Eunice's POV
The prince gently pulled me towards the middle of the ballroom and the orchestra immediately played a waltz for everyone to dance to. Men pulled their partners and surrounded me and the prince.
He slowly bowed and when the beat came, we started to dance. His touch was so soft that it feels like I was in contact with a cloud. His smile shone brighter than the chandelier dangling on the ceiling.
I don't want to stare at him throughout the whole dance since he was too handsome, so every chance I get, I would spare him short glances then divert my eyes to somewhere in the ballroom. But every time I do look at him, he always has his gaze on me and it made me blush.
None of us started a conversation. We were too immersed into each other's presence. At that moment, the whole world was a blur and the only thing my eyes were focused on was him, the prince.
He is indeed handsome.. so handsome he looked like he jumped out of a children's fairy tale story. How can someone be this gorgeous? He felt like a faint memory from once upon a dream.
As the both of us glided through the crystal clear floor that reflects our actions, we drifted apart from the rest of the merry crowd. Our dancing feet led us towards the garden of the palace. By the time we were near the staircase, the prince stopped the both of us from getting too attached to the fading music.
He led me down the stairs and watched me while I was doing so. I can't recall the time he once looked away from me. He held my hand tenderly and we walked towards the garden, the full moon illuminating its light on our surroundings.
Still, the both of us were silent. We enjoyed one another's presence and probably have no plans on saying anything for now. The mood and the feeling just made everything much more magical than it already was.
Without telling me, I already knew by heart that the prince would love to take me out on a short stroll, and so I let him.
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Third Person's POV
Though the sight of the unknown girl that the prince was dancing with is nowhere to be found, the thought of her remained still in Lady Tremaine's mind. Not only her, but including her two daughters who was obviously envious of the girl with no name.
"She had the audacity to stride inside the palace with her name unannounced and be able to dance with the prince!" Anallina screeched in anger and was going to tear off the accessory on her hair but her mother immediately stopped her.
Davina fanned herself, trying to calm down and then rolled her eyes. "I could only agree with you, dear sister. She's late! I am wearing my most lavish gown and all these women can't even be on the same level as me. But that girl.. that girl!" She groaned.
People began to give the sisters' direction strange looks because of the commotion the two of them are trying to make. Lady Tremaine suddenly felt embarrassed and apologized to a few then scolded her daughters to shut up and keep it together.
"Silence, children!" She snapped and lightly smacked her fan on the back of their heads. "The prince is probably dancing with that girl for the mean time, but in the end, he has to choose another one who is properly introduced." She added, remembering the announcement earlier that this ball is for the prince to choose a future bride.
"But there is a chance that girl is a princess, Mother! Of course she won't need more introductions if she is of royalty." Davina said and folded her arms, frustrated. She glanced at her mother and Lady Tremaine gave her a glare. "But she might be not, is she?"
Anallina nodded. "Mother is right, Davina. You should not think negatively. Either way, I am rest assured the prince will choose me." She raised her chin proudly. Davina shoved it down and placed a hand on her chest. "No, it shall be me!"
"Continue to dream, dear sister!"
"Says the one who is delusional than I!"
Lady Tremaine hit their foreheads this time. "Can the both of you stay patient? There is still more time to fancy yourselves. Use that time wisely, my dears. And please be your best selves; I don't want you embarrassing yourselves and me in front of the royal family."
The sisters bowed to her. "Yes, Mother." She nodded once and fanned her face. "Very well."
•••
Eunice's POV
The prince took me around to every corner of the tended garden. Every plant bloomed in grace under the starry night sky. The soothing wind made the flowers of various colors dance in sync with the music from the ballroom.
Minutes have already passed by but we haven't separated from each other yet. His grip was tight, like he doesn't want to let go. The light of the moon just made his soft smile brighter and he looked undeniably stunning.
We slowed down when we got to the bridge. We stood side by side, hands still attached together. I glanced at it then at the prince. He softly pulled up the back of my hand and kissed it. "I'm Na Jaemin. And you are..?"
As I was about to say my name, I heard the sound of a bell ringing violently. I looked towards the clock tower and the arms were all pointing at one number; twelve. It's midnight.
I instantly pulled my hand from his touch, loosing the spark that has been lingering in me for the past hour. "I-I have to go." I said and tried to run away but Jaemin grabbed me by my arm. "It's still midnight." His brows furrowed and his handsome face expressed sadness.
"That's the point," I pushed his hand back to him and gave him one last smile. "It was nice meeting you, Jaemin. Goodbye." I picked up my dress and ran back inside the palace. "Wait!" I heard his voice getting fainter as I got farther away from him.
I retraced my footsteps earlier and I zoomed past the other guests who were surprised to see me leaving so soon. "Pardon me, coming through!" I blurted out and left the ballroom in a hurry.
My shoes clacked loudly against the floor and while running, I saw what they looked like. They were fabulous glass slippers. They glint when the light touches them, making it even shinier than they already are.
I snapped out of my fantasy and ran down another flight of stairs. "Miss, wait! I don't even know your name!" It was Jaemin again but I ignored him. I don't want to see what he looks like right now. I might stay if I turn back.
I felt both of my glass slippers slip out of my feet in sync. I was about to fetch them but Jaemin was quickly catching up so I decided not to grab it and continued to head to the carriage, barefoot. The footman closed the door shut and the coachman drove us away from the palace.
Looking outside the window, I saw Jaemin stop at the bottom of the stairs, his hands occupied with my pair of glass slippers. Guilt began to crawl in my chest when I saw how helpless he looked. I didn't even tell him what my name is.
This might be our first and last encounter with each other. I don't want my hopes to be too high, but I wish he would remember me or even just the mere moments we spent together tonight. Well, at least he has my glass slippers. He would surely recall about me.
By the time the ringing of the bell came into a halt, the carriage, horses, coachman, footman and my dress disappeared. Because of the impact from the fast ride, I stumbled on the ground and winced at the slight pain.
I looked down at what I was wearing and it was the same torn dress I had hours ago. I pushed myself up and took a short glimpse at the castle then smiled to myself.
Tonight was an adventure, Jaemin. Thank you for spending time with me.
I headed back to the house and when I was inside, I hummed the music the orchestra was playing when we were taking a night walk. I danced around alone and remembered every single second I spent with the prince.
I moved to my left and to the right while going up to the attic in pure bliss. When I opened the door, I saw Donghyuck on the windowsill, staring at the stars with a small smile on his lips "What are you so happy about?" I suddenly said and he flinched from his place.
"God, you scared me, Eunice. And it's nothing, alright? Was just in my happy thoughts. I have to go to bed now or you will scold me again. Oh, how was the ball?" He asked and plopped down on his mattress, wrapping himself tight in his blanket.
"I was going to but.. oh, Donghyuck," I picked him up and twirled him around the room. "I danced with the prince. I get to dance with him!" He smiled widely. "Really? What did he look like? Was he much more handsome than me?"
I chuckled and clasped my hands together then reenacted the dance we shared. "Oh, he was so handsome, Hyuck! But I am not sure about that second question," He pouted and I continued, "Everything was on point. I couldn't ask for more at that time. It was what I have ever imagined.. and even better!"
"I will support you in the morning. I have been sitting on the windowsill ever since you left and my butt hurts. Anyway, I'm glad you enjoyed your time in there. I'm sure the experience was magical." He gave me a pat on my head before lying on his bed.
I sighed, satisfied with what I experienced last night. "Of course I enjoyed it.. and yes," I walked to the window and looked out to the castle which seemed to be glimmering from all the lights it beacons. "It was indeed magical."
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