When Andrian saw me determinedly stand and hold my hand out to him, his angry expression melted away, and a warm, contented one emerged. He took my hand without hesitation, but he remained seated and quietly said to me, "You don't have to do this if it’ll make you uncomfortable. We don't have to prove anything to anyone, especially not to him.”

I appreciated the sentiment, but I still felt like I had something to prove. Not to the Second Prince, but to myself. His words had the opposite effect he’d intended. He’d wanted to shame me, but all he'd done was make me want to stand proudly next to the man he would disdain. It was a rare moment of defiance for me, something I had long since given up.  

Not knowing how else to express what I wanted, I grabbed Andrian's arm with my free hand and pulled. A gentle tug was all it took and he was on his feet. 

"As you wish," he said, wrapping an arm around my waist and leading me away from the table. Neither of us looked back at the Second Prince. 

Between us and the dance floor were at least a dozen tables and various nobles milling about, all of them trying to get a better look at the beastmen sitting at our table. As we walked side by side, the crowd slowly made way for us. With so many eyes upon us, I began to question my decision. Hissing whispers rang out around us. In front of me, all I could see was row upon row of judgemental nobles, waiting for us to make a mistake. 

I had wanted to be brave, but anxiety radiated through me in waves and I suddenly felt nauseated. I wished I had eaten less. I faltered in my steps, but Andrian's arm around my waist kept me upright, and suddenly I was being led forward through the sea of faces. 

Andrian’s warmth at my back steadied me and soon we were standing on the dance floor. A new song began and we turned to face each other. First, we both tried to take the man’s position, then we both tried to take the lady's, and then we both froze, not knowing how to proceed. 

Andrian chuckled softly at our awkward exchange before moving close enough to whisper in my ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll take the female’s part. But please, no twirling.” Realizing he was joking with me, the corners of my mouth curled up and I felt myself relax. 

We began dancing to the music, a simple waltz, and neither of us was particularly good at it. Andrian stepped on my toes more than just once and at one point, I forgot the steps entirely. However, despite our surroundings, I began to enjoy myself. The people on the dance floor carefully avoided coming too close to us, so it felt like we had the entire space to ourselves.

With nowhere else for me to look at regardless, I was able to study his face up close without feeling shy about it. I couldn’t help but admire that face. High cheekbones, a straight nose, and surprisingly soft looking lips. Everything about him was absolutely beautiful to me.

I no longer heard the crowd, no longer felt their stares. All of my awareness focused on the sound of the music, the slight tingling sensation in the places where our bodies connected, and the look in Andrian's amber eyes as he stared back at me. 

Eventually the song came to an end and the other dancers around us stopped to applaud. Andrian and I didn't move. We just stood there looking at each other, not letting go.

His hand slipped down from my shoulders to my waist and he pulled me closer. We were so close that I could feel the heat radiating from his body, and my heart pounded relentlessly in my chest. It felt like a precursor to a much more intimate kind of dance. My breathing became shallow and I looked into his eyes. The desire I saw in them shocked me. Does he… ? 

Before I could process that thought, he closed the gap between us, and pressed his lips against mine. It was soft and it was brief, but it was undoubtedly a kiss. I stared up at him in disbelief with my mouth slightly agape, and I traced the place where our lips had met with my tongue. 

Andrian seemed to take that as an invitation and he pressed our mouths together once more. My lips parted and his tongue invaded, entwining itself with my own. A shock ran down my spine and my knees felt like they might give out. 

For a single moment, everything else faded into the background. There was nothing but his lips, his breath, and his warmth.

Andrian explored every inch of my mouth; caressing me, tasting me, teasing me. I soon forgot to even breathe as I melted into him.  

Finally, our lips parted, creating a sense of loss deep within me. Our surroundings came back into focus and I suddenly remembered where I was. My cheeks felt like they were on fire and I buried my face in Andrian’s shoulder. I was embarrassed but still, I couldn’t deny how good his kiss had felt. I wanted more. 

I leaned against him and realized his heart was pounding just as loudly as my own.