Break the Rules, Break the Walls

Chapter Four

I'm so sorry that it took me so long to update! I made this chapter a lot longer than I thought it would be so it took me more time :) I won't be updating again until after Easter so happy holidays everyone!
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Emma only almost tripped three times on her way to her throne. She figured that had to be an accomplishment since she'd pictures herself stumbling over something nonexistent and tumbling down the stairs only to land on her backside in front of everyone. And there were a lot of people there.

But she made it to her throne where she gratefully took refuge in while her parents both made speeches in her honor. All Emma had to do was sit and listen, which she could have done very easily if her corset hadn't been tied so tight that simply existing was painful. Instead Emma plastered on a smile and pretended to enjoy herself.

The blonde would never cease to wonder at how her mother and father enjoyed these events. They were positively boring, Emma thought as she sat in her throne as the party bustled along around her. Almost all her princess activities were boring. Except for riding her horse, Seastar, and going into town to visit Red.

Suddenly Emma was snapped from her thoughts by a voice.

"Excuse me your highness, would you care to dance?" A young man asked.

He was probably about an inch or two shorter than Emma, with ashy blonde hair and gray eyes. Emma wondered for a split second how old he was because judging by his scrawniness, this boy couldn't be older than 17.

But not one to be rude, Emma smiled. "I would be delighted."

She stood and took the mans hand (it was clammy) as he led her out to the dance floor where many other couples were already waltzing.

"I'm Winston, soon to be Duke of Westletown." Winton said, as he adjusted their stance to the music.

"It is a pleasure to meet you Winston." Emma said politely, trying not to shy away from the sweaty hand on her back. "I trust you're enjoying the party?"

"Oh yes," he assured her. "You and your family definitely know how to plan a ball."

Winston babbled on about this and that until Emma began to tune out. The only thing she took away was that he never wished her a happy birthday. Emma was glad when she heard the song winding down.

As Emma curtsied to Winston and he bowed to her, Emma heard yet another voice behind her. But his one was different. This voice called to her like the ocean on a bad night. His voice was smooth and dark and rich and exotic.

"Pardon me, your highness, would you care to dance?"

Emma turned around to get a look at this mans face. She wasn't disappointed.

Emma's green eyes met his ocean blue ones and they almost melted her right in the middle of the ballroom. He was tall with black hair and well trimmed scruff along his jawbone. Emma could easily see that he was strong, judging by the nice bulge his muscles made along his arms and shoulders then down his chest. His legs were nicely toned as well... Emma blushed as she quickly snapped her eyes back to his.

A cocked eyebrow and a smirk was in place on his face as he patiently waited for her answer.

"Oh! Uh... I... I'm sorry, what were you saying?" Emma asked apologetically, a bit more pink gracing her cheeks.

The man chuckled. Emma stared. Even his laugh had a slight accent. An incredibly attractive one.

"Would you care to dance, your highness."

"Yes, I would love to." Emma said curtsying.

He grinned until I heard Winston behind me.

"Well uh, it was nice to meet you your highness..."