Bound To You

Chapter 9

The day had finally come: the day Flame Princess would win back her knight. Her second royal ball. This time was different. This time she knew who she was really there for.

She fumbled around with her hair until a messy low bun satisfied her. She trembled as she worked her locks, nervous for the upcoming evening.

She wore a floor length red dress, flames spitting up from the bottom and a slit coming up the side. It had a sweetheart neckline that showed off her shining red stone worn in the center of her chest. She carefully plucked out tendrils of hair to frame her face. She had to look perfect for tonight. She couldn't stop her shaking as she attempting to apply red lip stick, making errors along the way.

"Ugh!" She moaned, fixing her lips. "CB, I'm just not ready for this!" She slammed her lipstick down and grabbed a hold of her sink with both hands. She stared at herself in the mirror and tried to breathe in and out.

"Princess, you look beautiful! You don't have anything to worry about. Except maybe Finn rejecting you. But why worry about that?" The thoughtless candy man rambled.

Oh, yeah. Only rejection from the love of her life after a huge gesture. Nothing to worry about at all.

"Thanks. That really helped a lot." She sarcastically responded. "This is serious!"

She hadn't thought of it before, but if things didn't go well, her reputation would be tarnished, as well. She wouldn't be seen as a serious ruler but a pathetic, desperate teenager. She was an adult-a queen! If Finn rejected her, she'd lose a lot more than her love: she'd lose her dignity. She had to look stunning, she had to ooze beauty. She had to be irresistible. She was putting a lot out on the line for Finn. She could only hope he wouldn't let her down.

"Your highness, the guests have begun to arrive." A fire guard popped his head in the door.

Flame Princess nabbed her crown and placed it perfectly on her head. Her look was complete. She let out one more dramatic sigh before looking at CinnamonBun. He gave her a nod and they walked out the door.

The ballroom was beginning to fill up.

"We're simply loving these balls, your highness!" A slime man and his wife commented while passing the princess. At least people were enjoying themselves.

She looked around the room as she took a seat in a throne setting on top of a platform, so she could see the entire party.

As the night went on, guests made their way to the queen to give their regards. But she still didn't see Finn. Where was he?

Finn was dealing with his own nerves. Donning navy dress pants and a navy sports jacket, he wrestled with his bright red bow tie. His fingers tangled in themselves until he finally had enough and called for his buddy.

"Jake! I can't get the friggin bow tie! We're already running late!"

Suddenly Princess Bubblegum appeared in the bathroom. She was clad in a long, pink dress, a thin layer of light pink tulle peeking from the bottom of the modest dress. Her hair was in a high pony tail, and she looked amazing.

"Let me help you, Finn." The princess cooed while quickly fixing his tie. "There." She kissed him on the forehead. "You're ready."

"Thanks, PB..." Finn blushed. "And thanks again for agreeing to go with me. After everything that happened, I just need a good friend to help me feel more comfortable, ya know?" Finn lied. Bubblegum didn't say a word, but she knew she wasn't there for moral support. She had a sneaking suspicion that she was being used for something more. But the princess didn't care. She'd do anything to help Finn. He was, after all, her champion.