Chapter I

The party roared with laughter and music as the most important people in the country mingled with each other. From lords to barons, the setting was like a paradise for high-class men and women, especially for royalty. At the center of it all stood the most beautiful women of the country, pouring wine for kings, dancing for the guests’ entertainment, and doing what all courtesans did during gatherings like this – providing enjoyment and pleasure.

From the shadows of the room, the young Prince Nathaniel of Arkenia stood there, a placid expression etched across his face. His sapphire eyes would dart from one person to another, trying to determine who was who. Leaning on one of the columns, he waited for Lord Morningstone who invited him to such a crowded party – not one of his favorites. It’s been 3 hours since he arrived and as far as his patience can go and his interest is concerned, nothing in this room caught his attention. He decided to marvel at the gold sepia-tiled floor when he heard someone call out his name from the crowd.

“Prince Nathaniel! Prince Nathaniel!”

Nathaniel gave his caller a glare that told the bastard to lower his voice, but it was too late. As soon as his name was heard, heads turned and whispers broke out as everyone tried to get a glance of the soon-to-be king of the country.

Yes, he was famous – famous for not leaving the castle walls and never showing his face in public because it was just too much of a bother and he hated crowds.

Nathaniel let out a deep sigh before walking towards his loyal, yet idiotic servant and friend, Lawrence.

“Lawrence, how many times do I have to tell you to not shout out my name?” he harshly whispered, trying to avoid any further attention.

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but Lord Morningstone wanted me to tell you that he has to leave the party early since he didn’t suddenly feel all too well.” Lawrence explained.

Nathaniel scowled, his brows furrowing in irritation and disbelief. It was downright rude to be left alone by the inviter himself in a party which he didn’t plan on attending at all. If it wasn’t for his Father asking him to attend as a way of socializing and getting to know more people, he wouldn’t have spared an ear to Lord Morningstone’s invitation.

He gave another sigh and was about to tell Lawrence that he wished to leave when a gentle tap on the shoulder made Nathaniel turn his head around. There in front of him stood a brunette girl who wore a tight green dress that reached up to her mid-thigh. Nathaniel gave her a quick glance from head to toe before racing a brow. She was definitely one of the courtesans.

“What business do you have with me?”

“I was wondering if I could have the honor of dancing with you, my Prince.” she gave a curtsy before looking back at him with her chocolate eyes.

Seeing no harm in agreeing to the invitation and that he was told to enjoy, Nathaniel nodded and led her to the dance floor, the music blaring in his ears. With one swift movement, he twirled her before pulling her close to his body, left arm wrapped around her petite waist. The song continued as the group of dancers, including them, danced across the floor. With bodies entangled in each other and steps in complete synchronization, the dancers moved like one person. And as the song came to an end, the audience gave a loud applause and the music changed.

“Hmm, you dance so well, my Prince. Would you like to dance some more?” the girl whispered in his ear, a teasing tone evident in her honey-coated voice.

“Or we could skip the party and get to know each other in a more private place.” she added as Nathaniel dipped her in one swift move. Nathaniel chuckled and brought his lips to her ears.

“I’m sorry, but I find you quite unsatisfactory.” he pulled away and smirked at the girl’s embarrassed and flushed expression.

With one last twirl, Nathaniel sent his partner spinning away from him and into the arms of another man as he straightened his clothing. He turned to walk away from the crowded dancers when a gentle tap on the shoulder made him turn around and stare right into cerulean eyes that held mischief and a hint of innocence.

Her small and delicate hand dragged Nathaniel back to the center of the dance floor as the music started with a new song. With a spin, Nathaniel found his arms wrapped around the girl’s waist, her back to his chest as she swayed her hips against his own. With another flick of his wrist, he sent her twirling before pulling her close and gazing into those alluring eyes. Nathaniel felt a smirk form on his lips as the music started to play to the tune of Broken Tango. He felt himself unable to let go of the girl in his arms. Her short blonde curls harnessed the smell of vanilla, her lips painted in a very inviting shade of red, and her small face holding a beautiful and natural smile.

After seventeen years in the world, Nathaniel finally experienced being star-struck.

As the music came to a stop and Nathaniel’s thoughts still wandering off, the girl let him go, bowed her head, and hurriedly walked away into the shadows of the crowd, leaving him to stand alone in the middle of the applauding crowd.

Nathaniel wandered the mansion, looking for the mysterious girl, hoping to at least talk to her or get a name. The night passed by quickly but he never saw her, not even a shadow. As the guests started to leave the mansion, Nathaniel went looking for Lawrence when he heard someone singing from the balcony. Curiosity getting the better of him, he hid behind the curtains and listened to the angelic voice that poured out of the singer’s mouth. The song was familiar, like a distant memory that he wanted to remember but can’t.

“Who’s there?!”

Nathaniel snapped out of his reverie and peeked to see the girl eyeing the direction where he was hiding while her back was still facing him. Seeing that his cover was blown, Nathaniel stepped out of the shadows. Seeing her face change from that of suspicion to utter surprise, Nathaniel couldn’t help but internally chuckle. He slowly walked towards her as she stared at him as if in a daze.

“Pardon me for the intrusion but I couldn’t help but notice you since the dance.” Nathaniel spoke in his most sociable tone. She stared at him for a moment before doing a small curtsy and smiling.

“Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, young Sir.” she replied, the hem of her pink dress flowing slightly as a gentle night breeze passed by.

For a brief moment, they just stood there, staring at each other’s eyes. Nathaniel felt himself smile as she tore her gaze away from his face, a faint blush dusting her cheeks. Learning her name can wait. A man’s voice suddenly broke the comfortable silence and the girl in front of me started to walk away fast.

“Wait.” Nathaniel unconsciously grabbed her hand and she turned around, her cheeks turning a deeper shade. She glanced at the door that lead back to the main hall and back at him.

“I want to know your name, young courtesan.” he spoke.

She looked appalled before hurriedly letting go of his hand and running towards the door. Nathaniel shouted for her to wait as she ran through the gardens under the pale moonlight. For a girl, she was a fast runner as Nathaniel tried to keep up with her pace. She got on a carriage but not before she took one last glance of Nathaniel, smiling and waving.

“Syrena Trancy!” she shouted.

Nathaniel stood in the middle of the road, gasping for air, as he watched her wave goodbye until the carriage disappeared from his sight along with the mysterious girl.

“Syrena…” he whispered to himself as a smile crept upon his lips.