A/N: Whoo! More rsweek stuffs! Kinda pressed for time on this one so it might not be up to par with my usual junk. I had a busy day I tells ya. Anyway tell me what ya think of this first chapter. Neptune & Cinder star in this one, what an odd pair.
Edit 1/22/16: Grammar fixes and minor tweaks.
It was like any social gathering. Aristocrats and royalty mingling together for the sole purpose of climbing the social ladder.
Cinder preferred watching from the sidelines rather than being surrounded by misogynist sheep. She thought of herself as more of a wolf in sheep's wool, prowling among the socialites and waiting for the right target.
She had barely managed some time alone, though she could still feel the hungry stares upon her. She wouldn't let that faze her, being a con artist required a certain tact and coolness under such pressures.
Tonight she was having difficulties finding a suitable prey to pounce on, and as she scanned the crowds again she was brought out of her focus by a voice near her right ear.
"Looking for something?"
Cinder turned her head slowly, her honeyed irises meeting deep blue. The beautiful color belonged to the eyes of a young man. He had well-tanned skin, bright teeth flashing at her with a million dollar smile, and was about a head taller than her. He wore exquisitely fine clothing that fit his form perfectly; something only a royal could manage.
She matched his smile with a practiced one of her own.
"Not really. Though it seems that someone has found me." She said.
His eyes brightened at her response, a shine of expectancy in his eyes.
"Let me introduce myself. I am Neptune Vasilias of the royal family in Minstrel." He said as he took her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it politely.
"Cinder Fall. Unfortunately I have no renowned title to follow." She said with a playful air.
His eyes watched her with mirth as he straightened back up and then made a sweep over the crowd.
"What is a lovely lady such as you doing here all by her lonesome?" He asked.
She smirked and replied. "And what is a fine gentleman, such as yourself, doing here without several ladies fawning over him."
Neptune laughed at that.
"Very well played madam." He said jovially. "Frankly, all the women here are either married or far too dull to associate with." He told her.
Cinder's brow arched in piqued interest. "And what of me?"
Neptune turned to her with a lively expression. "Hmm. Let's just say you caught my eye. Now, you have yet to answer my prior question." He said.
Cinder chuckled. "You're more observant than the others." She complimented. "I suppose the same goes for me, though I will say you are certainly more interesting than most." She said.
"Such praise. I will accept it gladly." Neptune said as he flourished a bow.
Cinder's gaze turned predatory for that brief moment.
"Perhaps you could accept more than just simple praises tonight if you behave to my liking." She cajoled.
Neptune regarded her with a smirk, a challenge in his eyes.
"Yes. Perhaps." He murmured.
At that moment the orchestra began to play a ballroom tune, and soon various couples and pairings wandered out onto the spacious area designated for dancing.
Neptune held out a hand, a slight bow in his posture as he looked at Cinder.
"May I have this dance, my lady?"
Cinder smirked, but took his hand nonetheless as they glided over to join the others.
As they danced Cinder only thought of one thing, the main goal of her charade, and that was to take everything this royal had to offer.