ridiculous to say the way I choose to drink something is not ladylike of me. For a drink does not make me a true lady," Nya stated.

He continued to stare at her, but a small smile appeared this time as he let out a little chuckle.

"I'm sorry about that. You're right it is kind of a foolish thing to say," he apologized. "You know most women would try their best to do things they were told were proper for a lady to do and they wouldn't dare challenge a man's word. But you miss, are not like other ladies."

Nya chuckled as she faced the dance floor once more, to where the king did his best to suppress a smile as the lady appeared to be rambling.

"I am enjoying our conversation quite much, I grew rather bored of the ladies talking about how their several languages and skillful piano playing makes them the perfect wife for the king," the stranger stated, grabbing Nya's attention once more.

"But all we have truly discussed is the way one chooses to drink," Nya remarked.

"You truly have no idea what I have suffered from until I found you," he confessed.

Something about how he looked at her made Nya unable to look away. She forgot about the people staring; she forgot about the distressed king. All she saw was the handsome stranger.

"So tell me miss, what is a beautiful lady like yourself doing standing here instead of dancing the night away? Have you already dismissed all gentlemen who has offered to dance?" he asked.

"Quite the opposite in fact, no man here wants to dance with me," Nya uttered.

"Well it is their loss. But I am not a fool like the others," he said, moving closer to her. "Would you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

He took Nya's hand in his, intertwining his fingers with hers. She stared at their joint hands as he raised them to eye level. He smiled, cocking his head in the direction of the dance floor.

"As tempting as your offer is, I decline," Nya said.

"Oh well, it seems I am the first victim of your rejection party tonight. But if it is alright with you, I would like to stay a little longer.

Nya did not say yes, but she did not say yes, either. However, he seemed to get her response as their pinkies were still connected.

The music changed from a slow-moving ballad to something a little more normal pace. Though the change in music allowed people to loosen up a little from such stiff dancing, it still wasn't that lively.

At that moment, Cassian did not care for the music as he was more relieved with getting off the dance floor full of ladies impatiently waiting for their turn. Cassian enjoyed dancing most of the time, but tonight he grew a distaste for it. Being forced to dance with every lady in attendance takes out the enjoyment of it.

After listening to lady Canbry ramble on about each dog she has successfully taken care of, Cassian swiftly made his exit off the dance floor before the next song started. For the first time since the start of the night, Cassian felt relief as he wasn't surrounded by ladies waiting for their turn. With a few minutes to himself before he was to return to misery, he made his way over to the bar. On his journey there, he overheard many guests whispering and spreading gossip. Though this was a regular occurrence at these events, their conversation interested Cassian for once.

"I've asked everyone around and no one seems to know where she came from."

"I don't know what it is but she doesn't seem like belongs here."

"Do they just invite anyone to these things now?"

"Do you think its another one of the king's hussies?"

"I don't know I don't think the king would go for someone like her"

"Well it seems she's already gotten some poor soul caught in her web."

They must have been referring to Nya.

Cassian became furious as he heard the way his guests spoke about Nya. The people high in society tend to talk ill of those they were unfamiliar with or assumed were below them. The way they dehumanized people always angered Cassian, as his father did the same to him. Yet his blood boiled more as he heard the nasty things they described her as.

Cassian did his best to block out the crowd's sound as he scanned the room for his special guest. There were people scattered throughout the ballroom, making it harder for him to find her. He walked away from the bar making his way to the other side of the room. The ladies who still remained on the dance floor tried calling for his attention, but he paid no attention to them. Finally, off the dance floor, he saw her.

After scanning through the entire room, he finally saw her. A grin appeared as he saw Nya leaning on one of the pillars. She was dressed in a lovely pink dress that sparkled on the top. Nya wore her hair up again as the two curls fell on her face. Cassian stood in awe, unable to remove his gaze off of her charming smile. She was laughing now, and he didn't know why but it made him smile even more. He never really saw her smile this much, for every time they interacted, Nya always seemed to have a blank expression.

The guests started moving around, allowing Cassian to get a better view of Nya. As more people moved, Cassian was able to see who stood next to her, turning his admirable smile into a clenched jaw. He glared at the man who was making Nya laugh. King Darius Lavinston of Omegan.

The kingdoms of Nirvana and Omegan had a long history of being sworn rivals; the same goes for Cassian and Darius.

