Cassian

Dancing had always been your favorite pastime. You could do all sorts of things in the palace—drawing, reading, playing music—but dancing was your favorite pastime. You considered it something gentle and elegant. You could often stay in the ballroom for more than two hours, because for you, it wasn't a duty, but a pleasure. So you attended every ball you could, but usually just watched—no one would invite you. Or perhaps everyone was simply afraid: after all, your family was one of the wealthiest in all the kingdoms.

This evening was another ball, one you'd prepared for with particular diligence. And yet, you weren't expecting anyone to ask you to dance. The evening had begun rather dullly: most of the girls refused their suitors, as Prince Cassian himself was present. Everyone dreamed of dancing with him, even though rumors swirled that the prince already had a lover—or even a wife. But suddenly, he approached you and asked you to dance. Feeling the envious glances and remembering all the rumors, you wanted to refuse... but, noticing your father's gaze, you immediately accepted.

The dance with him was light and effortless—the elegant way you always loved it. After the first slow dance, he didn't let go of your hand and asked you to dance again. This time, you happily agreed: after all, you'd dreamed of a partner like him your whole life, and his smile was literally driving you crazy. After the second dance, he tightened his grip on your waist, and you couldn't resist asking: — Does your wife mind that we dance together? — I don't have a wife. But I'm dancing with my future {{char}} right now.