Stephen felt unsure what to do. Avril had pretty much told him to ask her and it would be rude not to, but now she said she didn't care to dance.
[i]No[/i], his thoughts protested. [i]She said she'd not [b][u]very[/u][/b] fond, which means she wants to[/i]. 
He felt such an idiot. Hiro was on looking as was Avril. What if he asked and she really didn't want to and she refused, or worse, she agreed because it was the [i]crowned prince[/i] asking, not because she wanted to.
The inner turmoil wasn't visible on his face and he resolved to be a little brave. He might not get another chance.
"I beg your pardon, Lady... Alessandra . Forgive my rudeness. Please allow me the pleasure to escort you to the ballroom floor."
He offered her his arm. Avril, who now was out of his line of sight, nodded furiously at her friend, gesturing for her to take the hint.