Cassian's blood boiled as he watched Darius lean on the same pillar, getting closer to Nya. He wondered what Darius could ever have to say to his guest. But whatever he was saying seemed to be making her smile, a smile that had brought Cassian comfort a few moments ago. Cassian looked down to see that their pinkies were intertwined with each other. That seemed to be the final straw for Cassian to storm off in their direction.

Cassian came closer to the two, hands now balled into fists. He did not know exactly what he would do when he approached them, but he had some ideas. Cassian's mind raced as he watched them converse, not understanding what she found so interesting about Darius. He did not understand how she could be smiling with Darius and not him. Suddenly Cassian was no longer matching Nya and Darius as a hand grabbed his arm.

"Cassian"

He turned to see who had stopped him in his tracks. It was Rosalina.

"I believe it is my turn for a dance, your majesty," she smirked.

"I do not wish to dance right now."

"You do not really have a say in the matter as you are to dance with all of the ladies which includes me."

"Can you not wait until I choose to return to the dance floor? I am busy at the moment."

"With what might I ask? Scrunching up your face. You have already been gone from the dance floor for too long. I believe it is now time for you to return."

Rosalina did not allow any time for Cassian to argue back at her as she dragged him back to the middle of the dance floor for her dance. Cassian gave her a deadly stare as she wrapped her arms around her neck while smirking at him.

"You do realize that is not where your hands are supposed to go," Cassian stated, removing Rosalina's arm from around her neck and placing one on his waist while holding her hand.

"I know how the dance goes but I like to make my own rules," she smirked, grabbing his waist tightly.

"Behave yourself," Cassian hissed.

"Never," Rosalina whispered. "We're going to have some fun."

The music starts up once again, signaling the start of their dance. It seemed to be going well as none of them uttered a word to each other, as Rosalina appeared to be following the dance properly. It seemed that Cassian would be able to get through this dance in peace.

Rosalina's hand escaped Cassian's as it slowly caressed his arm as her hand made its way back around his neck. The hand on his waist now caressed his back. Cassian closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, trying not to show his frustration to the other guests.

"What are you doing?"

"Having some fun."

The music starts to pick up pace as Rosalina now circled a still Cassian as her hand roams across his shoulder. Standing in front of him again, she took his hand, guiding it down until his hand reached her waist.

"Rosalina please whatever it is that you are doing stop it, people are starting to stare," Cassian said as he looked around the room at multiple guests staring at them.

"I do not care what they think."

"Maybe you should"

The dance only became more estranged as it went on, as some of the moves were very suggestive. They were back to back for a moment, then front to front with locked fingers.

"Why are you doing this Rosalina?"

"This is more fun."

"This is not the time to be pulling such nonsense making a fool out of yourself."

"Is that what you see me as, a fool."

Cassian didn't respond as they stood in front of one another, not making eye contact with each other while their hands locked in between them.

"You know that is not what I meant," Cassian sighed, twirling her to face him.

"You did not answer my question," Rosalina grumbled.

"I do not think you are a fool."

He twirled her once more as he now faced her back.

"I feel as though there is a but in there," Rosalina said.

"This is not the time to be having fun."

"This in not the Cassian I know."

"When are you going to realize that I have many responsibilities now, I do not have time to be reckless and uncaring anymore. And as someone who is competing to be my queen you would know that you have an image to uphold and would think twice before doing something like this," Cassian hissed.

"I can tell that you are upset but I do not believe I am the cause of that. So take your frustration out on whatever or whoever upset you," Rosalina stated.

Cassian glanced over to the pillar where Nya stood with Darius, only to realize they were no longer there. Cassian's eyes opened as he let out a small gasp.

"What has happened?"

"Just dance."

Nya's stomach started rumbling as food started making its way to the ballroom. After Nya parted ways with the stranger, she wandered around the room looking for an empty table. Most tables were occupied by other guests, some who whispered as she passed them by. Nya was ready to accept her fate that she might not eat. Luckily for her, she bumped into an empty table on her way back to her pillar.

Now with a table, Nya waited patiently for the servers to reach her as her stomach continued to growl. Fortunately for Nya, a server made their way over to her with a plate.

"Here is your starter my lady."

The server placed a plate with salad, fruits, and some nuts in front of her.

"Thank you very much."

"Now, what would you like for your main meal."

"What are my options?"

"Well we have chicken–"

"We both shall have the turkey with potatoes," a voice interrupted.

The server nodded before walking away to get the food. Nya looked up to see who had ordered her meal for her. It was a friendly-looking lady who seemed to be around the same age as her.

"I hope you do not mind if I sit with you."

"Not at all; you have already ordered for the both of us.

