My Black Inheritance

1

"Now to the dance that everyone has been looking forward to, please take your partner to the ball!" The announcer proclaimed. The pre-music started, filling the air with anticipation and excitement as the couples made their way to the dance floor.

When those words were spoken, I scurried to the corner where food and drinks were served and watched how everyone eagerly found a place on the dance floor.

I was sure that the Queen would have made sure that people were equal so that no one would be alone, including me. As such, I was confident that she had policies in place to ensure that everyone had a place in society where they felt supported and belonged.

So who would be this unlucky gentleman, who would be dancing with no one tonight? So, I wondered who this unfortunate man would be, left without a partner in the midst of the bustling crowd.

Glancing round the room, I saw no other royal men seeking a partner other than the guards. Maybe they saw who I was and had already left? What a gentleman he must be.

Being lost in my thoughts, I didn't notice a quiet boy, in a not certain or unsure manner, slide from across the hall to be beside me. He must have had some ulterior motive, as he was looking at me intently with a curious expression on his face.

"Um, excuse me, would you care to dance with me on the dance floor?"

A low but not threatening voice had entered my head. I turned to my side to see the same blue eyed guy that had been staring at me before.

He had bowed low politely and held out his left hand as if he already knew the answer to his own question. I was so startled by his sudden appearance that I could barely open my mouth to answer him. His voice was gentle and calm, yet firm, as if he was not expecting any other answer than the one he was asking for.

I looked to my left and to my right, though when there was no one around or beside me, I realised that he was speaking straight to me. His eyes were fixed on me, his gaze kind yet resolute, silently conveying a message that he expected me to comply.

He asked me to dance with him! Was he colourblind? I heard you saw different colours in the real thing but nothing like this!

I slowly pointed to myself in a daze and asked him, just in case it was a misunderstanding, "Are you talking to me?"

"Of course, there is no other woman than you," He answered simply, releasing a small grin at my dumbfounded self.

He addressed me as a woman. Oh my goodness, what am I feeling? Am I going to throw up?

"Yes, of course, I would love to share a dance with you," I replied back politely as I took the male's hand.

I could hardly contain myself right now! I really wanted to dance with someone! Oh how I have dreamt of this moment for half my life!

As I walked to where everyone was, I saw that the Queen had been leaning against the balcony and was looking at me. I was so excited that I almost forgot to take a deep breath and try to appear dignified in front of the Queen.

She smiled when I caught her eyes as if to say, 'I told you so', talking about when I stated that I would never find love three months ago. Taking a deep breath, I remembered all the things that had happened since then, and I couldn't help but smile back.

I smiled back before looking for a spot to start the dance and found that the only spot left was in the middle of the room. The room was filled with people, but I didn't let that deter me. Taking a deep breath and holding my head high, I confidently entered the middle of the room.

The spot that everyone dreaded because you would have to start the dance and every couple would have to follow you. Everyone's eyes were on me and I could feel the pressure building, but I knew I had to take the lead and show them what I was made of.