4 hours remaining! <Stay where you are> 3 votes <Leave with Nathan> 2 votes Vote for your choice to continue the story
Tiebreaker Next post with their choice regardless if they have voted before, decides. I didn't think it'd be so close
I felt Nathan looking at me pointedly but I was affixed by the stare from those commanding brown eyes that were looking at me from underneath shaded lenses. The prince stood towering before me, his large frame seeming illuminated by the sun behind him. He pulled his sunglasses off and looked down at me, a serious expression on his chiseled face. “It’s you,” the prince said, his eyes darting to Nathan. He spared a passing glance at me. “Why are you here?” Nathan ignored the question but moved forward to stand between the prince and I, staring unflinching at the taller man. “We were just leaving,” he said. The Prince’s gaze turned to me and I could feel heat rising in my cheeks. His stare was so powerful, I felt as if he knew everything about me at once. “And this is?” he asked. “Ms. Werner,” Nathan said, seemingly resigned to the situation he had been put in. “Madame Werner,” he said, bypassing Nathan to take my limp hand in his. “I am Prince Ian Kertak of the Equix Kingdom. A pleasure to meet you.” His strong grip made my knees weak and I watched paralyzed as he brought his perfect pink lips to the back of my hand and kissed it softly. Nathan stared at our hands so hard I felt like they would catch on fire. I pulled my hand away as soon as I could and curtsied awkwardly. “Your highness…” “Your Highness!” shouted an exasperated voice. Ian’s shoulders stiffened and he turned to face a thin man in a black suit. “Your appointment,” the man said trailing off. Ian made a noise of discontentment and turned back to us. “It appears our time is up. I am sure we will meet again,” he said, his eyes looking up and down my body. I suddenly felt very self-conscious as I remembered that I was wearing very plain clothes. “Y-Yes, a pleasure,” I stuttered out. Ian turned, his long fur coat whipping about at the movement and he ducked into a long black car, followed by three men in suits. The man whom had called to him followed shortly and the car took off. Now that the prince had left I felt my breath rushing back into me. I had been unknowingly holding it this whole time. Nathan gently grabbed my arm and I came down to earth. “If you please,” Nathan said, his voice sounding strained as if upset. I let him guide me into the car. The ride back was mostly silent and I felt as if Nathan was upset with me for not leaving with him. However, the prince! The prince had kissed my hand. It still felt hot where his lips had touched and I cradled it with my other hand. The car pulled up to the hotel and Nathan escorted me out, carrying my bag. He gave a wry smile as he stood at the entrance. “Ms. Werner, here is where we regretfully part ways. We shall see each other soon. Please rest well; I am sure you’re tired from your flight.” I smiled. Nathan was so comfortable to be around, even when he was teasing me. “Thank you Nathan,” I said and Nathan handed me the bag. He then got back into the car and left, leaving me standing before the hotel, head swimming with the events that had happened this morning.
Back in the hotel room, I unpacked my bags that the bellboy had brought up. After I had put my clothes away, I unpacked my laptop from the carryon bag. It was already afternoon and I knew that I was late in my correspondence with the real Werner. Opening the laptop quickly I booted up my email. The cheery “You’ve got mail!” chimed out and I clicked the new email. Subject: Arrival Madame, I expect you’ve arrived safely. You should already have met with Nathan. Your first article shall be sent before our correspondence tomorrow. It does not have to be professional; just include the things that you experience today in full detail. You have an appointment to attend Madame Malvow’s formal party tonight at 7pm tonight. Your own clothes should be sufficient. A driver will ring your hotel room when appropriate. Reply with any further questions. -Werner I closed the email and turned my computer off. Flopping on the large bed I groped for my notepad that I had unpacked onto the nightstand. I opened it and began writing about what had happened so far. I blushed when I remembered Prince Ian taking my hand. It seemed too personal so I crossed it out and continued writing. I wasn’t aware I had fallen asleep until I was awoken by the sound of a phone ringing. I gasped as I sat up and looked around. I had left the curtains open and I could see it was dark outside. I leapt from the bed and grabbed the telephone. “Hello?” I said into the phone. “Ms. Werner?” a voice said. “This is the front desk. Your driver has arrived to pick you up.” My heart skipped a beat as I looked at the clock. It read 6:30pm. I hurriedly began stripping my clothes as I frantically opened the dresser drawers. “Y-Yes, thank you!” I said. “I’ll be down shortly.” I hung up and began hopping about with one leg in my pants that I had been wearing. I didn’t have time to be picky so I pulled on the red dress that I normally saved for events and rushed to the bathroom, applying makeup hurriedly. How could I have slept so late? The flight had really taken my energy. I spritzed perfume on and tore through my hair with a brush. Slipping on a pair of heels I took a glance at myself in the mirror. At least the outfit matched although I doubted that I would stack up to the women I had seen earlier around Prince Ian. I put on a simple gold chain and pulled my black coat on. It was a shame I didn’t have a fur like the women from earlier, they looked so elegant in them. I chided myself for comparing myself to them. I would never stack up to nobility. How arrogant of me. It seemed impossible but I made it down to the lobby in fifteen minutes and saw a man in a crisp outfit and hat standing waiting for me. He opened the door to the private car and ushered me inside. I clutched my bag in my hands, making sure I had my small notebook. The driver got in and drove off quickly, in a rush because I was late. As the car pulled up to a large cottage, I people milling about in extravagant clothes. Rows of expensive brand name cars were parked along the giant circular drive. The house itself was enormous and decked in festive lights, and as the driver opened the door for me, I felt out of place more than ever. Although I should have felt excited to be here, I couldn’t help but think, why was this happening to me?
