19 Days Left Until The Ball
This morning, Ruby had received a letter from Prince Seokjin about meeting up with her at Viennese Waltz Lake. Ruby hoped he wasn't upset or angry from yesterday. But she couldn't help it, he was indeed handsome and charming, she didn't want to say no with a beautiful face like his. However, she did see how hurt Prince Yoongi was when she invited Prince Seokjin to join along.
Gosh, Ruby, it's not about the looks, she thought.
Ruby headed to Viennese Waltz Lake after getting ready and ate breakfast. She didn't want the prince to be waiting for too long. About a fifteen-minute walk from the castle to the lake, she actually does find Prince Seokjin. And it looks like he's alone, Princess Juliana out of sight, he is sitting down on a large log, in front of the crystal-water lake.
"Good morning, Prince Seokjin," Ruby greets, bowing at the prince. "Good morning to you too, Princess Ruby," Prince Seokjin says, also bowing back at Ruby. "Why is it that you wanted to meet with me?" She asked Prince Seokjin, a hint of nervousness in her voice as she sits down on the log, a few feet away from the prince. "Princess Juliana and I fought again, so I came here to relieve myself," he explains.
"Why did you two fight? If you don't mind me asking." Prince Seokjin takes a heavy breath and began explaining how Prince Seokjin would run away from screaming fans and would often skip practices because he enjoyed the kingdom. Also, Princess Juliana would also often skip dance practices just to attend 'busy' tea parties with important royal attendees.
They each had their own problem and think they aren't good enough for each other. "We decided to give our relationship a break, we're no longer together," Prince Seokjin said. Ruby is surprised that the two most popular royals are not together anymore. "I'm sorry you two have to go through that," Ruby says.
"So about you and Prince Yoongi, are you two dating?" Prince Seokjin asks. "What?! N-No, we a-aren't, r-really," Ruby stutters and blushes, avoiding eye contact with Prince Seokjin. "Really? I thought you were, the way he holds you reminded me that way I would hold Princess Juliana whenever a prince would try to steal her away," Prince Seokjin chuckles.
"Well, you got it all wrong, he was just being protective. And besides, he was just upset that you wanted to join along when it was his idea for just the both of us." Prince Seokjin nodded his head, understanding yesterday's situation.
"You're right, I shouldn't have interfered with the two of you. But I'm happy you two anent together, which gives me the chance to get to know you more than just friends," he smiles as he scoots close to Ruby. Ruby's heart sounds like crazy, his scent of cologne enters her nostrils, it was like heaven.
Wait, she doesn't think Prince Seokjin broke up with Princess Juliana because of Ruby?! That would be crazy, she thinks. "I feel much better after all the heavy burden weighing on me, do you want to take a walk around Tango Garden?" He asked. Ruby looks at Chip to see if she had extra time before she would meet up with Prince Yoongi at Practice Hall.
Of course, Chip wanted Ruby and the prince to get along, so she held two thumbs up which meant Ruby had enough time to spare with Prince Seokjin. "Yes, I think Tango Garden sounds wonderful," Ruby says. Prince Seokjin offers his arm which Ruby gladly accepts and the two walk to Tango Garden, which wasn't a far walk.
While they walked to Tango Garden, Prince Seokjin asked Ruby about any new information or details about The Lost Prince. "Two days ago, I asked Prince Yoongi what he knows about The Lost Prince and well, he looked really hurt when I mentioned it to him," Ruby becomes sad, just thinking the prince's sad expression.
"But he gave in, telling me his side of the story. Of course, they were best friends, who both enjoyed dancing. They entered several competitions together, but as time goes by, The Lost Prince becomes better than Prince Yoongi and that's where the two become rivals. Prince Yoongi admitted that he was jealous of The Lost Prince because he was getting all the attention and support from various kingdoms."
Prince Seokjin could quite remember that one competition from a few years ago when he entered with Princess Juliana, he saw Prince Yoongi spot with The Lost Prince. "I remembered the last time I saw Prince Jungkook was when he spoke with Prince Yoongi after the companion in France. Prince Yoongi was angry as he spoke with Prince Jungkook. I was going to stop them, but my parents called me before I could do anything," Prince Seokjin spoke.
