Dedicated to HangingWithMe for replying to the tag! Thanks, mate : )

***

Yet again, Cinda's gorgeous dress and stunning beauty made the crowd in the ballroom gasp in shock and delight as she gracefully descended the epic staircase.

The prince was completely and utterly under her spell.

Yet again, they danced all through the night, stopping for a few minutes every so often, snacking on the delicate edibles and sipping expensive wine. All throughout the night they chatted, asking one another questions, and learning about the others lives.

Cinda opened up to an extent which even surprised her, but she still managed to keep the not-so-perfect details of her home under wraps.

If he really knew what my life is like, and that I am nothing more than a house maid, he would run for the hills, bump into a pretty princess, and then gallop off into the sunset with her on the back of his royal steed.

Cinda's bottom lip puckered, and she frowned slightly, put out by the idea.

"What is ever the matter, my dear Cinda."

"Oh, nothing, my Prince. I just, ah, remembered I may have...left the oven on."

The prince seemed as though he were to pry further into her oven cover up, when he paused.

"Cinda, how many times have I told you to call me Chance. It is simply strange otherwise and feels uncomfortable."

"Of course, my pri- Chance." Cinda smiled nervously.

"Much better, my princess."

"Chance. I am hardly a princess." Cinda scoffed.

"Well, how would I? All I know is that your first name is probably Cinda, you live on a farm, and you stun the guests in the ballroom with your presence each night."

Cinda laughed. "Stun them? Hardly."

"Stop saying hardly to each compliment." The prince shook his head. "You are far more beautiful and kind than any other maiden in this room."

"And how would you know that? You spend the first few hours of every night dancing with me."

"Very true, but you are impeccable company."

"Shoo. Go dance with some other maiden." Cinda laughed. "It shall do you good to not linger in the likes of me."

"You believe so?" Chance raised an eyebrow.

"I believe so." Cinda said with a determined nod. "See those two pretty girls there?"

The prince sighed, and seeing she was serious, nodded.

"Good. Go dance with them, ok?"

The prince nodded petulantly.

"Splendid. Now go. Shoo."

Chance laughed. "I shall shoo, as my fair lady so orders me too." He bowed before turning away and walking towards the two maidens, who he did not know we're none other than Cinda's sisters, Ana and Dolcie. As he made his way over, he sighed yet again, muttering under his breath.

"For now."

***

Cinda danced with many a man while the prince waltzed with her sisters, and even though she herself had sent him to, she couldn't help the small spark of jealousy igniting in her chest.

Ah ah ah, don't be like that now, Cinda chided herself. She turned her head away as her current partner spun her across the floor, and as they continued to dance, she forced herself to resist looking again.

***

Chance inwardly sighed.

The two girls were beautiful, and polite, and smart, but they weren't Cinda. And that younger looking one sure could giggle something ferocious.

As he chattered to each in turn, he found that they were also very good natured, and set himself a mental reminder to introduce them to a few of his single cousins.

Then they'll be happy, and I'll be happy. With Cinda.

He hadn't yet, but he would find out more about his beautiful princess, his mystery dancer.

His runaway maiden.