The song was winding down to an end, and Artrix was eager to get away from the man holding her, hovering uncomfortably close, hand resting a little to low to be merely friendly. She was almost excited to get off the dacefloor, and maybe send the man for some wine before strolling off on her own through the gardens.
But that's not exactly what happened. As the song ended, she felt a hand wrap around her fingers firmly, but gently and suddenly, she twirled softly into someone else's arms. The man looked upset, and Willa gave him a small wave goodbye, grateful to be rid of him. The music started again, this time lower and smoother, and she looked up at her savior. When she saw him, she couldn't help gasp lightly under her breath. It was the prince himself. Dancing with her, of all people. However, unlike most women, she wasn't overjoyed, and falling all over herself for his attention. In fact, she felt a little frightened, even though on the outside, she was cool and calm. She knew his reputation with women, and she had heard the stories about him.
He looked down into her eyes with his own, silver and swirling, a devilish grin on his lips. Something about his beautiful eyes made her uncomfortable. The way they were focused on her, with such intensity, she felt exposed and vunerable. She glanced at the women around her, staring at her with envy in their eyes.
Did other women like this feeling? She looked back into his eyes and felt it again. That feeling, like she might as well be standing before him naked with a book of her past and darkest secrets lying open for him to read. It was frustrating and mesmorizing at the same time. They spun across the floor, not speaking until he pulled her close.
"Forgive me for how rude I was back there, stealing you away from the man who is courting you." Just the sound of his voice triggered alarms in her mind, because even it was beautiful and perfect. This is a man I need to be careful with. She thought to herself, mentally deciding she would refuse him in any way possible. The powerful, arrogant, good-looking men always caused the most trouble. She allowed herself to flirt and laugh with the lesser-types, but men like the Prince were not to be toyed with. She'd made the mistake of falling for someone like him once, and was never going back.
All these thoughts coursed through her at once, while, on the outside, she merely smiled her prettiest smile up at the Prince and shook her head gently. "I don't even know his name. I came alone." She answered, working her hardest not to stutter under the intensity of his eyes. Why did women like this? The feeling she'd had when she'd first been walking through the castle was back. There was something glorious about the moment, making her want to grasp it hard and never let go, but there was also something unsettling, like she'd just walked into something she had no control of.