by Anna Lewis
He was mysterious and dark, his eyes softly gazing through the mask and drinking in Nina’s appearance. She blushed and looked down at the ground, watching her feet move smoothly across the marble floor. The waltz wasn’t difficult, but she found herself stumbling a few times. The mysterious man caught her easily and hoisted her in the air, twisting her around before setting her back on the ground to join the couples romping about the room.
He was quick on his feet and moved gracefully across the floor. Nina found herself giggling as the stranger lifted her again. They did another few turns and landed in the center of the dance floor, swaying gently to the violins that slowed as the song came to an end. The couples surrounding them all stopped at the same time and gave a light applause.
But Nina couldn’t look away. The eyes of the mysterious man were sucking her in, a grin causing the mask to move slightly. As his hand came up to cup her cheek, his other hand removed the mask to reveal his face.
It was the prince.
***
A round of gasps erupted from the room followed by cheers. Nina gasped and immediately fell to the ground, bowing her head as deep as she could. The prince raised her immediately with a grin.
“There’s no need for that,” he said.
“Your grace, I had no idea,” Nina said.
“I like to make a grand entrance,” he said.
Nina giggled.
A man in a black suit approached and bowed deeply, opening his arms.
“May I take your coat, sir?” he asked.
“Please,” replied the prince.
The man respectfully took the prince’s coat and walked away. Nina watched him for a moment and then turned back to the prince who was wearing a debonair smile.
“What is your name?” he asked.
“Nina,” she replied.
He took her hand and raised it to his lips, closing his eyes as he laid a gentle kiss upon her fingers.
“Nina, it is my pleasure to meet you. I am Prince Robin Randall of Othio,” he said elegantly.
Nina blushed and bowed her head, unsure of exactly how to act.
“I’ve never been in royal company before,” Nina admitted.
“We’re no different than anyone else,” the prince said. “I promise you don’t have to be incredibly formal.”
“What brings you to America?” she asked.
Robin took her arm and led her off the dance floor towards the tables filled with glasses of champagne. He held one up for each of them and smiled.
“Business,” he replied. “Your economy interests me. Most of our partners are located here in the United States and I wanted to move my wine vineyards over here.”
“But don’t you miss your country?” she asked.
The prince looked down into his glass, smiling nostalgically.
“I have been here a week and find myself longing for the old fields. The valleys are a luscious green and the people are so simple. They’re not preoccupied with electronics like your country tends to be,” he replied.
Nina gave a polite smile and stared at her glass, feeling a vibration against her leg. She touched the fabric of the dress, realizing she was reaching for a phantom phone. It made her flush immediately.
“I mean, the world is advancing, isn’t it?” she asked rhetorically. “I think it’s not a terrible thing to be in the world of technology.”
Robin nodded in agreement.
“That is a fair statement, my lady. Marketing has now reached a golden era. Businesses are overwhelmed with the amount of resources they can invest in, and I have been following similar business models,” he said.
“I think social media is the new marketing platform. With tagging and multilevel marketing, you can reach just about any consumer at any time,” Nina commented.
“Absolutely. Are you in business? You have quite a sharp mind,” the prince said.
“Oh, no. I’m actually...” Nina trailed off briefly. “In accounting.”
“How lovely! What company do you work for?” he asked.
Nina raised an eyebrow, retaining her polite smile. She took a quick breath, traced her glass with a teal nail, and then looked back up at the prince.
“We’re an independent catering business. They’re here today,” she finally replied.
“I love independent businesses. They are the heart of any country,” he said. “Countries are built on the backs of small men who labor tirelessly to provide services and resources for the community and for their families. Such marvelous people.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Nina said with a wide grin.
“I must say, dear Nina, you look quite lovely,” Robin said.
His green eyes twinkled and caused Nina to blush again. She could feel her face growing hot every time his eyes washed over hers. They never left her gaze and never wandered farther than her chin. He was a true gentleman.
“May I be quite forward?” he asked, setting his glass down on the table.
“Of course,” she replied.
“I have only been here a brief time—as I’ve said before—and it’s difficult navigating such a great city. Would you care to show me some of the local sights this evening? I promise to get you back home at the end of the night,” the prince said.
Nina bit her lower lip in pensive thought. She glanced over at the kitchen and past the servers who were eyeing her curiously, one of them raising his eyebrows while motioning towards the prince. She smiled and looked back at Robin who was patiently waiting for her response. Those eyes pulled her in.
“I suppose that would be alright,” she hesitantly replied.
The prince clapped his hands together.
“Marvelous! I am excited to see what your city holds. It seems to be such a wonderful place,” he said.
Nina giggled. Her delicate hand flew up to cover her mouth, embarrassed at her random outburst.
“I mean, it’s not that amazing. Your country sounds like it’s so much more beautiful than New York,” she said.
“Every new place is beautiful to me. I find treasure wherever I go,” he said.
She shivered at his words.
