Hazel's Royal Plight

Chapter 13

Once dressed I went out to the courtyard. I knew that from their I would be direct to the ballroom. My nerves were going crazy, my stomach was in knots and I had goosebumps. I had never left the kitchen or the courtyard. I took a deep breath and walked across the courtyard, there were dozens of people still arriving. I was not late and I was not early. I was sort of in between.

'Perfect, I won't stand out to bad.' I thought to myself. I walked up to a group going in. After I got thew the front hall I turned to where the music was coming from. When I got close some one asked my for my title and name.

"Lady Hazel." I answered him. Because I had heard my father was no longer a king that me no longer a princess. I was then present to the court and someone guided me down the steps. I scanned the room looking for Jasper. But he found me.

"Lady Hazel, welcome." said Jasper offering his arm.

"Thank you Prince Jasper." I answered.

"That is a beautiful dress. It reminds me of a star covered winter night." he remarked. I smiled and blushed. Suddenly the summer waltz began to play. Jasper bowed to me "May I have this dance?"

"Yes you may, " I courtesy deeply. When I rose he took me into his arms and we waltzed around the room. When our hands touched it was like they knew each other. When our feet began to move around the room they were in sync with each other. His eyes became bright and big.

"We have done this dance once before, " commented Jasper.

"I would not know. This is my first summer ball," I replied it was true, for the most part. My last ball was in the spring. Jasper smiled his darling smile that made my heart thump loudly. I am sure he heard it. As we waltzed around the room I looked over my shoulder and noticed that only one other couple was dancing with us. I was about to ask when Jasper beat me to it.

"The summer waltz is just for me and my brother. It's to show us off with any of the ladies seeking our hand," he said. "Are you one of those ladies?"

"Maybe," I smiled and blushed a little. I was letting Princess Hazel come out. It felt good after hiding for so long.

Jasper and I counted to dance and talk the rest of the night. I found that he was still in love with me, the Princess Hazel me, who was kidnapped the night before her wedding.

"I am sure I know you. I know I have meet you once before, but I can not place it," said Jasper handing me some sort of drink. "Can I give you something?"

"Of course you may, is this not your ball?" I asked he just smiled again. Then he pulled a ring off his pinky.

"This is a couples ring, "he explained as he slipped it on my right middle finger," when we are close together the rings will glow a sparkling silver. When we are apart it will look like a plain silver ring."

As I looked at the ring it was already sparkling. I looked up at Jasper, he had grown since I last saw him. His eyes matched the sparkle in the ring.

"I..... "I could not think of what to say. My mind raced with: give it back, say thank you, kiss him, and run away thoughts. "Thank you." was what came out.

"You're welcome," he answered. "Shall we dance again?"

"I would love to," I said as I placed my drink on the table. Jasper offered me his arm and together we both walked back to the ball room. As we walked we both heard whispers.

"Who is she?" said a lady.

"Where is Lady Hazel from?" asked a gentleman.

"I know that name, but I can't place it." said said another man.

"She looks so familiar." said a lady. I turned to look at the lady who said it and I was shocked to see Rose! I smiled at her as we walked her. "Ooooo I know, I know her!"

We danced one more waltz and then I decided it was time for me to go. I was not enjoying the stairs and whispers any more.

"Forgive me, Jasper, but will you excuse me please?" I asked after the music ended.

"Yes of course Hazel. I shall wait by that pillar until you return." he smiled and bowed taking my hand in his, he left his kiss on my knuckles. I blushed and slowly walked away.

When I was sure he could no longer see me I ran back outside across the courtyard and back into the kitchen. I took off my ball gown and things. I put the star dress back in its Hazelnut ring, and quickly rubes ashes and garbage all over me. I put my furs back on and hood in place. I was Poppy again. I then started to clean the kitchen as if nothing had happened.