Hazel's Royal Plight

Chapter 7

I swirled around the room as my dancing partner waltzed us across the ballroom floor. Upon announcing my third and final wish, my father decide to hold a grand ball before my second wish was even fulfilled. Tonight I wore a one of my mother's old dress at my father's request. The one I chose was an amethyst ball gown. It had cap sleeves, empire fitted waist, and a flowing skirt. Mother was taller than me so the dress was long enough to hide any color of shoes I wished. I also had to hold on to some so I would not trip while walking or dancing.

Father had had hung up the fur cloak for all so see. It was a sight to been see. Amongst all the beautiful gowns stood this ugly fur cloak. I had to laugh what a silly thing to wish for. I was told the dress makers were still making my 3 dresses. When I received them I would marry my father the very next day. As for tonight I would be too busy dancing to have time for my father.

"You are a most wonderful dancer Princess Hazel." said my dance partner. I completely forgot his name by the time the dance ended. He kissed my hand then left me for another. I took 3 turns about the room in 3 different partner arms. I was loving every moment of it, until my dress caught on something. I heard a rip. "Oh my!" I blushed "Please sir could you excuse me?"

"Of course Princess Hazel. I didn't mean to step on your dress. Please forgive me." said my recent dancing partner. He was tall with brown-red hair. His eyes blue as a clear lake, he was so handsome. He even had a small scar above his eyebrow to the corner of his right eye. " I am still new at this whole dancing with girls thing."

I smiled and giggled at his remarks. "What do you mean you are new to dancing with girls?"

"When I was taught to dance my partner was my brother." the young man blushed. I was laughing.

"Then we should have traded growing up. My partners were my maids." I then decided not to replace my dress and keep it on. The rip was not that bad it went to to my knees and it gave me a little more room to walk or dance without holding it up. The only down side it showed my black ballerina flats. Most girls wear heels to the ball, but not me. "Shall we keep dancing....?"

"Prince Jasper." he said when I paused. "Would you a fresh dress and instead?"

"No. I like my dress better this way." He then took my hands and away we went. We were inseparable the rest of the night. I learned that this is his first ball, he is only 2 years older than me and he has a twin brother named Stirling. He got the scar on face from saving his brother from a frighten horse when they were 10. He lived in a kingdom far away, about a 3 months journey by horse. He was here at the castle for my wedding and the ball. His family were with me on the whole marriage thing with my father.

"OK I have to ask why do you wear hazelnuts instead of sparkling jewels?" asked Jasper he stepped closer to me placing a hand on my waist.

"These are my first wish." I answered as he came closer looking at the hazelnut necklace. "The cloak of furs is my 3rd wish."

"What about your second wish?" he asked. He leaned in close,.his eyes met mine. I could feel his breath on my face as he spoke. "Why did you receive your third wish before your second wish was granted?"

"I--" I lifted my eyes to meet his, my heart skipped a beat, my skin felt warm, I felt a pull that I had never known. I want to kiss him, I wanted him to kiss me, but before I could finish the thought, we were interrupted by Emerald.

"Princess Hazel!" Emerald came towards us slowly with a sad expression. We were out on the terrace that led to the gardens. Father had placed some refreshments here, at the moment we were alone. "Princess Hazel, Prince Jasper, sorry to interrupt, but Rose and her family are ready to leave. Your Majesty, Rose wishes to speak with you."

"Yes of course. Thank you Emerald." I sigh my eyes not leaving Jasper's face. "I must go." I whispered turning to leave. He then grabbed my hand. I stopped and turned back.

"I am glad to have meet you, Hazel. I too think your father has gone mad." his words were just a whisper but to me they were loud and sad. He gently kissed my knuckles.

"If only I had met you sooner," I said. He nodded. I turned to leave rushing past Emerald and Ruby, who had tears in their eyes. I would hold mine in until I was in my room. Rose was leaving the kingdom tonight, leaving for good. I would have lots to cry about after this ball.

"Hazel!!" said Rose, as I enter the front hall. "My father sold everything just in time for your ball tonight. The servants packed up the house while I came to your ball. Oh Hazel! I don't want to leave." Rose's eyes were wet with tears.

"I know Rose, but you have to. You have to live for both of us please." I took her hands and my eyes pleaded with her. "I have been to the village. In a few months not many of the villagers will be left. This place will no longer be a kingdom."

"What will you do?" asked Rose in a whisper.

"I don't know yet." I answered. "But I will have to do something." Rose and I talked a little more then we said our goodbyes.

It turned out that Violet was staying. Her father thought I would need a friend and agreed that Violet should be that friend. He even said we could climb trees again. I giggled with Violet at the thought of us climbing trees.

Daisy was also leaving, but not until after my wedding. Her father had introduced her to a Duke at the ball and they hit it off very nicely. Her wedding would take place in the fall. I was so excited for her. "You will come to my wedding won't you, Hazel?"

"If my father let's me I will be there." I promised. I gave Daisy a big hug good bye. She would be back, but I was not sure if I would get a chance to talk with her again.

After Violet left for the night I was done with the ball. I ran straight to my room to have that cry. I just lied, straight faced without a flinch lied, to everyone I cared about. I lied to Rose that I would visit her once she settled down. I lied to Violet that we would be closer than ever and now to Daisy that I would be there for her wedding. I lied to my self! I fell in love with sweet Prince Jasper.

It hurt so much, the tears kept flowing. Ruby and Emerald helped me into my night clothes without saying a word at first. Ruby shed a few tears knowing what I was going through, she added soothing words when she could. Emerald kept handing me handkerchiefs to dry my eyes. I had to keep my secret, if I was going to pull this off, I had to keep lieing. What was I turning into? I fell asleep all cried out.

******AN******

So tell me what you think?

Warning; the next chapter has an intences between Hazel and her Father. This one sean plays an important part later. This chapter is why I rated it for maturity. Please don't bite my head off.