Prince Geoffrey watched the firelight pick up the sparkles in Ariel's long curling tendrils that cascaded down her back. They sat at a long bench table to one end of the hall where the masquerade was being held that night. He reached out one hand and twirled the ends of her hair in his fingers.
Ariel felt Geoffrey's hands in her hair and looked over her shoulder from the quiet conversation she was having with a distraught young maiden whose suitor had left her to her own devices. She smiled warmly at him and her eyes were steady. She had long since abandoned her mask. It was not in her nature to hide.
Geoffrey smiled back and she returned to her quiet soothing of the young woman. He wanted her all to himself, but her caring and compassionate nature was part of what drew him to her. She also held an amazing joie de vivre. Though Ariel seemed steady and placid on the surface, Geoffrey had glimpsed the passion that was banked inside. He longed to draw it fully out.
Geoffrey considered how lucky had been in being matched with Ariel to begin with. It was somewhat of a comedy of errors. He had not realized the mistake for some time. The men and women had stood on the bank with the boats, milling about and pairing up that first night. He had spotted an impossibly lovely young woman with long curling blond hair and started talking with her. She had seemed more than warm and willing, touching his arm and smiling up at him. His servant had called him away for a minute, needing further instructions. He had rushed back as quickly as possible as the night drew in on them and laughingly took her hand to draw her down to a boat. She had seemed flustered but he took that as all part of the fun.
It wasn't until later, when he had referred to some rather suggestive comment she had made during their conversation on the bank and she had looked confused that they began to comprehend the mistake that had been made. Ariel explained in a rather chilly manner that he must have been talking with her twin sister Aurelia.
Geoffrey had been filled with consternation over his mistake. Aurelia had seemed very warm and willing where her sister, Ariel, was more quiet and reserved. As the evening drew on though, he found himself charmed by her caring and compassionate nature. Over the past two weeks he had found himself falling under her spell completely. Her steady gaze seemed to penetrate his facade of gaiety and drew him in, holding him captive.
