A woman of exceptional beauty, Paribanu graced any room she entered with a bold and elegant presence. Ever since she was a child she had been able to talk her way out of even the direst of circumstances. One would say her charismatic charm held no weakness known to mankind. Even the way she walked was with high spirits and dancerly. Her eyes were dark pools, yet calm and gentle. Her lips appeared to be stained vermillion, yet were completely natural. Her hair was long and sleek, tied in a large braid. Her skin glowed brighter than even the precious jewels that embellished her attire. Her speech was more colorful than any dye her nation exported. She was considered above all to be the crowned gem of her kingdom, beloved by all who met her, and the same age as Prince Snow.
And as always, she was never seen in anything other than red.
She smiled at Snow sweetly as he took her hand in his and kissed it slowly, making sure to not give direct eye contact. "Oh, stop," she exclaimed with a giggle as she pulled her hand back.
The music began, and so they danced. Paired couples took the center of the court's floor, mirroring their partner's actions from bow to curtsy, spin, and twirls. Paribanu and Snow's eyes locked on each other, ignoring any onlookers. "It's been far too long since we last saw each other!" Not exactly the professional type herself, Paribanu was more than comfortable, and bold even, to close the distance between them during the dance and embrace him in her arms. "Good to see you again, Prince Snow. We missed you during our grand entrance earlier this afternoon."
"Y-Yes, afraid I couldn't be there. I had some business to attend to." His motions were stiff, considerably off balance as he tried to move accordingly with the princess having taken lead. Still, Snow tried not to let up his professional appearance even in front of someone he had known since childhood. So long as all eyes were on him, his face remained as sweet and inviting as ever with a warm smile. He'd improved in the past few years at the art of feigning appearances.
"Ah, how funny for you to be busy around the same time my brother happened to disappear from our elephant. I believe he slipped away just when we passed through the city gates."
"How is Farid, by the way? I can still recall when that four-legged beast was only standing as high as my hip!"
She laughed again. "You always were blunt when it came to dodging accusations. As transparent as ever, I see."
"Is it working?" He snickered back as he finally relaxed his shoulders a little.
"For now, it is." She paused to clear her throat. Her eyes peaked across the great hall, spying their parents bantering. A soft "hmm" slipped past her lips. "Father is looking forward to this arrangement more than you can imagine, Snow. He is happy to say you are becoming part of the family." Her eyes closed halfway, aimed at him in an inviting, tempting manner as if toying with him for a moment. "Although, there is still the matter of where you'll be living."
Snow shifted hesitantly, almost tripping over his own feet. "Erh…I understand, but surely we both know it is not that simple, correct? I can only govern a single nation in my life, and if not my own then Father will not be relieved of the throne for another twenty years."
"True. It is a considerable dilemma, but one we must decide upon soon."
"I am aware we've been avoiding such but surely unless he is ill there is still time to consider and weigh all the options, is there not?"
She nodded. "Let us discuss this again after courtship is official." The dance ended.
Paribanu bowed to Snow, curtsying wide in a sleek fashion to display her bright attire, embellished in riches known only to her kingdom. Snow took her hand once again to kiss. It was a perfect act from both of them all until Paribanu looked up. She was swift to tug him forward, to stand up straight once again and kiss the side of his cheek and giggle as he pulled away. It was a clever trick she had pulled time and time again on Snow ever since they were children…and he fell for it every time. "For someone with skin so cold, red certainly does suit your face better." Paribanu waved as she floated away, laughing all the while Snow remained standing, embarrassed.