The sun poured in through the large window lighting up the wooden floorboards. The three musicians wiped their sweating brows as the played their accompaniment to Miss Ellsia's dance lesson. In the centre of the room Ellsia danced with Damon her dance master. She turned lightly, her beautiful soft yellow silk gown swirling around her as she moved gracefully. Turning back the other way Damon lightly took her arm pulling her in before jumping out causing Ellsia to stumble into her turn. Damon narrowed his eyes at his beautiful pupil.

“Ellsia you were not ready for that turn. Pay attention you need to be ready for the man to pull you by your arm in front of him and then you both jump back before you turn to the right circling around him...Ellsia are you listening?”

Ellsia stared down at the floor stamping her feet she sighed throwing her head back and walked away from Damon. Turning to face him she slid down the wall and sat leaning on the wall in the corner of the room. She smiled sweetly as she answered him.

“No”

Damon gazed helplessly at the girl his hand resting on hips. Her cheeks were pink from the dancing and she leant back on the wall her head tilted up to the ceiling. Slyly glancing at him through her lashes she smiled following his gaze to where her ankles poked from beneath her silk gown. Suppressing her internal giggles she eyed up her handsome dance Master his rusty hair brushing his chin and his suntanned skin golden in the bright Spring sun.

“Damon I know that dance so well I could dance it blindfolded”

Damon smiled fondly at Ellsia.

“Well then how come you just made a mistake back then”

With an exaggerated sigh Ellsia stared at Damon.

“Because I am bored! I have learnt every single dance to perfection so far and you will

not let progress further”

Leaning forward her eyes filled with excitement Ellsia stared intensely at Damon.

“Teach me the Dufian or the Reylian. I am ready teach me one of those”

Damon shook his head staring down at the wonder that sat before him. Her chestnut hair shone in the spring sunlight, Her boned bodice pushed up at her young breasts as she leant forward and her eyes shone with intensity. Damon had to shake his head again to bring himself back to the role entrusted to him by Mistress Blerianna.

“I can't teach you those dances and you know so. You learn those dances once you're married”

A wicked smile filled Ellsia's face.

“Now thats incorrect you do not have to be married to learn those dances”

Damon's eyes widened at Ellsia's words.

“I still can't teach you the dances”

Ellsia sighed in frustration.

“Yes you can its a stupid why do you have to not be a virgin to dance those dances its ridiculous. Anyway if it is an issue it is easy enough to solve”

Damon smiled laughing slightly at Ellsia.

“Miss Ellsia Blanche Rosia Vederent are you flirting with your Dance Master”

Mirth filled her bright eyes as she giggled.

“Maybe? Oh but Damon you do not need to have lain with a man to be able to dance such dances. Its knowing the subtleties of exchange of body movements that takes place with a man. It is about knowing how the smallest movement will affect a man and I know that already”

Ellsia rose gracefully to her feet pushing herself up with a seductive arch of her back. She walked forwards slowly her hips swinging ever so slightly to some silent rhythm. A coy smile fixed itself upon her stunning face. She stopped close to Damon shaking her long chestnut hair off her face.

“See I know what would happen if I took a step even closer”

Ellsia took a step closer and pressed the length of her body against Damon's. Damon felt his knees weaken as her breath tickled his chin.

“I know what reaction will meet me if I did this”

Smiling Ellsia snaked one arm around his back and stroked his bristly cheek with her other hand. She felt Damon's skin react to her soft touch and tipped her head back to gaze into his eyes.

“or if I did this”

Reaching up she kissed him fully on the lips. For a second she felt his shock and resistance before he started drawing her in. Smiling secretly she felt his hands clasp her waist and pull her even closer. His tongue teasing her mouth open she let him enjoy the kiss for a moment before pulling back. Turning away she glared coldly at the musicians who sat wide eyed after watching such a spectacle.

“Right you three you never saw anything”

Her face then broke into a smile and she turned back to Damon. Standing across from him she placed her hand on her slender waist and stared at him seductively under her lashes.

“Dance Master teach me to dance”

Damon shook himself out of his daze and with a quiet word with the musicians took his position opposite to Ellsia as the Dufian started to be played.

