Disclaimer - I own nothing you recognise.

Challenges listed at the bottom.

Word Count: 969

One Glance

"I don't understand why you're insisting this has to be now, Father!" James protested. "I don't want to get married yet!"

King Potter reached out to cup his son's cheek. "It is my duty to keep you safe. Ensuring you have a worthy bride is part of that, son."

"I want to marry for love, Father. Not for obligation, or because I must put a crown on my head in a few years."

His father sighed. "You will attend the ball and you will be your usual charming self. Perhaps you will find yourself surprised."

James looked away. He longed to roll his eyes, but his respect for his father—the man, and not the crown he wore—stopped him. Even if he disagreed, he knew his dad only wanted what was best for him.

Even if it wasn't what made him happy.

As he watched his father walk away, James let out a dejected sigh and glanced out of the window onto the castle grounds.

He needed to let loose for a while, he decided, his eyes catching on the stables. Perhaps an hour out on his horse, Nimbus, would make him feel a little better about the prospect of finding a wife.

…

"Are you actually hiding?" Sirius asked, arching his eyebrow.

James snorted. "Clearly not, since you're here."

"Hiding in plain sight is still hiding," Sirius pointed out with a grin. "This isn't like you."

Shrugging, James ran a hand through his perpetually messy hair. "My father has decided that it's time for me to choose a bride."

Sirius' eyebrows rose. "Already? He didn't marry your mother until he was in his thirties. You're only just twenty one!"

"Something has spooked him," James agreed. "I think it's the rumours floating over from the kingdom of Hangleton. There have been whispers about a rising 'dark entity' that plans to take over the kingdoms one by one."

Sirius scoffed, a fierce look in his eyes. "We will meet any threat at the gates of the kingdom and slay them before they make it across the threshold. Surely the king knows that?"

Nodding at his best friend, James replied, "I'm sure he does. It doesn't stop him worrying."

"I suppose not," Sirius grumbled. "Regardless, I won't have you hiding here instead of being out on the dancefloor. You're embarrassing me."

That startled a laugh from the crown prince and he shook his head at Sirius. "As a member of the King's guard, I didn't realise you still required a wing man to ensure your success with the ladies. My apologies, Sirius."

Sirius raised his hand. "My middle finger salutes you, mate. Come on, get your ass out there. You never know, the woman of your dreams might be hiding on the dancefloor."

James snorted. "Should I be nervous? I feel like I should be nervous. Your confidence always inspires nerves."

Rolling his eyes, Sirius shoved James towards the ballroom. "Remind me why I put up with you; I seem to have forgotten."

…

The ballroom had been decked out to its usual extravagant splendor, and James sighed when he even caught sight of the relics displayed tastefully around the room.

His parents were really going all out to impress.

Then again, he supposed that wasn't entirely unexpected—not only were they hosting their own subjects this eve, but subjects from the surrounding kingdoms.

Many had travelled far when they heard the prince was in want of a wife.

James shook off his misgivings and allowed his usual air of charm to surround him, smiling widely at the simpering women, and greeting the men with respect. Lord, but he did not want to be doing this.

He danced as he knew he must, keeping his hands firmly in a proprietary position, and he exchanged only the most polite of conversation. He danced a single dance with each woman, ensuring there were no beliefs of favour amongst them.

It would not do to lead someone on, or give them an unfair sense of confidence in his choice.

As the evening drew to a close, James let out a sigh of relief. While he was a little saddened that he'd let his father down, it wasn't his fault that none of the women called to him.

He felt he'd know it if he saw the woman he was—

In the corner of the ballroom, a young lady sat alone, her legs crossed primly, her hands in her lap as she looked out at the ballroom. She was beautiful, but the dress she wore was understated and simple, making her almost easy to overlook.

Her eyes though… James knew he'd never be able to forget those eyes. They were the most stunning green he'd ever seen, wide and bright and beautiful.

He crossed the room almost without thought, drawn to her, and when she smiled at him he held his hand out to her.

"Will you do me the honour of the last dance?" he asked, praying that she'd accept him.

She tilted her head for a moment, and then nodded, slipping her dainty hand into his as she stood.

He led her to the dancefloor, his hands finding their places easily, one just above her hip and the other with her hand wrapped inside.

"What is your name, Miss?" he inquired softly as they moved to the music.

"Lily Evans, Sir."

"James," he insisted. "Please, Miss Lily. Call me James."

She nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly. "James."

The dance floor was almost empty, and if James could tear his eyes away for even a moment he'd realise that those left in the room were watching. His mother and father sat on their thrones with small smiles blossoming on their faces, while Sirius leant against the wall, drink in hand, and knew that his friend was in love.

Written for:

Bromance to Romance: 1. James/Sirius (can be bromance or romance)

Showtime: 11. Father

Lizzy's Loft: 13. Relic

Liza Loves: 16. Sirius Black

Film Festival: 9. Avoiding Something

Forecast: 22. Dejected

Geek Pride: Minecraft: Prompt 1: "Should I be nervous?"

Founder's Says: Rowena Says 3. "My middle finger salutes you, mate."

Brand Wars: 2. Black Panther: Hiding in plain sight / Royal!AU / Father/Son / Fierce / "It is my duty to keep you safe."

365: 162. James Potter I

Fantastic Beasts: 41. Chrysomallos: Royalty!AU