Thanks to my first reviewers and welcome to my new reviewers…
Chapter 2--Reluctant Partners
Legolas was standing next to Jaisia who was talking to several young noblewomen. He was proud of her. She was doing very well and had managed to remember to call him Legolas instead of sweet cheeks like she often did. Suddenly a hand touched his arm and he looked to see Deirdre grinning at him. She wore a wine colored gown that complimented her dark hair and eyes perfectly.
"Good evening, I am ready for our dance, my prince," Deirdre said. She began drawing him towards the dance floor.
Legolas tensed , eyes darkening. "I did not agree to dance with you," he hissed and tried to pull away from her.
"You are not going to make a scene in front of all these people are you?" Deirdre smirked. "Many of them are watching us."
Glancing around, Legolas knew she was right. Reluctantly he allowed himself to be pulled onto the floor. It was just his luck that it was a waltz.
Deirdre took his left hand and wrapped her other arm tightly around his waist before falling neatly into the steps of the dance.
The differences in their height forced Legolas to rest his free hand on her shoulder. "You do not have to hold onto me so tight," he said.
Deirdre laughed softly. "Smile, golden one, people are watching us," she said.
Legolas managed a smile that he was sure looked completely false. "I do not like you in the least, my lady," he growled.
"That shirt brings out your eyes and flatters every inch of your body. Do you know that?" Deirdre asked. . Her hand drifted from his waist to the small of his back.
Legolas tensed. "That hand had better not wander any further," he warned. "Or I will make a scene."
Deirdre smiled. "Every women in the ballroom would like to trade places with me right now," she said.
"I would like one of them to trade places with you right now," Legolas replied. Finally the ordeal ended, Legolas bowed as she curtsied then gratefully left the dance floor. He rejoined Jaisia gladly.
Jaisia looked at him, noticing his agitation. "Let us get a goblet of wine and go out into the garden for a minute. Other guests are out there," she suggested.
Legolas was glad to agree and soon they were outside. The scents of nature all around did much to calm Legolas' down. The garden was lavish and beautiful.
"Are you all right now? You seemed so angry when you came over to me," Jaisia said.
"Just annoyed at that woman, she is so rude, so brazen. She upsets me," Legolas said.
"You make a nice couple though," Jaisia mused.
Legolas scowled at her. "Get that thought out of your head," he warned. " We are not a couple and never will be."
Jaisia took a sip of her wine to hide her smile. I have never seen any woman get such a reaction out of you, little brother. I get a feeling there is a reason for her behavior, she thought, but she said nothing.
They returned to the ballroom after awhile. They were playing a familiar song. "Oh, we danced to this the first time I ever danced. Can we dance again, Legolas, please?" Jaisia asked.
"Of course, better with you then her," Legolas said and escorted her onto the dance floor.
Deirdre had just been approaching, but stopped when Legolas and the centaur went out on the floor. They required extra space to move, but they danced well together. Deirdre considered cutting in, but decided not to. I will let him have this small moment, but I will claim him for the next dance, she thought.
Unfortunately after the song ended dinner was announced and they all moved to the dining hall and took their seats. As visiting diplomats Jaisia was seated on Queen Jacinth's right, Legolas on her left.
Legolas nearly groaned aloud when Deirdre slid into the chair next to him and gave him a wicked smile, but he kept his composure. This is going to be a long meal, he thought……
Deirdre is rude, but I like her, there is a reason to her behavior--Trust me--R/R please!!!