As it turned out, Mme. Malvow had gotten rich from her late husband Brock Malvow whom dabbled in the rather sleazy yet important affairs of gold trade. She in turn was just as unlikable, often taking lovers that were half her age. From watching the other guests, they all politely introduced themselves to her before mingling with the party. I followed suit at an appropriate time, introducing myself as Ms. Werner. Her beady eyes drifted over my clothes and she turned her nose up with a long sigh. “Yes, nice to meet you dear. Enjoy the party.” As I walked away I heard her snickering to her friends, and felt embarrassment. It was quite obvious at first glance that my clothes were inadequate, despite what Werner had written earlier. Cheeks burning I hurried to the refreshment table. “Are you alright?” a soft voice beside me asked. I spluttered into my drink, surprised that I had been approached. The punch I had been drinking splashed and hit the man who had talked to me. I gasped. His blue eyes widened in surprise at my reaction. “Oh, I’m sorry!” I said, hastily grabbing for napkins but seeing none. He gracefully took a handkerchief from his breast pocket and dabbed at the spilled juice. I was mortified as I saw that he was absolutely gorgeous upon being kind to me after what I had done. He was tall and built well, with elegant features. His long blonde hair curled around his cheeks and ran down his back, looking so silky I longed to touch it. “I’m sorry for startling you,” he said, seeming to ignore the fact that the juice was deep red and not at all hidden upon his stark white jacket. He took the glass from me with his long fingers and set it upon the table. “I didn’t mean to, I just saw what had happened…” he averted his eyes from mine, looking sad. “I’m used to it,” I blurted out and then blushed. How embarrassing to say that. He laughed, a deep throaty rumble and a smile came over his face, instantly making him a hundred times more gorgeous. “That’s good.” A waltz poured from the speakers, filling the room from a no doubt top of the line surround sound system. I saw people gravitating towards the large dance floor, pairing off easily in their diamonds and pearls and fine linens. They looked so graceful, moving about. “Shall we?” the man asked, extending a hand to me with a bow. My eyes widened. He wanted to dance? After what I had done to him? Nobility sure were easy-going. “I can’t dance,” I mumbled. “Pardon?” “I c-cant…” I looked away and raised my voice slightly so he could hear. “I have to decline, I’m afraid I’m no good at dancing.” “That’s fine,” he said, grabbing my arm and sweeping me onto the dance floor. “I’ll teach you.”
