26 Chapter 26

Some started to sweat for the dancer. How could he ask for such a thing?! The King is so precious! He's untouchable! He's akin to a rare gem! No one has ever dared to ask him for such a thing. This dancer was either very brave or very stupid.

Prince Ron wondered why everyone was silent. He just asked for a dance. The King could refuse if he wanted to. It's not like he could force him to dance.

Prince Ludiciel and Princess Mariel thought that this person was completely out of his mind.

The Queen mother had nothing to say. She was quite curious to see how things would play out.

Princess Rose wanted to hit something. How dare this commoner ask for a dance with the King? A man for that matter? She may have turned a blind eye to the same sex couples dancing earlier but this was over the top! She won't let the King fall to the dark side. It's a good thing Ron wasn't back yet. She didn't want her little brother's mind to be so corrupted. Just wait till she's queen. She'll banish each and every homosexual!

Poor Rose didn't know that her own brother was already bent the second he was conceived.

"Outrageous!" she spat. "Do you think his Majesty would dance with the likes of you? Hurry and change your wish before you make him angry"

Ron frowned. What did his sister mean by 'the likes of him'? Oh yes! He was still in disguise! How he wished he wasn't acting dumb. He would have given her a befitting reply.

Zedekiel instantly glared at Rose. "Thank you for your concern Princess Rose, but I believe I can speak for myself"

No one dared to breath. Yes they would make fun of the princess later but now, they couldn't afford to anger their King.

Princess Rose went red from embarrassment. How dare the King do that to her?! She's his future wife! Anyway, she would make him fall for her and apologise!

Zedekiel faced the masked dancer. His eyes softened just a tiny bit. If one wasn't looking closely, they wouldn't see it. "One dance?" he asked.

Ron nodded vigorously. Just one. He wasn't asking for much. He just wanted to freely touch and be touched by his beloved.

"Very well" the King answered.

The crowd nearly collapsed from shock. Some had their jaws hung open while others slapped their ears to know if they heard wrong. Others pinched themselves to know if they were dreaming.

Prince Ludiciel and Princess Mariel had their eyes wide open while Princess Rose was stunned. She even pinched herself a few times to know if she was dreaming too. The Queen mother just smiled. She was his mother after all. She knew him best.

Prince Ron was overjoyed. He couldn't believe it. He would dance with the King!

Zedekie majestically walked down to Ron, dark robes flowing, silver hair shimmering, and violet eyes twinkling. Ron felt like there was a golden halo around the King's body, making him look supreme. He just couldn't take his eyes away. It wasn't until Zedekiel was standing right before him that he came back to his senses.

"What song would you like to dance to?" Zedekiel asked in a soft tone. He felt that the dancer looked so small and delicate. He didn't want to scare him.

Ron indicated that the King should choose so Zedekiel turned to the band and commanded; "Something slow"

Everyone felt that they would faint. When did the King show anyone this much care? He was always so cold and quiet. If not state affairs or situations where he had to speak, his voice was hardly heard. If they had known that the ancient dance would get this much attention from the King, they would have done it long ago!

Ron felt like his heart was going to explode. The butterflies in his tummy were having a wild party. He was nervous as well as excited. Really, may heavens bless his great grandmother!

The music started and Zedekiel held out his hand. "May I?"

The question was said in a tone soft enough for only Ron to hear. As an Elf, and as the King, he could easily block out any unwanted person and in this case, he blocked out the entire hall. No Elf would be able to hear a word he says.

Ron nodded and placed his small delicate hand in the King's. Zedekiel snaked his arms around Ron's thin waist while Ron gingerly placed his free hand on Zedekiel's shoulder then they started to move.

Slowly, they waltzed in the middle of the dance floor. One dressed in black and the other in white. Like Yin and Yang. The sight was breathtaking. They looked like an actual couple.

Ron couldn't believe it. He was in his beloved's arms! Zedekiel's palm, which was resting on his lower back, felt hot. He could feel the heat seep through his robe to his skin. It gave him a sense of security. Their hands, which were joined together fit so perfectly. Like they were made for each other. Ron could see it clearly. Even the heavens deemed them as a couple. Then why wasn't the King aware?

"May I see your face?" Zedekiel asked, bursting Ron's happy thoughts.

What nonsense! Utter rubbish! If he wanted him to see his face, he wouldn't have covered it! Ron was sure that Zedekiel would choke him to death the second his identity is revealed. He would never forget the immense hatred he saw in the King's eyes. Calling them filthy Ashenmores. No. There's no way he would show his face!

The masked dancer shook his head then lowered it. The King thought the dancer was shy. The corners of his lips turned up slightly. Just slightly. How cute.

For the masked dancer to request a dance with the King, he must have some feelings for him. Zedekiel felt that whatever this dancer was feeling for him was far greater that what Princess Rose claims to feel. He could just tell that it was genuine, even if he couldn't see the dancer's face. The guy had gifted him a good memory of his late brother and father. The least he could do was grant his wish. After all, the dancer is one of his own people. Still, he wanted to see his face.

He twirled Ron twice then did the dip, making the white veil on his face shift slightly to reveal blood red lips and porcelain like skin. He couldn't see further for Ron turned his head, covering up his lower face. Well that was a mistake for Zedekiel was met with Ron's neck.

The dip was only for a few seconds and as Zedekiel raised them up, he caught a whiff of Ron's scent.

His body went rigid and his eyes darkened.

A human!