She knew how highly improper it would for her to throw her arms around him, but she wished to. Her face flushed for even thinking this, she was happily engaged after all. But still… she had danced in the moonlight with this man, and he had stolen her heart, a heart that was to belong to another.
Ashelia fidgeted in her seat throughout the banquet. The Empress of Archades was a very beautiful woman, but she had the eyes of a snake, and her tongue was as sharp as a blade. However, the woman was completely different to her sons, doting on them with affections. Ashe wished to dance, simply to get away from this confusing woman at the table with her.
But this was not the only cause of her fidgeting. She had thought, perhaps, he would be here. Her late night dance partner, who spun her slowly in the moonlight. And there he was. She had seen him, and he had smirked at her. Now she was sitting here fighting the urge to rush to his table and speak with him.
Ffamran Bunansa, a judge of Archades. He had stolen her heart with a dance and a simply brushing of his lips on her hand.
"Are you alright?" Rasler asked from her side, the voice of her betrothed causing her to snap out of her daydream. "Will you be well enough to dance, or shall I escort you to your room?"
"I am fine. Lost in thought," She squeezed his hand, playing her role well. "One year and we shall be wed. Do you not find yourself caught up in these thoughts?"
Rasler shook his head and smiled, buying her lie. "It is not a thought men ponder, Ashelia. Now come, the ballroom is open, and I would love it if you would join me on the floor."
Stealing a glance toward her judge, and realizing he was no longer at his table, she nodded and allowed her betrothed to lead her to the dance floor.
They danced for quite a while before a young Rozarrian woman asked Ashelia if it would be alright if she cut in. She had smiled and allowed it, relieved she could finally go off in search of Ffamran.
"And this-" Ashe heard as she made her way across the room, "is the Duchess Serena. Your mother wished for me to introduce you to her." Judge Bunansa stood next to the youngest Solidor child and a small girl.
"She is but a child," Larsa Solidor said.
Ffamran laughed. "As are you." He turned his head then, and locked eyes with his princess.
"Lord Larsa, have you yet met the Princess of Dalmasca?" He asked the boy.
"No, is that she? She bears a striking resemblance to her ancestors in my history book."
"Yes, this lovely woman is the princess," Ffamran brought her hand to his lips and kissed it, causing her to blush. "Princess, this is Larsa Solidor. However, I'm afraid you won't get to speak much. I was cut sort of a dance by this woman last we met, and I intend to finish my turn as her partner."
The judge led the Princess onto the floor, and finally they could complete the dance which would forever lock the other in their hearts.