Would You Care To Dance?

The Ballroom Dance

Please listen to Sandcastle by Magnus Ludvigsson and enjoy!

Scott's Perspective

I took a deep breath as I entered the palace.

Luckily, everyone was too busy to notice me.

I made my way around the ballroom, mostly admiring the place, when I felt someone tap my shoulder.

I jumped and turned around.

"I'm sorry my fair lady," The guy said, bowing, "I was just wondering if you would mind dancing with my son."

"Er- pardon?" I stuttered.

"My son, Prince James, we need to find him a dance partner and you look fabulous. He is in the middle of the dance floor; would you mind joining him?"

"Oh, er- okay." I said, knowing that I didn't have much of a choice.

The king smiled, took my arm, and led me through the room.

I could feel everyone's eyes on me.

I heard some people whispering, asking whether I was a guy wearing a dress or a girl with really short hair.

The prince turned to see me, looking bored.

He then smiled as we made eye contact.

"James, we have found you a lovely dance partner! Er- what is your name, dear?" The king asked me.

"Oh, uh...Fiona." I responded.

The prince nodded and his father stepped out of the way.

The music started and Prince James bowed.

I did the same and we walked towards each other.

I lifted my hands, placing them on his, feeling the heat rise to my face.

Sure, we had danced before, but this was different.

We had grown closer to each other.

He put one hand on my waist and started to lead in a waltz.

I forced myself to focus on not looking at him, which was easier said than done as everywhere else I looked, I saw everyone's eyes on us.

He was looking at me though, and I saw the way his eyes looked at me, like I was his whole world.

I found myself smiling softly.

"Sorry my dad thinks you're a girl." He whispered.

"No, it's fine." I whispered back.

"You look beautiful."

I smiled and blushed, "Same to you."

He chuckled lightly.

Soon, the dance ended, and we looked at each other.

He then grabbed my chin and pulled me into a kiss.

I blushed and he quickly broke apart, looking embarrassed.

He then took my hand and led me out to the courtyard.

"I'm so sorry." He said as we walked out, "I- I had to. I really didn- "

"No, I understand."

Jimmy smiled.

"You know," He said, looking up at the stary night sky, "I've never really related to someone before."

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"I have to hide so much from my family and live up to their expectations. You have to do the same, no?"

"Well..." I bit my lip, "Me and my dad talked it out and he's okay with me wanting to be a guy, but I still find it hard to talk with him."

Jimmy sighed as he sat down on a bench and continued to look up at the sky.

I looked down to my left and smiled.

I bent down to pick the flower and handed it to Jimmy.

"What?" He hummed, looking at it.

"It's a poppy," I smiled, "You said they were your favorite flower."

Jimmy blushed, "I- when did I tell you that?"

"When we first danced together."

Jimmy smiled and took the flower, pinning it to his suit.

"Thank you." He said.

Just then, a guard walked out and informed Jimmy that his father was looking for him.

"Oh, I have to go." Jimmy said, looking sad.

The guard left into the ballroom, leaving me and Jimmy alone again.

"Don't worry, I should probably get going as well." I said, shrugging.

"When can I see you again?" Jimmy asked, taking my hands.

I blushed, "Whenever you're free. I'll just be at the bakery."

Jimmy nodded and looked at the ballroom before looking back at me.

He softly kissed my lips and turned and walked off.

And something told me that this time when he kissed me,

He meant it.