May I Have This Dance?

I stood away from the crowd, watching the festivities. Lucy was talking to Mr Tumnus, the fawn and Edmund was busy telling his story to a group of young centaurs "he's probably exaggerating it" Susan made me jump "oh! yes, he probably is" we smiled at each other. Susan and I had grown quite close, and I trusted her like a sister. I sighed and looked out at the couples dancing. Peter was in the middle, looking seen, but I knew he was only concentrating as his eyes had a soft, joyful expression. He saw me and glanced over. I mouthed "dancing, fun, smile" while grinning and pointing to my mouth he gave me a small smile before being dragged off by someone else. I let my shoulders sink. "you alright?" Susan asked kindly, snapping me out of my daze "fine" I say shifting my dress, "tell me if you need anything " Susan placed a hand on my shoulder. I smiled at her and nodded. The dance finished and everyone dispersed. I craned my neck and looked around, but there was no sign of Peter. The music had kept playing even though there was no one on the ballroom floor. Then, I had an idea.

I ran over to Lucy and grabbed her hand "come dance with me" she giggled "okay" I dragged her to the empty floor. As we were dancing and laughing together I saw Edmund and Susan. I beckoned for them to join us, a huge grin on my face, but they shook their heads. There was no way I was going to take that for an answer. I ran over and took Susan's hand, who grabbed Edmund's who grabbed the beavers. Before long there was a large group of us dancing and laughing, Lucy, Susan, Edmund and I in the middle. Everything is a blur of colours and sounds as we all rotate around the floor. I switch from partner to partner, gaining speed as the music built to a crescendo. I bumped into someone and grabbed their hands, regaining my balance. "are you alright?" I look up and my Y/E/C eyes meet Peter's kind, blue ones.

Around us, the world seemed to slow down and become muffled. "I'm fine, thank you your majesty" I bobbed a quick curtsey before letting go of his hands. He sighed "why do you have to call me that?" He said as I stood next to him. "It's your title" I laughed. We stood in silence for a while, watching as the dance ended and everyone went to the sides and other rooms. "you know," Peter said leaning towards me, "I appreciate what you did for Edmund. That was a huge sacrifice" I gave a small smile and looked at the floor "It's my duty to protect you, your majesty, I was simply doing my job." I mumbled, my cheeks going red at the embarrassment. "I know" He sighed He lifted my chin and looked into my eyes "But I don't know what I'd do if I lost someone like you" I blushed furiously "you're too kind Peter," I say, pushing his hand away from my face, "but there are plenty of other ladies better than me" I glance over to a group of royal ladies whispering to each other whilst sneaking looks at Peter. Peter followed my gaze and laughed. "yes, but they're not the ones dancing with me" I raise an eyebrow and looked at him quizzically "I thought you didn't dance?" He walked to the ballroom floor and held out a hand "well there's never a better time to learn. Lady Y/N " He bowed "may I have this dance?" I curtsied back, grinning "I would be honoured, your majesty" I take his hand and we smiled at each other .

"you know," I say as we return to face each other, "if someone had told me a few days ago I wouldn't have believed them" Peter smiled as we glided around the room together "and if someone told me I'd be king in a magical land dancing with the most beautiful girl I've ever seen, I wouldn't have believed them either " I threw my head back and laughed as he spun me around. "do you want to get out of here?" I ask as the dance ended " I think I'll take you up on that offer, I've had enough of being King for now" I smiled softly "come on then" and we ran out into the evening air.