Mistress Blerianna climbed the stairs as she recognised the Dufian music being played. She could remember the first time she learnt the dance with none other than the heir to the throne. She remembered the sexual tension between them as she learnt it. Each subtle movement reflected the dance in his bed the night before. Feeling heat rising in her cheeks she walked more briskly up the stairs. Gently she gripped the door handle turning it quickly and glanced into the room. She smiled at the sight that greeted her. She watched Ellsia turn four times gracefully her chestnut hair flying, her cheeks pink with energy as she danced past Damon letting her hand run across his chest before twisting behind him. He clasped her hands in front of him so her face rested on the linen of his shirt. They danced with the passion that was needed in such the Dufian. For a second Mistress Blerianna worried about Ellsia's chastity but then she saw Ellsia's face as she spun away. She knew the girl was acting. After all the girls lessons with Mistress Blerianna the girl knew how each subtle movement of her gorgeous body could bring a man to his knees. She wise enough after her lessons to be more than a virgin and that is what Mistress Blerianna saw as she danced in seductive circles around Damon. She closed the door quietly again and walked down the corridor smiling because her student was ready.

Ellsia smiled as she descended down the stairs for dinner. She was dressed for her evening meal her young body encased in a light pink rose silk dress, her chestnut hair pinned simply back. Smiling to herself she stepped down the familiar stairs loving the smell of the roast rising through the town house. She had been here a year now and it was the happiest she had been since her mother died. Mistress Blerianna was strict but kind and wise. Ellsia loved listening to her stories of the Court, the Princes of her adventures. Curious as she was she never pushed for the story of how Mistress Blerianna had fallen into disgrace but knew one day she would be told. Ellsia entered the dining room and sat at the empty table waiting for Mistress Blerianna to arrive. Maddie the maid poked her head round the door. Seeing Ellsia she entered the room humbly.

“Miss Ellsia I have been told that you will not be eating tonight and that you are to meet Mistress Blerianna in the study”

Ellsia glanced up surprised at Maddie's words but nodded in acknowledgment. She quickly exited the dining room and made her way to the study. She knocked gently on the study door.

“Come in”

Ellsia pushed open the door and smiled at Mistress Blerianna who was sitting in her red velvet chair, glass of wine in her hand, smile of victory on her face. Mistress's Blerianna's eyes sharply took in every detail of her pupil.

“You will need to change...yes you should wear that light green dress”

Ellsia scrunched her forehead in confusion.

“Mistress Blerianna what are you talking about? What do I need to change for”

Mistress Blerianna's eyes glinted as she smiled.

“For the Princes twentieth birthday party!”

Wide eyed Ellsia stared at her teacher.

“This evening?”

“Yes this evening. I even have only just had word of it. Apparently your father have thought up a game for the Princes birthday that requires their daughters”

Ellsias sapphire eyes widened further and for once she forgot her manners.

“What type of game?”

Mistress Blerianna smiled simply.

“I do not know but no doubt it will be fascinating. Now we need to go and get you dressed”

Ellsia followed as Mistress Blerianna swooped out the room.

Ellsia stood in the hallway thirty minutes later waiting for the coach to take her to the palace. She looked gorgeous. She was laced in a beautiful light green gown that shimmered in th candle light. The square neck subtly drew the eye to her young curves and the sleeves were three-quartered sleeved and tight. All in all it was a pretty simple dress no lavish embroidery, the cut was simple but it was perfectly matched with Ellsia's beauty. Her chestnut curls had been carefully pinned to give the air of casual elegance with half the curls tumbling down her smooth pale neck. She wore no jewelery but the pearls in her hair. The finishing image was so beautiful that Mistress Blerianna could not suppress the pride that burst in her chest over her pupil. The sound of horses hoofs echoed in the street and Ellsia felt her heart pound heavily against her ribs.

“Remember everything I have taught you and do not to forget to shine! I will speak to you tomorrow and discuss the options depending how tonight goes”

Ellsia nodded clasping her shaking her hands. She smiled and curtsied to Mistress Blerianna kissing the lady's hand as was accustomed by pupils. Maddie opened the front door and Ellsia excited the house trying to calm the excitement that flooded her body as she stepped into the carriage. As the carriage pulled away Ellsia leant back a small smile teasingly placed on her lips. She would shine.

The Palace shone magnificent in the late evening. A thousand lanterns lit the drive way and the gardens creating a glimmering fantasy like image. Ellis tried to resist pressing her face to the glass as this was the grandest building she had ever seen. The hundred windows were lit and the music carried in the evening air. The party atmosphere heightened Ellsia's excitement even more and she started taking slow breathes to calm herself. Sharply turning her head as the carriage stopped she stared at the man standing in the shadow of the doorway. Smoothing her scowl from her face she let the footman help her from the carriage. Walking forward she gave a slight curtsy to the man.

