Heart of Darkness

Roxana arrived at the ball hall where musicians were playing music, people were already dancing, chattering, and drinking. Right at the front, sat Alexander on his throne and high generals and courtiers came to introduce their daughters. She could see Alexander nodding politely but not giving anyone much attention.

He seemed a bit distracted, his eyes wandering away sometimes while trying to listen to a few that talked for too long and when she stepped further in, his gaze found her immediately.

Roxana's heart skipped a beat. His gaze remained glued on her despite the people dancing that blocked their view often and other people passing by. As he got interrupted again, not wanting to tear his gaze away from her, her sister gave her a push.

Roxana turned to Diana. "People are staring at us." She whispered and she realized that they indeed caught a lot of attention. Must be Angelica's way of dressing them up.

"As they should." Uncle Ben said. "Now go on, you two should join the dance." He said giving Fanny and Diana a push.

Fanny shyly held his hand out for Diana and just as shy she took it and they went dancing. Fanny had indeed learned some steps but her sister was impressive. Where did she learn?

Fanny was telling her a few things that made her smile and Roxana couldn't help herself from smiling.

"Let's eat," Roxana said her eyes searching for the table with food.

"You and your food." Uncle Ben shook his head.

What was she supposed to do? Lord Shady told her that the way the king would announce who he wanted to marry was by dancing three times in a row with the same woman and she guessed it would be a while before all those people with their introductions would release him.

"It seems like a gentleman is on his way here," Uncle Ben said and it took her a moment to see the man coming through the crowd with his eyes fixed on her.

Oh no! Lord Shady told her not to deny a man a dance. It wasn't polite.

The man came forward. "Good evening, My lord and my lady. May I have the honor of a dance?"

Well, this dress was doing its work. "Of course, my lord." She gave her most charming smile. She had to behave.

Taking his hand he led her to the dance floor. Roxana's eyes searched for Alexander. He stood in a corner now talking to some guests. He nodded then knowing exactly where she was, his eyes found her. He narrowed them as if telling her that he was watching her. She forced back a smile at his possessiveness.

The man began small talking to her, asking questions, and giving compliments, while she cast glances at Alexander who looked bothered while people kept pestering him. She could tell he just wanted to get away and come snatched her out of this man's hands.

As she swirled to the music, she saw Angelica and her husband dance as well, Fanny and Diana continued to dance and she looked happy and then from the back entrance young lord Davis arrived and the females gathered around him.

The man she was dancing with, she forgot his name, now wished to introduce her to his family when the music stopped.

Roxana became stunned trying to get her way out of this politely. Why didn't Lord Shady teach her about this?

"Excuse me," she heard a familiar voice speak.

The man looked behind him. "Your Majesty," he bowed.

"I will steal this beautiful Lady from you if you don't mind."

"Ah... of course not, Your Majesty."

Now she was aware that everyone was looking and her heart began to race. The stranger moved out of their way and Alexander offered her his hand. Roxana placed her hand in his and he led her to the middle of the dance floor.

Whispers began and as he drew her into his arms the instruments began playing again. Now she became aware of her steps.

"Roxana," Alexander whispered her name and when she turned to him, his sapphire eyes drew her in. "You look breathtaking." He said swaying them to the music elegantly.

A smile lit up her face.

"I was confused for a moment. Were you trying to trick me by making your sister wear the pink?"

She couldn't help but chuckle. "You haven't changed your mind now, have you?"

"Never!" He told her firmly drawing her a little closer. Her heart dipped to her stomach and his eyes darkened. "I don't know if I like you more with color or with nothing on."

The fact that they were in public and he spoke those words in a low tone made her face heat up and she looked around. "Alex, don't talk like that here." She whispered.

"The blush on your cheeks is not helping, nor is this dress. And that man added fuel to the fire in me."

She shook her head at him. "I didn't know you were that jealous."

"Not jealous. It is called possessive."

"It is the same."

"It is not. Being possessive means I want your love and attention all the time, to myself."

"Oh my. That is too much, Your Majesty."

"It is." He admitted. "How about most of the time then?"

"Hmm..." She took a moment to think and then gave him a coy look. The one she had practiced. "How about you have all of my attention at night?"

His gaze dipped to her mouth before looking at her eyes again. His hold on her hand tightened and his jaw clenched. "All night?"

"All night."

His hand traveled a bit up her back and went under her hair to touch her skin. "I want to kiss you right here." He said.

"That would surely make everyone know. We wouldn't need three dances." She smiled.

He swirled her and then pulled her close again. "Everybody already knows, just from this dance." He told her.

Roxana glanced at the crowd quickly. From some curious to some upset looks she could tell they were being obvious.

"There are some who are still doubtful and some who are hopeful. Let's make it clear to them as well," he smirked and then swept her across the floor, spinning, and swirling and sweeping her off her feet, allowing her to fly for a moment under the large chandeliers.

And then she landed, right next to the man, the rare jewel who stole the theif's heart.

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