Forbidden love

Roman Whitlock

Over the next few weeks, the palace was anything but peaceful. As my parents continued to make me meet with different suitors, I continued to reject them. I was beyond done with them and I was trying to think of the best way to take my throne. I really missed Pollux and I knew if he was here that we would be plotting together to get me to my rightful place. My parents were throwing a ball this evening in order to impress the other royal families. We might be the head family in the kingdom, but we still needed the support of the other royal families. They could easily turn against us to overturn our reign. Zuria and a few other women entered my room with all the working for me to prepare for the ball. After taking a rose bath, Zuria began working on my hair while the other women worked on painting my nails and make-up.

"I can't wait for you to see your dress, your highness. I made sure to pick the most beautiful one so that you would be the eye of the ball."

"Thank you Zuria, for having done so much for me and I really want you to know that I appreciate everything."

"It's my pleasure. Now let me reveal the grown to you"

Zuria went into my closet and pulled out a bag. When she removed it, revealing the dress, my mouth drooped and the other women looked in awe. Stepping into the dress and getting laced up, I went over to the mirror and rubbed my hands over the beautiful dress. The dress was a bright red colored, the jewels were only on the lower part of the dress and the train. The top of the dress was laced and it was a true fit for my body being that it was a mermaid style. I don't know if it is the dress or the complete look, but I feel more beautiful than ever. Putting on my heels, I was ready to head down. Zuria went ahead of me and when I arrived at the top of the staircase all the guests gathered as I made my way down. Everyone stared as they smiled at me, not being able to remove their eyes. Passing my parents without speaking, I went straight over to the bar and got myself a drink. Observing my surroundings, I watched as my parents made their way around thanking everyone for being there, how the men all had their eyes on me but not one wanted to be the first to make the move, and how all the women looked envious, but if I were to walk over they would smile and play face in my face. The only purpose for me to attend these things is to observe whatever I could about the other families. I started to make my rounds speaking to the ones who needed to be spoken to, when suddenly someone caught my eye. In the corner of the room stood a man in all black. From what I could see, he didn't look familiar. I made my way to the corner and the closer I got the move I could see this man's features. Finally, standing right in front of him, I looked him up and down and I have to say he was the finest man there. He stood tall, even with my heels on. He was much larger than me. The man had perfect pink plumped lips and gray eyes.He had a full beard but you could still see his perfect strong jawline and jet black hair that was slicked back to perfection. The mystery man stared down at me, showing me his perfect white teeth. At that moment, I was sure that he made women fall to their knees and bow before him. A man like him is something very dangerous and I had to be cautious.

"Well, hello, you must be Penelope. My name is Roman. Roman Whitlock."

My eyes went wide. Years ago, the Whitlock's were one of the most powerful famines that lived under us. There was some type of scandal that left their father in shame. We were never allowed to know, but from what I heard from maid's gossiping was that the father had had a bastard child out of wedlock and the mother of that child was trying to destroy the

eir name if he wouldn't leave his wife and make her queen. The rumors eventually died down and the family disappeared from all social events and sightings, locking up their palace and only allowing certain people in. I know my father was one of those people, since he was close with his father. Eventually, I shook Roman's hand and he bowed, kissing the back of my hand.

"So Penelope, I hear that you are on the market for a fiance, then to become queen, but not one without the other."

"You have heard wrong!"

"I doubt that. Why are you so against marrying?"

"I don't want to marry just for the fun of it. Why should I share my throne with someone that has no right to it?"

"Well, to have a strong foundation."

"I will have a strong foundation. I will not need a man to run this kingdom.. If I marry, it will be my choice and I will be in love."

Roman stepped closer, so close that I could smell his wonderful scent. Leaning down, Roman came closer and I could feel his hot breath on my ear as he whispered "If it is love you want, let's fall in love together." With a fast beating heart, I stepped back and looked up at Roman. I had no idea what his game was, but I would not be a woman to fall on her knees for him. I went to turn and walk away, but before I could get out of range I felt a strong hand grab my wrist and then I was pulled into a strong chest.

"Give me one dance. If you're not convinced to give me a chance after that, then I will let you be."

Looking at Roman, I knew I should have turned down the offer, but I can never refuse a bit of competitiveness. Shaking my head, yes, Roman led me to the middle of the ballroom floor. From my experience, I have never met a man that could keep up with me on the dance floor no matter what the style of dance was. The music began to play and it was a type of tango music. I have no problem showing off my skills. When the bet began to kick in, I started to move my hips. I let the sound take control as I swiftly moved. The thing about it was that Roman was with me every step that I took. His hand was tight on my waist as he dipped and kept up with me. Doing a full spin out and back in, I was now facing him as we moved and I don't know when, but I found myself caught up in the moment as we were face to face. It was as if everyone else had disappeared. When that sound ended, we danced our way right into another song. Somehow, I spent most of the night on the dance floor with Roman. It wasn't until my feet were hurting and the ball was dying down before I made my way off where we took a seat at a table in the corner.

"Well, Roman, I have to admit you shocked me."

"I know. Most men don't take the time to learn how dancing and a woman's body works. Me, well you could say I am a master at it."

"Is that right?"

"You have seen for yourself. Now will you allow me to get to know you a bit better before completely closing me out?"

Looking at Roman, I must say, he does interest me but, I won't be the average woman and I needed him to know that.