I could hear the music faintly wafting from the ballroom below. Checking myself in the full length mirror for what must have been the hundredth time this night, I smoothed the non existent wrinkles in my ball gown, adjusted the diamond encrusted tiara, careful not to mess up my hair, and, after taking a deep breath, walked into the hallway toward the spiral staircase leading below.
I didn't often attend these gala events, preferring to allow my parents or older sister the honor of trying to remember all of the useless etiquette and pomp that was expected of one of proper standing. But, unfortunately, this time I had to be the one to attend as everyone else could not make it. I didn't even know the gentleman that I was supposed to act like I was with for the night, having only seen a picture of while being told all of the important things that he'd accomplished and all of the lands that he held. All of which went in one ear and promptly left out the other. I knew what I had to do. Dance, smile, laugh at his horrible jokes and excuse myself at two. I was not looking forward to this night.
I reached the landing of the staircase, pausing to take another breath, before grasping the rail and walking down. Unconsciously, my steps fell in time with the waltz that was playing, the four inch stiletto heels I was wearing clicking lightly against the marbled stairs. My well manicured hands were hidden in the nude colored elbow length gloves I was wearing, the color of which perfectly matched the strapless gown that adorned my body. He was waiting for me at the bottom, looking up at me as I slowly walked down. I paused for effect, taking full measure of him as he looked me over as well. Nothing spectacular about him shouted out at me. Average height, average looks.
Completely...boring. I sighed internally, plastered a smile on my face and continued down to accept his outstretched hand. As I got closer, something about him made me stumble though, breaking the rhythm of my gait.
I looked into his eyes.
They were the color of a storm swept sea, a kind of bluish grey that held such depth. I felt heat rising to my face as I broke eye contact with him, looking down shyly before glancing back up. The look on his face was one of power, the slight smirk letting me know that he was in control. I took hold of his outstretched hand and he led me to the ballroom. Right onto the dance floor. There was no preamble. He led, I followed. All the while, I looked into his eyes as he held me close, my breasts pressed against his tuxedo jacket. Anyone who glanced our way would have assumed that we'd known each other for years, how intimately he held me.
I lost track of time, seeming to float around the dance floor in his arms, all the while the confident, commanding look he was giving me never faltering. I felt my self getting flush again, a tingle racing through my body as he pulled me even closer. The subtle hint of his cologne wafted from his skin as he leaned in close, our cheeks touching. My head swam a bit as I closed my eyes, trying in vain to collect myself. Then I heard the music end and felt him take my hand, guiding me to the back of the room, toward the door leading to the garden. He held the door open for me and led me across the threshold, closing the door behind him. For some reason, the sound of the latch startled me a little. It felt as if the safety the mansion had provided me was now cut off. I was no longer within its protective shell.
The full, pregnant moon shown down on the hedge maze that dominated the back yard of the house. He led me to the shadowed entrance of the maze before pausing and turning to face me. Looking deep into my eyes, he asked without speaking if I would willing enter. I knew I could leave now. The faint stirrings of another waltz beckoned to me, it's siren song of safety trying to draw me back. I turned from him, looking at the gothic mansion in all it's glory and what it represented. There would be no shame in returning. I turned back to him, meeting his gaze again. His eyes held the promise of sensuality, of lust. Biting my lip, I took a step forward, toward the shadow.
He led me through the twists and turns of the maze. Occasionally, I thought I heard snatches of others in the maze. Fragments of whispered conversations. A feminine giggle. A sigh. Still, he led me deeper, his hand on the bared skin of my back, guiding me along with subtle pressure. Then we entered a clearing. It was dominated by large stone fountain, the cherubs pouring forth flowing water from jugs while fantastic creatures forever frolicked around them. The pale light of the moon playing off of the water seemed to give life to the sculptures. Watching them, I could almost see the movement of their bodies. I watched, mesmerized, as I felt myself being led to a patch of emerald green grass. He gently placed his hand on my cheek, turning my head to face him. Again, our eyes met and I felt myself losing reality in his storm tossed gaze. Then, I closed my eyes as our lips met. My arms encircled his neck, holding him to me as his hands gripped my waist and began to move up and down my sides. I felt his tongue press against my lips and they parted, inviting him in.