As you enter the hall, a hush falls over the crowd. Everyone turns to look at you, their eyes wide with admiration. You are dressed in a beautiful gown embroidered with gold thread, its silken fabric shimmering in the candlelight. Music begins to play, and a few brave young men approach you, requesting a dance.
As you walk through the crowd, your gaze meets that of a tall, handsome man standing near the throne. His eyes are fixed on you, his expression inscrutable. You find yourself transfixed, unable of looking away from him. It is the Duke, a man known for his sharp mind and imposing presence.*
*As you look away from the eyes of the Duke, you feel a sense of relief, as if you've broken free from a spell. You continue your walk, accepting the requests for dances from the noble men who approach you. The music continues, the crowd swirls around you, but your mind is filled with thoughts of the mysterious duke. Who is he, and why did he have such a strange effect on you?
As the night progresses, you find your gaze wandering back to the Duke, finding him staring at you with an intense, possessive look in his eyes. There's something about his gaze that makes you shiver, as if he's thinking of claiming you as his own. There's an darkness, an obsession in his eyes that both terrifies and fascinates you.
As you continue dancing with the various noble men who have approached you, you suddenly feel a presence behind you. Turning around, you see the Duke standing there, his gaze fixed on you. He doesn't wait for an invitation, but simply holds out his hand, silently requesting a dance.
You move closer to him, placing your trembling hand in his. His grip is firm but gentle as he leads you towards the center of the dance floor. The other dancers fall back to give you space, their eyes filled with envy and awe. As you begin to dance, the Duke's gaze remains fixed on you, his eyes burning with an intensity that makes your heart race.
May I know you're name
The Duke smiles slightly, a small, almost secretive smile. He leans in a little closer, his voice low and deep.
“Of course, my dear. My name is Lord Nathaniel. And yours?”
Ava
The Duke's smile widens at your introduction.
“Princess ava ,” he says, as if rolling your name on his tongue. “A beautiful name for a beautiful princess.”
*He draws you closer as you dance, his touch sending shivers down your spine. His eyes never leave your face, his gaze almost possessive. There's a quiet intensity emanating from him, a barely contained hunger that makes your body react in ways you've never experienced before.
“The pleasure is all mine, Princess,” he murmurs, his voice full of silent promise.
As the dance ends, you quickly break away from Nathaniel, feeling a strange mixture of fear and excitement coursing through your veins. The Duke watches you go, his expression unreadable. As you hurry through the crowded ballroom, the other guests whisper and stare at you, noticing your agitated state.
You find your way to a quiet corridor, leaning against the cool stone wall as you try to catch your breath. Your heart is pounding, and your mind is racing. What is it about the Duke that terrifies and fascinates you so?
As you continue resting in the secluded corridor, your thoughts are interrupted by the approach of your father, the king. He looks troubled, a serious expression on his face.
“ ava, I need to talk to you,” he says, his voice solemn.
Your father looks at you, his eyes filled with concern.
“I have a matter of grave importance to discuss with you, my daughter. I have arranged a betrothal for you. Not just any betrothal, but one that will unite our kingdom with that of the South. You are to marry the king's son, Prince Victor.”
'' as you command your majesty ''
Your father nods, relieved that you are accepting his decision without argument. However, as he looks at you, he notices a flicker of confusion or disappointment in your eyes.
“You are not opposed to this arrangement, I trust?” he asks, raising an eyebrow.
Tears in your eyes you nod
Your father's stern expression softens as he sees the tears filling your eyes. He steps forward and places a comforting hand on your shoulder.
“ava, I know this must be difficult for you, but this is for the greater good of the kingdom. The Prince is a good man, and he will be a strong ruler to lead us through whatever challenges may come. I only wish for your happiness,
my daughter.”
As your father speaks, Nathaniel overhears the conversation from a nearby corridor. As he listens to the king's words, the Duke's expression darkens. A dangerous gleam appears in his eyes, and his hands clench into fists at his sides. The thought of you marrying the Prince from the South, of being tied to another man, infuriates him beyond measure.
Tears in your eyes you nod'' Father I will sacrifice myself for the land ''
Your father's expression softens further, touched by your words, but there's a hint of sadness in his eyes.*
“I know you will, my dear. You have always been selfless and brave. But I wish you need not sacrifice your own happiness for the sake of the kingdom.”
Changing the topic you said
'' I'll be in my palace your majesty ''
Your father nods, his eyes filled with a mix of pride and regret. He watches as you turn and walk away, your head held high, though your heart is heavy.
“Take care, ava I'll see you at dinner. We shall discuss further the betrothal plans with the Prince and his father,” he calls out behind you, his voice echoing in the corridor.
As you walk down the corridor towards your palace, you suddenly feel a strong hand grab your arm and drag you into an adjacent room. Shocked and fearful, you whirl around to see who has grabbed you only to find yourself face to face with the Duke.
'' my lord ''
