Love's Power

Chapter 5

"Where's my choker?" "Can you tighten my corset just a little more?" "You look so pretty!"

The princesses were hustling around Zakuro's room as they prepped themselves for the ball. Taking turns applying makeup, doing hair, touching up any accessories. Each princess was wearing a gown primarily in their favorite colors, Ichigo's pink, Mint's blue, Retasu's light green, Pudding's yellow, Zakuro's purple, and Amai's white.

Retasu was helping Amai with her hair, Pudding and Ichigo were picking out jewelry, Zakuro was smoothing out her skirt while Mint complimented her.

Amai stared into the mirror in front of her. She was excited to see Kisshu and couldn't wait to dance with him. Her precious locket shined on her neck, the crystal glowing under the brightness of the light. She was also excited for Pudding and Retasu, because she knew that Kisshu would be bringing his closest friends with him, Pai and Taruto. Retasu had a crush on Pai and Pudding was best friends with Taruto, so Amai knew that her two sisters would spend most of their time with them tonight.

"There" Retasu said as she finished tying in a bow at the back of Amai's head. "That should do it."

"Thanks, Retasu." Amai stood up and twirled around, all ready for the ball. Ichigo finished securing her choker on her neck and bounced. "Let's go!"

The princesses quickly walked out into the hallway towards the ballroom, where they could hear the music playing as the chatter arose with the arrival of the guests. They saw their parents standing at the grand doors waiting for them. The king and queen complimented their daughters, and standing in formation, the royal family walked through the doors as they slowly opened. Upon their arrival, the people bowed their heads, and the king welcomed them, officially beginning the party.

As soon as the music began, the sisters split off. Mint followed Zakuro to get tea, Pudding ran off to have fun (mainly to find Taruto), Ichigo had dragged Retasu to the table filled with pastries, leaving Amai by herself. The princess walked around, having light conversations with whoever spoke to her. She suddenly felt a warm hand go over her eyes, and she smiled, knowing whose hand it was.

"Kisshu." she breathed out. "Guilty, my fair Amai." Turning around, her eyes met his, grinning at him. He looked so handsome in his green and brown apparel lined with dark red. Kisshu thought she looked like an angel in her flowing white ball gown.

With a wide grin that showed his pearly teeth, the forest haired prince held up his hand to the snow haired princess. "Would you honor me with a dance, Amai?" Blushing and closing her eyes, she took his hand and let him lead her to the dance floor. As they walked, she could make out Pudding with Taruto in the crowd, and she spotted Retasu talking to Pai in the corner. She smiled at their happiness.

Reaching the center of the ballroom, Kisshu curled his arm around her waist, lightly squeezing her hand. Amai's cheeks darkened in their red color. The music had become soft and romantic, and at the first few notes they began to sway along. The young couple kept their eyes on each other as if they were the only ones in the room, feeling like they were floating as they danced. As the song progressed, Kisshu lightly spun them around the dance floor, her dress flowing to their movements. Amai's entire form lightly glowed with magic, ignited by her happiness and love.

It seemed like the entire ballroom had stopped what they were doing to watch, all staring with joy at the romantic royals.

All except for a single pair of blue eyes, burning with jealousy at the sight of the princess looking so happy in the arms of her partner.

The music slowly came to an end, and the dancing couple softly ceased their feet. Just as the last notes stretched, Kisshu's hands rested on Amai's waist, and both her hands placed themselves on his chest, right next to his heart.