He noticed her then, immediately changing direction to head her way… Marina’s heart was pounding like a drum in her chest, she genuinely thought that in his royal position, he would feel obligated to look through potential brides of much higher social standing than her… maybe… maybe he wasn’t actually coming towards her, maybe there was someone standing not far behind her or something…<br/><br/>Marina held her breath until Emeric finally stopped… directly in front of her, he didn’t look off to the side or around her… those icy blue eyes were peering through the eyeholes of the mask right at her… and in his hand was a glass of wine being extended towards her.<br/><br/><strong>"I promise it is the best wine in the region, I would hate to see you go thirsty, or it to go to waste."<br/></strong><br/>“Thank you” Marina murmured graciously, giving him a gentle smile… that voice was smooth as silk, elegant and enticing… it was incredible the things you could observe about a person when you couldn’t see their face.<br/><br/><strong>"Are you having a nice time my Lady? I must admit I have not seen you at events here before. Granted, I don't attend many, but I believe someone as beautiful as you would have left an impression on my memory."<br/></strong><br/>Marina blushed deeply and averted her gaze bashfully “You flatter me, your highness…”<br/><br/>He left an impression on her too, she’d never met anyone in her life that went about every aspect of their lives in such ethereal grace, let alone a man.<br/><br/><strong>"Please forgive me but I am unfamiliar with your father's business. Would you care to refresh me? Maybe while getting some fresh air..."<br/></strong><br/>“Horses, Prince Emeric”  Marina replied as they made their exit from the ballroom, that bashful blush still playing across her lovely features as they stepped into the caressing night air “My father breeds some of the finest horses in the kingdom, I believe you even have some in your own stables. Our family’s horse breeding prowess earned my grandfather the baron title when he was a young man, no older than us as I understand it… I believe it’s the end of the evening when you’ll receive your birthday gifts, correct? Father brought one his very best horses to gift to you, a beautiful black stallion, one of the most beautiful horses I’ve ever seen in my life. I am sure you will love him… oh and make sure to act surprised”<br/><br/>She grinned at that last part and laughed gently, she turned slightly and gazed upwards at the many stars above them “It’s a nice night, not too cold and lots of pretty stars… do you like stars, Prince Emeric? I personally find them to be incredibly reassuring and soothing, their serene beauty comforts me so, I enjoy going to the rooftop of my home and just lay on the roof to find all the constellations”<br/><br/>She looked down to gaze at Emeric’s masked faced and chuckled lightly “I’m sorry, that must sound like the most absurd thing for a lady to do”