Chapter One – Teague

Well, I didn't get three reviews on Blank Space, so I'm starting another fanfiction I had in process (I have a bunch, so it was a hard choice!) first! If you guys really bug me by reviewing here/there/Forgotten and telling me to start the sequel, I may attempt to manage three fanfictions on here at once. But no promises!

I brush off my tuxedo, sighing as I walk up the steps to the castle. Great. Just great. Another stupid dance. And, of course, I have to go to "represent the kingdom" and all the rest of that junk.

It's to get you a life, since you don't have one. The irritable remark is from none other than my annoying other half who now has a name. Jared.

Shut up. I hiss back. I have more than a life than you. You don't even have one.

That was simple enough. It works every time.

When I'm inside, I immediately look for a food table. What party is complete without one? Besides, then it gives me an excuse not to dance. I grab a cup of punch, leaning against the wall casually as I take a sip. My eyes skim the crowd, curious on who might be there. There are so many dresses and suits and heads that I can hardly piece together who's there in this swirling room of colors. So, I give up and go back to staring at my punch.

Doofus, there's somebody over here. Jared again? Really? Are you at least going to look?

Why should I? I'm not interested in anyone here. I respond, rolling my eyes at myself.

I don't know. I just thought you'd at least want to be able to see if you knew someone.

Ha, like I'd want to see anyone who was here. I chuckle to myself, shaking my head, but I look over at the food table anyways.

There's a girl there, mopping up a bit of water she spilled. Her hair is a chocolate brown, up in a bun, and her dress is golden, with ruffles. She's clumsy, in an almost too familiar way. As if she's just doomed to have bad luck. The thought seems to come from Jared's memories and not my own. Who is this girl?

"Who are you?" I ask, watching her carefully for any hint at who she might be.

"Elle Cinders." It takes a moment for her to respond, and she doesn't look up.

My heart seems to miss a few beats, and I choke on the punch I was drinking. Mina Grimm here, at this ball? How...and why? "I'm sorry, who?"

"Elle Cin-" She stops short as she looks up, and horror flashes in her gaze. She backs up, her mouth moving but no words coming out.

Her hand tilts when she walks, and I see what's on it. That, once again, makes my head begin to reel. A black rose. An all too familiar mark, but the only thing I can think of is why is that on her hand? Surely she's not stupid enough to have let herself get captured by a Fae like-

"Greetings, Prince Teague." A hand grabs Mina's wrists and I follow it to the face of a man most call the Beast. Prince Edward, with rough brown hair and dark green eyes. He has a slightly victorious hint of a smirk on his face, and his thumb presses down on Mina's wrist slightly. "How lovely to see you here."

I catch sight of the rose on Mina's wrist lighting up to a burning red, and her face twists into one of pure pain as her eyes flash red. She shuts them quickly, but doesn't make a sound, probably so that Edward doesn't notice.

"Why are you with her?" I don't bother playing with nice words, and I gesture with my free hand to Mina.

He releases his grip on her wrist slightly, and the rose's color shifts back to black along with the pain reflected on her face easing a bit as well. "Is it illegal for me to bring a dance partner?" I can tell from the glint in his eyes that something is up. "Elle here agreed to come with me." The way the name rolls off the tongue lets me know that he knows who 'Elle' really is, just like me. "Isn't that right, Elle?"

"Right." Mina nods her head, but she's hesitant in responding.

"Aw, you can say it better than that, can't you?" His hint is followed by the retightening of his grip.

"Yes, Edward!" Her voice goes up in pain, and he releases her wrist, allowing it to fall to her side.

"That's what I like to hear." He turns his gaze back to me, grinning.

"And you're quite sure she agreed...willingly?"

"Quite." He glances at Mina.

She shifts her gaze from me to Edward, and I'm not sure if I'm imagining the fear in her eyes. "I...I came willingly, Prince Teague."

That's not Mina. That's too formal to be Mina. She'd never address you as Prince. These aren't her words! She doesn't want to do this! Jared is in full ranting mode.

Calm down. I know that already.

Then do something!

"Well, if you excuse me, I'd like to have another dance with Elle." He smirks, and looks back at Mina. "Come."

It's not the way someone would address someone they invited. It's an order. But she doesn't fight it, keeping her head down as she trails after him, only glancing back once.

Something's up. And I'm getting to the bottom of it. Mark my words.

What do you guys think? Love it? Hate it? I'd love some opinions!

~Dagger