“Father”

Her father took her hand and kissed it.

“You will be providing entertainment for the Prince”

Ellsia looked incredulous.

“Me?”

Her father chuckled lightly at her tone.

“Well you and seven other girls. You will be presented to the Prince wearing masks and one by one you will remove your mask and the Prince has to guess who's the father of which girl”

Ellsia gave a simpering smile to her father.

“What a brilliant game Father”

Her Father gave her a good humoured smile.

“Ellsia I know you hate me but I know you have pride so therefore you will never let me down because you will never let yourself down. Now go and make yourself proud”

Ellsia curtsied nodding to her Father as he led her down the grand hallway. Ellsia felt a thrill through herself as she felt the power that was held in the Palace. Turning the corner they stopped as they approached what Ellsia guessed was the grand entrance of the Grand Hall. Seven other girls waited there whispering to one another in hushed girlish voices. All were dressed in their best gowns shimmering silks that glowed richly under the candlelight. All seven faces turned to her their flushed excited faces dropping slightly at the sight of her. Each girl took in their new rival, her beauty glowing in their dimly lit corridor.

“Good evening girls this is your last addition for the game my daughter Miss Ellsia Vederent”

Ellsia offered a smile to the girls which only one pretty blond girl returned.

“Right I will leave in a second and enter the Grand Hall where I will explain the game to the Prince. What you must each do is take one of those masks and place it over your face. The guard at the door will signal when you need to Enter and you will enter gracefully down the grand stairs and form a line. The Prince will then remove your masks one at a time and try to guess your Father. Right I will see you in the hall”

He turned briskly on his heel and left the corridor. Silence fell and the girls glanced nervously about the corridor.

“I never heard of you before Miss Ellsia which is surprising seeing my Father is good friends with yours”

Ellsia smiled at the girl who spoke. She was obviously of high noble birth, her dress was a magnificent creation of ruby gems piled on rich ruby coloured silk. The extravagance did not do much for the girls looks as it just made her typically pretty looks seem plainer. Her dull blond hair was tied in a complicated knot at the base of her neck and her eyes were a hazel that glinted with mischief.

“My Father tried to forget I existed for seven years until he saw me again and realised he could use me.

“Ah what are we but the pawns of our fathers”

Ellsia and the girl cracked a grin between them and suddenly the ice was broken.

“I am Miss Cassandra Temor”

“They're ready for you Ladies”

The guard gruffly spoke from the door and immediately the girl rushed to fix the masks over their faces. Cassandra grinned at Ellsia as she pulled the mask down over her face.

“Lets go and be pawns”

Ellsia lined up behind her and smiled.

“Indeed”

The grand double doors opened the girls entered the Grand Hall making their way gracefully down the marble steps. Ellsia's eyes raced over the room excited by the marvelous sights surrounding her. She followed Cassandra down the steps smiling as she felt joy rush through her. At the thrones the King and Queen watched on amused at whatever stunt Lord Achenald was about to pull. The Prince slightly in front of them surrounded by a group of his friends. His eyes watched the masked girls with a small smile.

“Your Highness I have organised a little game for your Birthday. It is not a grand game but just a little fun that I and some of the other father thought up. Here there are eight girls each of them is a daughter of one of the Lords, Dukes or Earls here. All you have to do is remove the mask of a girl and guess who her father is. If you are correct you win a dance with the said girl. If you guess incorrectly then you do not. How do you find it Your Highness?”

The Prince stepped forwards as the girls formed a line facing him. He smiled cockily at them exchanging a look and grin with the friends.

“Very well Lord Achenald. Hmm where shall I start?”

He stepped up to the girl nearest to him. She was dressed in a light blue gown that pressed her full chest up in an almost unladylike manor. Gently the Prince pulled off the mask and stared at the brunette. She was pretty enough though she had a very clear lusty look.

“Why I can recognise this girls heritage she looks identical to her sister. Would your father be Samaul Demont Duke of Cascar?”

The girl nodded gleefully and ran off to one side after shooting the prince a lusty glance under her thick lashes. Next the Prince removed the mask of the pretty blond who had smiled at Ellsia earlier.

“Now you look nothing like your father but I would be a fool not to remember the women that was the girl I used to play with in the Palace nursery and my late sisters dearest friend”

The girl blushed so terribly her pale skin turned the colour beetroot.

