The Rogue and The Prince

Chapter 7- Information and New Feelings

Ok guys sooo sorry for the long wait. I know it was a while and this is kinda short, but I've had some stuff I had to do concerning my family, and I had to put writing aside for a little. I will try my hardest to get the other chappies out asap, but please bare with me.

Chapter 7-  Information and New Feelings

FRANCE

MAY, 1576

Archer's POV

The ball was going down hill very fast. Well, for me at least.

Ranger continued to try and make a little headway while I stayed in the shadows. Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to try and find out any information that I could acquire in this room. Weaving my way through the mass of overly dressed people, I finally found the one person I was looking for.

You see, while Ranger tried to pry information out of the worthless rich folk I made my way to more reliable and trustworthy people. My first interviewee was a woman who looked around the age of fifty or so. The moment could not and would not be more perfect, because from what I could tell, she was agitated and frustrated.

Bending down to her level I could tell why.

On the floor, were multiple shattered glasses and puddles of red wine. I smiled as I began to pick up the pieces with her, and put them on the tray where there was already a huge pile. She looked up and put on a sweet smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"Thank you Miss, but you should get back to the party," the anger was evident as I shook my head.

"No, I would like to help, for I do not like this party," I smiled internally as I began my quickly-formed plan.

"And why is that, Miss?" She looked at me with a wary but curious glance.

"Oh, that doesn't matter," I replied smoothly, as we stood up from cleaning. I continued to talk to her and get all of the information I could in the time I could without looking inconspicuous. I continued asking anything that would help me, to all of the maids, butlers, cooks, etc. Not once did I have to ask any of the rich people any questions.

Someone pulled me back to the side and I was about to attack the poor fellow until I saw who it was. Ranger pulled me all the way be to the corner which we were visiting quite a lot that night.

"What did you find out?" I asked before Ranger could say anything.

"Not much," he admitted, "the higher class snobs don't know anything."

"What did you find out?" He shot the my question back to me.

I then proceeded to tell him all of the info I discovered. I told him how the king likes to go his study right after ten at social gatherings and comes back at around, ten fifteen. I also said where all of the guards were stationed and which ones were friendlier than others. And by the time I had finished telling him, where to find all of his documents were stashed, the Prince's dance was about to commence.

We were to get out of here when the king had his dance. It looked like if the dances took as long as the others from this evening, that the king's dance would end at around ten o'clock sharp. That meant that King Zander would be going to his study right after it, if my sources were correct.

Everyone was trying to see the Prince and who he was going to choose for his dance partner. It looked as if he was coming Ranger's and my way. When he was about twenty feet away, and looking at me expectantly, I realized something. I was the one he was asking to dance.

My face stayed the impassive, cool mask that it usually is, but on the inside I was frantic. My mind was going at an impossible rate as he reached where I was standing.

"May I have this dance," he smiled a blinding smile. It could be handsome, if he wasn't trying so hard that is. I gave a half smile, curtsied, nodded and placed my hand in his incredibly warm one. I hoped that Ranger was paying attention when I told him all of that information, because I wasn't going to be able to go with him on his little 'adventure'.

We slowly made our way to dance floor with my arm in the crook of his arm. My mind was telling me to pull my hand out of his arm and run for the hills, but something was stopping me. Maybe it was the way my heart slightly quickened at his touch, or the way my hand melted into him. Whatever the reason, I didn't let go.

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Ian's POV

I finally got the excuse to ask that woman to dance. All dance she had been roaming around, out of my grasp. Now she had to dance with me.

It was mandatory for the lady that the Prince chose, to dance with him. I just happened to be the Prince and she just happened to be the lucky lady. When I put my hand out for her to grasp, I never expected the feeling I got. Her skin was soft and silky, her hand warm and welcoming. I couldn't help the small smirk as I put her hand into the crook of my arm and took her to the middle of the floor.

We positioned ourselves into the proper dance posture; her hand on my shoulder and mine on her waist. I put out my other hand for her to take and she gently put hers, no hesitation. Since I saw her dance in the square and out here, I knew she was an amazing dancer. But I was defiantly not expecting how it would feel like to dance with her here.

Her hands were radiating heat and her face showed no emotion. She was the most graceful dancer I had ever had the pleasure to dance with. Her feet moved in perfect rhythm as the orchestra played a slow and steady song. Being put through dance lessons, I kept up. I could feel all of the stares on us as we moved effortlessly around the open space.

My attention was never fully on them, though. My eyes were fully focused on her blue-green orbs, behind her dark blue mask.

She had me in a trance.

We did all of the dance moves perfectly, with me leading of course. The feeling of her in my arms was a feeling that I could get used to.

What are you thinking? She's just a girl, I scolded myself, but it was to avail. I knew that someway or another I was going to get to know this mystery girl, even if it killed me.

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SOOOO SOORRRY!!! I'm sorry that this chappie was really short and kinda stunk, but if you read what I said at the time you will kinda know why I was late in the delivery.... So anyway sorry it stunk, but I was trying to pull something together that was (somewhat) presentable.

Anywho, I was trying to think of something to keep you guys occupied so I thought of a question for you..

Q #1- What do you think of Archer and Ian??

hmmmm??

Please give feedback!

<3,

wildthang