Short stories

The Last Dance

He watched her dance across the room eyes locked upon her dress and the way she swayed along the floor. So smooth... and so beautiful. But not for much longer.

He held his breath as he made his way across. The dagger attached to his hip poked at his thigh as he drifted closer to her.  Only a few more minutes he thought. Her grown glowed brightly. Moving right beside her he shifted his weight forwards gesturing his arm out. "May I have this dance?" He asked, a small grin playing at the edge of his lips. She nodded only before he placed his hands in hers edging across the room. Everything seemed to blur, and the room felt warm. Not too much longer. He would have this dance. And it would be the last one.

One hand left hers and slipped down to his dagger, gripping it tightly. Waiting... "Could I have a word with you Princess?" He whispered, not wanting to draw any attention to them. "What about?" She asked, looking around. He pulled her up the staircase, holding her wrist gently. She followed, but was clearly confused. "Do you trust me?" The man asked. "Of course I trust you." She replied. Big mistake. He opened the doors to an empty room and sat her down. He pulled on the dagger but it wouldn't budge. It was as though he couldn't move. "Are you alright?" asked the Princess. He couldn't respond. He felt a singe of guilt, but then remembered the hit mans words in his head. Kill the girl, and you may have your parents back. He swallowed hard. His parents had been taken when he was only a boy. Still young, and hopeless, wanting life to go back to the way it was, he retrieved the knife once again. "I'm sorry." He said. She looked at him starting to catch on. "You won't get away with it. Whatever they promised, it's a promise they won't keep." She said calmly. Her words rushed over him, his grip loosening. He made no sound, just listened. "Your better than that." She stated, praying she was right. His throat tightened and he moved closer to her.

"You have no idea what I'm going through. You have no right to say that. You don't know me." He tried to sound harsh, but was starting to wonder if she could be right. "Well I suppose you'll have to get it over with then." She said. He was shocked. She was okay with this?! "Go on." She said, closing her eyes. The guards would be here looking for her at any moment. Now was the time. There wouldn't be another opportunity. The knife lifted up. Her words played in his head again. Do it. Go on. But he couldn't. He couldn't do it. The dagger fell hard onto the ground, making a loud echoing thud. It was over. Mission failed. He would never see his parents again. She stood up and moved closer to him. "Why didn't you do it?" She asked, and seemed almost disappointed. He couldn't answer. He wasn't really sure himself. Her eyes scanned him as though searching for an answer. "Why didn't you do it?" She repeated again. Every muscle in his body gave. And he kissed her. She let out a small gasp before smiling and wrapped her arms around his neck. He was surprised too, but knew he'd made the right choice. "I should probably get back to the ball." She said. He nodded understanding. This would probably be the last time he ever saw her again. "Until next time." She smiled at him, and without another word, walked out of the big empty room, closing the door behind her. Leaving him all alone. Just him and his thoughts. Until next time. So they would meet again. Everything felt at peace. He didn't have his parents back, and he didn't have anywhere to go. But the night was young, there was still food to eat, fancy things to drink, and a princess to dance with. He straightened his tie, flattening out the front of his suit, taking a deep breath and reaching out grabbing the handle of the door. Things were going to change. All starting tonight, at his last dance.