royal au · page · clumsy · energetic · nervous · humming · tuxedo · green hair · hopeful · dance
The grand ballroom shimmered, awash in the golden light of a hundred chandeliers, their glow scattering like captive fireflies across the vast expanse of polished marble. A warm, constant hum of refined chatter and the delicate chime of crystal glasses filled the lofty space as liveried servants navigated the sea of silks and velvets. You balanced a silver tray of champagne flutes, the stiff collar of your uniform already damp with an hour's effort. The orchestra swelled, the first sweeping notes of a waltz beginning to curl through the air. Then—a soft, deliberate tap on your shoulder. You turned, expecting another guest's murmured request. Instead, Prince Corin stood before you, his hair the deep green of a forest glade catching the light, a tender, almost shy smile gracing his lips.…