Aiden: "May I have this dance?"

Ballroom dancing. It is the type of dance Moon had learned since she was little. Moon could remember the times she kept making so many mistakes in front of her dance tutor and the times her tutor got irritated at her.

She did not like waltzing, but she still had to learn for her own royal sake. Moon rather be free and adventurous, not so much like those 'obedient' princesses if you know what I mean.

Moon: "Yes, you may..."

The moment Moon touched Aiden's hand. Her heart started thumping like crazy. His other hand held her waist while her other hand rested on his shoulder.

Travis signalled the musicians and the music began to play.

Moon: "I am terrible at dancing so if I step on your shoes, I'm really sorry."

Aiden: "Don't worry, princess. I'll lead."

Aiden said as both of them started gliding across the dance floor. All eyes were on them and the crowd watched in silence.

Aiden: "Are you still nervous?"

Moon: "N-No I'm not! I'm fine!"

Aiden: "You know you can't fool me right? I can see the nervousness written all over your face."

Moon smiled and let out a short laugh.

Moon: "I'm not an expert at dancing. I exceptionally don't favour being the centre of attention."

Aiden: "Well, you're not alone. Besides, you haven't made any mistakes yet. I believe you have danced with other men before, right?"

Moon: "Err..."

Now that Aiden mentioned it, Moon realised that this was the first time she was dancing with a partner.

During her previous balls, Moon had encountered a few princes whom came up to her to try their luck for a dance. But unfortunately, they ended up getting rejected...

Moon: "Haha...actually this is my first time..."

Aiden was shocked.

Aiden: "How is that possible for a princess who dances beautifully to have never done it before?"

Those words made Moon blushed. Aiden took her hand and spun her around. She knew he was just teasing her.

She then asked with a cunning look on her face.

Moon: "What about you? I bet there were multiple princesses who have danced with you before."

He chuckled with amusement.

Aiden: "I can agree that this isn't my first time but..."

Suddenly, Aiden lend in closer to Moon.

Aiden: "I feel more comfortable dancing with you."

His words caught her off guard. Moon could feel the adrenaline of her blood rushing up to her cheeks.

All of a sudden, one of her heels tripped on the other which caused her to fall backwards.

Aiden immediately got a firm hold on her hand and grabbed her waist just in time.

Moon: H-huh...?

The two of them locked eye contact with each other. Moon stared into his delicate green eyes while Aiden stared into her soft blue eyes.

Moon: His heartbeat...it's beating so fast...

They were so close that Moon could even feel his heart beating. Her heart was racing so fast too! This was surely an embarrassing position to be in.

Aiden: "Are you okay?"

Moon: "Y-Yes! I'm fine!"

Moon immediately got up and put some distance between them. Her face was going to explode of embarrassment.

She took the hem of her dress and curtsied. Aiden placed his hand on his chest and bowed with a concerned look on his face.

Crowd: "HURRAY!!!"

The crowd clapped and cheered loudly as the sound echoed across the ballroom.

The music that was playing got more excited than before and the guests began to dance with their own partners.

Moon: "I'm sorry for ruining the dance..."

Aiden: "Moon, that's not true..."

Aiden reached out his hand, attempting to comfort her when suddenly, out of the blue...

???: "Aiden!!"

A lady out of nowhere grabbed onto Aiden's shoulder and looked at him with beaming eyes. Aiden and Moon were both surprised.

Aiden: "Clare?! What are you- You're here too?!"

Clare: "Of course, silly! Your dad contacted my family to be invited!!"

The lady turned and noticed Moon staring at the two of them, completely bewildered.

Clare: "Oh I'm sorry for interrupting your conversation! My name is Clarissa, but you can call me Clare. It's nice to meet you, your highness."

Clare curtsied to Moon.

Moon: "The pleasure is all mine, Clare..."

Clare: "Congratulations on your coming to age, Princess Moon! You two danced wonderfully by the way! Everyone was enchanted by it!"

Moon: "Thank you...I appreciate it."

This situation was now getting more tense and awkward...

Aiden: "Moon, Clare is the daughter of the duke and duchess of Dawnville. Her family works closely with my father. So in the matter of fact, we grew up together."

Clare: "That's right! We go way back!"

Moon: "That's nice to know..."

While conversing, Moon found herself fidgeting with her skirt. She could see the connection between Aiden and Claire as they laughed to each other's jokes.

