The New Prince

Chapter 7

Arriving at the entrance of the ballroom, they met two guards who stood by the closed doors. Even through the thick golden doors, they heard Coran's voice welcoming the guests. Allura didn't let go of Keith's arm, if anything, he felt her grip tighten as she took a deep breath that sounded frustrated. "This is the part where he gives a rather embarrassing speech about how wonderful I was as a child and how I've grown up." She finished rolling her eyes.

Keith laughed a bit; even the guards found the statement amusing. But then he asked, "So what am I supposed to do when we enter?"

"Well, you'll escort me to the center of the ballroom, bow, and kiss my hand. I will then curtsy like the proper princess that I am while Nanny and Coran tenderly smile at me."

At this, he laughed more, enjoying her humor and sarcasm. She continued. "You'll then take your place with the rest of the Force. Lucky you!" Her eyes widened. "I, on the other hand, will walk up to the line of princes who eagerly wait for me and choose one to dance the first waltz of the night."

"Pretty fun," He answered with a sarcastic grin.

"Please..." She began to answer when she suddenly stopped to listen to Coran's words.

VVVVVVVVVV

Inside the ballroom, the dim golden glow from the crystal chandeliers lit the entire area. Gold and silver candelabras, holding scented candles, filled the room with the smell of a light perfume. The marble floors shined against the light that casted from the ceiling. Over a hundred people gathered, some, wearing long ball gowns while others wore attire that represented their planets. Coran stood by the orchestra as he continued his speech.

"...And as the Royal Advisor of the House of Arus, I'd like to personally thank you all for joining us tonight to share our Princess' eighteenth birthday and the choosing of the future King of Arus!"

Everyone clapped their hands in celebration. At one end of the ballroom, the rest of the Force clapped as well. One particular member, however, looked very serious. Great, Coran really did it this time! He thought to himself as he continued clapping.

VVVVVVVVVV

Outside the ballroom doors, Allura's mouth dropped, "I...I just can't believe he said that!"

"Allura, calm down."

"Calm down? Calm down!" Her angered brewed, "After what I told him yesterday, he continues this game! Keith, I'm not choosing any prince at this ball."

Worried now, he turned to her, putting his hands on her shoulders, "Hey, listen, you don't have to do anything he tells you to do, all right? Remember...traditions are meant to be broken." He finished with a wink.

At this, she smiled at him and then he saw something in her eyes, "Keith..."

"Allura..." he answered looking at her suspiciously.

"Will you help me?"

"That depends. What do I have to do?"

Suddenly, the ballroom doors opened and Allura pushed him back in place. "Keith, I hope you know how to dance!" She told him with a smile as they entered the ballroom.

VVVVVVVVVV

Erin walked around her cell for about the thirtieth time, looking for a way to escape. She didn't know how long they had kept her there or for what purpose. Alone and afraid, she waited impatiently. Her only company...the rats that ran around each time her meals appeared at the bottom of the cell. Zarkon visited every now and again, thanking her for what she would do for him. At one point, she asked about the girl taken along with her when captured. Told not to worry about her, Erin became even more frustrated. What does he mean by that? She asked herself.