Innocence Is Sin

Chapter 2

Edward took my hand and led me to the dance floor. I knew George was looking at us, I could feel his stare at my back. Music started playing, Edward turned me towards him and we danced.
"You look stunning tonight, Rose" he whispered. Why was he calling be Rose instead of Mrs Wilson like he did in front of George. Maybe he said it out unconsciously or maybe because he does want to be too formal. Either way it was fine with me. Who wants to waste energy on names.
"Thank you, Your Highness"
"Call me Edward" he corrected "and I'm serious green suits you."
I could feel a blush rising up in my cheeks, I was never good with accepting compliments. I looked over my shoulder towards George he was standing in the corner, with his one hand on the table and with the other he was holding a glass and every now and then he was sipping it's contents. But his gaze was fixed at us. On another look he was gone.
"How long have you two been married?"
"Two years" I answered, but my eyes were searching the crowd. I couldn't spot George. He was just standing there how can he just vanish in an instant.
"Are you looking for some one?" He asked in a confused tone. I brought my eyes back to my dance partner.
"No, no one" I replied hurriedly. His eyebrows rose as if to ask "oh really?"  I just smiled back in order to hide my nervousness. He spinned me around and then brought me back to him
"So, tell me about yourself"
"Me! What do you want to know about me?"
"Anything, where were you born, your schooling, your family, anything"
"Hmmm.... where should I start. I was born in cavinica. I'm..."
"You dont belong from here?"
"No, I came here for work, then I got married to George and we settled here. My family is still in cavinica; my parents and my brother"
"And where exactly do you live in cavincia?"
"There is this small city at its eastern border called valus"
"I visited cavinica once, when I was younger, it was actually a business tour of my father, and I accompanied him. I liked it. But you know with such post as mine comes many restriction, so I have only seen it from behind my window in car"
"But you can always visit again, and this time I can be your guide" I offered. He smirked
"Sure". Then the music ended and we both parted. As I descended from stage he pulled my hand, turning me around.
"Rose, we will be having a family dinner tomorrow, would you like to join us?"
"I would love to"
"Good. Tomorrow night then". He smiled and then his elegant form was once again moving among his guest towards his parents. Where is George. I went searching for him, he was nowhere within the hall, as I crossed the main entrance I spotted him, he was standing on top of the stairs outside,  leaning against a pillar. His back was towards me. I placed my hand on his shoulder, he turned
"Why are you standing outside? Is everything alright?" I gave him a concerned look. He nodded, as he placed both his hands on my shoulders
"Everything is fine, I just needed some fresh air so I stepped outside, it's too crowded in there" he smiled weakly and pulled away his hands. Something was wrong. He was never bothered by the gatherings before. I pulled his hand
"Come let's go inside" but he didn't move.
"You go, enjoy yourself, I'll stay here for a while"
"Fine then, I'll accompany you"
"I want to be alone for sometime, you go, I'll join you after a while"
"Listen I want to spend my evening with you, whether inside or outside but not with anyone else" he looked at me, thinking I suppose.
"Fine, let's go" he took me within his arm and we walked side by side back to the hustle bustle of the ball. Next few hours passed in a flash, we danced and laughed. He was back to his normal self, I don't know what happened to him before, he never behaved as such. Anyhow he was back to his jolly mood now.
"Want to go somewhere away from this crowd?" He whispered in my ear, I glanced at him. He had all ready extended his arm, I took it and we quietly sneaked out of the hall.