ROYALTY

Chapter13

"I would be delighted to call you Naomi, that is if you will call me Donovan, lord is for my late father and besides, I am not yet fully a duke. I need to find a bride to be able to take up my position as duke." There was an awkward silence between us, and I could not help but feel so uncomfortable, the reason being I could not stop thinking of the dance between the prince and I. And also, because he was smiling besides me.

"Have I in any way made you feel uncomfortable. I am deeply sorry lady Naomi, please do forgive my forwardness, I am just a little tired from dancing and a little sore from charming the girls." I looked at him, heck Donovan could be mistaken for the prince, he was indeed dreamy. The type of boy you read in romance novels, the one that slew the dragon and rescued the princess and then they lived happily ever after.

"No Donovan, i-"  I was lost for words, I could not say he made me feel uncomfortable, now that would be mean, "I guess I to, am tired, even though I danced two dances with the prince." His mood changed and I could see his eyes became a shade or two darker. "I see," was all he said, as he continued to stare a head, towards the centre of the ball room, to where a blond head was dancing. "Forgive me Naomi but the prince and I made a little bit of a bet and I am afraid he has not paid his debt yet, it was just at this point that you mentioned his name that I remembered." I mouthed an "O" and he chuckled, he stood and placed his plate on the nearest table, he did not hit the table but simply placed the plate down, gently. He was not messy unlike other people I knew. He stood in his full height. "May I have the honour of having this dance with you?" he asked.

I placed my hand in his, my food long forgotten, he led me to the dance floor and at that moment I felt alive, I felt safe. I did not pay attention to the dancing or to the sweet melody of the song, but my attention was solely focused on the man before me. He was like a prince charming, like the prince in the Cinderella stories, well expect that in this case he was a Duke. A handsome duke, he could pass for a prince, with his black hair and brown eyes, muscular body and broad chest, he had strong hands to and a smile on his face which I always found odd.

A pair caught my attention, two dancing couples they were smiling and laughing at each other, one had said a funny joke and they both laughed at it. I could not help but feel a pang of jealousy rush through me.

"Is anything the matter Naomi, have I in any way offended you?"  "What no, I was just thinking about something." He smiled while looking down at me, with gentle fingers he trucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear. "Forgive me if I am to forward, but lady Naomi I must say you are by far the most beautiful woman here tonight." Before I could think of a reply, he pulled me closer to him. I was almost pressed against his chest. I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

Was anyone looking? Then abruptly he was away from me. I realised the song had ended and he was bowing before me, kissing my gloved fingers. The whole room was in a swam of activity, ladies rushing past to get the next available hand, the king and queen sharing a laugh about another big scandal in the ballroom, some ladies staffing their faces with food. Though it was not the kiss on my hand that kept on moving up wards that made me feel like I was doing something wrong, but it was the disapproving look the princess herself gave me and the spark of jealousy I could see in the princes eyes.

"I can flirt with anyone I want." I had not realised I had spoken out loud. Donovan looked towards the direction I was looking at and smiled. "Any you wish for, could be yours."

***

I was tucked in bed, though it was the late hours of the night I did not feel at all sleepy. Maeve had made sure to braid my hair in two long braids, she still wondered how figs and sticks ended up in my hair. Even though I told her times without number that it was the best hair routine. She still did not believe me; she had claimed it was the worst.

I waited for the last of the footsteps to leave the hallway and got up from my bed. This time I made sure to cover my feet and body and opened the window as quietly as possible, even in the complete darkness I still found my way.

I entered the dimly lit room, it was not as bright as the previous night and again I was drawn to all its splendour and glory, to all its knowledge. "You have a fancy for books?" I run my hand along the dust free shelf, this was becoming a habit.

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