Moon: They look so happy. I wish I had a friend I can laugh with too...

Clare: "Hey Aiden, want to dance?"

Aiden: "Oh, sure...Moon I will come back soon, okay?"

Moon: "It's fine. You go have fun. I will just get some fresh air."

Aiden: "Alright..."

Clare: "Let's go!"

Clare pulled Aiden by his hand as they rushed to the dance floor. Moon watched them and let out a sigh.

Moon: Clare is such a bubbly girl...I bet Aiden likes her company more than—What am I thinking? Gosh...I'm so foolish...

She swiftly squeezed herself through the massive crowd, avoiding eye contact with anyone, and left the ballroom.

<At the balcony...>

A strong gust of cold wind blew passed Moon, giving her the cold shivers. Her eyes were fixed on the amazing view of the ocean from the balcony.

Moon: "Wow! It's so beautiful!"

The full moon was already high up in the sky and the sea glittered under its strong moonlight.

Moon: "No wonder this is Mom's and Dad's favourite place!"

Moon placed her hands on the stone railings and stared up at the full Moon once more.

Moon: I heard this is where my father proposed to mother...

Moon felt she needed some time to herself and the room was getting a lot stuffier than before.

Moon: "*Sighs* What a day..."

Moon removed the crown lying on her head and held it in front of her.

She then glanced up at the beach and searched the area. Orion still hasn't arrived yet, which made her feel at ease.

Moon: "If only I was as free as Orion. I wouldn't have to go through so many royal errands..."

Being a Mermaid, was the key to Moon's freedom. It was the only time she can have the chance to escape her reality.

Moon: I still haven't figured it out. Why was I a Mermaid in the first place? Did it really has to do with my family history? Maybe this time I should ask Orion...

She paused.

Moon: "Urgg! Why do I keep thinking about Orion! Even Aiden..."

Moon gripped on her crown tightly.

Moon: There's no way Orion would like a girl as careless as me! And Aiden has Clarissa by his side...Do I...really have feelings-

Aiden: "Moon! There you are!"

Moon's thoughts were again cut off and she almost dropped her crown in surprise. She turned around to find Aiden standing at the entrance.

Moon: "Aiden? Aren't you suppose to be with Claris- I mean Clare!?"

Aiden: "About that...our dance was short and I'm sorry about Clare. She can be hyper and clingy at same time."

Moon: "No it's really okay! She's a lovely woman! But why are you here, Aiden?"

Aiden: "After our dance, I went to find you but you seem to have disappeared all of a sudden. Some guests who have saw you leave, pointed to where you have went. And I found you here..."

Aiden walked up to Moon.

Aiden: "I was really worried about you."

He then took the crown from her hands and placed it back on her head.

Aiden: "The crown really suits you so don't take it off..."

Moon's cheek reddened as she quickly looked away.

Moon: He was worried about me...

She coughed to break the tension and said.

Moon: "Thank you for your concern, Aiden. But I think you should go back to Clare and enjoy yourself. I don't want to be the one to burden your night."

Aiden: "It is your celebration, you know? And I feel that you can use some company for the rest of the night."

Aiden replied and stood next to Moon.

Moon: "Are you sure? I bet Clare is looking all over for you now."

Aiden: "*Chuckles* Just let her be. She will give up eventually."

Moon: "*Laughs* I see."

Aiden took in a deep breath of the night breeze and let it all out.

Aiden: "You know, Clare hasn't always been like that. She used to less clingy before. However, ever since that incident...she changed..."

Moon curiously looked at him.

Moon: "What happened?"

She saw how Aiden clenched both his hands into fists, which scared her.

She had never seen him so stressed. This must have been something traumatic for him.

Moon: "Stop. It's okay. You don't have to tell me."

Aiden: "No, I want to. I feel that you should have the right to know..."

Aiden heavily sighed and continued.

Aiden: "Ever since...my brother passed away..."

To be continued...

Hello everyone, it's me Chewy! I'm so sorry for not updating in a long time! I was on vacation a few days ago and I didn't actually have the chance to write this chapter. The next chapter is going to be mainly focused on Aiden explaining his past and more about his brother. I did plan on writing about his past in this chapter but I was afraid it was going to be too long and repetitive. Well, I have to go now! See you all in the next chapter! Love ya ❤️