You Are The Reason ( Prince x Reader )

Chapter 8: His Dream

You had finished serving your last food tray, and you walked into the kitchen, setting your tray down. Now, you were free to dance and enjoy your time at the ball. You looked around to find Genevieve or Elina, but you could only spot Elina. When you saw her, you were prepared to walk over to her and dance, but she was already dancing with a man who looked of high noble status. So, you left her alone. You couldn't spot Genevive either, so you decided to go outside and get some fresh air. As you walked through the crowd, you had to apologize every time you bumped into someone because you were pushed into them. You were getting tired of the pushing, and you just wanted to head outside for some peace and quiet. You were getting close to the doors when another person pushed you, and you hit someone's back.

   " I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. "

   " Is everything okay, Y/n? "

You looked up and finally realized who you bumped into. You had bumped into Quinn while he was dancing with a princess of another empire.

   " I-I'm so sorry. "

   " It's fine. I know you didn't mean to. It is a bit crowded in here after all. Princess, Mareil could you excuse us? "

The princess nodded and walked away from the two while Quinn stood beside you.

   " It is extremely crowded in here. What do you say about going somewhere quieter? "

   " That sounds nice. "

   " The only thing, is we would have to get through this crowd. They've already realized they could go to the balcony. "

Quinn was right in his statement. People had already gone outside into the cool air and disrupted the quietness. You spotted Jin outside trying to escape through the people, and you laughed a little.

   " I guess we'll have to dance out of here. Would you do me the honor of allowing me to dance with you? " Quinn asked, bowing his head and holding out his hand.

   " Sure. "

You placed your hand in his, and the two of you started to spin and twirl through the crowd. Quinn's arm around your waist kept you from getting too far from him, and your hand in his made sure that you would still be with him when going through the crowd of nobles. When you got out of the crowd, Quinn took your hand and walked down the hallway and away from the ballroom.

   " So, how was it in there? Dancing and talking with all of those nobles? " You asked.

   " It was nice, but after some time it got tiring. "

   " I can only imagine. "

   " I'm glad you came along though, I don't think I would want Princess Mareil to be my bride. "

   " How come? She seemed nice. "

   " She talked about how there was a lot of things wrong with the kingdom. Of course, I know there are some things that need to be fixed, but she took it too far and practically insulted the empire. "

   " Oh. . .well that was rude of her. "

   " Yes, it seems she can't hold her tongue sometimes, but it is what it is. Did you enjoy the ball? "

   " I did, it was nice to eat some of the delicious food, and I think Elina is dancing with a prince inside. "

   " Good for Elina. Maybe she can get out of here and live a peaceful life. " Quinn said with a solemn look on his face.

   " How come you say it in that tone? "

   " Hmm? "

   " You sound sad, and very solumn. "

Quinn looked at your eyes before letting go of your hand and walking to one of the windows. When he let go, you noticed the lack of warmth in your palm, but you joined his side, leaning against the window frame and looking outside.

   " I'm not ready for marriage. I haven't even found the woman I love if she exists at all. But my father expects me to have someone by tomorrow. I've thought about running away a couple of times, but I haven't been able to do that yet. "

   " Where would you go, if you could run? "

   " I would. . .I would want to go to this small town that's North of here. They have a great market, and I want to see everything they would sell. Then I want to travel North even more, past Chevalier, and get to the mountains. I hear there's a lovely forest over there that has no inhabitants but the animals that live there. I want to build a house by the river and live a peaceful life. But that's not realistic, is it? " He asked, looking at you.

   " It can be. They say our imaginations are windows to the future. Whatever we dream, or want to do is possible, but we just need to do it or make it. But Genevive told me that, so I don't know anything. "

Quinn nodded his head and looked back outside. The stars shone brightly, and they sparkled amongst the constellations and planets. It was calm to stand beside Quinn and stare gaze through the window. 

   " Y/n, if I do run away, would you come with me? "

   ' I didn't know he was going to ask that. '

You were surprised by his sudden question, but you responded with honesty.

   " I don't know. It sounds like a fun adventure, but I couldn't leave Elina and Genevive. They need me here. "

   " I see. . ."

It was quiet once more, and the music from the ballroom could be heard from the hallway. You yawned, feeling tired, and pushed yourself away from the window.

   " I'm going to sleep. I'm really tired from working and from the ball in general. "

   " Okay, have a good night. "

Quinn reached his hand down and grabbed yours. He kissed the back of your hand and smiled at you with contentment in his eyes. 

   " Sleep well, Y/n. "