Nya shared a laugh with the other lady as she went to sit down. The movements in her dress outline the shape of a small bump.

"Please let me get that for you," Nya offered, standing up to pull the chair out for the kind stranger.

"No, no, no, you do not have to do that, I'm still able to do these things, and I want to enjoy them before I get big," the lady said, sitting down. "But when I do get bigger, I know I can count on you to pull out my chair for me."

As the lady settled in her seat, Nya watched as the servers brought food out for the other tables.

"I wonder when we are going to get ours," Nya said.

"Oh we still have some time to wait as I ordered us the turkey. The chef takes her time with this meal but trust me the wait is worth it."

"I hope you are right."

Nya's stomach grumbled continuously as she saw the delicious delicacies the other tables were having. Nya looked around the room for something to distract her from her stomach rumbling. She gazed at the dance floor once more where the king had returned. He continued his dance with the ladies, but there was something strange about this dance; it differed from the rest. The dance had him and his partner getting closer to one another. For the dances before, he did his best to hide his discomfort; however, it was clearly visible that the king was rather upset as he and his dance partner exchanged words.

"Is this a normal dance they do here?" Nya asked as the lady, too, stared at the estranged dance.

"I hope not; it looks very complex."

The conversation between the two became heated as his dance partner, too, seemed to be upset. As the dance came to a close, they exchanged hushed words before the lady walked off. The king appeared to be scanning the room for something but was interrupted as a new lady arrived for a dance.

"Should I get us some drinks for the food won't be here for a while?" Nya asked.

"That's a good idea but non-alcoholic for me because," the lady said, pointing to her bump.

"Of course"

Nya got up and made her way over to the other side of the ballroom to the bar. On her way there, the guests no longer talked about her as they were too occupied discussing the strange dance between the king and his last dance partner.

She finally made it to the bar, where she waited for her drinks.

"I fear he does not understand what he is doing."

Nya had overheard the conversation between the men standing beside her at the bar who had their backs facing her. Nya tried her best not to listen in on the stranger's conversation, but that was rather difficult as the man was talking very loudly.

"He is going to make a mockery of the throne."

Were they talking about the king? Nya thought.

"He refuses to focus on the important things in this country and instead wastes his time on unrealistic plans. He almost made me look like a fool at that meeting."

Nya scooted a tiny bit closer to hear what was being said over the noise.

"We should be looking at different investments and our import and export plans but he seems more focused on trying to figure out what to do for the villages. I knew that visit to the village was never a good idea. Now he wants to focus on these unimportant matters, abandoning the things that need his attention."

Was it true what she heard, that the king actually wanted to help the villages?

"Right now, we are not able to provide for the growing demand of our people for oil… and the other things. If we want to keep up with such demands, we must reevaluate our approach to these projects."

"What about the villages."

"The king has other things that are more important that require his attention. The village people will understand. They're easy people to please."

The man turned around to get another drink from the bar. It was the former king Richard Constantin.

"We shall talk later, sir. I must find my son," Richard said, talking to the man next to him before walking away.

The former king proved to Nya things she always thought of the royal family, that they were uncaring individuals who never had any interest in helping the different villages. But the former king also made her realize that maybe the new king was not like his father as he actually seemed to take an interest in the villages.

With drinks now in hand, Nya headed back to the table, where the lady waited patiently for her return.

"I was starting to think you forgot about me," the lady stated as Nya handed her the drink.

"Never, there were just a lot of people at the bar," Nya said.

Shortly after Nya returned to the table, the ladies' meal finally made its way to their table. The ladies cheered as they dug into their food. The flavors burst in Nya's mouth as she savored every bite. The two ladies watched the ladies as they danced with the king, who seemed to be getting very bored.

"You know, I was supposed to be there partaking in the social season," the lady commented.

"Really"

"Yes, but that was before everything had happened," she uttered while playing with the potatoes on her plate.

"If you do not mind me asking what is it that happened?" Nya asked.

"Towards the end of the last year, my parents died on their way to visit family abroad. Being the oldest of the house and a woman, I was forced to marry quickly," she uttered.

"I am so sorry."

"Do not be. Fortunately for me, I was able to marry someone I love deeply. And I am happy for most ladies in my situation do not always end up marrying for love but rather financial security."

"Wow"

"Yes, I can't imagine being on that dance floor right now waiting for the king to dance with me. A dance he is clearly not enjoying. He has to choose one of these ladies to be his bride."

Nya watched the king dance with the different ladies, unable to see him marrying any of them.

