Dance with me

Mia met the man she had danced with earlier, and their heart connected. She could now enjoy the ball without guilt as her heart was at ease after apologizing to her sister.

I see you are still alive and even looking more beautiful. The man complimented. Mia’s face turned a dark shade of pink as she was fond of compliments and praise.

We did not get the opportunity to introduce ourselves before you got called away, commented the man.

“Hum,” Mia hummed in agreement. She had been so caught up in her paranoia that she had forgotten to look for him among the crowd. Besides, several men had asked her to dance, but she was not up for it.

Mia Smith, and over here is my sister, Jess Smith. Mia introduced.

It is my pleasure to meet you, lovely ladies. You can call me Alexandra Zaza.

The name Zaza rang a bell. Her eyes widened, and her lips curled up in a smile.

Are you the king’s nephew? Mia inquired, and Alexandra nodded in agreement.

Mia was ecstatic. Finally, she had gotten the attention of someone of higher status, someone from one of the noble families.

Marrying into such a family would elevate her position to one of the highest women in Zaza, just below the queen and future crown princess. Her dream of becoming the wife of a nobleman was about to come true.

As Jess listened to Mia and Alexandra conversing, she looked around, and everyone seemed to have found someone they knew to speak to.

Two men stood on the balcony gazing down at the guest through the golden mask that covered his eyes.

How did the inspection go? Daniel asked his brother, who had just returned to the castle a few moments ago.

I showed them around, and they were satisfied with what they saw.

I convinced them that we would deliver the military formation documents on Zaza at the welcoming banquet when they came in an official capacity.

I have instructed Fred to deliver a copy of the agreement reached with the men today to Timothy. He would love to be informed about his investments in the Norther Kingdom. Brock said, sipping his wine.

Is that wise, brother? Daniel asked, taking a sip of wine out of the wine glass in his hands.

Even though Elder James was apprehended, we have no evidence against Timothy. Knowing how greedy he is, he would not mind having James killed to protect his identity and pin all the blame on him.

Father trusts him. How do we convince him that Timothy was working with Marcus to sabotage our mining projects? Daniel asked.

I am just waiting for him to fall into the trap I have laid for him. He has taken a step. We need Patience, and soon, we shall have them on a tight leash. Brock said. He stood up from where he sat and came to stand in front of the railing to look at the guests dancing in the ballroom.

See any woman who caught your eye for the night? Brock quizzed.

There are some decent-looking women, finer and different, but none has caught my attention, Daniel muttered.

Hearing the reply, one side of his lips pulled up behind his mask into a smile.

Seeing Jess walking away from the crowd, the prince set his wine down. He left the gallery and went down, wanting to see more of her.

Jess looked around the table to see if her parents were back. She noticed they had yet to return from exploring the palace.

Her sister was enjoying her time, dancing with Alexandra, and her parents were having fun, which made Jess smile.

She spent a few more minutes watching the dance before deciding to step out of the ballroom, but when Jess turned to leave, she saw a man walking toward her.

He was in the same attire that Daniel described, the same attire as the man who had claimed her.

Jess shifted her eyes to look at the other guests, but she could not as she was drawn to him, noticing him looking and walking towards her.

Could it be the crown prince? She thought, unsure.

The man Jess suspected was the crown prince came and stood in front of her.

Fair lady, would you care for a dance? He asked, and Jess’s eyes widened in surprise.

What? Jess asked, but the crown prince made no effort to repeat his question. He knew she had heard him the first time and that her reply had come only out of surprise.

Your Highness. Jess said, curtsing, but he motioned with his finger to stop her, not wanting to draw attention to them.

Brock smiled, seeing her nervousness. He could see that she still feared him, but he also saw the curiosity in her eyes.

He stretched forth his hands, waiting for Jess to place her palms in his for the third time that day. He saw how she came closer to take his hands. He noticed there was no ring on her finger.

It made Brock smile as she was not yet married. He remembered that Simon had mentioned something about her making arrangements with a man, and his inside twisted in anger. As far as she was not married, he would not be wrong to chase after her, he thought.

He noticed the sliver of fear and doubt was evident in her eyes when she took hold of his hands. A smile formed on his lips that widened behind his mask, which Jess could not see.

Jess did not know if the crown prince was smiling or upset as his eyes appeared to be looking at her dauntingly.

Didn’t Walker Lane say he was busy and that he would summon her when he was free? She thought.

Your partner might want to dance with you first. She said, noticing the way his head tilted to one side.

Jess knew that many women were seeking to curry his favor. There were rumors of his engagement to Rose Belmoth.

I do not have a partner to dance with. Will you do me the honor? He asked.