I felt myself being swept into his surprisingly strong arms. He was so graceful that it made my incompetent dancing look even worse by comparison. Although I had been required to attend various functions with dancing before, I rarely made it to the dance floor, instead usually performing as a wallflower while interviewing or observing people. He didn’t even wince as I stepped on his foot for the fourth time, and kept his hand around my waist. We were so close I could feel people beginning to stare. “Right, two three four,” he murmured softly in my ear. I knew I must have been red as a tomato but I tried my best and all too soon the song ended. He stepped back from me, releasing my waist at last. It had been such an intimate dance, I hadn’t noticed anything but his body pressed against mine and the smell of his cologne, a light flowery aroma. My shyness returned after I stopped concentrating so hard and I could see Mme. Malvow approaching us from the corner of my eye. “Your highness,” she said looking genuinely shocked from behind the lacy fan she held over her painted lips. “When did you arrive?” She sneered as she placed herself in front of me, blocking my view of my dance partner. “Mme. Malvow,” the man said. “My gosh! What happened to your coat? Let me have my cleaner take care of that immediately…” she babbled, her hands all over him. My mind went blank. What had she just said? Highness? Looking at him I could suddenly tell by his regal stance and manner that he indeed hadn’t seemed like the other guests. Mme. Malvow’s loud piercing laugh cut through my thoughts as she fanned herself. It was an intentionally forced laugh and she placed herself on the exasperated man’s arm. “I’m so pleased the Kingdom of Avyys is acknowledging this small get-together!” she twittered, batting her fake eyelashes dramatically. I felt faint suddenly as I stared at him. The woman in her 40’s and tied so tightly into a corset she looked like she’d pop was hanging off his arm much to his dismay. His eyes had dulled and though he was smiling, it didn’t look real. He was responding to her politely but I couldn’t hear it. A loud roaring was rushing through my ears. He was a prince as well? Again I was out of place. I curtsied quickly as Mme. Malvow shot me an icy glare. I hurried away to the patio after rushing to excuse myself. The cold night breeze felt good on my face, and I gulped in air like I had been suffocating. In a way I had. The event was so overdone it was stifling. I had no doubt in my mind Mme. Malvow had spent a ton of her late husband’s fortune in hopes of drawing high profile guests like the Crown Princes. It made me sick to my stomach to know that a woman like that had drawn in a prince after all.
A shiver ran down my spine and I quickly realized that in my haste to escape the awkward situation I had left my coat inside. I glanced back inside and saw that Mme. Mallow hadn't relinquished her grip on the Crown Prince who looked like he was straining to remain civil. He looked miserable and shied away from all the noises of the party. I felt bad for abandoning like that. I started back inside. "Beautiful night, isn't it?" Said a sweet voice from behind me. I turned and saw a man in a jacket adorned with luxurious feathers at the nape. His green eyes matched the exotic colors and sparkled as they looked my way. "Y-yes," I replied, unable to keep my teeth from chattering. In one deft move he pulled the jacket from his shoulders and draped it around me. His hands lingered at my neck, and I suddenly realized that he had pulled me close. "But cold," he continued, not moving away. "It's best to share warmth in these moments." I pulled away on instinct but his formerly loose grip tightened. "Um, thank you," I said, again trying to pull away. The closeness with a stranger was a bit too intense after what had happened inside. "Do you have somewhere to go?" He asked innocently. His eyes betrayed him by twinkling mischievously. He was enjoying this! I tried to take the coat off but he stopped my hands again. What was he planning? "Excuse me, thank you for the jacket, but I was about to go back inside..." I trailed off at the look in his eyes. "Stay with me," he said, suddenly very serious. My eyes widened as he leaned towards me. I was being attacked! I turned my head anticipating his lips but nothing came. His laugh made me open my eyes that I had squeezed shut. My cheeks flushed as I realized he had been teasing me all along. "Sir, you're too close!" I snapped, pushing him rather violently. He stumbled back in surprise and then laughed. His wavy brown hair bounced at his shoulders as he bowed low and reached for my hand. "I apologize; I was just having a bit of fun." "At my expense!" I growled, displeased. I heard music beginning to play inside and made as if to return indoors. He grabbed my hand. "Don't go; I'm really sorry. It's a bad habit of mine to tease beautiful women. Will you please just keep me company out here? It's too stuffy in there and I don't fit in..." I faltered at his words, as corny as they were. I didn't belong inside either. The Crown Prince was a fine example of that. Writing articles? Sure. Mingling with them? No way! "I'm starving," he said suddenly his face brightening. "I know this wonderful restaurant that's open right now, would you accompany me? I hate eating alone." The sudden change of subject brought me from my thoughts. "What about the party?" I asked confused. My thoughts immediately went to Werner and his assignment I needed to complete. "There's always parties," he said, bored. "But I'll guarantee you'll never have food again like this place I'm thinking of." My stomach growled just then and I blushed ferociously. It occurred to me that I hadn't eaten since morning when Nathan had taken me into the cáfé's in town. It was a tempting offer, but my jacket was inside. Still, it had to be better than this party! The man held out his hand to me, waiting for me to take it. Decision Time <Take his hand> <Decline offer> Please pick only one. Choices will expire in 24 hours from now. Popular choice wins and advances the story. In event of a tie, next poster decides.