I walked into the chapel with Maggie and Emily on each side of me and the whole room seemed to stare at us for a moment. I smiled and walked into the room and stood by my parents as my mother greeted the guests and the festivities proceeded.
“Of all our meetings, you look most stunning tonight,” I was led onto the dance floor by Prince Arthur.
“Thank you,” I smiled. He wore a gray suit and mask. The men didn’t go all out like the women did, but it was their loss. It was so fun.
“I must say, since I’m going back to Saturn, these dances have been very delightful,” Prince Arthur said.
“Likewise,” I smiled, feeling the butterflies in my stomach again.
“To be quite bold, I fancy you Princess Tara Anne,” He smiled and I tried not to blush.
“I consider myself lucky than to be thought so highly of by someone like you,” I smiled.
“I sincerely hope this is not our last meeting before your next Festival of Green,” He said.
“I wouldn’t be disappointed to see you before then either,” I agreed.
“I hope our last dance will be more memorable than the ones before,” He said getting closer.
“It would indeed be fun,” I said, getting closer.
“I feel obliged,” He said, our faces less than an inch apart. The song ended and I gave him a wink and half-smile and walked back to Maggie and Emily.
“He is totally her epic love,” Maggie said under her breath.
“We’ll discuss this later,” Emily said and they shook on it. I laughed.
“Hello Princess Tara Anne,” Prince Evan bowed. I smiled and curtsied. Maggie and Emily made themselves scarce.
“I hope you don’t mind my friends,” I smiled.
“It would be much worse if you were in my kingdom,” He laughed.
“I don’t know,” I smiled and he cleared his throat.
“I hope you don’t mind I brought you a little present,” He said. My heart skipped a beat.
“You didn’t have to,” I said.
“It’s just a small token,” He shrugged and held out a blue hibiscus. My heart nearly melted for the second time in one day.
“It’s absolutely lovely,” I smiled.
“May I?” He asked and I nodded. I turned around and he put it in my hair, right where Emily suggested.
“Thank you so much!” I smiled and gave him a hug.
“It was nothing,” He smiled.
“I have a present for you,” I said.
“What is it?” He asked with a puzzled look on his face.
“This dance!” I smiled and we walked onto the dance floor like we owned the place. I kinda did, but that isn’t the point.
“I must say, you and your friends are absolutely stunning tonight,” Prince Evan smiled as we danced.
“I’ve worn many dresses but this is by far my favorite,” I said and gave a little twirl.
“The embroidery is wonderful,” He agreed.
“Thank you,” I said.
“You know, I quite fancy you Princess,” Prince Evan said. I almost wondered if Emily and Maggie’s story rang true.
“I can’t say I disagree,” I said shyly.
“Until next time,” He and bowed as the song ended.
I walked back to Maggie and scanned the room for Ortho. I was certain he would make an appearance, and when he did, I would make him tell me what he knew and what he wanted.
“Are you looking for the vampire?” Maggie asked.
“No, I’m just looking around,” I shrugged.
“Everyone, please grab a partner and join us in this dance before dinner,” My father silenced the room. Maggie found a duke from Mercury and I found myself with Prince Arthur.
“So much for our dramatic goodbye,” I said. The music began and I lifted my hand. He lifted his and we walked in a circle, our hands only inches apart.
“Speak for yourself,” He whispered. We switched directions and I found myself facing Prince Evan again.
“This is ironic,” I smiled, repeating the steps with Prince Arthur. Instead of switching partners, we joined hands and began the dance. I spotted Emily with a dreamy man with light hair, and I glimpsed Maggie with the duke she found.
I saw my father with a duchess from Neptune and my mother with a tall handsome man from one of the tribes.
I gave Prince Evan a final wink and ended back up with Prince Arthur. He spun me around and we kept with the steps and as the final notes were played, he gave a surprise twirl and dip.
“Now we have a dramatic goodbye,” He whispered as I walked to my table.
