The Moonlit Waltz: A Forbidden Romance.

Beneath the gilded chandelier’s resplendent glow,
The violins whispered soft and slow;
In velvet halls where shadows entwine,
I spied her form, ethereal, divine.

Her gown, a river of silken light,
Swept the marble floor with grace so bright;
Her eyes, twin stars, innocent and fair,
Caught my gaze, and bound me there.

From distant corners, I dared not tread,
For fear my longing would be misread;
Yet each glance she cast, though fleeting and coy,
Stirred within my breast a boundless joy.

The minuet began, measured and sweet,
And in her orbit, my heart did beat;
I lingered near, yet dared not speak,
For words might betray the longing I seek.

A princely suitor, tall and proud,
Watched with eyes both keen and loud;
Yet she turned not, though duty bade,
Her gaze on me, unafraid.

The hours passed, and shadows grew long,
Yet still I dared not show my song;
But courage rose as music soared,
I plucked a rose, my heart implored.

“Pray, wilt thou honor me this dance?”
I asked, my soul entranced by chance;
She turned, a smile, shy and bright,
And took my hand, heart alight.

We waltzed beneath the moon’s soft gleam,
A silver river, a lover’s dream;
Each step, each turn, a secret vow,
A tale our hearts could not avow.

Yet whispers stirred of forbidden ties,
And jealous eyes with wary spies;
“What if her heart is bound to another,
And I but chase the fleeting flutter?”

Still I held her hand with trembling might,
And in her eyes, I saw the night
Transform to dawn, a world anew,
Where love was ours, steadfast and true.

In secret corners, we did steal
Moments of bliss none could reveal;
A folded note, a tender line,
A token proof that hearts entwine.

She pressed the paper to her breast,
A silent promise, love confessed;
And though the prince would claim her sway,
Her spirit chose my heart that day.

The ball progressed, the music soared,
Our bodies entwined, our spirits roared;
Around us, all the world did fade,
Leaving only the love we made.

At midnight’s bell, we danced alone,
A world of our own, a fleeting throne;
Each glance a question, each step a plea,
A whispered hope that we might be free.

The dawn approached, its golden hue,
Yet still we lingered, hearts anew;
For love, though hidden from prying eyes,
Shone brighter than all worldly ties.

When last the orchestra fell silent, still,
And moonlight bathed the emptyed hall’s chill;
I pressed the rose to her gentle cheek,
And in that hush, no words could speak.

Forevermore, when moonlight gleams,
I see her smile within my dreams;
Though courts may frown and duties bind,
Our love eternal, hearts entwined.

A dance, a glance, a rose, a sigh,
Our secret love ‘neath heaven’s eye;
No crown, no title, no earthly power
Could match the bliss of that moonlit hour.