Post dance I • With Magnus
She raised her gaze to meet his, her words delivered with a blend of poise and determination. “Believe me, I’m well aware that most of the ladies here would unquestionably swoon at the mere sound of your voice, however, I have little to no desire whatsoever to accidentally bump into you, let alone entertain the notion of putting on any sort of display,” she said, maintaining a respectful tone. “With all due respect, I’d much rather spend my time with someone who, at the very least, exhibits the most basic respect for their fellow human beings. As it turns out, that someone might just be elsewhere,” she added, her words chosen carefully as she responded to his mini-rant. She certainly didn’t need this uncalled for collision with a stranger (which still hurt) and on top of that, an entitled and discourteous man lashing out at her for it? No thank you.
She couldn’t help but add a touch of sarcasm to her reply, her expression unwavering. “One would think that fundamental conversational skills would be a given, but I suppose some people are just insufferably rude,” she retorted, returning his sarcasm with her own. As she contemplated the prince’s appalling behavior, she couldn’t help but wonder whether she should even be surprised. After all, he seemed to have it all—so what was holding him back from basic decency?
“I would have thought a man of your standing might set the example for proper behavior,” she began, her tone composed yet admonishing, “but it seems I might be lacking not only awareness and grace but also an accurate judge of character,” she retorted, her words laced with a blend of disappointment and subtle sarcasm.