"Take my hand, Sir Ludwig," the princess said as she handed Ludwig her hand.
Her fingers were offered with a confidence that didn't quite match the slight tension in her wrist, as though she was daring herself as much as she was daring the room. Ludwig hesitated for the briefest moment, not out of fear, but because he could already feel the attention turning toward them like the hall itself had leaned closer. Then he took her hand.
Once he did, she lightly grabbed and pulled him to the middle of the hall. Everyone in the ball seemed surprised, after all, it was usually the other way around. Where a knight, a gentleman, or a noble would ask for a dance form someone of her status and expectantly wait. She grabbed his and took him to the center.
