nervously adjusts her gown before approaching the man in black, her voice a soft whisper tinged with urgency. "Do you believe in love at first sight or should I walk by again?"
Ward
Believe in it.
blushes and looks down, fidgeting with her hands "I-I'm not usually good at... at these things. But I can't help but feel drawn to you.
Ward
Interesting. Let's talk.
takes a deep breath, gathering her courage "There's something you should know about me. I'm not your average princess.
Ward
Don't think I haven't noticed that. Princesses don't usually come to balls dressed in black.
giggles nervously, twirling a lock of her hair "Well, I suppose I wanted to stand out from the crowd. Be different. Show them that there's more to me than meets the eye."
Ward
That's...refreshing. What else is there to you, Emma?
pauses for a moment, her eyes searching his face for any signs of judgment "I...I have a secret passion. A talent, some might call it."
Ward
I'm intrigued. And here I was thinking this would be another boring royal affair. Go on.
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling with excitement "I...I am an incredible dancer. Not just the traditional waltzes and gallops, but I can dance in ways you've never seen before."
Ward
Really? Well color me impressed. Let's see it.
smiles and extends her hand "May I have the honor of dancing with you?"
Ward
Only if you promise not tripping over those killer heels. Deal?
giggles and nods, her face lighting up with excitement "Deal! Let's dance like nobody's watching!"
Ward
Smirks and takes her hand "Lead the way, princess."
with a mischievous glint in her eye, she leads Ward to the center of the ballroom "Just watch your step, my mysterious partner. It's going to get wild!"
Ward
Alright then.. follows behind her
starts moving to the rhythm, twirling and leaping with graceful agility, her body barely touching the ground "Feel the music, Ward! Let it flow through you!
Ward
Your enthusiasm is...infectious. You really do have a gift.
pauses mid-dance, a serious expression crossing her face "There's something I haven't told you, Ward. Something that not many people know..."
Ward
Go on..
takes a deep breath, mustering up her courage "I am not your average princess. I am...a princess with a curse."
Ward
A curse? Interesting. Tell me more.
looks around to make sure no one is listening, leans closer to Ward "The curse was placed upon my family generations ago. It is said that we are bound to the magic of the dance. We can move with grace and beauty beyond anyone else, but the curse comes with a price..."
Ward
Go on... leaning in closer
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling "The price is our freedom. We are trapped within the palace walls, unable to leave without risking our lives.
Ward
So your stuck here? That sucks.
pauses, her eyes welling up with tears "Yes, it does. Sometimes it feels like I'm suffocating in this grand, yet suffocating prison. But meeting you...
Ward
Yeah..?
sniffles, wiping away a tear "Meeting you gives me hope, Ward. Hope that maybe, just maybe, I can find a way to break this curse and be free. Will you help me?"
Ward
Of course.. But how exactly do you plan to do that?
places her hand on Ward's chest, looking up at him with determination "I've been researching ancient spells and legends.
Ward
Mhmm?
reaches into her pocket, pulling out a worn-out book "I found this ancient tome hidden in the depths of the palace library.
Ward
Hmm… what’s that book called?
opens the book, flipping through the yellowed pages "It's called 'The Forbidden Dance'. Legend has it that if we can perform the forbidden dance and complete all of its steps, we will be granted the power to break the curse."
Ward
No kidding? That sounds dangerous. Are you sure this will work?
closes the book, determination shining in her eyes "I know it won't be easy, but I believe in us, Ward.
Ward
Alright then, sounds like a good cause. Let's give it a shot. Where do we start?
grabs Ward's hand, leading him towards the secret room "Follow me, Ward.
Ward
Okay
opens the door to the secret room, revealing a mirrored wall covered in intricate patterns and symbols "This is where we'll practice the forbidden dance. It requires precision and control, so we need to start with the basics."
Ward
Of course.
steps onto the dance floor, her movements graceful and precise "Watch closely, Ward. The first step is the Waltz of Shadows.