#starter:rozen

"Let me take you out on a real date," the prince’s eyes shined with sincerity as, hope blossomed inside of him that whatever they had would turn into something more. For a good while he was more than just happy to have an excuse to have them around and enjoy their company. But somewhere in between, Rozen had realized that he wanted more than what they had. “Let me show you what it’s really like to be with me.”

He was a believer of love at first sight. It was, after all, how a certain Cinderella had met her Prince Charming. It was just as his father had told him it would be. Everything slowed down and the only person you could see in the crowded room was her. The prince had approached her immediately, not wanting to lose sight of her just as his father did on the night he met Rozen’s mom. “This is going to sound incredibly odd, but I was wondering if you would like to join me for a quiet dinner. Just you and I. Name whatever you want to eat, I’ll provide it.”

“Yin!” Rozen called from what seemed like across the hall, waving at his friend. He was quick to rush over to where the other was. “Have I told you,” he placed a hand on both of the other prince’s shoulder, “your face is one of my favorites in town?” It was obvious that the prince maybe one drink too many. “I can’t help it. Your face makes me happy.” He grinned widely.

“This just may be the very best ball I’ve been to,” he declared to the handsome stranger next to him. The prince was standing by a pillar, facing the dance floor. Honestly, it amazed Rozen that people freely danced with each other without there being the constraints of gender norms. “I think there’s someone eyeing you. Don’t look now or it’ll be too obvious.”

Rozen didn’t remember having so much fun at a ball before. But then again, all the balls he had attended he’d had to be prim and proper. All eyes were on him because there were expectations he had to meet. Here, he was allowed to be himself. That also meant he didn’t really hold back for nothing. And so he approached the woman who’d caught his eye. “See my friend over there?” Rozen pointed to Yin who’d been way across the room. “He wants to know if you think I’m cute.” Yin had nothing to do with this.

“So-- the power of a good meal?” the prince raised his brows at the other with a chuckle. “Banter aside,” Rozen settled back into his chair, crossing his arms as he thought about what she meant about her statement. “I think whatever the outcome-- if we manage to find a way out of here, or if we’re stuck here for good-- I think we’ll be fine. Things always turn out fine in the end, right?”