Diamond Empire

Chapter 9

(This is the Prince's perspective)

This ball is excruciating! I have never seen so many women ready to throw themselves with pockets. I have had 12 requests to dance and the balls only been going on for 20 minutes. There is only one woman I really want to dance with tonight, and it's none of these five dollar.... ladies. I sip the champagne and let my thoughts wander away from the party before me. I wonder where the princess is. I hope she recieved my gift. I felt she needed something that shined almost as bright as her. Almost. I begin to wonder if I can ask someone where she is. It is absolutely insane that in the span of a few hours, this girl has managed to consume my mind. But she is not a girl. She is a queen. And I intend to help her realize that. Just as I being to approach someone to ask about the princess, the grand doors fly open.
            "Her royal highness, Princess Jewel." I sweep my eyes towards the doors and almost drop my glass. She is wearing a fitting purple dress with designer sleeves. I heard a rumor that the queen would not allow her daughter to wear purple dresses. I look over to the royal family. From the look on their faces, I believe the rumors to be true. As the princess makes her way down the stairs she holds her head high and walks with elegance and grace. I smile to myself and never take my eyes off of her. When me and her eyes meet, I try to dull the smile on my face to a smirk. I'm proud. I'm proud of this woman who holds her head down in the presence of her family, and yet still holds the power of every queen known to man. Her smile is enough to make me give up my entire kingdom. I watch her make her way down the stairs, and attempt to approach her. I am cut off, however, by nobles asking for the first dance. I step slightly and decide to wait until I get an opportunity. I spend about 10 minutes watching her dance with other nobles. I excuse myself from the many women who have tried to get my attention and head towards the princess, when I suddenly see Dorian swoop in and grab her. He grabbed her too roughly for my taste. I decide to move closer to the pair. I don't trust Dorian with anything, let alone Jewel. I set the champagne down on a near by tray. I calmly walk over to them, getting closer but not being too obvious. I walk closer as I see Jewel begin to slightly panic. I rush over to her as I see her scrunch over slightly in pain. She moved slightly, and anyone who wasn't paying attention to them would have no clue. I make a quick assumption. He cracked her ribs. HE CRACKED HER RIBS! I walk over to them and try to speak calmly.
         "May I cut in?" I walk over and stare at Dorian as Jewel clutches her side. "What dance is this, the crack?" I feel my fist begin to ball up.
         "Mind your business, Princey."
         "As of now, she is my business."
         "Please, not here." Jewel looks up at me as tears begin to well in her eyes. I will not let her suffer. I grab her wrist, and drag her out of the ballroom.