First dance
1091 Words
Lily
“Father, Mother,” Vince greets the king and queen while I look at him in disbelief. A hint that he was royalty would have been appreciated. Now a lot makes sense about him.
“Don’t you Mother and Father us! How can you disappear on us like that?” the queen scolds, while he flashes her that puppy face that made me remain on this ship.
“I had my reasons, which I am certain you know too well,” he says before pulling me forward. “Meet Lilian, my chosen inamorata.”
I am completely flushed and a nervous wreck by the time he turns his charming face to me.
“Lily, my parents, King Derrick and Queen Kiara of Noan.”
“It…it is an honor to meet you, Your Highnesses,” I curtsy and greet while Vince proceeds to embrace the old woman probably on her late eighties.
“Lilian, special name. Nice to meet you,” the queen says while my former family and ex’s jaws drop. They obviously had no idea who Vince was. It is going to be interesting meeting them again after this.
I shut them out and focus on my pretend boyfriend and the old lady.
“This lovely young lady here is my grandmother, Queen Selina,” he introduces us.
I curtsy again. “Your Highness.”
She shakes her head and embraces me before locking her right arm with mine and her left with Vince’s.
“Those two are your Highnesses,” she objects. “Call me Nana.”
I nod while she curiously studies me. I suddenly feel nervous at those old knowing eyes. I hope she does not straight out ask me what Vince and I are, because I don’t think I can lie to her.
“Taoto gown. Nicely worn, Dear, and the statement is crystal clear and well received,” she says and winks wittily at us, but I am lost. There is a story about this gown I should know about. I try to make eye contact with Vince, who is on her other side, to no avail. She turns to study me some more.
“Mmh, have we met?”
I shake my head. I have never met any royals before this.
“I don’t think so, Your…Nana,” I quickly correct myself.
“You look and feel so familiar. I like you already. Come and tell me all about yourself.”
I glance at Vince, who looks very amused. I can’t believe he made me think he was part of the ship’s staff. I let out a sigh when the ship’s captain approaches, and Nana’s gaze turn to him.
“It is an honor to welcome you to the cruise, Your Highnesses. We have had the pleasure of being with Prince Vincent for two days and appreciate all the generous gifts the staff have received. The band has a welcome piece to perform for you.”
“Thank you, Captain. My family considers this ship a second home and you and your staff, our family,” the king declares. I guess Vince’s parents are as kind as him.
We follow behind the captain, who ushers us to the stage where golden couches are set up with five small glass tables that have all sorts of snacks on them. I am sandwiched between Vince and Nana and the old lady’s attention is back on me. She is now studying my hands as if they are the most interesting thing she has ever seen.
The rest of the ship’s passengers are now seated a few meters away from us as the band plays. The royal guards are standing by, I guess ensuring that no one gets too close to the royals.
“How about a dance from the young blood?” Nana suggests with a witty smile when the band begins playing the second song. I am hoping that she is joking, but she pushes us forward. I don’t know a lot about royalty, but I don’t think this is for discussion.
“I don’t know any royal dances,” I whisper to Vince as we make our way to the dance floor.
“What dance do you know?”
“Waltz, but I have never really danced on stage.”
“That is just perfect, My Lady. Our first dance,” he says charmingly before bowing and twirling me around. He walks around me with one arm folded behind him as I twirl. I gasp when he pulls me to him. Our bodies collide, sending goosebumps all over my body.
“You lied to me,” I accuse the moment I get the hang of our dance.
He looks down, making eye contact and I wish I didn’t say anything. My cheeks are now burning.
“About what, My Love?”
My heart flutters and face burn some more at that. This is all pretend, but my body is reacting to his every word. It must be the sea because I never react like this to any man.
“You should have told me that you were royalty, Prince Vincent.”
“Would you have agreed to be my girlfriend, Lilian?”
Oh, Lord. Even my name sounds sexy. Focus Lily.
“Pretend girlfriend and no. I don’t like attention and drama.” I keep a straight face, well, straight, burning face that is.
“We are alike in that. Hey! We have so much in common!”
I would shake my head if I was not concentrating on my steps. It would be very embarrassing to mess up in front of his family and all these people. I need to avoid being so close to this man around people, or I will make a fool of myself.
“What exactly do you expect me to be? I don’t know royal ways. I will embarrass you.”
I can see how impossible this pretend business is going to be. I can’t lie to his Nana, nor can I lie to his parents. It is a crime to lie to the king and queen as far as I know.
“You can never embarrass me, My Lady.”
He sounds sincere, but I am not so certain about this now. We are still on the dance floor when an entourage of other royals walk in. Vince’s whole expression changes and his body tenses. I can’t help but hold him tightly.
“They are here, aren’t they?” I ask, my heart breaking for him.
- Writer
