"Oh my Lord, but one dance simply couldn't hurt!" Hadrian sighed internally. This marked the fourth time some snooty nosed whelp from nobility was trying to quart him. Predictably, their father would then request that he put their daughter under consideration. It didn't used to be this way. Rowan was only too happy to entertain an entourage of women...but he was paired now; long past the age it was customary to wed. He himself was two years past due. The requirement was to be housed in wedlock by a person's twentieth birthday. So he had time...just not much of it.<br/><br/>"It is regrettable m'Lady," Hadrian spoke through gritted teeth. "Yet my father has instilled for me a most taxing mission, and I must be off to complete it. If you'll excuse me..." He bowed politely to the father still trying to make an approach as he took his leave. If he was being honest, he didn't find many of these noble women attractive in the slightest. Often their spoiled rotten faces shone through the pampered complexion they had so meticulously developed, and it sickened him. Who would want to spend an eternity with a nasty nymph?<br/><br/>Truthfully, Hadrian fancied a dance with some of the commoners. He had already been forced to endure several waltzes with noble families to foster relationships.<span style="font-style: italic">Well, at least they weren't after my soul.</span>Hadrian thought with a touch of dark humor. He adjusted his mask, being sure that it was kept in place. The evening was growing late...what could a dance or two do? Surely no harm at all. Making sure he was consciously looking for the mysterious girl, Hadrian began to walk amongst a larger group of commoners. The idea was to promote a sense of unity between the royal house and the common folk. Still, many were hesitant to mingle so openly with their Lords. Understandable, he too would be a little cautious if Rowan was his Lord.<br/><br/>It was during his scouting that he first saw her. A young lass, elegant yet breathtaking in figure. Her long silver toned hair was braided in an intricate fashion that complimented her smooth even skin tone. A scarlet flowing silk dress rippled like water after her every step. When she turned to deny a suitor, he caught sight of her visage. Subtlety covered with an ornate gold and deep Prussian blue mask, her petite nose was in perfect proportions with her full lips and tapering neck. To say that she was beautiful was a sin. Angelic was closer to the mark.<br/><br/>The woman set her glass of wine down. The color was off, had she diluted it?<span style="font-style: italic">Respectable and responsible...a good combination.</span>Hadrian thought pleasantly. Unconsciously gravitating after her, Hadrian took notice of her apparent exasperation. She sat down with a huff, clearly not pleased with the evening's events. Perhaps, like him, she wasn't looking for a suitor. Yet the thought of leaving her alone pained Hadrian somehow, and he could not resist at least going to talk to her. He recalled, briefly that he was supposed to be on a mission.<span style="font-style: italic">I can tell father that I was asking if anyone had seen this strange girl, or I was trying to get to know some of the commoners better--she could be amongst them.</span>He was making excuses, but to be honest he couldn't remember anything about the strange girl he was supposed to be looking for. What was her hair color? Bah. Who cares? He could get to that later.<br/><br/>Presently, Hadrian was mere footsteps away from her. Any closer and she would know he was approaching her. It was considered undignified for a prince to sit down on an occasion such as this, but would anyone really notice? Hardly. Maintaining an air of nonchalance, Hadrian moved deftly to the maiden's side, sitting across from her on the bench. Outgoing though he was, he was a bit miffed as to how he could spark a conversation with such a woman. He supposed a simple greeting would suffice. Hadrian angled his position determinedly so that his body was facing hers, and he smiled pleasantly, his dimples peaked slightly and his eyes melted with warmth.<br/><br/>"Good evening." He prompted. "Are you enjoying the night's festivities?<br/><br/><blockquote class="uncited"><div>Sorry it took a week! !uhh !dizzy</div></blockquote>