Never Ever

33

Ever wore a midnight black dress, a flower in her hair, and a mask

All the single people attending the ball did, the married ones opted not to

Everyone looked so radiant and beautiful, so full of happy anticipation

Ever was asked to dance several times, with different people. If it had happened before, she might have not accepted all those offers, but tonight, it was different, inspite of her lack of expertise, she still did her best to dance and enjoy herself, tonight was a celebration, after all

She watched, with fond feelings, everyone enojoying themselves, different races joint together, all looking the same, due to the veil of magic, tonight might bring more inter-racial alliances, something she felt confident will bring more good to the magical realm, even more human mages came to join the masquerade. The thought of having the proud fae surprised by how they liked their human partners made her laugh

She even got to dance with the prince

Ever: Your highness, is that you?

Romeo: Wha..? How did you know. Wait, Ever is that you?

She laughed: Yes your highness, no need to be alarmed. I won't tell anyone it's you, so you see, it's one less girl to worry about, and cross from the list before you dance with your true love

She teased him, and his cheeks blushed, she laughed more

Romeo: Still, I'm happy I got the chance to dance with you, my dear friend. I was hoping I'd get to, before a certain gentleman steals you away

It was his turn to laugh and her turn to blush, with the affection of true friendship, the two broke apart and joind the masses again

At one point through the night, she felt someone's gaze on her, she turned towards the source. Her eyes found a very handsome, regal looking young man. Their eyes met, and her heart skipped a beat

He took confident long strides, and was soon before her

He offered his hand and bowed with a flourish, inviting her to dance with him

She curtsied prettily and put her hand in his

She felt a tingle run through her spine

His eyes sparkled into hers, and her eyes sparkled back

He beamed a radiant smile at her, and her expression mirrored his

It was the last dance of the night

The music stopped, and all the dancers did, everyone looking at his or her partner, anxious for their identity to be revealed

Ever and her partner stilled, but they didn't let go of eachother's hands

They both whispered at the same time

Axel: Ever..

Ever: Axel..

The king and queen of fae announced the end of the night, and they were removing the veil of magic

Everyone held their breath

The magic and masks were removed, and several gasps were heard through the ball room, as the people saw who their last partners were

Ever indeed found herself faced with a beaming Axel

Some of the fae were chagrined to find Romeo facing a blushing Maya, but they relctantly agreed that this was so romantic, and they were busy fawning over their own partners

Not everyone found their fated ones that night, but a good number of people did

Norland found himself with a smiling Lona, he had finally noticed her