The Dance

"Before you leave it would be my honor to ask you for a dance." Will piped into the private conversation between the princess and the king.

He didn't know why he asked he had always hated dancing especially at diplomatic events he would much rather be training or hell even drinking in the corner by himself. Anything was better than making a fool of himself in front of others. In reality, he was an amazing dancer but he was always so critical of himself that he never did. Dancing came naturally to him, he actually really loved dancing because the steps were so similar to his footwork for his sword skills.

"She would love to," the King said in a joyous tone.

William seemed to notice that whenever his daughter was present the king remained in good spirits.

William stood and reached out a hand towards the now standing princess. If looks could kill he would definitely be in the afterlife. His heart panged slightly because he had upset her and the only reason was that he didn't want to see her leave so soon. William didn't know why but he wanted to be by this strange woman's side.

Skye took his hand this time being sure to give what William is dubbing her signature look at her father.

"One dance" Skye sneered at him in a tone that insinuated that he was an insect not worthy of his time.

"Agreed," William said with a slight bow as he led the young princess towards the large dance floor in the center of the banquet hall.

The elvish orchestra that was previously playing a very fast-paced folk song started to slowly transition into a slow waltz. William glanced over and noticed one of the King's pages whispering in the conductor's ear. He had a feeling that Skye really wasn't going to like this, and from the quick glance he dared to take towards her she was beyond furious.

"Can we get this over with?" Skye said in a low grumble as they reached the center of the room.

William hadn't noticed until now but the previously crowded dance floor was now suddenly empty. He glanced back towards the King and the once joyous King now seem deflated and sad.

"So the vacating of the dance floor wasn't your father's doing," Will said as he looked at Skye not realizing he had slipped and said it aloud.

"No, it was my radiant charm that caused everyone to run for the hills," Skye said in a slightly hurt tone with pain on her face but it was quickly replaced with a fake smile. "Let's just get this over with," she said in a pained tone still hurt.

William grabbed Skye's hand in his and then wrapped the other around her waist leading her into a slow tempo waltz. He wondered why the other elves were avoiding their princess, he thought back to dinner and realized the only person she spoke with was the male elf from earlier. When elves greeted her father they never seemed to speak to the princess. Some even going as far as to glare at her, although they were nothing compared to her glare. They continued to dance in silence, the only sound being that of the orchestra and whispering elves. What did she do to be so hated? Was she really that bad? She seemed like an innocent young elf, a bit of an attitude problem but nothing out of the ordinary in a girl her age. Will thought as he looked into the emerald eyes of his dance partner. Then he noticed something that he hadn't before her amber hair shifted every so slightly revealing her ears! Her ears were that of the druids like his and his peoples'. He finally put all the pieces together.

The music changed as the song ended and then suddenly he felt the absence of the warmth of her fingers as she started to walk away. He wanted to follow her talk to her, he had so many questions but then he stopped and he let her go. It was not his place to ask or say anything. She may not even know the truth herself although I don't know how she couldn't. William thought as he took his place on the right of the King and resumed dinner.