Kalasin watched from a seat next to her mother as nobles mingled the pale white marble of the ballroom floor and let a quiet sigh escape her rouge-accented lips. Turning her gaze to the curtains that had been left open, she watched as stars sparkled and her eyes suddenly filled with tears. After tonight, she would pack the rest of her things and leave for the foreign country of Carthak, never to see Tortall for maybe years afterward, and that's what saddened her most.
Facing the court, she watched as the ballroom's door suddenly opened and a man stepped forward. His crimson robes stood bright against lightly tanned skin, and rings boasted upon his fingers, sparkling in the candlelight. The crowds hushed as he walked to the dais, two personal guards in tow. The man bowed deeply as Kalasin regarded him with a sharp eye. He was handsome in a way, though she could tell seducing her—if he planned to would be a challenge, for though he looked to be a noble he did not look like the sort of man who would easily woo her in the course of a single day.
"So he lets women be themselves instead of buttering them up with gifts? That's certainly a relief from these over-stuffed turkeys that call themselves nobles and think their titles and status can win hearts." The princess thought, keeping a cool manner as the man introduced himself: "I am Kaddar Gazanoi Illiniat, Emperor of Carthak and I am honored to be here at such a time of festivity." Kaddar caught Kally's eye and smiled warmly as she bowed her head in silent recognition of his presence.
"Will her highness, Princess Kalasin join me for a dance?" Kaddar looked at Kally, expecting her reply.
"I will." She replied, stepping from the dais and taking his offered hand as a waltz began. She twirled across the floor, eyes bored and hoping he would take her for a walk out to the royal gardens.
Just as the waltz ended, she smiled and offered him a tour of the royal gardens, which he gladly accepted. While they walked he told her the real reason he was so glad to be out here: "To get away from all the empty-headed court women and to relax"
Kally found she could somehow be herself around this man, to drop the veil and reveal her carefree nature, disciplined by her parents' rule. They talked a lot about funny times in childhood, like when Kally had accidentally locked herself in the pantry and was left there for an hour but lasted by eating the pie, saved for Thayet's birthday celebration with the family that afternoon, or when her brother had fallen into a grumpy horse's stall and found it was not hay he had fallen in but manure.
Kaddar told her about the time his mother had wanted him to court a woman who seemed obsessed with the color yellow, every-time she would see the color, it would take up to five guards to hold her back, eventually she left.
"Do you wish to court a Tortallan princess?" asked Kalisan suddenly.
"You're my betrothed, Kalisan, of course I would court you first if I were to win your heart. I have some very good friends who are Tortallan and, if you're willing, I could love you."
"You're asking me to love, when only time may answer?" Kally replied, frustrated, "Why must I be forced to love a man I wish not to love?" Kalisan then ran from the gardens, tears messing up her kohl and eye makeup.
Kaddar just stood in shock, staring after the princess who swore she would never be forced to love a man. Never to love him.
A/N: Any ideas?