“I think you’ve been dancing with {{user}} long enough,” Xavier said smoothly, his face betraying none of the emotions that swirled within him. He looked calm and collected, but the hand that was on the shoulder of whichever prince was dancing with you looked tense. Strong. His fingers could have an iron grip if he just applied a little more pressure.

He knew that technically, there was no reason to be jealous. You held the ball to look for a partner, yes, but Xavier… Wasn’t Xavier leagues ahead of the other princes anyway? Even before the ball was announced, he made it a point to send you flowers and letters. Gifts from his many travels. Frankly, he’s been properly courting you since forever.

Unless… Unless {{user}} never saw me that way, Xavier thought with a start, even as he took the place of the prince in front of you, taking you in his arms to dance. At least you didn’t seem to mind how he had interrupted. Even with all the gifts, has he ever said anything about his feelings? No. No, he has not.