Sincerely, yours (Completed)

Chapter 23

   The night sky is magical tonight. It was such a welcome sight, appearing like magic. The darkness really brings out each star's shine. They look like a river of diamonds. The stars shone as sugar spilt over black marble, glistening in the sun. They filled the sky like pale corn into freshly turned ground. It was the promise of life in the darkness, a sense of warmth springing from the cold. It was a vastness to bring humbleness and an eternal space to bring gratitude for the coziness of home. No matter the years that passed, I saw each night sky as a fresh gift given anew. The stars light the sky like snow-flakes in the night, yet appear still, like an old photograph. I leaned down, my hands on the rail of the balcony and my head leaning back gently, the starlight kept its familiar pattern. The constellations, who'd witnessed centuries and millennia just the same, watched over this tiny moment. But something was different tonight. It was a constellation new and different from the rest. It looked familiar. I looked at it until I remembered my painting back at home it was a vision I saw back then but why did I see it now?

   "What a beautiful girl like you is doing alone outside instead of enjoying such a lovely party?" I jumped on the voice behind me. William came and stood beside me, mimicking my pose.

   "I'm not used to big parties and royalty gowns. Plus I was in need to have some fresh air." I tried to explain keeping my voice steady.

   "Are you jealous because you didn't get to dance with me?" he teased. No! Of course not! Why would I be jealous-? Yes! I'm jealous from every girl he danced or laughed with, from every single girl that he kissed tonight. At least they have a chance to marry him. I'll just be his guard that will keep him and his future queen safe. "Follow me." He said before walking in the dark taking my hand and leading us into a new place, I have never seen before.

   Another place from my memory, the garden and the statue they all look real and exactly the same as the vision. I gasped and walked to touch every single one just to make sure I'm not dreaming.

   "William these, this night, I saw it months ago, when I was at home. I drew this scenery, every detail, even this strange constellation in the sky. How is this possible? What does it mean?" I couldn't believe my eyes. I rubbed them not once but twice.

   "I think this night was meant to be."

   "Why did you bring me here?"

   "Well I got bored from all the party up there and I wanted to spend some alone time with you. So if I can have this dance with you my princess?" he asked and bowed, offering me his hand. If I wasn't already in love in him, I would be now but I've fallen all over again.

   I took off my heels to be more comfortable and took his hand. He pulled me toward him and placed his hand on hip and the other taking my arm. We swayed on the sound of the music from the party and the autumn breeze.

   To dance over the grass barefoot, under the night sky and moon light with William was a whole new experience. He looked free, a young boy happy to break all the rules. A prince no longer and standards are expected. He had no father in sight to please or a family image to maintain or an audience to entertain. Just him and me.

   "You know I could dance in the darkness under moonless nights, yet even then the feeling would never be the same, always the unrestrained joy tainted by the fear of discovery. The life ahead was all obligation, duty and a deference that never sat well with my soul," He sighed. "But with you I can be myself, my true self. Not some picture perfect prince."

   "I know and I want you to be yourself with me. Back at the training center I always used to dream about that free and careless boy that rode his horse and roamed around. I wanted to get to know him. I'm glad I did. He's amazing. Full of laughter and adventure. I'm glad I got to meet you, the real you. My only regret is choosing to be a knight. But I think that if I'm a royalty now I would be considered like any other girl up there. I wouldn't have known you the way I know you now, nor spent time with you the way I am doing now. You would see me like some girl only wanting to marry a prince, have riches, have maids doing all the work for me, and take over the country while sitting in my castle wearing beautiful gowns and jewelry." I finally told him.