Once Upon His December

Chapter 2 - First Waltz

Nikolai

With a polite nod of my head, I acknowledged the permission granted by the King then stepped over to the princess and extended my hand. Kira, who innocently had turned back to her food, only noticed me awaiting after her father cleared his throat. It was painful to my ego to stand there for so long being ignored. Gazing upward to me, Kira offered a sweet, warm smile.

"May I have the honor of a dance with you, Princess?" I bit out.

Kira was immune to my cold, forced request. Instead, she lit up with glee and eagerly took my offered hand. I led her toward the center of the dance floor, confidently passing other couples who had been dancing the previous song.

"I am honored by your request, Your Highness," Kira complimented, smiling radiantly. "I hope I do not step on your feet. The waltz is still very new to me. I've only just begun my lessons a few weeks ago."

I scoffed, ignored her warning and simply took our stance.

"I have been studying for years, Princess," I remarked coolly. "Just follow me."

Even at 16, I had been diligently molded to be what my father had relentlessly groomed me to be: cold and obedient. As I peered down into the brightly smiling face of this girl, deep down though, something cracked inside me. It was miniscule, but it was a crack in the cruel armor Andrei had cloaked around his eldest son.

With Kira's hand laying delicately in mine, I respectfully laid my other on her shoulder blade and guided her other barely able to reach my shoulder. I began easily leading her around the dance floor once the music started. I led with confidence and great skill.

After the first few boxes of their waltz, I released Kira from her back and let her twirl from my hold. After a beat, I gently tugged at her arm and brought her spinning back to my chest. The giggle that escaped her young lips filled everyone watching with joy, even the ones at the royal table who were watching with an intense gaze.

"Hold on to me," I directed firmly and Kira's eyes went wide when both y hands went to her slim waist. I lifted her into a twirl up through the air as the other couples did the same move in unison.

Kira squealed with unbridled glee at the feeling of air tossing her glowing locks. She gasped with surprise when I did it again another eight counts later. If I hadn't been so closed off, I would have been enjoying the sight of the princess genuinely happy like everyone else watching.

Soon the music slowly ended and I released Kira. We bowed and curtsied to each other then turned to walk back to the royal table. Andrei cleared his throat shooting me a firm look before the we reached the table. With an annoyed sigh, I turned to Kira.

"Would you like to dance again?"

Kira squealed in delight and returned with me back to the floor. Two more songs I led Kira through, unaware of the conversation our fathers were having in the meantime.

****
Nicholas

"What a lovely pair they make, Nicholas," Andrei commented, that devious smirk still plastered on his face.

"Yes," I agreed after a moment's pause.

"Kira does seem besotted by the prince," Natalia, Kira's mother unknowingly mused smiling warmly at me.

I shot her a look and ever so slightly shook my head signaling her to make no more comment on the matter.

"You have had plenty of time to mull over my offer, Nicholas," Andrei prodded. "What is your final answer?"

Before giving my answer, I turned to Natalia and took her hand in mine. I lifted it to my mouth leaving a lingering kiss on her knuckles. With my eyes, I pleaded for her to forgive me and understand what I was about to do. No matter the outcome.