But Daddy I Love Him (Tayvis Short Story)

two

"Hello." I smiled, dipping a curtsey to what felt like the millionth man of the night. 

"Princess." He offered a hand and I placed mine in his, watching as he kissed the back of my knuckles. "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"Likewise." I dipped my head. 

"My name is Joe." He introduced himself. 

"He is a Duke." My father added on by my side. "From nearby. It is very nice to have you joining us tonight." He nodded at the man still holding my hand.

"Could I have this dance princess?" Joe asked, and I nodded, letting him lead me onto the dance floor. I was distracted, bored from the amount of men I had met so far. Father had introduced me to so many potential husbands that I had lost track of them, and I simply wished I could go off and write in my notebook or play with Cece. "How are you liking the ball?"

"Very much." I lied as we danced through the floor of couples. "It is a very beautiful celebration."

"And soon it will be your ball, for your eighteenth birthday."

"Yes." I murmured. Then my wedding the next day. 

Joe kept talking, but I only half paid attention to what he was saying. It was easy enough to murmur responses to make it seem like I was listening, and he did not notice that my attention was elsewhere. The steps of the dance were muscle memory, and I had no trouble keeping up. Joe seemed very nice, but I was so deterred by the idea of finding a husband in one night that I did not think I would like anyone just because of what was expected.

As I danced with Joe, I caught sight of a small commotion by the main doors. Glancing over, I watched as my father shook his head at a man who had just walked in, gesturing as though he should leave. My eyes caught on the man and stayed there, looking curiously.

He was tall, elegant, strong, with short hair and a stunning suit. Something about him caught my attention as he shook his head at my father, eyes sweeping the room. They landed on me and paused there, and as they did, I felt a flutter in the depths of my heart. Something I had never felt before.

"Would you excuse me?" I whispered to Joe. 

"O-of course." He seemed confused at my sudden eagerness to leave but nodded, letting his arms drop. Stepping past him, I walked off the dance floor over to where my father was still speaking with this mysterious man. The man looked at me as I approached, and my father turned to see me coming.

"Hello." I bobbed a curtsey when I stopped at my father's side. 

"You must be the princess." The man murmured.

"Yes." I nodded, peeking up at him. "My name is..."

"Pet, you are not to be introduced to this man." Father shook his head at me. "Run along, this does no concern you. And you." He turned to the man. "You are not welcome here."

"Father..."

"I said run along pet." Father said firmly, and so I reluctantly turned away from the interaction. As much as this stranger intrigued me, I must listen to my father. 

But I kept an eye on the man, watching as he seemed to argue with my father for a minute before giving in and leaving. Glancing around, I swallowed the knowledge that I was meant to be meeting men and ducked out of the ballroom through a staff door. They would not mind, would not tell my father that I was there if I was seen. I had to meet this man who my father did not like.

Finding away out onto the lawn of the front gardens, I picked the hem of my dress up and ran down towards the gates. The man I was looking for was just exiting the front hall, walking back to a carriage waiting for him. He looked over at me and paused, seeming surprised.