The Drunk Dance

Amelia and I sit in a small staircase by the servants kitchen, drinking wine and giggling. “ You know Luke really isn’t a looker but he is quite light on his feet. I dare say the boy can dance.” Amelia practically shouts and we both burst into laughter.

“Careful, if you keep dancing with him you may find yourself falling for him.” I tease and wrap my arms around her. “oh , why am I not brave enough to dance with him?”

“Well I would say it is normal to be intimidated after watching him dance with a Princess.” Amelia strokes my hair.

“Well I…”

“Sorry to intrude.” I look up to see Elau standing over us. “But I was hoping I could have the next dance Miss. Niccola?” He asks, reaching his hand down to me. Amelia nudges me off her.

“Of course, your Highness.” I say taking his hand and he pulls me from the ground. He places my hand on the crook of his elbow and guides me to the dance floor. I don’t even hear the music start and I am swept off the ground.

“I was looking for you.” Elau says in a whisper, “I would have asked sooner had I been able to find you.”

“Oh but you don’t need me to dance with Elau, you have a Princess.” I giggle and stumble slightly.

“That was all pleasantries. My Mother told me to dance with her.” He leans a little closer and smells the air. “ Are you drunk?” He asks with a chuckle.

“Either I am drunk or you just aren’t drunk enough.” I smirk and look him in the eyes.

“I think you are silly enough for the both of us.” he smiles down at me and his hand tightens on my waist pulling me ever so slightly closer. “I hope you know you are the only person I wanted to dance with tonight.” He smiles and closes his eyes enjoying the music. “You are my best dance partner. Remember all of those times we practiced the different dances in the grove. I never thought I would be able to dance with you at a real banquet.” He looks back down at me, “I am glad that you are here tonight, Niccola.” My heart does flips hearing him whisper my full name. The music ends and we come to a stop. Elau releases me and bows, then turns to head back to his chair. I walk slowly off the dance floor. I feel like my heart is frozen in place. If I doubt my feelings they are certain now. Amelia runs up to me and grabs my shoulders.

“Okay 100% he is into you.” She squeals in my ear. The night begins to fade and Benjamin, Luke, Amelia and I decide to go back to our chambers.

“Tonight was amazing. I got to meet all kinds of musicians and they have agreed to teach me Elvish songs.” Benjamin says, sounding like a teenage girl.

“I thought it was rather fun loosening up on the dance floor.” Luke says and winks at Amelia.

“It really was a wonderful party.” Amelia slurs, and I giggle in agreement.

“Looks like you two enjoyed the wine.” Benjamin laughs at us slowing down to our pace and offering us each an arm.

“And the music and the food” Amelia says

“And the Prince” I add, Benjamin’s eye’s light up.

“Well it sounds like you both had a good time. Now let’s get you to your rooms before one of you passes out in the hallway.” He practically carries us to our chamber doors. I enter and forget about changing or washing up. I plop into my bed, instantly asleep.

I awake to the sun rising over my balcony rail, and I am hit with a headache the moment I open my eyes. I slowly sit up, my body aching all over. I don’t remember getting back to my room. Now that I think about it I’m not sure I remember half the night. I remember speaking to King Iress and running off with Amelia, I got a few glimpses of dance with Elau. Wait, I danced with Elau? I can’t remember much of what happened after Amelia and I found our own bottle to share in the stairwell. I take a deep breath in, I don’t have time to fret. Classes will be starting soon and I have to get changed.

I change into one of my more casual dresses and wash up my face and hands. I then exit my room in a rush with no time to stop for breakfast. I make my way over to our classroom and see my fellow Ambassadors. I take a seat next to Luke.

“How are you feeling, drunky?” Benjamin plops a water in front of me.

“Benny, you are a saint.” I say grabbing the water and chugging for my life.

“If I get sick, take notes for me.” Amelia mumbles with her head down on the table.

“Awe, Amelia. I’m sorry, we shouldn’t have drank so much.” I say feeling like a bad influence.

“No, girl.” She looks at me, “I think you needed to be drunk for that dance with the Prince. You were practically daydreaming on the walk back to our chambers.” Amelia looks at me with a big grin. My face turns bright red.

“It’s no big deal, he danced with me because I am an Ambassador.” I say glancing at Benjamin and Luke. Amelia smiles and then plops her head back down onto her arms.

“Alright class, we have a new student and Ambassador.” Freeglee Fairfeld walks in followed by Princess Maeve.

“Hi, I’m sorry I am joining you late, but my parents and King Eloquen decided it would be best if I participate in the Ambassador program. I look forward to getting to know all of you.” She smiles like an Angel and then takes a seat beside Benjamin. I glance at Amelia and she looks back at me reading my mind. A Princess in our classes! We are going to have to step it up or we will look like slobs next to her.

“Alright, let’s begin: today’s topic is Enchantments and their Cultural Appeal.” Fairfeld says walking to his tree stump podium. We go on till sun down and as the day passes by, we are stuffed full of all kinds of new information.