The Midnight Ball

12

Note: Marie Antoinette
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That night, the princesses reached the clearing, danced for a bit, then one by one, they were whispered to come into the lake

Once a princess went under, she couldn't swim up

No matter how she tried or flailed, she was kept under

Till they were all passed out, then woke up lying on the lake's shore

Ismie was the same, and while she tried resisting the pull to get into the lake at some time, she was pulled into it

By dawn, they woke up wet, shaking from cold

And they were recieved by the frowning Elinore, who frantically hurried with the servants to light the fires, prepare hot baths and warm dry clothes

This happened more than once, and the Princes' worry only increased

But they resolved to try and act as normal as possible, as not to increase the burden on the princesses

One afternoon the princesses were all gathered there, and Santana, feeling the need to lighten the mood, broached the subject of the princesses again

Anushka opened her mouth to protest, Iliana squeezed her hand and looked at her beseechingly

So she sighed and let it go

Santana's eyes sparkled: So, does any of you have someone she likes?

She looked pointedly at Adelaide, who blushed

Santana: Well, Addie?

Adelaide: Oh, you! Your parents should have named you Diabla..

She laughed

Marie nudged her: I would like to know

When the rest looked at her she blushed, but kept her gaze steady

Adelaide's cheeks flamed: I think, I like Prince Henry most

Marie's eyes and smile widened: Oh! I didn't know

Bernadette smiled: Addie is friendly and flirty by nature, so she got to fool us all

Mariko: Speak for yourselves. I have noticed she looks at him dreamily for a while now

Ramonda and Anushka looked at her surprised she'd join the conversation

She lifted an elegant shoulder, it was the most casual any of them had seen her before

Adelaide: What about you, Santa?

Bernadette: Yes, I'd like to know as well

Santana: I do think Prince Nyong'o is rather handsome

Margarette: And none of the others are handsome enough to tempt you?

Santana: They're all very handsome, including your brother, devilishly so

Iliana: Santa!

Santana shrugged: It's the truth, but I like Prince Nyong'o best

Margarette's expression soured

Santana: Now, now, Marge. No need to be so glum. We still have more than two fortnights here. You still have time to turn this around

Margarettes colour started rising

Elinore whispered to Santana: Your highness, please. No need to take this any further

Iliana: Just because she's unkind, doesn't mean we have to treat her the same

Santana: Yes, yes.. I won't say anything more

Bernadette whispered to Iliana: I think Callum likes you

Iliana blushed prettily

Freja: Mariko, does Prince Kei have anyone he likes

Miyako: Not that I know of

She wanted to ask about Ferdinand and Nikolai, but she was too intimidated to do so

This ended their afternoon chat

Elinore looked at Ismie: The princes are scarce in comparison to your numbers. Maybe one of the three would court you

Ismie smiled at her: That's alright, I didn't come here with any views of marraige. And I don't think I like all of them.. Some I'm a bit wary of

Elinore: Then why do you look so..

Ismie: I was thinking of something not so pleasant. I don't want to bother anyone with it

Elinore understood, she squeezed her hand: Anytime you want to talk, I'll be here for you

Ismie squeezed back