No Explanations - ONC24

Chapter 6 - Dancing With Our Hands Tied

"I could've spent forever with your hand in my pockets. Picture of your face in an invisible locket." - Dancing With Our Hands Tied, Taylor Swift

I had a bad feeling, but the day of the ball arrived. I had anxiously waited for this day to come. This would be my day, the day I would ask Arora for a dance, as I would with many more of the royal youths. I was allowed to dance with girls that evening, because it was an honor to be selected to dance with the birthday girl. It normally didn't mean anything, but it would mean something to me. But I wasn't sure if I dared to ask Arora.

I stayed in my room all day long. Still, I wore clothes in my room. Arora had made me feel bare and naked, but somehow in a good way. I had worn a basic dress for most of the day, but now I would have to change into my ballgown for the evening.

My parents had chosen my dress for the evening. It was a mature, but beautiful design. It was completely black with lots of lace, many skirts and a high collar. It was beautiful, I couldn't deny it, but it was not something I would choose myself. I was completely aware that most of the clothes I owned were very sexy.

I let my handmaidens clothe me, put my hair up and do my makeup. I had opted for a masked ball, but my parents would only settle with a normal ball. So no masks around.

When I arrived at the ballroom, most of the attendants were already inside. I met up with my parents and Damian at the big doors leading to the room. I looked up at Damian. He looked quite handsome in this light. His brown eyes were shining, his black suit adding to his features. With those high cheekbones, boyish look in his eyes and messy blonde hair, he could get all the beautiful girls on their knees. But he just wasn't for me.

Damain was the best guy I could imagine, he was handsome, kind, forgiving and rich, but I could only fall in love with girls. I did not give a shit for boys, I didn't need them in my life.

"You look beautiful tonight," Damian whispered in my ear.

"Thank you," I whispered back. "My parents chose my dress tonight."

Damian chuckled softly. "I could guess. The Ebony I know would never let an opportunity to wear revealing clothing slip."

A slime broke through on my face. "You know me too well."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should."

At that exact moment my father coughed softly. The doors were about to open. I linked my arm into Damians and we took our place in front of the doors. With my free hand, I quickly rearranged the crown on my head.

My parents slid into place behind us and the doors opened. I heard a guard announcing us and everyone in the ballroom looked at us while we walked into the room.

My eyes scanned the room and everyone inside, desperately looking for Arora, but the princess was nowhere to be seen. I did find her little sister, Princess Feyla, in a sparkling gold dress beside her parents. But Arora wasn't in sight.

Damian and I stopped in the middle of the room, surrounded by all the attendees of the ball. While my parents got on their thrones on the raised podium, Damian and I got ready to open the ball with the first dance.

I looked into Damians eyes while the band started playing the music. The music was different from the music they played at the bar where I had most of my parties. This was more formal, music for older people. But I quite liked dancing on it, and I knew Damian did too.

So he took the lead and brought me to all the corners of the ballroom. He was a skilled dancer, more skilled than me. I had other talents, things I learned Damian. His future wife would thank me.