“It’s just such a strange city. There’s always something going on and it seems to be a bit overcrowded at times, like people flock here from everywhere to get a piece of the Big Apple,” she said.
“You would make a lovely writer,” Robin said.
“Oh, I don’t think so,” Nina said with a giggle.
“Your dancing suggests a creative mind lurks underneath that beautiful blond hair,” he continued.
Another shiver. She could hardly stand on her own two feet, the prince practically causing her to swoon with every compliment.
“Thank you,” she said while looking down.
“You’re quite welcome. Let me call my chauffeur and have him bring around the car. I’ll be happy to have my guard walk you to the front,” the prince said.
“Guard?” Nina asked.
Robin waved to a man standing near the door who briskly walked over and bowed deeply.
“Would you please escort Miss Nina to the front and stand with her while I collect Darian?” Robin asked.
“Yes, your majesty,” the guard replied.
He held out his arm and Nina took it, smiling wide as the man escorted her to the door and waited for the butler to open it. Everything was incredibly formal despite the prince insisting she didn’t need to be. While walking to the front, she caught a glance from Allyah who raised her eyebrows curiously. Nina shrugged and waved with a smile.
Out front, the warm air greeted her face and she inhaled deeply the mixed smell of foods and pollution that so frequently filled the air of New York. It smelled like home. Though it was a wretched place at times with horrible traffic and rude people, Nina still loved the city. A black car was waiting at the curb and the prince immediately opened the door, holding her hand to help her into the vehicle.
When he climbed in after, his knee bumped hers and she blushed whil
e hugging the skirt of her gown. It billowed in the small space. The prince didn’t seem to mind the fabric taking up the leg space and Nina smiled as they pulled away from the curb.
It was going to be a lovely evening.
***
“So, Miss Nina. Where shall we go first?” asked the prince.
Nina looked over from her place at the window and thought for a moment.
“Well, what would you like to see?” she asked.
“I’m not sure. I’ve only been to America once for a business meeting and I never got to see the local sights,” he replied.
“We can always start with some of the more popular attractions like the Statue of Liberty,” she suggested.
“I have always wanted to see her in person!” the prince exclaimed excitedly.
“It might not be open for us at the moment. The ferry doesn’t cross at this hour,” she said.
“I would just like to see it,” the prince said. “Darian? Take us to the Statue of Liberty.”
The driver nodded and then raised the window to give them privacy. It was rather quiet in the backseat, Nina glancing over at the prince every so often who seemed absorbed with the lights shimmering through the window. He looked happy. The flags outside the car whipped in the wind and were illuminated occasionally by the bright signs of downtown.
“How long have you been here, Nina?” Robin asked.
“Since I was born,” she replied. “It’s been my home for the past twenty seven years.”
“It’s quite a sight. I must say, I’ve never been so entertained by such lights in my life,” he said.
“I assure you it isn’t as impressive as a vineyard,” she said.
“But it holds its own beauty. Every part of this town intrigues me, even its low gutters. Such a beautiful world we live in, isn’t it?” he asked.
Nina smiled.
“I really admire the way you view the world,” she commented.
“Don’t you see beauty in everything?” he asked, turning to her with his bright green eyes.
They curiously drank in every bit of her gaze, sucking her down into a deep teal world that reminded her of the sky. Her gut twisted as she bit her lower lip and swallowed the lump in her throat.
“I suppose I’ve never seen it that way,” she replied quietly. “Most of the time, I don’t pay attention to much outside of work.”
“That’s such a shame,” Robin said.
“Why’s that? It doesn’t look like there’s much in the city,” Nina said with a light chuckle. “It’s all been the same since I was born.”
“Has it really?” he asked.
Nina thought for a moment.
“I guess not,” she replied.
“There’s a whole world outside of your own bubble, Nina. I’m sure you already know that,” he said.
She frowned and looked down at the seat, running her fingers along the edge of her dress. The prince took her hand and cocked his head to the side to make eye contact with her.
“That’s nothing to be ashamed of, dear Nina. It only means there’s an incredible world waiting for you to discover it,” he said.
Instantly, she smiled. Her face grew warm again, but she didn’t bother hiding it this time. As the prince continued to hold her hand, the car came to a gentle stop and the prince looked out the window with eager eyes.
“What a beauty!” he cried while opening the door.
He turned and held out his hand to Nina who took it gratefully, stepping out carefully from the vehicle to join him. The excited prince was practically bouncing in his dress shoes, pulling Nina by the hand over to the edge of the bridge in order to get a closer look.
“It’s such a marvelous piece of art, isn’t it?” he asked.
“I’ve seen it so many times that I haven’t considered it to be art,” she admitted. “I sound like such a fool.”
“You are no such thing, Nina. You just haven’t taken the time to admire what’s in your own city. Look at her: standing tall and proud over the great apple,” he said.
Nina smiled.
“She is beautiful,” she said.
“Absolutely. She came from France, no?” the prince asked.
“Oui,” Nina replied.
