The Misplaced Prince[COMPLETE]

The Price of Success

His face, usually so smooth and aloof, was getting transforming with a look of raw desire she could barely comprehend herself. His eyes deepened to a honey gold as they fixed on her lips, those thick lashes lowering almost as if too heavy for those lids. He felt surprisingly good against her,and every caution instilled into her from a young age fled into oblivion until all she could see was him and all she could wish for-desperately, while her stomach somersaulted--was that he would hurry up and kiss her already-

And then the air seemed to change, she could swear his hair almost fluttered subtly, and she suddenly felt blanketed in a warm sensation that made everything seem right in the world, and she stared at him for a few breathless moments, feeling starstruck and dizzy. It dawned on her in the next second what she was feeling, his magical essence that was unbearably beautiful, and, oh, God-it was him-he was the Prince-and her sense of relief, of happiness, was overwhelming. Not because she could finally stop the search but because it was him, someone she was starting to realize was a genuinely good person.

How could she say he was a good person, when she didn't even know him properly? Because despite find her alone, and for all he knew, helpless in that club,he had sought to protect her instead of exposing her, or worse,taking advantage of her. Because he was thrown the worse end of life everyday, with his family and the ton, and he still managed to be patient and droll and go on with his life. Because when he thought he had made her uncomfortable with his nearness, he had started to say ' I'm Sorry.'

It wasn't a lot to go on, but it was more than she had seen in most men.

She reached up to grab him-she didn't think she could ever let go-

"Earth to Kasey!"

Startled,Kasey jumped up, her eyes popping open, and smacked her head on the roof of the carriage, and fell back with a loud 'ooof', turning around to glare at Tony, clutching her head.

Tony blinked at her in thoughtful surprise. "You've been dozing an awful lot lately."

She rubbed her head, grumbling, "One must catch any rest one can get,with our schedule."

"No,"he continued, "I'm quite certain you've been dozing more than usual, lately. Day dreaming, are we?"

She reached down, tugging her proper dress as if that would have any effect on the constricting corset she had once more donned for the ball, feeling her cheeks burning, "Of course. We all dream about finding our prince. The common man's dream." she muttered.

"Right." Tony softly looked out the carriage window, "Of course. I dream about him day and night too, dozing off in random places." He missing her sharp look.

She slumped back, squinting out at the pouring rain and sighing in disappointment.

Had it really been the despicable Earl that magical essence been coming from? The sense of disappointment was crushing. And worse...she almost felt dirty for feelings she had experienced upon sensing it. To think it had been because of the Earl-ugh.

"Heads up!"

She started, Tony moved with lightening speed, sending her sprawling off her seat onto the floor with one swipe of his heavy arm. Her hair flopped on her head, and she gaped at him.

He frowned down at her disapproving. "Keep your wits about you, Kasey.You know this world is a dangerous place, especially now when we might be close to the Prince."

She pushed back her hair, speechless for once, "My hair..."

"Yes,it's already a beacon enough. Perhaps a cap-"