It was the youngest Winter prince. His eyes, cold an inhuman, glimmered with amusement. Up close he was even more beautiful, with high cheekbones and dark tousled hair falling into his eyes. "And to think," the prince continued, smiling, "I lost you that day in the forest and didn't even know what I was chasing."

She just gives him a blank look.

He held a hand for her to take. "I want a dance. Besides, it's tradition in Elysium that a son and daughter of opposite territories dance with each other to demonstrate the goodwill between the courts."

She takes his hand.

When she put her hand in his hand, he offered a faint smile. His skin was cold as he smoothly moved her hand to his arm. He smelled sharply of frost and something alien--not unpleasant, just strange.

She just stares at him.

He guided her away from the table and there were hundreds of glowing fey eyes watching them. Seelie and Unseelie alike parted for them, bowing as they approached the open stage.

She quietly follows.

Ash didn't look at her as they stepped onto the dance floor. He faced the trio of fey rulers with his head up and his expression blank. Ash tightened his grip on her hand. "Just follow my lead." He bowed to Oberon's table.

She stays quiet.