Work Text:
rod is not much of a talker. in fact, many thought that he was mute for a while. he would speak through his actions, and most of all, with his eyes. they show so much emotion in them, that one look into the sky they hold would cause you to lose yourself.
the prince is known for many wordless acts of kindness. when spotted in public, he’d give those who approach him a gentle smile, yet not once has he spoken a word to anyone.
as you walked into the ballroom, absolutely enchanted with the decor of the venue, you do not notice the pair of teal eyes staring at you from afar- and the quiet gasp that leaves rod’s lips.
the prince does not move from where he is- as the host of the ball, it’s quite ironic how he somehow cannot bring himself to approach you and ask you to a dance.
rod paces himself- ‘ don’t just run in there, you fool.’ he thought. think about what to say.. what does he say? he’s known to not even exchange the smallest of idle talk to anyone- mostly because he’s never really interested- but why does he suddenly want to talk to you?
you continue to admire the beauty of the ballroom, still blissfully unaware of the prince’s silent yearning for a moment with you.
the chandelier’s light spreads all throughout the grand hall, illuminating the flowers that hang over the pillars and giving the guests a warm glow. there’s a part of you that feels somewhat small in the presence of such grandeur, but you dismiss the thought and focus on appreciating what’s in front of you.
rod, on the other hand, did not have the luxury to admire such beauty. well, in his eyes, you were the most beautiful sight in the room- but he digressed. eventually, after what felt like aeons, he finally garnered the courage to walk towards you.
as he begins his approach, rod finds himself fussing over the slightest details- is his posture alright? is his smile too much? maybe tone it down a little? oh, goodness, and his eyes- what if they’re right, what if his eyes give him away and show too much-
“your highness?”
oh, great heavens.
your voice is absolutely breathtaking.
rod stops himself. he doesn’t need to start a whole inner monologue about how sweet your voice sounds. instead, he outstretches his hand, his eyes still fixed upon you.
he already hears a few gasps and sounds of surprises around the room, spreading like silent wildfire in a desolate forest.
rod pays no mind as he opens his mouth to speak. “would you like to dance?”
that was probably the first time he’s ever spoken that much in public. and it shows with the way the audience that has recently gathered around you both has reacted. to not only be approached by the crown prince angielle, but he also spoke to you? and it’s not just some insignificant small talk- he asked you to dance.
reality slowly sinks in and your eyes widen in absolute shock. your own mouth parts, and you expect yourself to gasp at how lucky you are; instead, you reply to the prince’s invitation to dance.
“of course, your highness.” you surprise yourself with your own words. but honestly? what kind of madman would you be to decline the crown prince’s invitation to a dance? in his own ball, no less.
but you must admit, in the deep corners of your heart, you can’t help but feel giggly that he chose you amidst the many suitors that attended this ball. the thought makes you feel like you’re on top of the world.
rod’s eyes sparkle in delight as he hears your reply. your hand touches his, and rod feels like he’s won the grand race of life. oh, and he definitely thought that your hand was very soft..
he almost physically shakes his head to his own thought. rod wastes no time and slides his other hand in your waist, and he realizes something- you’re quite small.
it makes him smile. with the comfortable silence and watchful gaze of everyone on you both, rod leads you into a dance that the pianist immediately catches up on. it almost feels like the piano is following the both of your steps- like you’re leading the music.
by this point in the song, rod leads you into an underarm twirl, and your heart leaps as you spin right into his arms. the hearsays were true; his eyes were magical. they hold so much, like they have an entirely new world inside of them.
the pianist reaches the climax of the song, and after what felt like the most enchanting dance of your life, rod finally lets go of your hand.
that was wonderful, you both thought.