“Miss Katrina Lovelay youngest daughter to Lord Dain Lovelay”

There was a polite applause around the hall and Katrina rushed quickly to her sister who giggled at her younger sisters red cheeks. Another four girls played the game for the Prince and he guessed another two correctly. Finally he arrived at Cassandra and removed her mask with a great grin.

“Oh I wonder who this could be”

Cassandra giggled playfully.

“This charming Lady could not be the little girl who ripped her skirts when she climbed the Palace tree?”

Cassandra let out a giggle while other girls in the Hall gasped.

“or the girl who played tricks on my tutor with me, or hid a snake in my bed?”

Cassandra just grinned broadly.

“No this Lady could not possibly be Miss Cassandra Temor”

Cassandra threw herself forward as she burst out laughter hugging the Prince.

“Oh cousin now I am never going to be taken serious as a Lady”

“Well I am sure you would have proved that soon enough anyway”

He said with a mischievous grin.

“Oh my tree climbing days are well and truly over but really I am keeping you from finishing your game and you will not wish to miss out this last girl”

Cassandra gave him a knowing look as she walked over to the King and sat fondly at his heels with a grin. Ellsia turned her attention back to the Prince who was now standing in front of her. She smiled as his hands came up to her face and gently pulled off the mask. The movement caused one of the pins to slip from her hair causing a curl to fall into her face as she gazed up at the Prince. The Prince stared at her for a second, leaning forward he brushed the girls hair from her face to get a closer look. With a chuckle the Prince looked up at Ellsia's father.

“Why this isn't fair Achenald I cannot see any Father here who could have such a stunning daughter and I certainly have not heard any rumor of such beauty either I am stunted”

Ellsia giggled smiling merrily at the Prince.

“Am I allowed to give you a clue for I do so want you to win a dance with me”

Such a statement could have seemed to forward but Ellsia worded it perfectly her brilliant blue eyes wide and innocent.

“Ah as do I dear maid”

Ellsia glanced over to her Father.

“Will that be fair Father?”

Ellsia giggled putting her hand to her mouth when the Prince looked at her shocked.

“Oh dear I did not mean to give you such a clue”

The Court looked on fondly at the young girl whose cheeks had turned pink in embarrassment. Only her Father looked on proudly at her subtle scheming.

“Ah so you must be Miss Ellsia Vederent”

The Prince ran a strong hand through his jaw length hair smiling.

“Yes I must”

The mischievous look on her face was irresistible and Jjion felt desire stir in his gut.

“I think I will have the first dance with Miss Ellsia Vederent”

He took her hand pulling her into dance but with a slight flick of her wrist she flew away in a series of spins at the introduction. A grin played on the Princes handsome lips and she pulled to an abrupt stop gazing at him with her eyebrow arched. He rose to the challenge and started the intricate turning and clapping of the Cammar, a fast furious difficult dance known for its difficulties. Grinning and letting slip a giggle Ellsia skipped twisting on her toes gracefully before falling from her balance into the series of claps and turns circling the prince her face flushing with energy. The entire court held their breath at the beauty and ferocity of the dance. The Princes breath hitched in his throat as Ellsia spun into him pushing herself lightly away with her palms flat on his broad chest. She broke the usual rhythm of the dance by halting suddenly to utter stillness with a clap. Her feet and fingers started clicking a new rhythm that the band picked up and started playing the sharp stuttering rhythm of the Parara. The Prince and the court marveled as the girl stamped the complicated rhythms with ease and passion. The Prince started stamping and clapping opposite her syncopating her rhythm. Ellsia's smile grew as she felt the rhythm surge through her. Swaying her hips she started moving towards the Prince. Clapping and clicking as she stamped and tapped towards him.

“HIMAHIMAHIMAHIMAYYYYA”

She sung before twirling into him and pulling him into a quick polka which the band once again picked up. Twirling away from each other the music broke and with a heaving chest Ellsia gave the prince a deep curtsy a beaming smile on her flushed face. Applause broke the silence and the tension in the hall. Achenald smiled a smug smile at his daughters brilliance and felt a memory stirring of the first Lady Vederent Cassima's radiance. I'm thankful for your beauty Cassima you've just made one of the most powerful men at court. He thought to himself yes his late wife did deserve some gratitude for the flawless beauty that now was walking away from the Prince a bashful expression on her goddess like face.

Its been ages since I updated I know but I kinda got sidetracked and a bit bored of this story. But I was reading through it and had this chapter half finished so decided to finish it and upload. Hope you like though I won't be surprised if no one review it as its been so long since I last updated it. But please review! Opal Fiary