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"Radiant.” You flush as you hear the gently whispered compliments that were murmured under the breath of the maids helping you dress for the ball. The palace staff in Achroite were interesting like that; you got on well enough with them but, as was the norm for Achroitians, they were never one to compliment someone to their face. The dress you wore probably cost more than your entire wardrobe at home (and furniture) put together. The intricately made, hand-woven lace must have taken hours upon hours to create. The boning was exquisite and surprisingly comfortable. The voluminous skirt just barely dusted the floor and was a sumptuous embroidered satin that held the barest sheen to not contrast too dramatically with the lace. Your gloves were lined with the softest cotton; was it even possible for cotton to be so delicate?
“Miss, Prince Matthias is here to escort you to the ballroom,” your favorite maid, Agata, gently prompted you as she opened the door for the prince. You tore your gaze away from your figure in the mirror to look at Matthias, a faint flush reaching towards your décolletage. His eyes ran along your figure, ever discerning and assessing. A small frown tugged at the corner of his lips and just as you felt your heart begin to sink he stepped closer with his hand outstretched. With astonishing gentleness he found a rogue wisp of a curl that was attempting to flee and coerced it out of its loose hold to frame your face. He said nothing as he did and just barely revealed his satisfaction when the right corner of his lips pulled up in satisfaction. He stood straight again and offered his arm to you and, if you didn’t know better than to get lost in your own fantasies, it felt so… right. Natural, even.
“Let us not be late, lest we endure my sisters’ pestering,” he murmured to you. You chuckle a little and his smile grows a little as well. Your nerves dissipated slowly as Matthias led you to the ballroom until you realized you’re about to be announced with him. With the Prince of Achroite. His hand covers yours on his arm and squeezes it gently. Your eyes met his, a quiet confidence and a warmth hiding behind the steel blue of his gaze. It filled you with such warmth that you couldn’t help but smile. He nodded and the doors opened, the head of staff announcing your arrival. You would have felt more nervous if it hadn’t been for him at your side. He led you to the middle of the floor where his two sisters and their respective partners waited. The nerves picked up again as you faced one another, preparing to dance. He whispers just loud enough for you to hear him.
“Rosebud. Eyes on me.” The dance began and you were vastly grateful for the lessons Sariel had rushed before you left for the cold country. Your eyes locked to his and you could feel the warmth radiating into your hand despite your glove and the heat on your waist despite the gown. Maybe it was your imagination, but the way the other nobles watched and chittered at the smiles that graced both of your faces was leaving little to doubt. Not soon enough the obligation to dance is through and all too quickly Matthias is swept up into conversation. Conversation flows easier with his sisters once you’ve had water and wine. Your eyes meet his again from the far side of the room and your face warms.
“Dear, you’re looking quite flush. Maybe a bit of fresh air would do you well, hm?” Tatyana suggested lightly. You missed the secretive look she and her older sister, Nadia, shared as you nodded. The fresh, cold air greeted you welcomingly, the air soothing the flush on your cheeks. You weren’t surprised as your thoughts wandered to Matthias, doing your best to suppress a blush as you thought of the evening as a whole. You’d only been out there for perhaps two minutes before a comforting weight was dropped onto your shoulders. Surprised, you turned to see Matthias with a smirk and realized he’d draped you in his cloak. Your cheeks burned anew from the sweet gesture.
“Thank you,” you murmur softly. A chill had barely begun to set on your skin but that was now taken care of due to Matthias’ diligence. Your stomach flip-flopped as he looked at you intently, steel blue eyes seeming darker in the dim light of the balcony.
“You would have begun to get cold. Your arms at least,” he spoke softly despite there being no one else around to hear. His hand trailed from your shoulder that was now covered down to your elbow as he looked pensive. “You did well tonight.” His hand moved from your elbow to your waist, drawing you closer. You smiled coquettishly and looked away from him. Maybe if you focused on the railing hard enough you could calm down your ever quickening heart rate. A spike of courage hit you and you looked back up at him.
“Well, keeping my eyes on you did seem to help.” He moved closer and the smirk melted into a soft smile. His other hand came up to your cheek and held it gently, his thumb brushing over your flushed skin.
“That is where they should be, Rosebud. On me,” he murmured, letting his forehead rest against yours. Your hands came to the front of his coat and clutched it gently, the brocade overlay providing a delicate texture. You leaned in together, warm lips meeting yours as your eyes closed. It was a good night, indeed.