[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1xKZvVA.png[/img]
[h1][color=#EEDC5B]Auguste[/color] & [color=#8A2D28]Saiya[/color][/h1][/center]

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Auguste was always up to any challenge… any competition lit a fire within him. Be it dancing, swordsmanship, or even a simple parlour game. Many would purposefully (and noticeably) lose to him either to avoid antagonizing royalty or to curry favour with him. Both annoyed the prince to different degrees, and he soon ‘ices’ the relationship to simple formality. It was a rarity to have others take him seriously and attempt their best, moreso to fragrantly state it to his face. It was why he had respect for Wystan’s style of combat, a true spectacle to behold.

A competitive gleam shone in Auguste’s eyes as he reignited his smile. [color=#EEDC5B]”Well, it remains to be seen, then?”[/color] He offered his hand out to her in a slight bow. Saiya took his hand as she offered a curtsy, having caught the look in his eyes and deciding that this dance was likely going to be quite fun.

[color=#8A2D28]”Don’t go thinking for a second I’m going to go easy on you either just because you’re a prince. I like to knock princes off their high horse.”[/color] She said teasingly to him, allowing even a slight flirtatious tone to enter her voice. She was feeling excitement for the challenge that lay ahead of her and she only hoped that she wouldn’t disappoint him.

The music began as the second dance was announced. [color=#EEDC5B]”I wouldn’t have it any other way.”[/color] Auguste replied, [color=#EEDC5B]”Being named as the Caesonian prince who managed to outdance an Alidashtian? Well, think of the stories and ballads.”[/color] A chuckle escaped his lips.

Auguste led the duo, the dance already made up in his mind- The Slow Foxtrot. He placed his right hand under her shoulder blades, his left hand enclosed her right. Three quick steps, with meticulous footwork. The beginning steps of his chosen dance. The steps alternated in speed- quick and slow. However, Auguste would purposefully speed up or slow down much quicker than the initial step. His small smile beamed at her as he did this.

Saiya was quick to follow his steps, taking only a moment to understand the dance he chose. Definitely a challenging dance, especially with how he decided to speed up and slow down at times, but a grin remained on her face as she kept in time with him. [color=#8A2D28]”Very impressive, I wonder what would happen if I take over and do this?”[/color] She said with a smirk as she took control of the dance. She kept with a slow foxtrot for the time and led them into stepping in a tight circle, but half way through she paused for a beat then reversed the normal step.

Auguste’s eyes widened at her changing the pace of the dance and even taking the lead and turning him to a follower. It seemed that she truly kept her word. Were it not for his training as a prince for dancing and footwork, he likely would have stumbled. [color=#EEDC5B]”My, what a quick change. I’m impressed, truly.”[/color] He said, [color=#EEDC5B]”Although it is under unexpected situations that I…”[/color] He observed her movement and ascertained her intent and followed steps. [color=#EEDC5B]”Thrive.”[/color]  Following her lead looked almost simple to observers, as if Saiya was the lead from the beginning. He bided his time, waiting for an opening, a simplistic step to overturn her control.

Auguste would soon find his quarry. He predicted her next step and took control once more. He unfurled their closed position and released his right hand to perform a fan exit. Next he would pull her with his left hand and place their combined hands over her left shoulder. In his mind had awaited what she would do from this position.

Saiya let out a small, surprised gasp as he took control once more, but she managed not to stumble. He pulled her back and she followed his lead until she was in a position with her back towards him and their arms across the front of her. She took a moment to pause there and grinned up at Auguste. [color=#8A2D28]”You almost had me there, Prince.”[/color] She said to him as she decided on what her next move would be. [color=#8A2D28]”Almost.”[/color] With that she spun out and away from him, keeping hold of his hand. She then changed up the steps as she moved back into position, closer than they originally were as she took up a rumba.

[color=#8A2D28]”I wonder if I’ve met my match with dancing?”[/color] She said as her hips swayed with the steps of the rumba.

