I was used to dancing at parties, having learned the necessary moves at a young age. 

Yet, learning the moves and dancing well were two very different things. My ballroom instructor had long ago given up on trying to turn me into a graceful dancer. 

I just couldn’t stop stepping on my partner’s feet as it were.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Prince Itarus rise from his seat, uncoiling to his full height. He walked towards me, his strides long and sure – and I couldn’t help but think that if statues could walk, it would probably look something like that. 

“My Lady," he said, as he stopped in front of me, his tone formal and distant. 

He extended an open palm towards me. 

An invitation to dance.

His expression was a blank mask of indifference but - his eyes. Those pale orbs were anything but blank, his gaze as intense as it had been when we had first locked eyes.

I decided if I wanted to live a long life, it would be best to not look directly at them. My poor heart wouldn’t survive too long, considering how violently it was thrashing against its ivory cage at the moment.

So, I chose the safer option and looked down at his hand instead. 

They were as pale as the rest of him, and no doubt, as cold too.

I could feel the eyes of all our guests on us, analyzing every movement, weighing every word and judging even the silence between us. 

No pressure.

I can do this. 

I am Princess Sunny the Sun bringer and I will not be shaken by this vampire in front of me. Achingly handsome or not. 

I willed my face into another frozen smile as I leaned forward, and placed my own hand upon his. My brows lifted in surprise. The surface of his palm was strangely rough, something I wasn't used to feeling - nobles usually had the softest hands since they never had to use them - but his were...callused.

If he saw my surprise, he didn't show it -his face the poster for disinterest.

“My Lord.” I replied, and I approved of how bold my voice sounded.

His fingers grasped my hand softly, his touch, gentle, but a bit too gentle - as if he was afraid that I would crumble if he actually held me full force. I almost rolled my eyes. 

I rose from my chair and took my place next to Crown Prince Breathtaking.

Standing side by side, I couldn't help but feel like a shrimp, the long length of him making me feel extra small. The top of my head barely skimmed his chest. I had to remind myself that I was not short for my age, he was just unreasonably tall.

We walked down the stairs, where the crowd eagerly awaited us, their hungry gazes gobbling up our figures. The crowd parted silently, as if guided by an invisible hand, dividing neatly into two rows on opposite sides of the throne room.

I tightened my grip on Prince Itarus, the coolness of his skin refreshing against my own warmth, and for the first time tonight I was glad he was here. 

He guided me to the center, as the crowd faded into a sea of darkness. The only remaining stream of light beamed brightly over the us, so that we were the only visible people, trapping us in the most lovely way possible. 

I stood in front of him, staring at the silk fabric of his black suit jacket, and I examined the matching black silk tie he wore as if it my life counted on it.

The royal musicians started playing a soft, slow song, filling the room with a beautiful melody. 

He placed his free hand on the small of my back, pulling me closer to him, leaving only a hairsbreadth of space between us. My mouth went dry as the desert wind.

Then, in a heartbeat, we were dancing.