"It will be a loveless marriage, just based on the way he interacts with them is telling," Nya said, watching as the king's eyes wandered around the room, not focusing on the lady in front of him.

"Most marriages don't focus on love, especially in the royal family. They tend to focus more on what a lady can bring to the table, and the skills she has that will make her a great mother. To be queen, you have to work harder for the role, as the king needs something pretty by his side."

The lady's words surprised Nya. She heard how tedious the courting seasons could be, but she had no idea it was this cutthroat. Scanning the room once more, she noticed the different ladies fixing their clothes while others seemed to practice with their mothers what they were going to say to impress the king.

This was very different from what she was used to in the village. There was nothing like a social season back home, for once two people found love, they got married. It was that simple, but it seemed more complex in high society.

"I wish you luck," the lady commented.

"Pardon me," Nya said.

"You are participating in the social season are you not?" she questioned, raising a brow.

"No, no, I am not here for the king."

"My apologies"

Nya, taken aback by the lady's question, turns her attention to the dance floor, where the king has taken a break from dancing.

"So what are you doing here if not competing for the king's hand in marriage?"

"I received a personal invitation from the king to attend the ball today."

At that moment, Nya caught the king staring directly at her; she didn't look away from his gaze. Though he was far, she could see a small smile appear on his face as his eyes softened. She didn't know why but she reciprocated with a small smile of her own.

"A personal invitation? Whatever for? Did you not receive one with the rest of the town?" the lady questioned, making Nya tear her gaze away from the king.

"No I did not."

The lady leaned in, curious as to what Nya had to say.

"Can I be honest with you…."

"Marina"

"I am not from the town..or anywhere in high society" Nya hesitated. "I am from the village."

Nya waited for Marina to have a reaction of disgust, but instead, Marina only took Nya's hand in hers as she sighed a breath of relief.

"I thought you were going to say you murdered somebody," Marina chuckled. "I do not care that you are from the village, as I am not like the others who feel the village is below them."

Nya now sighed a breath of relief as her fears of being dismissed by her new acquaintance were now gone.

"So um…" Marina started snapping her fingers.

"Nya"

"What did you do to get the king to invite you, as I refuse to believe what the others say about you."

"Honestly, I have no idea."

Nya turned back to see that the king no longer stood on the dance floor again. She didn't bother to scan the room for him as she was enjoying talking to her companion.

After getting off the dance floor after some more dreadful dances, Cassian saw her once more, and this time she saw him as well. Nya no longer stood with Darius but sat with one of the ladies. He felt a calm come over him as her eyes softened at the sight of him. Sadly, she turned her attention back to the lady.

Cassian started making his way toward Nya's table as he felt awful for not having interacted with his special guest. He wished they were able to spend time together, but it was difficult to escape the multiple women demanding their time to dance. Luckily for him, the ladies made their way over to the different tables to get something to eat, allowing Cassian some time to himself. He was determined to spend time with Nya.

"Cassian"

A hand placed itself on Cassian's shoulder, stopping him.

"There are some people I need you to meet so we can discuss some of the real issues in this country."

Cassian turned around to see his father standing behind him with a serious look on his face.

"I am rather busy at the moment, father, for there is someone I need to see," Cassian stated.

"Do I have to remind you that the only thing you should be attending to right now is this important discussion pertaining to the future of Nirvana. Now is not the time for you to be neglecting your responsibilities to go talk to whoever about some rubbish. You are the king now, and the king's job is to be taking part of this discussion," Richard hissed.

Richard walks over to where some men have gathered. He turns his head to watch his son, signaling Cassian to follow him. Cassian followed his father, trying his best not to show his frustration.

"Gentlemen, may I introduce you to the man who took over my throne, the new king of Nirvana, my son Cassian' Richard announced as they stood in front of the men.

The men applauded Cassian, who gave them his best fraudulent smile.

"We were talking about the rise in demand for oil in Nirvana recently," one of the men spoke.

It was the repeat of the council meeting all over again, with his father taking charge of the conversation and not allowing Cassian to contribute. The men spoke on different matters in Nirvana, from new investment opportunities to the events to come for the social season. It was almost as though Cassian was not even there, as none of the men asked his opinion on anything they discussed.

While the men now talked about their drinks, Cassian scanned the room again for Nya, only to see she had disappeared once more. If his father had not dragged him away, she would have still been there as Cassian imagined them having a conversation. He did not know what they would be discussing, but he believed it would be Nya criticizing how weak the drinks were and saying how a ball would not change her opinion of the royal family. Cassian rather listens to Nya's distaste than stand here listening to the gentlemen not including him in the conversation.

