When You Run Away

Chapter 11: The Dark Ball

*Ethan's POV*

I walked out of her room, shaking my head guiltily at what I had just done. Elena was the most beautiful girl in the world, and she was mine... but I still don't want to pressure her into something she's not ready for, even if I want her desperately.

*3 hours later- the ball has started*

All the princes were dancing and having a good time with their mates. I made sure to check on everyone. As head of the princes, it was my duty to arrange gatherings like this. It is important to keep all of us united, except from the Prince of Fire of course, he can go to hell for all I care.

"So who is the beautiful Elena that you have been talking about all this time?" Anabelle, the mate of the Prince of Wisdom teased.

All of the princes were responsible and knew how to carry their duties very well but the Prince of Wisdom was by far the most disciplined and also my best friend.

"I'm guessing Alec told all the princes about her already." I smirked, and took a sip of wine.

My heart was pounding hard in my chest. What was taking my princess so long?

"I was too excited when I found out that you had found your mate at last." Alec, the Prince of Wisdom said.

Several minutes had passed by and everyone was waiting for Elena anxiously. All of the princes were dancing to the music elegantly with their princesses.

I looked at my watch and straightened the collar of my suit. Where was she?!

I was about to make my way upstairs, when I saw Elena walking slowly down the stairs. My eyes widened and my mouth was left ajar at how beautiful she looked. Her blue eyes roamed around the crowd, she was definitely nervous. She lifted her red dress a little as she walked down the stairs nervously. The long dress definitely looked good on her and I could feel the lust running in my veins already. As soon as her eyes landed on me a soft and angelic smile formed on her face. It was ironic that an angel like her was now the Princess of Darkness.

I examined the crowd and all the other princes looked at her with a strange glint in their eyes as if they wanted her. I clenched my fists and almost growled. They need to know that she was only mine.

"I would like to announce the arrival of my beautiful princess and mate." I said as I cleared my throat, looking at some of the princes murderously.

Upon hearing this, they all quickly averted their gazes from her. Of course they wouldn't dare to look at her in that way anymore. I wrapped my arm around her small waist possessively and I could tell she was enjoying my behaviour as she almost suppressed a giggle that escaped her mouth.

"I think its time that I introduce you to every one of them one by one." I whispered in her ear. She smelled amazing and I just wanted to run upstairs and take her to my room already.

"Alright." She replied, a little scared.

Why did my mate have to be so sexy? It's actually annoying me now.

"Why are you constantly scowling?" I heard Elena whisper in my ear as the princes had went back to dancing, talking, or eating.

"Because I told you to look good for this ball but you failed me El." I looked at her, grinning devilishly.

"I knew I looked bad! Ethan should I go change? Everyone is probably laughing me. This is so embarrassing. I'm so sorry for doing this to you, I-"

I quickly interrupted her by planting a soft kiss on her lips. She always felt so good.

"I told you to look good, not perfect. I must've forgotten that's impossible. I just don't want the other princes to look at you like that." I whispered in her ear and a small smile formed on her face, making those adorable dimples appear.

"Ethan! Not here..." She gushed quickly, placing a hand on my chest and blushing.

Why is my mate so cute?

Wait did I just say "cute" ?

"Relax baby, we're doing what you're thinking about later." I whispered in her ear and winked.

"In your dreams" She teased back and scoffed.

After introducing her to all the other princes and their mates, we couple-danced. It was a tradition in every ball for the princes to dance with their mates. I could sense she was nervous at first but as time passed by, she eased up. Soon dinner was served which was followed by champagne and laughter. All of the princes were getting ready to leave and Alec was the last one to leave with Anabelle.

"Ethaannn, take me upstairs to your roooommmm." Elena slurred in my ear. She was a little tipsy after drinking only two glasses of champagne. I could keep myself sober till twenty glasses. Literally.

"Kitten are you sure you're okay?" I asked while picking her up bridal style and racing her upstairs to my bedroom.

She threw her head back and laughed.

"You think I'm drunk, don't you?"

"No..." I lied.

As soon as we entered my room she threw herself on the bed.

"I'm not drunk, kiss me." She demanded.

Her dress was raising up unintentionally and I couldn't help the blood that was violently rushing in my veins. She raised her head to look at me and raised a perfect eye-brow. I just shrugged and turned my back towards her. How could I kiss her without getting out of control?

"I can't." I said bitterly

"Why not?" She questioned

"Because... I won't be able to control myself from doing something you're not ready for."

"Then don't control yourself." She purred.

I turned around to face my sexy mate and gulped.

What on earth was I about to do?