It was boring. Horrifyingly so, but with a perfectly placed and practiced smile, David the shepherd-turned-prince managed to create a happy and welcoming image for himself. Back in the enchanted forest, it had taken a while for him to adjust to ruling the kingdom willingly, and the only pleasure he seemed to get from these balls was dancing with Snow and watching how perfectly poetic and beautiful she found them, which almost was enough for him to enjoy them.

Of course, Snow can still see through the entire act, but is beside him as loyal as ever, squeezing his hand and standing a little too close for what is considered polite. This celebration, despite being his daughter's second ever ball, (decades too late, and he knows it will always haunt him) is still frightfully mundane.

He had never considered, however, that Emma could see right through him too. He shouldn't be this surprised, he thinks, because as much as Emma reminds him strikingly of himself she is also very much her mother's daughter, and that comes with observance in the package.

"Well, seems like someone other than me sees the pointlessness in these things"

David turns toward the familiar voice to see his daughter, his Emma, standing there beside him with her arms crossed and drink in hand.

"It also seems like my ability to mask my discomfort is lacking today" Emma smiles then, and it still makes his heart leap when she speaks again.

"Dad, I can tell when you're uncomfortable as I am, but don't worry, aside from mom I doubt anyone else notices"

At this he watches as Snow glances over her shoulder and momentarily away from the conversation she seems to be having with Abigail to cast a reassuring smile at them, father and daughter together.

"Shall we dance?" As a new song starts he holds out his hand to the elegant blonde to his left he is proud to call his daughter, who gives him a pointed expression "come on, just for the sake of it?"

She smiled again then, and took his extended hand.

"Alright, just one dance"

And they danced.