First at Last

Chapter One

Servers could be found every few feet, each carrying a tray of some sort of food or drink. Some carried flutes of bubbling champagne, or held glasses of wine of the deepest crimson, while others carried hors d'oeuvres or small desserts.

Evidently, the king and queen had spared no expense.

Opposite the door, there was a raised dais, where King Henry and his wife, Queen Alexia, sat on their thrones, watching the festivities. Couples danced merrily, laughing and talking. Some were already intoxicated, though, so far, no one seemed to have fallen into a drunken stupor.

"Where is Father?" I asked.

"He had a meeting with some dignitaries. He'll be along soon." Mother replied before walking off, Alice following behind.

Left alone, I went and found a chair in the corner of the room, where I sat and began reading my book. It was quieter back here, and there weren't as many people around. I lost track of time as I became engrossed in the plot, the characters, the book itself. Over the years, I'd found books to be very reliable. In my chaotic, ever-changing life, books were the only constant, and I was grateful for that.

I loved that I could often relate to the protagonist, that I could get absorbed in the plot. I could go anywhere, do anything, and I never had to leave my bedroom.

"You're reading at the king's ball?" I heard from my left.

I started, slamming my book shut, and looked up to see who had interrupted me. I found a man that looked to be close to my age, maybe a year older, with dark hair and vivid blue eyes watching me. He was wearing a black doublet with gold edging and black trousers. I thought he was rather attractive, and immediately felt my cheeks heat up.

I opened my mouth and then closed it, not quite sure what to say. "Yes," I finally managed. "I find these sort of events rather . . . dull."

He raised an eyebrow at me. "Dull? Well, I suppose it's a matter of opinion. I think you just need to be shown that it can be enjoyable." He smiled, flashing perfect, white teeth. "What is your name?"

"Erika Lovet of Locksley." I said slowly. I realized belatedly that I should have stood and curtsied, as only proper etiquette, but I stayed seated.

"Well, Miss Lovet, would you be so kind as to honor me with a dance?" He asked, holding out his hand.

I felt my cheeks burning scarlet and I looked down at my hands nervously. "I'm not a very good dancer." I said softly.

"I'm sure you're an excellent dancer." He replied, grinning brightly.

I took his hand hesitantly and set my book down. He led me to the center of the room, where we were surrounded by other couples, all dancing to the music.

"I apologize, in advance, for whatever injuries I may cause you during the dance." I said, and then, as an afterthought, I added, "Or, perhaps, just for my terrible dancing skills."

He rolled his eyes, smiling. "I bet you're better than you're letting on, Miss Lovet."

He bowed and I curtsied to him and then he wrapped an arm around my waist, taking my hand with his free one, and led me around the room in an elegant waltz.

I could feel eyes on my back as I danced with this man, whom I still didn't know the name of. He was a very good dancer, confident, where as I stumbled occasionally or made a wrong step and ended up apologizing (this happened several times). I was grateful when he didn't point out my flaws or laugh at me for being as awful at dancing as I had warned him I would be. Every time I made a slight misstep or a clumsy mistake, I thought of Alice, knowing she would never make such mistakes while dancing.