worthy.

eleven.

CHAPTER      XI.
the white cat.

                        THE GALA CONTINUES on throughout the e'en. Multiple dance cycles through as a variety of dancers sway across the ballroom like a silk ribbon blowing in a soft breeze. The orchestra performing a beautiful string of music that echoed throughout the entire room in a cheerful melody.

The handful of princes that crowded —and frightened— you slowly dispersed amongst the nobility and high-class. The warrior princes having matters to discuss with fellow generals and admirals, the Imperial prince crowded with greedy monarchs pitching their daughters like items and the young king being stuck in a one-sided conversation with a warlord.

All that remained beside you was the bubbly younger imperial prince who shared many stories about his responsibilities back in the empire he so loved.

"—and so the cowards ended up giving the entire shipment to some lowly pirates." Yuu finishes another one of his tales with a slightly frustrated huff and crossed arms. The loose fabric of his royal garb drape over his lower forearms in a semi-transparent white curtain.

You nod mindlessly at his words as your eyes dart around the dance floor rapidly. You actually found his story quite interesting however your nerves felt like they were being shocked constantly. Every sound & face that processed into your senses seemed to send your mind into a shock.

All that had to be done now was to wait for the crown prince to find you. He would feign interest before telling his father about his chosen bride. The prince spared most details after that. However, he did mention you would be freed before long.

As much as you didn't trust or believe his word, the 'what-if' was all you really had. The hope of not having to conjure a strategic and meticulous escape plan and instead given a wide upon exit held open by two guards was rather appealing.

A sudden pressure on your shoulder breaks your line of thought as you turn your gaze back onto the dark-skinned prince. His slender fingers glide down your arm before lifting his hand away from your skin with his palm extended towards you.

"Would you like to dance? I've noticed you staring towards the dance floor."

You stared at him for a moment, recovering from almost having a panic attack. Blinking away the distress & anxiety from just a moment ago.

"Ah nono, I uh... was simply admiring is all. I've never really been in a ballroom quite like this." Definitely didn't almost have a panic attack, just simply admiring architecture, sure...

You took a deep breath through your nose in hopes of regaining some of your composure. The prince hums in response, tucking his arm back behind his back. As he looks around the large space for a moment.

"Hmm, yes. His Majesty ensures no other castle is quite like his..."

The prince's tone was much different from what you've been hearing all night long. His voice awfully dull and almost... spiteful when speaking of the king. His eyes mirroring his tone, dull and hateful.