Eyes On Me

"Lady Ria, may I have the honor of inviting you to dance with me?" Arlan asked before any other man could take a step in her direction.

Oriana was taken aback. Seren had told her it would be rude to turn them down, that's why she planned to agree only once, then making some excuse about her shoe or ankle for the next invitation. Only, she did not expect out of all the people, it would be Arlan who would ask her for her first dance. 

Dread and panic began to seize her courage, her hands growing cold with uneasiness. 

Dancing with Arlan meant having skin contact with him, and being that close, she feared he would recognize her. The cogwheels in her head began to turn, attempting to find a decent excuse.

"Your Highness, my sincerest apologies. I cannot leave the Queen's side as Her Majesty is feeling tired. As her lady-in-waiting, I dare not leave her unattended."