Paralyzer

Chapter Four

The next few weeks were a daze of fabrics and sewing for Mai. She was still reeling from the idea that Luka wanted her to attend a royal ball. And on his arm, no less. She had worked tirelessly to make the perfect gown, something that would make him proud to have invited her. She felt a growing warmth in her chest, and spent much of her time simply basking in it.

When the night finally came, her excitement had built to a near frenzy, and she found it hard to concentrate on her tasks for the day; she'd nearly singed her own hair while making lunch. By the time evening fell, she'd pulled her hair back into a simple updo, and her green dress seemed to shimmer in the low light of the candles. She closed up her home and started for the palace, stomach tightening with every step she took. Entering the palace, she took a deep breath to calm her hammering heart, and headed straight for the ballroom.

She ignored the curious stares as she entered, striding down the steps into the room and making a path to the Royal Family. She made her way to each, giving a small bow and a murmured thanks, only faltering when she found herself standing before Luka. He looked delighted, but she simply gave a small bow like the others and her thanks, before turning to make her way to the edge of the room. She lifted a glass from a passing tray, and settled herself to watch the other couples. Her heart continued to hammer, but for an entirely different reason. She hadn't counted on Luka having such a high position. A lord, maybe, duke even. But never the Crown Prince. She began to worry that this was a mistake on her part.

"Excuse me, miss." She turned to see a young man giving her a small bow. She bowed her own head in return. "I was wondering if you care to dance." He gave a bright smile that she matched with a small one of her own, and he led her out to the floor. He was a fine dancer, but she was far too distracted to full enjoy it. Her gaze would dart every so often to Luka, until finally the song ended and she could escape to the gardens. She was alone out there, and she took several deep breaths in an effort to calm herself. She heard a throat clear behind her and spun, finding herself face to face with Luka.

"Mai, are you alright?" The genuine concern in his voice and on his face unnerved her. She shook her head, collapsing onto a nearby bench with a rustle of skirts. Slowly, Luka took the seat next to her and tucked his hands into his lap. "What's wrong?"

"How could you not tell me who you are?" Mai hated that her voice shook, and she fought to control her emotions. His brow furrowed at her tone, and he tried to catch her gaze.

"I hadn't realized it was something that would cause a problem. I didn't want you to feel like you had to act a certain way." He reached for her hand, finding it to be gloved as usual. His fingers traced up to her bare arm, and she took comfort in it despite herself.

"Surely, you must be joking. Luka, it's well known what the point of this ball is." Her stomach dropped even as she spoke the words, and the blush staining his cheeks was confirmation enough. He shifted a bit, pulling his hand away and reaching into some interior jacket pocket.

"Yes, it is known...which brings me...to my next question." He frowned and turned his gaze down to his pockets, rummaging through them carefully. "Mai..."