This was not the bathroom.

Nya now stood outside, staring at the back gardens. Marina gave her a set of instructions on where the bathroom was located, but after opening many disappointing doors, she somehow ended up outside. While she tried figuring out how she ended up where she was, Nya heard a rustling sound coming from the big garden. Maybe it was a dog, Nya thought, slowly making her way down the stairs. As she reached the middle step, Nya saw a figure passing near the rose bushes.

"No, no, no, I am not going nowhere near whatever that is," Nya exclaimed, making her way back to the top of the stairs.

Now standing back at the top of the stairs, Nya heard a door open behind her. She hoped it wasn't one of the gossipers who seemed to have nothing better to do than speak lies about her. Nya turned hesitantly, dreading having to face any of them. It was none of them, but instead, it was the king.

"It is you. I finally found you," he smiled, making his way over to her.

"Were you looking for me?"

"Yes. You are my guest, and I haven't been able to spend any time with you."

"Well, you were distracted with all the ladies all over you and doing some strange dances."

"You saw that?"

"Everyone saw that"

Nya laughed as Cassian buried his head in his hands.

"Trust me; I had no control over that dance. But do not let that distract you from the fact that I am an excellent dancer," Cassian smiled.

Nya rolled her eyes at his comments. The two became quiet as the music could be heard from outside.

"This is a lovely melody, perfect for dancing," Cassian commented.

"Oh is it really?" Nya asked, watching a grinning Cassian.

"Yes, it is. I can show you if you do me the honor of dancing with me."

"No"

"No? Why is that?"

Cassian looked at her as she seemed uneasy by his question.

"I do not know how to do your fancy dances," Nya uttered, staring at the ground. "Must I remind you that I come from the village, and we do not have these fancy balls where we are required to learn these dances"

Cassian stepped closer to Nya, lifting her chin with his finger. He stared into her glossy eyes for a moment.

"Let me teach you," Cassian insisted. "No one will see us… it is just you and me."

Lost in his eyes, Nya considered the king's offer to teach her how to dance.

"Ok"

Cassian took her hand in his while gently placing her other one on his waist.

"When I move my foot back, you move yours forward," he instructed.

Cassian went through the basic steps of the dance with Nya. It didn't take long before she understood what to do.

"You're a fast learner," Cassian stated.

"Well it is a very simple dance," Nya said.

Cassian chuckled as they danced around in circles.

"Have you been enjoying yourself tonight?"

"Surprisingly, I have."

"Surprisingly?"

"Well, I did not have high hopes for tonight, but I met some nice people who weren't speaking ill of me."

"I'm sorry for that. I heard the things they were saying, and I didn't like how they spoke about you."

"It's okay, your majesty. I expected people to comment and say rude things when I decided to attend."

"You should not be expecting such inappropriate behavior."

"It is okay," Nya reassured him, slightly caressing his waist as she could see that he was getting upset.

"This part is more difficult, but you will get it," Cassian said, grabbing Nya's hand and placing it on his waist. "Now, when I go left, you must go right."

"That doesn't make any sense," Nya said.

"Just go in the opposite direction of me."

It took some time, but Nya seemed to figure it out.

"Since we are on the topic of people speaking ill of others, I wanted to discuss something with you," Nya said.

"What is it you want to discuss?" Cassian asked.

"Your father"

Cassian's smile faltered at the mention of his father.

"What about him?"

"I overheard him talking about you."

Cassian's jaw starts to clench as he knows his father mostly speaks ill of him to others.

"What was he saying?"

"He spoke of how you are not focusing on the real issues of this country… and how you're focusing too much on trying to help the villages."

Of course, that is what his father chose to rant about. Any mention of the village infuriated his father.

"So it was the normal then—his disappointment in me. Nothing new," Cassian said nonchalantly.

Nya stared at him, shocked that his father's words were a normal thing.

"This is normal?"

"I believe that my father is unable to say anything positive about anyone that isn't himself."

Nya's eyebrows furrowed as she started feeling bad for Cassian.

"Do not feel bad for me. I have grown accustomed to my father's disappointment," Cassian assured Nya.

"It was a surprise to me that you have taken an interest in helping the villages, for I thought you thought just like your father," Nya said.

"I think nothing like my father; if anything, I think like my mother. But in all honesty, it was you who made me realize that I should look into helping the villages."

"Me?"

"Well, when you meet a beautiful lady who tells you directly that she likes nothing about you and your family and what they stand for, it tends to stick with you."

