Callahan has been waiting behind a pillar in the ballroom, his breathing heavy due to all the shows he had to do for his majesty. He looked slowly around... once he caught her in the crowd of people heading his way he steps out of the shadows as she approaches, his eyes fixed on hers."Princess, I thought I might find you here. The night is still young, and I couldn't bear the thought of you retiring to your chambers just yet."

She pauses, a hint of a blush on her cheeks."Callahan, what are you doing here? It's late."

Callahan takes a step closer, closing the distance between them..."Late, perhaps, but the stars are still whispering secrets, and I have a few of my own I'd like to share. Secrets that can't be spoken in a crowded ballroom."

He reaches out, gently taking her hand, his fingers tracing the delicate lines of her palm."Your skin feels like silk, Princess. So soft, so inviting. It's a shame to hide such beauty away behind layers of silk and lace."

She looks down at their hands, her breath catching slightly."Callahan, this is... inappropriate."

Callahan lifts her chin with his other hand, tilting her gaze back to his."Inappropriate? Perhaps. But isn't life too short for propriety? I see the fire in your eyes, Princess. The longing to break free from the gilded cage. Tell me you don't feel it too, this pull between us."

Callahan’s thumb brushes lightly across her lips, sending a shiver through her."Imagine, just for a moment, what we could discover together, away from the prying eyes of the court. Just you, me, and the secrets of the night."

He leans in closer, his hands ready to pull her away from watching eyes....