[color=#EEDC5B]”Truly so.”[/color] Auguste replied, noting the change of pace to Rumba. [color=#EEDC5B]”Perhaps it’s indeed me on the back foot.”[/color] He followed her steps once as he racked his mind for a dance he could potentially transition into to take back control. The duo danced around the couples, missing a few by mere inches as they were entranced by their own competition.

Auguste smiled, and bent backwards. Letting her catch his back so he could be pulled back up into another transition. This time, the steps were the ever-familiar Viannese waltz. The same dance he had taught Persephone. Although this time, turned up to eleven. He danced each step with flourish and speed, not leaving room for mistakes or hesitance. Saiya let out a small laugh of joy now, finding the continuation of switching dances increasingly fun. They seemed to be dancing circles around the other couples. She decided she’d back off for a little while and let him lead as she needed to make more conversation before this dance was over.

[color=#8A2D28]”Tell me, Your Grace, are all princes of Caesonia required to become so skilled in dance or are you unique?”[/color] She asked him, a grin on her face. [color=#8A2D28]”It also has me questioning what else you’re skilled in as well?”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]”It is indeed a sort of pre-requisite for princes. Although, I’ll say my brother Wulfric is fairly skilled.”[/color] Auguste said, [color=#EEDC5B]”While he’s no slouch, I daresay I could dance circles around him.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]”The art of dance bears passing similarities with another passion of mine.”[/color] He continued, a glint in his eye. [color=#EEDC5B]”I very much enjoy swordsmanship, as you may have heard.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]”Not many could follow my steps as easily as you, Lady Saiya. The only other one who could truly keep up is dear old Wystan.”[/color] Auguste complimented, [color=#EEDC5B]”I wasn’t holding back either, yet you still rose to the challenge.”[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]”Alidasht may well and truly hold the best dancers across our continents.”[/color] He slowed the tempo of their dance in-line with the music. He noticed that she still seemed energetic and followed his steps with the same speed and precision as when they started. [color=#EEDC5B]”What about yourself, Lady Saiya? Your steps signify you as an excellent dancer. Is that truly all?”[/color]

[color=#8A2D28]"I thank you for the compliment, Prince Auguste. Your own dancing has impressed me as well, though it makes sense knowing your love of swordsmanship."[/color] Saiya replied with a grin, though a part of her was increasingly intrigued by the skill of the other princes. It seemed she'd gotten quite lucky choosing Auguste to approach first.

[color=#8A2D28]"As for whether dancing is the only skill I hold, I can assure you it is not. There is far more than meets the eye with me. However…"[/color] She gave him a sly grin as she began to relax more into the dance, no longer feeling like they were in a competition and now feeling as if they'd transitioned merely into talking. [color=#8A2D28]"What fun would it be if I revealed everything about myself to you now? We have a whole season to learn about each other. Perhaps it could be another fun competition between us, since you seem to enjoy competition just as much as myself?"[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]"My, it appears my penchant for swordsmanship is well renowned across the seas."[/color] Auguste replied. [color=#EEDC5B]"Well, I hope I may be able to witness Alidashtan skill with the blade with my own eyes."[/color]

[color=#EEDC5B]”Truly so, we do indeed have an entire season to learn about each other, Caesonian, Varian, and Alidasht alike. Perhaps to the betterment of our kingdoms”[/color] Auguste smiled at the prospect.  [color=#EEDC5B]”Perhaps you will see me sooner rather than later, as I may be attending the dinner the Sultan has planned with the Vikenas.”[/color]

The music began lulling to a stop. Auguste released their clasped forms. [color=#EEDC5B]"It has been an honour."[/color] He performed a form-perfect bow. [color=#EEDC5B]"I hope you enjoy the rest of the night Lady Saiya."[/color]

[color=#8A2D28]”I have a feeling that’s going to be quite an interesting dinner.”[/color] Saiya said with a small laugh, but there was a nervousness in her voice at the thought of it. She felt a little bad for the Duke as she had a feeling certain people would make the dinner as hellish as possible. [color=#8A2D28]”The honor has been all mine, Prince Auguste.”[/color] She said as she dipped into a curtsy. [color=#8A2D28]”I hope you do as well.”[/color] She said with a friendly smile before turning and taking her leave.