Guild of Thieves

Chapter Four

I stiffened as Senke put his arm around my waist and pulled me closer. I faked a smile at the couple in front of us. So far we haven’t been obliterated, so that means we’re doing fine. Ever since we entered I’ve allowed Senke to do all the talking. He was more experienced in this kind of thing.

We haven’t had much success, as all these rich people talked about was war in faraway lands and their fortunes. The king had yet to make an appearance, but his son was here. I couldn’t speak to him, however. He was surrounded by two guards and a flock of single, wealthy women. I honestly felt sorry for him.

I tugged on Senke to lead him away from the crowd. We stood by the refreshments table, where only a lad at the far end was present. I slipped his arm off of me. Unlike most women here, I didn’t crave his touch. I looked around before speaking.

“We’re getting nowhere. Let’s just slip into the hallways and see what we find. At least then we’ll be doing something,” I hissed.

Senke was about to respond, but he was interrupted by a loud ringing noise. We turned to look at the prince, who was standing above the crowd. He looked around, waiting until we were silent. He held a broad smile on his face.

“Alright everyone, let’s lay a little socializing game. You dance with a partner, and when we call out to switch, you must find a different partner. It’s either dance or be thrown out. Now that you know how it works, let’s played!” he announced.

I rolled my eyes while everyone murmured. Great, a party game. I hated dancing, but Father had made me learn it anyways. I was supposedly useful, and I guess that came into play now. Senke took my hand and led me out to the crowd. I guess I didn’t have a choice.

He eagerly obliged to put his hand on my waist, taking my other in his own. His hands were smooth, unlike Shadik’s or Remin’s. I grudgingly put my hand on his shoulder. We stepped I time with the music. I was instantly bored. I sighed and looked around the room.  Senke, however, seemed to be enjoying himself.

“How can you stand to do this? It’s completely boring and a waste of time,” I complained.

“It’s not so bad when you have a partner like you,” he answered with a wink.

“Enough flirting. Remember you’re still under my control, even if you don’t have to call me ‘sir’,” I reminded him.

He dipped me down low and looked me in the eyes. His face came a little closer.

“Now why would I go and flirt at a time like this? I’d rather call it something more subtle, maybe chatting,” he teased.

“Well chatting like that isn’t exactly interesting. It just makes this all even more boring,” I replied.

“Boring? We’ll have to change that,” he whispered.

He came even closer, his nose almost brushing mine. I was confused. What was he doing? Right as our noses touched a loud voice boomed, calling for a switch. I got back up and looked around for another partner.

Senke was instantly grabbed by another woman, one with ample breasts and flowing hair. She giggled as she put her hand on his shoulder. She promptly tugged on her dress a little, making a point of displaying her chest. Well, he at least had a partner, even if she was a whore.

“May I have this dance?” a voice asked.

I turned my attention to the man standing in front of me. He was very tall, wearing very fine clothes. He wore a red tie, playing off of his orange eyes. His hair was a chocolate brown with streaks of gold. He had a hand extended my way.