“Ah, parlez-vous français?” Robin asked.
“Oh, no...” she trailed off.
“Ça va. Je vais t'apprendre,” he said.
Nina shivered, goosebumps appearing along her arms.
“What does that mean?” she asked with a shy grin.
“That’s okay. I will teach you,” he replied.
“You want to teach me how to speak French?” she asked.
“Oui,” he replied.
Nina giggled.
“I think I might like that,” she said.
The prince smiled and motioned back to the car.
“So, where shall we go next?” he asked.
“I think you would like Central Park,” she replied.
“Ah, Central Park! I have always heard of this place. I am more than excited to have you show me around,” he said.
They climbed back into the car and Robin informed his driver of their next destination. While the car picked up speed, the prince relaxed into his seat and then pulled out a bottle of champagne.
“Would you like some more champagne?” he asked.
Nina smiled.
“Yes, please,” she replied.
The prince procured two glasses from the door and held them up as he opened the bottle. He laughed when the cork popped, the bubbles fizzing up at the top and spilling over into a glass. It made Nina fizzle with excitement to watch him move, his motions determined and fluid. He didn’t seem nervous at all while she felt like a bundle of anxiety.
“Cheers, my lady,” he said while raising his glass.
“Cheers,” she said.
They clinked their glasses together and then took a sip. As Robin turned his attention back to the window, Nina studied his profile. His black hair was combed back perfectly, not a strand out of place. The strong jawline led down into a tan neck that vibrated gently with his heart beat. His shoulders were wide and his jacket was decorated with a number of medals. Without thinking, Nina reached out and began to inspect them.
The prince turned.
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said quickly while retracting her hand.
“No, don’t be sorry. I am happy to explain,” he said.
Nina smiled and picked one of the gold medals on his breast, running her finger over the embossed metal.
“That is from my time spent making peace treaties across Europe,” he said. “It’s the honor given to me by the great nations who appreciated my work in restoring peace in places where it didn’t seem possible.”
“That’s amazing,” Nina whispered.
“I am but a humble man who serves his people. There is no need for war or famine; disease or plague. We can bring together nations in order to remain healthy and vibrant as a species,” he explained.
“You have such an amazing heart,” she said.
“I do what I can for my people,” he said.
“So, if you’re here, who is ruling your country?” she asked.
“My father is still a lively man who rules our people well. I have come here to learn myself in the ways of American culture while helping my business thrive,” he replied.
“You sound like you have a lot on your plate, Robin,” she said.
“I do, but I am accustomed to this. I multitask with ease and take on new projects with determination. It’s simply my nature,” he said.
Nina smiled.
“I like that,” she said. “Sometimes, I feel like I’m dragging with work.”
“I’m sure you’re amazing at what you do,” he commented.
The car came to a stop again and Robin helped Nina from her seat. They began walking the long, winding trail with his bodyguard a few paces behind. It made Nina feel safe, especially in Central Park so late in the evening. Silence fell over t
hem as they walked. The prince looped his arm gently around Nina’s waist and she shivered.
“Are you cold, my dear?” he asked.
“Oh, no,” she replied.
“You’re shivering,” he said.
“It’s fine. I’m fine. I promise,” she insisted.
Without speaking further, the prince took off his coat and gently draped it over her shoulders. She blushed and smiled. It wasn’t necessarily cold, but it was such a sweet gesture that she didn’t want to turn it down. He was such a gentleman.
“So, what is in this Central Park?” the prince asked as they strolled down the pavement.
“Do you like penguins?” she asked.
“I adore penguins,” he replied with a grin.
“Let me show you something,” she said.
Curious, the prince followed her increased pace until they were at the gates of Central Park Zoo. She turned with a smile and gestured towards the metal letters hanging over the gates.
“Ta-da,” she said.
“Ah, a zoo!” he exclaimed.
“They have the best penguin exhibit here on the coast,” she said. “But it’s closed right now.”
“I’m sure I can fix that,” the prince said with a grin.
He motioned for his bodyguard and they stepped aside, leaving Nina near the gates where she peered inside. The penguins were her favorite. They were such playful creatures, and watching them romp around made her feel young again. Everything about them made her long for her youth when she hadn’t cared about much of anything. It soothed her.
Nina heard a click and turned around to see Robin handing his phone to the bodyguard who bowed his head. The prince approached with a smile.
“There should be someone coming along soon to let us in,” he said.
“How did you manage that?” Nina asked.
“I have friends in many places, my dear. It was not difficult to purchase our way in for a few hours,” he replied.
“That’s impressive,” she commented.
“It’s one of the many perks of being a prince,” he said.
It wasn’t long before a guard approached and unlocked the gates for Nina and Robin. He took her hand and led her inside, walking excitedly through the exhibits of sleeping animals in search of the penguins. When they reached the exhibit, Robin leaned against the glass and smiled wide. His eyes were glittering as he studied the little creatures hobbling about, some of them huddled together sleeping.