Cassian gave Nya a twirl; they now stood close together as their chest touched. Cassian placed his hand on her back while the other held her arm up high as his hand slowly caressed her arm on its way down. Standing so close to each other, they were able to see the stars in each other's eyes while they panted heavily. They stood there unmoved, not uttering a word as their fingers now intertwined.

"Has anyone seen where king Cassian has disappeared to?"

The voices shouting inside made the two separate instantly.

"It seems I must return to finish off my dances," Cassian stated as he started walking towards the door. "I know that none of them will be better than this one."

"Wait!"

Cassian looked back at Nya, who shifted her weight from right to left.

"Can you tell me where I can find the bathroom?"

Cassian chuckled as he extended his hand to her.

"I shall show you where it is. I would not want you to get lost."

"Well isn't that nice of you, who knew the king was a gentleman"

The two shared a laugh as Cassian guided Nya to where the bathrooms were before Cassian made his way back to the dance floor.

"Ah, you've returned. I was starting to get worried that you got lost," Marina exclaimed as Nya made her way back to the table.

"Well I did end up outside," Nya said as she sat down.

"I'm sorry that I gave you such complex directions."

"It's okay; this is a massive castle."

"Now that you're back, I wanted to discuss something with you."

"Oh okay what is it"

"I want to make you an offer."

"What kind of offer?"

"I want to sponsor you for the social season."

Nya choked, her eyes wide open at Marina's offer to sponsor her.

"I don't want to sound rude Marina but why would you want to do that?"

"I saw the way that the king looked at you while he was on the dance floor and I saw the two of you enter from outside and you both looked comfortable with each other"

"That was nothing. I appreciate your generosity, but I don't know if I can accept this."

Marina slipped a piece of paper over to Nya containing an address.

"If you change your mind, this is where you can find me. Also, I shall be going to the market on Wednesday so you can find me there as well. I expect an answer by the end of the week, for the season starts to get intense after."

Marina left Nya at the table to fetch some water from the bar. Nya stares at the piece of paper, considering Marina's offer.

It was done. Cassian strided off the dance floor after dancing with the final set of ladies. The guests started to take their leave as the night died down. With a drink now in his hand, Cassian was finally able to celebrate.

"Cassian"

What once was a smile turned into a frown quickly as Cassian turned to see his father walking towards him.

"Tonight was a successful night, was it not?" Richard said.

"Yes, it was father," Cassian replied.

"Your former mistress put on quite the show with that dance of hers, but luckily it did not ruin the night."

Cassian took a deep breath as he awaited his father to find something to criticize him about.

"Word going around the ballroom tonight was about an unfamiliar lady who seemed to appear out of nowhere. A lady whom you invited to the ball, personally"

There it was.

"I heard many things about your guest tonight. Many were ridiculous, while some sounded believable. But someone overheard that our mystery guest seemed to come from the village."

"Is there a problem with that?" Cassian asked, doing his best to remain calm.

"A ball is a sophisticated event for those high in society. I should have known you would find a way to make a mockery out of this. Do you ever stop to think how your reckless actions have an impact on this family's reputation? A reputation your great grandfather had to work hard to build." Richard growled.

Breathe in, breathe out, Cassian told himself, trying not to let his father's words anger him.

"That girl shall never step foot in this palace again, for this is not a place for villagers. The village people belong in the village like their name states. This is not a suggestion, Cassian; it is an order."

"I'm sorry I didn't keep my promise and stay with you," Rupert apologized as he met up with Nya outside to take her home.

"Its okay Rupert" Nya assured.

"Well, I hope you had fun tonight."

"What fun is there at a ball like this?"

Rupert shrugged as the two waited for one of the staff members to arrive with the carriage. Thankfully the wait only lasted a few minutes, bringing Rupert and Nya's conversation to an end as they made their way to the carriage.

"Wait!" a voice shouted.

Rupert and Nya turned their attention to the stairs where Cassian ran down towards them. Now standing in front of Nya and Rupert, Cassian took a moment to catch his breath while the two stared at each other confused.

"You weren't going to leave without saying goodbye were you?" Cassian asked, grinning.

"Well, yes," Nya replied.

"Its a good thing I caught you before you left then"

"I suppose so."

"I just wanted to say thank you for the dance. It really made my night."

"You're welcome."

Cassian stepped closer to Nya as he brought her hand to his lips. They made eye contact as his lips touched her soft skin.

"I hope to see you soon, Nya Deglassie."