Baron Raul Auclair

I did my best not to stare over at him for too long and focused on the conversations around me. My simple dark blue dress with silver trimmings helped me blend into the crowd of other shades of blue dresses since it was winter so I was able to sneak my way a little closer to the Duke of Ableni, Baron Raul Auclair. I was only a few feet away speaking with some other ladies about the different ribbons on other ladies dresses and how well they went together. My eyes drifted over to his figure more than once and I wondered why my mother never mentioned him or introduced me to him when trying to pair me up with a suitor. The next waltz began and the women I was speaking with were whisked away by their men to go dance so I was left by myself. My hand fiddled with the metal bead on the end of my braid out of habit. It had the Norse runes of marriage and fertility as well as adventure and happiness on it and always brought me comfort when I was left alone while others danced. I hardly got asked to dance since nobody seemed to ever take notice of me.

I looked up at you and smiled with a soft blush dusting my light fair skin, like the sunrise over fresh snow. “I would be honored to dance with you, sir.” I accepted your hand and let you lead me to the dancing area, seamlessly joining in on the other waltzing couples and following your lead almost perfectly. All of the practice I did alone at home could finally be put to use. My eyes kept meeting yours though I tried to politely ignore it so I wouldn’t blush more. Instead I broke the semi awkward silence as we danced in near perfect harmony. “I don’t believe that we have been introduced before, dear Baron. My name is Emma Mardol, though I’m sure you’ve heard more of my mother, the dutchess of Carmine, Lady Christine Mardol.”