𝕭𝖎𝖙𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘𝖜𝖊𝖊𝖙 (𝕬 𝕽𝖊𝖒𝖎𝖓𝖌𝖙𝖔𝖓 𝕷𝖊𝖎𝖙𝖍 𝕱𝖆𝖓𝖋𝖎𝖈)

Part 11

Dahlia's POV

I was successfully able to trick my mother into making her believe I Was feeling a bit unwell and she sent me to my room to sleep and recover for the rest of the night. When I got up there, I asked Sophie to help me get dressed for the ball and she was more than happy to help. She picked out a dress that was the most gorgeous one I've ever seen and I couldn't wait to wear it.

As Sophie worked on my hair and makeup, I asked her, "Hey, Sophie, can I ask you something?" She nodded and said, "Sure. What is it?" I took a moment to ask and hoped she wouldn't get offended, "Are you in love...with Prince Sebastian?" She stopped after I said that and her smile dropped. I felt guilty then, "I'm so sorry, Sophia. It's probably none of my business-" "No, no. It's okay. You're right." I gasped at her statement and she continued speaking.

"Me and Sebastian have had a secret affair for a few years and it has been getting harder for me since he got engaged to that princess from the other kingdom. He's told me I'm the only one he's really in love with, but it would be scandalous for him if he left his betrothed for a lowly maid like me. I don't know what I'll do when they're finally married. I've never met anyone as kind and loving like him."

I felt so much pity for the sweet and gentle castle maid who was hopelessly in love with an unavailable prince. I had an idea that hopefully might change their future, "Well, why don't you show him what he's missing out on and go to the ball with me? One dance with him could either be the best memory of you two or the last. At least finish out with a smile on your face." She looked at me and smiled as she hugged me tightly and then it was my turn to help her get ready for the ball.

When we both finally ready, we went down to the master room where a few guests were mingling in, and I recognized someone in the crowd. "Marguerite?", I called out to her and she turned to see me and run to give me the tightest hug ever. "Dahlia!", she was so excited and happy, I couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"I got your invitation to the ball and this place is amazing! Its just like what I read in fairy tales except better. Have you met any of the princes yet? Are they as handsome as I've heard they are?" I giggled and said, "Slow down, Marguerite. You'll get to meet them very soon. Come with us. This is Sophie, by the way." She waved his to her and Sophie waved back as we put our masks on and stepped into the ballroom.

I was so big with all the people dressed up so elegantly and the air was filled with positivity and excitement for the event. I looked around the room and I saw the royal family sitting in thrones a little higher above the crowd. I found Remington sitting close to his mother and looking so handsome. I walked a little closer to the center of the ballroom and he finally caught my eye.

He looked at me like I was the most stunning thing he had ever seen in his life, and I couldn't help but blush like a tomato and smile at him appreciating my beauty. Then he actually stood up and started walking toward me, causing my heart to beat faster than a hummingbird. When he stopped a few feet away from me, he took in my look one more time and grinned as he looked into my eyes with such desire, "Dahlia?" I nodded and then he said, "You look...like a princess." Then he placed a gentle hand on my back and pulled me close to him before declaring softly to me only, "My princess."

I felt my breath being taken away as I placed my hand on his shoulder and he took my other in his own. Then the music started playing and he took his first step and I followed. Just the two of us dancing felt like magic and that I was dancing with him on a cloud in heaven and it was just us two. He never took his eyes off of me as he swept me off of my feet and lifted me up from the ground and held me so close to him. Soon enough, everyone started joining us on the dancefloor and the music was just divine and perfect.

I noticed the corner of my eye Marguerite was dancing with...Prince Emerson? I was shocked she got to dance with him, but I was more shocked about the way he kept looking at her like she was an angel and he looked so happy with her. Then I noticed Sophie really did get to dance with Prince Sebastian and he honestly looked like he regretted everything getting engaged to someone he doesn't love, because his eyes looked so desperate for Sophie, I wondered if it would be enough to change his mind.

When the first dance was over, Remington bowed and I curtsied and then walked away to let him dance with some other ladies. I was...overwhelmed with what just happened. I danced with  a prince who's in love with me and I love him back. I never expected to be this happy in my whole life, and now that I am, I'm afraid something will happen to take it away from me.

I went back to my room for the rest of the night and undressed out of my gown and removed my makeup. I laid in my bed awake for some reason, and I wasn't sure what it was. Then when it was a little past midnight, I heard a knock on my door and I got out of bed to open it and find Remington standing outside of my doorway. "Rem?", I asked, "Are you okay?" He nodded and then asked, "Dahlia, is it okay if I stay with you tonight?"

I was surprised by his proposal and then took a moment before answering, "Um, okay." I let him come in and went back into the bed and then he climbed in after me and for a while, we just faced each other not saying anything, then I leaned closer to his face and kissed his lips. He kissed me back and soon enough, he was on top of me and kissed me more passionately. He moved his lips down to my jaw then my neck, and I accidentally let out a small moan which made us both freeze.

He looked at me slightly scared, and then I smirked at him while undoing the buttons on his coat, causing him to smile suggestively and then he helped me undo my clothes and asked me, "Are you sure about this, Dahlia?" I glanced up at him looking so beautiful and watching me with such love in his eyes, I nodded slowly and he smiled before he kissed my lips one last time before he moved any further.

***

An hour after, I laid my head on his warm and soft chest and he rubbed my back soothingly and planted soft, small kisses in my hair. I've never felt anything as amazing as my first time with him, and I honestly feel like I could fly. "Dahlia", he said all of a sudden, "Can I ask you something?" I replied with, "Of course, Rem."

He took a deep breath and waited a moment before asking his question, "If there weren't these centuries-old standards in our social classes and nobody cared who I ended up with as long as I was happy", he faced me and finished his question, "would you marry me?"

My heart stopped when he said that and I looked at him with shock that he would actually want to do that. "You...want to...marry...me?", I could barely speak clearly, and he smiled to show he was serious. I was tearing up as I answered his question, "Yes, Remington. A million times, yes." I kissed him repeatedly and he held me so close to him.

We giggled after we pulled away and then I rested back into his chest and kissed his skin lightly before saying, "I love you so much, Remington, Good night." He said back, "I love you too, Dahlia, Good night." Then I drifted off to sleep, content and safe in his arms and I wasn't afraid of having any nightmares anymore.