A Prophecy Fulfilled

Chapter Five

As much as they couldn't believe it, the night of the ball finally did arrive. Vincent went with Lorenzo, the excuse to his parents being that he was going on an all-night hunt. His parents accepted, not knowing that they would be out acting like the children they once had been. He also knew that his parents would never expect that he would be going to a party that was hosted by the enemy. He was in the clear.

There was no moon apparent now; it was well-hidden behind the mass of clouds. But the two young men didn't need it. With their super sensitive eyes, they could see everything around them as if it were broad daylight. The air had a chill to it, and the robe didn't keep the cold from Vincent's arms well. But Vincent hardly noticed. What mattered most at the moment was that he had a chance to see Andromeda again, and he would make a point to let her know he had come, one way or the other.

Vincent wore a robe of deep blue velvet, stars embroidered along the length of it. A black silk hood, when brought over his head, covered his face except for his mouth and chin. As they came closer to the Luminar castle, Vincent and Lorenzo could see lights in nearly every window, lively music could be heard from inside. The gates were open and men and women came from left and right through the gates and to the front doors. Laughter and indistinct chatter could be heard all around. Vincent was the only one completely silent; even Lorenzo quietly chuckling to himself thinking of all the things he could do to cause trouble. The thought that Vincent was so quiet never crossed his mind.

Vincent could not see the faces of those around him, which meant that they could not see him either. Vincent stood silently, looking for a figure he was sure would be Andromeda. But since the robes draped over each individual, Vincent doubted that he would know which one she was. The crowds were thick, and he had no idea how he could see anything. Every person's robe had a different design. Some were the most simple, from stripes to elegant designs like stars or swirls. He felt sick to his stomach. Then something caught his eye. The royal platform at the end of the room was empty. Everybody around Vincent stood still, whispering to the person next to them. Surely they wouldn't start the dancing without the hosts being present.

"Spotted the lady fair yet?" Lorenzo asked with a smirk.

"Oh, shut up." Vincent returned, keeping his eyes forward and his ears alert.

Everyone turned as trumpets blared a fanfare. A herald spoke as three figures entered through the door near the back of the platform.

"Their majesties; King Hugh, Queen Violetta and Princess Andromeda"

There she was, standing to the right of the king and queen. Though he could not see her face, Vincent knew it was her. Andromeda wore an emerald green silk robe, crescent moons sewn into the fabric. As if to show that they were different, but the same. At that moment, Andromeda was the vision of an angel. He didn't need to see her face to know that she was beautiful. He thought of her almost every waking moment since their meeting in the woods. The moment he saw her again, Vincent knew he loved her. He didn't know exactly why, but he knew he did.

Andromeda stood beside her parents, smiling politely. Her mother hadn't forgotten her offer to let her assist with the decorating the night before. She was glad to know that she'd had a hand in the preparations this year. But what she wanted most was to know where Vincent was. Did he remember to come? What was he wearing? Most importantly, did he think of her the same way she thought of him? Andromeda's thoughts were interrupted when her mother tapped her lightly on the shoulder. Then she remembered that it was tradition that she begin the evening with the opening waltz. Feeling a brief moment of panic, Andromeda wondered again if she would be lucky enough to find Vincent before she seemed to make her choice for a dancing partner take too long.