James caught his father’s eyes and groaned inwardly, his father wanted him to start making the rounds. Who to speak to first? It felt to him that all eyes were on him; but then again, that is how he always felt. The perks of being royalty. He took a flute of champagne off the polished tray of a passing server. He took large gulps but spaced them out to make it look less obvious that he was downing liquid courage as fast as he possibly could.

The music was playing but James could still hear his heart pounding in his ears. All of these women were here for him. Well, for the chance to be Queen really. They didn’t know him and had no desire to marry him other than for their own personal benefit. Was it too much to hope that he might actually fall in love with one of these women?

Finally deciding who he wanted to talk to first he headed over to the corner. [color=008080] “Now, why would you think that Lady Bran?”[/color] He extended his hand out to her with his most charming smile. [color=008080] “Pardon the intrusion, may I have this dance?”[/color]