As I entered the palace's throne room, the grandeur took my breath away. I walked beside Kylie, my escort, who discreetly guided me to the king's side.
The king's warm smile put me at ease, but my nerves returned as he began his introduction.
"Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and members of the royal court, I present Miss Black, a distinguished guest and honored friend of the crown."
The room fell silent, with all eyes on me like a hundred needles.
As I rose, I met the intense stare of the royal court’s esteemed members scrutinizing me with interest. I curtsied, trying to hide my trembling hands.
The princes' stares made my cheeks flush, warmth spread across my face. Kylie's expert touch had transformed me into a vision of elegance. I struggled to recognize the woman standing before these nobles.
I took a deep breath, gathered my courage and began my speech, trying to sound confident.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, and esteemed members of the royal court, for this incredible honor."
My voice trembled slightly, betraying my nerves. I forced a smile, hoping to hide the tension building inside.
Cameras flickered around me, making me feel like a specimen under a microscope. I felt suffocated, trapped in this whirlwind of protocol and expectation. I pressed on, determined to make a lasting impression.
"And I'm really grateful for this opportunity," I continued, trying to sound sincere.
Tension filled the air until the court erupted into applause, breaking the silence.
"Welcome, Miss Black!" Lord Harrington called out, his voice warm.
Relieved, I smiled, trying to appear composed.
As I finished speaking, I made a hasty exit, seeking refuge from the overwhelming attention. My heart was racing, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease.
I made my way to the bathroom, needing a moment to collect my thoughts.
As I entered the quiet sanctuary, I let out a deep breath. This was too much.
But my solitude was short-lived.
Suddenly, the door creaked open. I turned to find Prince Elvis standing there before me, his piercing eyes locked onto mine like a magnet.
"Ava," he said softly, using my name for the first time.
My heart skipped a beat.
“You look breathtakingly stunning tonight” he said, his voice low and husky.
He took a step closer, his hand stretching out to grab mine. I felt a flutter in my chest as his fingers brushed against mine, sending sparks through my entire body.
A small smile formed on his lips, as his eyes roamed over me. Their intensity made my cheeks red-hot with heat.
“Thank-you” I whispered, my voice barely audible.
“And you did extremely great” he added.
His warm breath enveloped me, drawing me in. Then, with a tender gesture, he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ears.
He stuck my hair behind my ears…leaning closer, his face a few inches away from mine, I panicked.
“I…uh…my feet hurt” I stammered, desperate to distract him.
It wasn’t entirely a lie, my high heels were killing me. But I knew it was just a feeble attempt to create distance between us.
Prince Elvis’s gaze remained on mine, his expression softening “Do you want to go back to the party?” His voice laced with concern and I nodded disapprovingly.
“Let’s take the back-exit then, so you can rest a while”
I shook my head gratefully, feeling a wave of relief.
With his hands guiding me and his supportive grip on my waist steadying me.
We walked in comfortable silence, the only sound being the soft clicking of my heels on the marble floor.
My thoughts swirled around him.
He is incredibly thoughtful,
Kind and considerate
And surprisingly understanding.
He’s so well collected.
Maybe I should say…he’s my knight in shining armor.
—————————
The cool night air enveloped us as soon as we stepped into the deserted corridor. The soft glow of the moonlight illuminated our path, our hands still engulfed in each other.
We reached a secluded stone alcove, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers. The sweet scent of blooming roses filled the air.
Prince Elvis led me to the edge of the alcove, where a beautifully crafted stone bench awaited me.
"May I rest your feet?" he asked, his eyes sparkling with concern.
I nodded, my voice caught in my throat.
As I sat down, Prince Elvis knelt before me, his fingers tracing the straps of my shoes. His touch sent shivers down my spine.
"May I?" he asked again, his eyes seeking permission.
I nodded once more, my heart racing.
With gentle care, he removed my shoes and began to massage my feet. His fingers worked magic, easing the tension and discomfort.
I closed my eyes, letting out a soft sigh. "That feels amazing."
He chuckled, his breath caressing my skin. "I'm glad I can help."
As he continued the massage, our silence grew comfortable. I felt at ease, my guard dropping around him.
Suddenly, he stopped. I opened my eyes to find him looking up at me.
"Ava," he whispered, his voice barely audible.
I felt a pang in my heart, like it was on the verge of shattering.
Without another word, he rose, his hands cradling my face. His eyes locked onto mine, searching for permission.
I nodded almost imperceptibly.
He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine.
Time froze.
The world around me melted away. All that existed was Prince Elvis's gentle touch, his warm breath, and the tender pressure of his lips against mine.
My heart soared, my soul singing.
He deepened the kiss, as he savored me hungrily, our lips moving in perfect harmony.
I felt like I was floating, so weightless and free.
As we broke apart, gasping for air, I knew nothing would ever be the same.
His gaze intensified, pupils dilating as he became utterly absorbed in the moment.
Our lips met again, this time with a sense of familiarity, of belonging.
In the starry night, I shared my first kiss.
With Prince Elvis.
And I knew, at that moment, I was falling in love.