"Really? Because Prince Yoongi also mentioned that his last conversation with The Lost Prince was an argument they both had," Ruby mentions. "I see, but that was all he told you?" He asked. "Yes, he even said he wanted The Lost Prince to return alive and well," Ruby said. "Wow, even though he was jealous of Prince Jungkook, he still cares about his best friend," Prince Seokjin smiles.
They eventually reach Tango Garden and they noticed that they were alone, not a single person around the garden. "Looks like there's no one here," Prince Seokjin says as they both look around to find anyone present. "Pardon me, your highnesses," an old woman encounters them as she walks up to them.
"I apologize but the garden is closed," she says. "No worries, ma'am, I was wondering if it's alright with you, Princess Ruby, and I would like to walk around here just for a bit, please?" The prince pleads. The old woman looked concerned, but seeing how Ruby was the 'princess' of this kingdom, she allowed them inside.
They pass by various flower beds, enjoying the view of the garden. They just so happen to see the orchestra rehearsing at the usual place where Ruby and Prince Namjoon danced. "Give me a second," Prince Seokjin said as he slowly approaches the orchestra. She watches the prince speak with the conductor before walking back to Ruby.
"May I have this dance, Princess Ruby?" Prince Seokjin asked, holding his hand out. Ruby could not believe Prince Seokjin wants to dance with her?! Ruby is boiling with excitement inside, but on the outside, she remains calm and accepts his request.
They stand in the center of the paver, facing towards each other, the orchestra began to play. Prince Seokjin slides his right hand around her waist, bringing shivers down her spine. He places his left arm behind his back and slowly sways their bodies along with the music.
Spinning in a small 360 circle, Ruby turns around, standing next to the prince and the two danced small steps forward. Then they get into position with the prince resting his left hand down her waist while his right hand holds her hand. And Ruby grips onto her dress so she doesn't trip while she uses her other hand to hold his.
They waltz around the permitter of the paver, Prince Seokjin elegantly spins her around causing her dress to flow gracefully. Prince Seokjin, then, picks her up and spins her around, not once but twice before landing Ruby elegantly on the stoned floor. The orchestra soon stops and clapped at the pair for the wonderful dance.
"Thank you, gentlemen," Prince Seokjin said. He faces Ruby with a happy smile on his face, also thanking Ruby. "I actually needed that, I just love dancing and I have to say, Prince Yoongi taught you well, but either way, you did beat me at the dance competition."Prince Seokjin kissed her on the cheek, her heart began to race.
~
After going to their separate ways, Ruby waltz her way to Practice Hall, followed by Chip who just watched Ruby from behind. Arriving at Practice Hall, Ruby is stunned, leaving her mouth open when she discovers that none other than Prince Taehyung. "Hello Prince Taehyung, what are you doing here?" She asks.
"Just watching," he simply responds. "Ohh ok, since you are here, wanna practice together?" She asked, once more. "No thank you, I would like to watch if you don't mind," he says. Ruby shakes her head no and proceeds to start her dance practice. She notices that it's only her, Prince Taehyung, and Chip. Not Prince Yoongi nor Jare nowhere in sight.
Chip began to play on the piano, Ruby began moving her feet, elegantly. She follows the easy steps first, from taking one step forward first with her right foot and then once more, but with her left foot. While she was practicing, Prince Taehyung watched from afar, mesmerizing the way she moves her feet.
The way she moves her arms like the wings of a swan, she closes her eyes, feeling the music tickle around her body. It's like he's being mind control by her movements. Out of all the chosen elite princes, Prince Taehyung couldn't even take one step to ask her to dance. You see, Prince Taehyung never asked a princess out to dance.
Most of the time, his mother and father would constantly nag him to dance with a woman, and instead of asking, his parents would bring the girl over to him and had him dance. It's not that he's scared of asking and dancing with a girl, he just thinks dancing with every princess is the same. He doesn't feel any sort of connection with each princess he dances with.
There's no feeling when he dances, it's just that same old plain feeling. He's a nervous wreck that it would be the same with Ruby. "Prince Taehyung, are you sure you don't want to dance with me? I feel bad that you're just sitting there, watching me practice on my own," Ruby interrupts his train of thought.
"I apologize Princess Ruby, but I must pass your offer. Farewell," he bows and sets off. But secretly, he is impressed with Ruby's dancing and hoped one day he'll eventually ask her to dance. She may be different than the other princesses after all...
To Be Continued...
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