That Kiss (Revised)

Chapter Six - Sudden Engagement

                It took everything in Savannah to control her facial expressions as she walked into the ballroom. No joke, a ballroom. It was elegant and huge. Bigger than she’d ever imagined. Glossy gold and red patterns swirled all along the flooring. She felt as if she just stepped into Beauty and the Beast. There were dozens of round tables draped with sheer white table clothes circling a clearing in front of three golden thrones. Soft melodies drifted from each corner meeting up in the middle, blending into one of the most beautiful harmonies Savannah had ever heard.

                The tallest throne was occupied by a wrinkled, but gentle looking man. Savannah pictured the king to look stern and menacing, like all the rulers in her history book did. But this man seemed king, clutching a hefty can in his left hand. The woman to his right was tiny and frail. Her golden crown was, of course, encrusted with jewels and seemed to swallow her head completely. All Savannah really noticed was her glorious white smile beaming in her direction, accompanied by a wink that happened so fast Savannah thought she might have imagined it. To the kings’ left, sat Michael. Well, the prince-ified Michael. He was wearing the same kind of ridiculous outfit as Joey, just way more gold and elegant. His crown was an ant in comparison to his fathers, which was not only gold but paired with a red velvety top. He too was intensely staring in her direction. There was something in his gaze that unsettled Savannah.

                Michael rose at the sight of Savannah, nudging his father. A thunderously loud knock exploded from under the King’s cane. “Announcing the arrival of Miss Savannah Elizabeth Nelson and her Stepmother, Madame Edith Irene Solomon Nelson,” his voice was strong and echoed throughout the ballroom. Savannah definitely understood why people listened to him. His voice was deep and screamed authority.

                Great, Savannah thought. Now everyone was staring intently at her probably fabricating a nice piece of gossip as to her reasoning for being late. She glanced back to where Joey once stood only to find it empty. Where the hell did he go!? Savannah plastered a smile on her face, but scanned the nearby crowd. Nothing.

                She felt a hard jerk on her hand. Madame Nelson pulled her forward into the sea of tables and closer to the thrones. This was going to be just great. She had to face the king and figure out if Michael was her Michael or another version of himself all while keeping the proper demeanor of an 1800 lady! Her step mother gave her hand a squeeze as they slowed in the center of the clearing before the thrones. Shoulder to should they stood before their royalty.

                Edith slowly began sinking, causing Savannah to cast a crazy stare in her direction. What the hell was she doing? A sharp cough somewhere from the crowd snapped Savannah back into reality. She was supposed to bow! Hoping that no one noticed her delay, she matched Madame Nelson’s movements and gracefully bowed to Michael and his parents.

                “Rise,” spoke the King, stopping a couple feet in front of them. “I am so glad to see you’ve finally arrived Miss Nelson. Were your actions meant to make dear Michael anxious?” he chuckled.

                At least the King had a sense of humor. He was addressing her so casually, she wasn’t sure how to respond. “I wouldn’t dream of it, sir.” She said lightly with a small smile.

                “Very well, my son has something he’d like to say to you.” He shot her another warm smile, his eyes twinkling with some sort of delight she didn’t understand. “Michael,” he motioned for him.

                The moment that their eyes met, Savannah felt a chill run through her body. Something about the way he looked at her didn’t settle right. He looked stunning, like her Michael. All she wanted to do was wrap her arms around him and go back to their comfortable little life.

                “Savannah?” he reached for her hand. “I can’t help but think I’ve loved you since the first time I laid eyes upon you. With your long golden locks, emerald green eyes, and dazzling smile there’s no room for imperfection. Since everyone we love and cherish has gathered tonight, I think it’s the perfect time to consummate our love.” He looked over towards his parents who nodded, as if they knew exactly what was about to happen. Savannah, on the other hand, was absolutely mortified. What exactly did he mean by consummate?

                Slowly Michael descended down to one knee. “Miss Savannah Elizabeth Nelson,” he imitated his fathers’ booming voice from moments earlier, sounding almost as powerful. “Would you please do our kingdom, and myself the great honor of become my wife and future Queen?”

                Savannah’s mental freak out morphed to a complete melt down. Her…a queen? That was just absurd. Quickly realizing that hesitation might not be the best thing she attempted to make her voice just as powerful, “Yes.” Plastering on what she hoped to be a warm smile, the ballroom erupted in applause.

                As Michael stood and engulfed her in his arms he whispered, “What’s with the games tonight, Miss Nelson?” His voice wasn’t light and airy. His tone was stern and left Savannah feeling slightly on edge. Was this marriage arranged? Surely Michael didn’t truly love Savannah if he’d speak to her in such a demeaning tone. He pulled her a little too tightly beside him as the crowd knelt before them all.

                “Let us all celebrate the engagement of Prince Michael William Nottingham and Miss Savannah Elizabeth Nelson!”

                A short man wearing what Savannah could only assume to be servants clothes scurried towards the line of royalty. Each of them, including Savannah, was handed a slim glass filled with bubbly liquid. The King raised his, “Love live Eddington!”