Erin

Chapter 05- The Ball

Lights poured from the windows of the castle. Invited guests and townsfolk flock together towards the castle in anticipation where the Prince would have his Coming-Out Ball and also choose his Bride-to-be. The kitchens bustled with energy and staffs come and go through the doors of the kitchen to be able to serve appetizers to the guests.

Everyone was busy. They were excited for the joyous event to happen. The guests mingle around the ballroom, talking animatedly to friends. Some are introducing their friends to their other friends. It was one big event and the organizers hoped that it would be a blast. They were, in return, complimented for the wondrous design of the ballroom with deep red drapes hanging from the gold chandelier to the sides of the room. Flowers were placed in the middle of each table with golden silverware to boost the magnificence of the room.

The women, on one hand, are ecstatic for this Ball especially since one of them would be chosen to be the Kingdom's Princess. That is why every girl in that room is dressed up hoping that they would be the one to catch the Prince's eye. Someone would compliment another one for their gown and they'll talk about the gowns of the other women and compare. They would talk about their own personal lives and their adventures to the wild forests. But they would stop talking about it and gossip on who would be the best fit for the Prince.

The men, on the other hand, take the opportunity to talk to the women. They are eager to find the most beautiful face in the room. They would search with their eyes to find their one and only through the mass of faces. It is in this opportunity that they grab it and be content and happy with their lives.

This is why many would come to the castle especially when there's an occasion. It is the only time of their lives that they are able to celebrate the purpose of the occasion and at the same time, get a glimpse of their one true love.

Trumpets blared in the ballroom to signal the coming of the King and Queen. Everyone stopped what they were doing and all eyes were on the couple who just walked in. The King escorted his Queen into the ballroom as they smiled to their subjects. The King looked dashing in his suit and the Queen looked as lovely as when she married the King. They took the center stage and thanked everyone who was there and welcomed them and to enjoy the Ball.

"Years ago, I met this beautiful girl in my dreams. She was young and fierce but everything about her was lovable. She has the most purest of hearts I've ever seen. I woke up to find that it was a sign to look for my wife. I tell you, even in our most glorious victory, there would always be something missing that just makes a hole in our heart. You will not find that contentment if you don't seek for it. That missing piece in my heart turns out to be my Queen. And this love of ours came forth my Son.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present to you Prince Phillip, my Son." The King proudly said.

In came Prince Phillip with his dazzling smile and his eyes that would get you lost which made the girls sigh. He walked towards his mother and father and bowed to them. He then turned towards the crowd before him. He scanned through the faces that were there and all of the girls looked at him admiringly.

The band began to play their instruments and everyone started to dance. The maidens were asked by the men but the Prince did not dance with them. He watched the King and Queen as they waltzed through the ballroom, their eyes on each other. It was a beautiful sight to watch that their love never fades away through the years eventhough it was tested.

Prince Phillip had an older brother. His name was Prince Ashton and he was the heir of the throne. But one day he suddenly vanished without a trace, leaving the King and Queen devastated. Prince Phillip was still a young boy back then but he remembers what had happened before his brother vanished. The two of them were sitting on the grass after playing hide and seek in the castle gardens. Prince Ashton was now reading a book while Prince Phillip fidgeted. He told his older brother that he needs to go to the comfort room. Prince Ashton nodded and Prince Phillip ran. When he got back, he found no one in the castle garden. He looked over the place and finally went to his mother and father crying,

"I can't find my older brother."

The band played another tune on their instruments. The prince was wandering around the room. It was a custom that no female should dare to introduce herself to a prince on his coming-out ball unless the prince asked her to. That was why the girls were at a distance from him but as much as they wanted to introduce themselves to him, they'd better not.

Prince Phillip was near the doors of the ballroom when it opened. He was getting hopeless to find that girl he wanted to be his wife. As he turned to make a run for the doors, he saw a beautiful woman standing before him. She was dressed in a simple white ball gown yet it spoke volumes. She was breathtaking and he knew she was the one.

ILLYA'S POV

What was I thinking when I agreed to go to the Ball?!

I should have said no to Atasha. I don't even have a dress to wear.

She sat down to calm herself. In came her father holding a big box. She was happy that her father was well when she got home. He seemed to be full of energy and she was thankful that he was alright.

Her father sat next to her and looked at her closely.

"Father, is there something wrong with my face?" She asked.

"Nope. I just see your mother in you. You really do look like her. " He said.

Illya smiled.

"Oh by the way, why aren't you preparing for the Ball yet?" He asked.

"I won't be going Father. It is better that I stay here and attend to the animals."She replied.

"Nonsense! I won't allow that. We are going to the ball. You know that every girl is required to come." Her father spoke.

"But Father I have nothing to wear and besides the Prince would never pick me. I'm sure he will choose Atasha since they are close friends." She responded.

"That is where you are wrong. You do have something to wear. Here." He gave the big box to his daughter who opened the cover of the box.

"Your mother made that when she was still carrying you in her womb. She made me promise to keep it with me and give that to you at the right time. We did not know if you were a boy or a girl but I know that she knew you were a girl." He said.

She stood up and told him, "I'm going."

And his father smiled at her.

Minutes later, Illya stepped out of her room ready to go. Atasha dropped by Illya's house earlier to glam her up and left hurriedly since she had to fix herself too and be able to help in the preparations for the event.

She blushed when her father, who was waiting for her, transfixed his gaze on her.

"You're beautiful Illya." Her father said.

"Thank you Father."She said.

"Let's go now. We are late for the Ball." Her father quickly said.

And sure enough when she opened the doors to the ballroom, the Ball was on full swing. She was amazed by how huge the room was and was nervous at the same time to see so much people.

"Good evening Prince Phillip!" Her father bowed to him.

And she just noticed that he was in front of her.

He moved towards her and offered his hand saying,

"May I have this dance with you?"

Illya did not notice that she gave her hand to him and they were dancing in the center of the room. She did not notice that the crowd who were dancing started to drift to the sides to watch the two of them dancing in the middle. She did not notice that the King and Queen were smiling and talking to Illya's father who was happy that she found someone to take good care of her when he is gone. She did not notice Atasha hurriedly ran to the center to see clearly if it was really Illya who was dancing with Phillip and she nearly bumped a girl in her haste. Atasha was happy for both of her friends.

All that Illya noticed was Phillip's eyes and the way how it looks at her, how his hands gripped her waist and her hand and how well they fit together. They went on dancing and did not notice what was happening around them.

Illya remembered one thing.

Phillip was the boy at the market.