Renisannce Romance

Dances of Desire

    Saphirra looked at herself in the mirror in her silver and white ballgown.  Her dark curls were pinned up into a messy up-do with diamond clips throughout.  She wore a diamond necklace and diamond teardrop earrings.  She clasped on her diamond bracelet Christopher had gotten her for her last birthday.  She stepped into her silver heels that sparkled under the lights.  She had silver glitter on her eyelids that made them look more blue.  

    "Your Highness it's time!"  Claire popped into the room with a bright smile.  Claire was dressed in a white lace dress with her hair pulled back into a half up style.  She was dressed up as she would be walking out behind the Princess since she was her lady's maid.  

    "You look so stunning my lady!"  "Thank you Claire, I supposed we must be going."  She walked out and nodded at Captain Rogers and Alexander who was her personal guard that accompanied her wherever she went.  They flanked behind her while Claire walked at her side just slightly two steps behind as it was never appropriate to walk directly beside a royal unless you were a person of nobility. She closed her eyes and said a silent prayer that she was making the right decision.  It was very hard to undo an engagement once it had been announced to the kingdom.  Women could not just change their minds once they were betrothed even if they were a royal.  Rumors would swirl and respect would be lost for the Princess.

    She took a deep breath as she arrived at the balcony doors.  It did not matter how many times she went in front of a crowd she always felt nervous.  Claire turned her by the shoulder to face her as she went over her entire ensemble to make sure everything was perfect.  She checked her hair and pulled two curls down to frame her face.  The Princess couldn't control the sick feeling she had inside as she thought of what she was about to do. Claire pulled back slightly, "Deep breaths Your Highness, you are doing the right thing. You are so beautiful and Christopher will think so too."

    Sapphira nodded and smiled slightly at Claire.  The royal trumpets began to sound and she felt like she couldn't breathe.  She began to shake her head rapidly to get rid of the image in her head, the image of him.  "I cannot do this, I cannot do this.  I need to go Claire, I have to go!"  She began to run when to strong hands grabbed her by the shoulders and stepped in front of her.  

    "Darling, look at me, everything is fine.  This will be over quickly and then we can enjoy our party.  I know you loathe being in front of the crowds, but this is preparing you for being queen.  You look exquisite and this night will be one to remember I assure you."  Christopher did not realize her anxiety was not due to the crowds, but the decision she was making.  

    A solider stepped in the door, "Captain they are ready for her."  "My lady are you ready?"  Saphirra closed her eyes and nodded as she turned to face the door.  She heard her father giving his speech. "People of Alinthi, the Queen and I have waited for this day for a long time.  I would like to present Princess Saphirra and her betrothed Prince Christopher of Kalani, your future king and queen."  The double doors opened and Christopher reached for her hand.  Regardless of her nerves, it felt natural to  be in front of her people.  

    They smiled and waved as everyone cheered and clapped and some yelled, long live the Prince and Princess.  Everyone in the kingdom loved them together, they had always went out to meet their citizens and shake their hands.  They both felt it was important to connect with each person on an individual level and hear their concerns and thoughts on happenings in the kingdom.  They were truly loved by all and a force to be reckoned with. 

    Saphirra smiled and felt at ease as she looked around at her subjects.  It wasn't long until her eyes met his.  She could feel his piercing gaze from where she stood above him.  Their eyes met and he smirked and raised an eyebrow.  Her face fell and she dropped her hand down and pulled at Christopher signaling to turn around and go back in.  He followed behind her as the doors reopened and she heard her father announcing to everyone there would be a party in the courtyard.  

    A guard came and pulled Christopher and Captain Rogers away, he was very involved with the royal military because he would take over as king one day.  The King essentially allowed him control of it now as he was older and wanted to start shifting things to Christopher's command.

    He kissed her and assured he would be down shortly.  Avianna came from behind and linked arms with her, "So, what happened out there Sister?"  "Whatever do you mean?"  "Your face fell very abruptly, what did you see?"  She knew her sister missed nothing and there was no need to hide it.  "I saw Rhett in the crowd."  "Ah, well I am sure you will be seeing a lot of him.  He has requested to train for the militia."  She stopped walking, "He did what?  Why would he do that?"  Her sister shrugged and rolled her eyes, "Hmm in love with the Princess and wants to be near her, why ever would he do such a thing?"  

    Saphirra and Avianna laughed as they entered the court yard.  Everyone greeted as they walked by and congratulated the Princess.  She was friendly, but she was only interested in finding one person.  The dancing had already begun and she quickly found him on the dance floor with a woman.  The girl had long blonde hair and a pink dress on, they were laughing as they twirled around the dance floor.  She seemed to be quite smitten with him.  

    The song began to change into one where partners where switched throughout the dance.  She quickly jumped in the line and curtsied to her first partner.  Rhett had not noticed she was in the line as he was smiling at the blonde girl.  Sapphira scowled as she begun to dance around her partner.  She went down the line not even making eye contact with her partners.  Rhett was facing away from her as she grabbed his hand and pulled him to her.  

    "Princess?  I did not see you coming," he smiled pleasantly surprised.  She had made sure he was her last dance partner.  "Dance with me stable boy, " she said as her gaze intensified into his.  He placed his hand low on her hip and she felt a rush of heat all over her body.  She pushed her chest into his as they swayed her eyes never leaving his.  She did not care who was watching, she only saw him and his blue eyes full of desire for her.  

    She spun around and back into his arms as his hand brushed her breasts.  She shivered in response as he noticed and smiled.  He dipped her and his face was inches from hers.  His hand slid down grazing her backside as he pulled her back up.  She felt wetness with her arousal from his touch.  She pulled back up and closed her eyes preparing for the kiss.  "Not here Princess, not in front of everyone.  Meet me tonight at the docks," he slipped his letter into her hand and walked away once again leaving her aroused and alone on the dance floor.