Forever and Always

14 - Assault

The night was far from over. The royal ball, once a predictable affair, now held the promise of unexpected encounters, a touch of chaos, and the dawning realization that sometimes, the most captivating stories were written not by following tradition, but by embracing the unexpected.

Varian, his chest heaving with a mixture of exhilaration and relief, bowed deeply to Cassandra. "That, Lady Cassandra," he stammered, "was... unexpected. In the best way possible, of course!"

Cassandra laughed, a sound that made Varian's stomach do a happy little flip. "Indeed," she agreed, her eyes twinkling. "Though perhaps next time, a little less smoke and a little more... finesse in navigating the castle corridors?"

Varian blushed, the soot smudge on his cheek turning a shade rosier. "I'll, uh, work on that. But hey," he added, a playful glint returning to his eyes, "at least my entrance was memorable."

Before Cassandra could reply, his stomach growled loudly, shattering the light mood. Varian winced, a sheepish grin splitting his face. "Apologies, Lady Cassandra. Looks like all that excitement left me famished. Duty calls – this time, in the form of the royal kitchens."

He gave her a helpless shrug. "I wouldn't want to miss out on your legendary apple pie, would I?"

Cassandra chuckled. "The apple pie awaits, Royal Chore-Supervisor. But don't be gone too long."

Varian winked. "Wouldn't dream of it." With a final playful salute, he turned and navigated his way through the crowd, his heart still pounding a happy rhythm against his ribs.

As Varian disappeared, Prince Henry materialized at Cassandra's side, a practiced smile etched on his face.

"Well, Lady Cassandra," he began, his voice a smooth murmur, "quite the... spectacle your friend just provided."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, her playful demeanor fading slightly. "Spectacle?"

"Unorthodox, perhaps," Henry amended, "but undeniably entertaining. A breath of fresh air amidst the staid atmosphere of this ball."

He gestured towards the dance floor, the music having resumed with a lively waltz. "May I have the pleasure of another dance, Lady Cassandra? This time, perhaps, without the... pyrotechnics."

His voice was laced with a subtle challenge, a hint of charm that had worked for him countless times before. Cassandra, however, couldn't help but compare his practiced smile to Varian's genuine grin, his carefully chosen words to the inventor's infectious laughter.

"Another dance, Prince Henry," she began, her voice cool, "might be... predictable."

Henry's smile faltered for a brief moment, then recovered quickly. "Predictable can be delightful, Lady Cassandra. Familiarity breeds comfort, wouldn't you agree?"

Cassandra met his gaze, a spark of defiance igniting within her. "Perhaps," she countered, her voice laced with a teasing amusement. "But sometimes... the unexpected can be far more thrilling."

She glanced towards the doorway where Varian had disappeared, a secret smile playing on her lips. Tonight, she had a feeling, the unexpected was just getting started.

Prince Henry, sensing a shift in the conversation, cleared his throat. "Indeed," he agreed, though his voice lacked conviction. "Thrilling... perhaps. But wouldn't you agree, Lady Cassandra, that a thrilling encounter is best enjoyed with a charming companion at your side?"

Cassandra studied him, a slow smile spreading across her face. This evening wasn't just about stolen dances and hidden chaos. It was about a choice. Predictable charm, or a thrilling connection with a certain inventor who, despite his soot-smudged face and unconventional entrances, made her heart beat a little faster.