Claire took it and started dancing, pressing their bodies together as the song took a much more romantic and erotic tone. She looked deeply into those ice blue eyes, contrasting her deep obsidian blue ones. Although in the end, both of them were equally narrowed and cold when it came to important matters. Its just Claire took her facade of the classical princess so seriously almost everyone was fooled. Even her father. Kaylin and Mark were the only one she opened up to. She used to open up to Augustus but he'd grown distant lately. She had no idea why, but had an inkling it had to do with his mother trying to overthrow her. If she was out of the way, Father would have to acknowledge Augustus as his adoptive son to have an heir.<br/><br/>"So... we're still on for after the ball right? I guess I'll meet you there after the ball." She asked him.<br/><br/>They danced in silence, this one being a lot more awkward than her dance with Mark, who looked on rather jealously from afar.<br/><br/>Eventually the song ended and they have to part and instantly a clamour of men were gaggling over her. She chose the one who looked the most naive and throughout the night, danced with many. Some of them were high ranking, there was even a young king from a nearby country who wished to join theirs. She thought he was pretty charming but he wasn't someone she could manipulate. All the others were either too desperate or too stupid.<br/><br/>If only she could marry Mark. He'd do what she wanted and yet he knew how to be brave and stand up for what's right. He was smart as well.  But she wouldn't marry Mark. She'd use her only marriage to her advantage to gain power and she wouldn't gain much power from him. She was sure someone would come along. Someone who would let her control the kingdom and yet provide input. Someone brave. Someone smart.<br/><br/>As the night drew on her thoughts wandered away from marriage and to the training grounds. As the ball ended, the last man whom she danced with kissed her hand and she started heading back to her room. However on the way, another servant stopped her.<br/><br/>"Milady. The king wishes to speak with you" Claire blinked and shrugged. She headed towards the king's chambers.<br/><br/>"Father you wished to see me?" She asked. She opened the door and inside her father sat at the table. She sat down across from him.<br/><br/>"Aaahh yes. Claire. Listen. I want you to go on a trip for a while to the county side... I'm not sure how long. You can bring Mark as well, and I already told Kaylin where to take you."<br/><br/>"But-"<br/><br/>"No Buts little lady." The king waggled a finger at her and chuckled. "You've been overworking yourself. I want you to take a break"<br/><br/>Claire shut her mouth. "Yes, Father"<br/><br/>She then hurried back to her room, hoping to find Kaylin there to help her unlace her dress and put on her armor.