Star Crossed

Chapter 10

It was late evening by the time Kara got ready for the ball and went to say goodnight to Kal-El. The young boy had once again visited the Prince's dragon and taken a ride on it. This time Kal-El, along with Hal-An, flew all the way to the mountains and returned with many great stories to tell. He was tired and ready to go bed by the time Kara had to leave for the ball. Placing a gentle kiss on his forehead and tucking him in, Kara stepped out of her cousin's room to see Bar-Van waiting for her.

She noticed that he wore a traditional Kryptonian noble suit in blue, darker than hers. It suited Bar-Van. He stood talking to Winn and Cis. When he turned around, he gave her a bright smile and held his arm out for her. She slipped her arm into his and they made their way downstairs, Winn trailing them quietly. Cis had taken Hal-An's place guarding young Kal-El tonight.

As the three walked into the ballroom, they noticed they were probably the last ones to arrive.

"Who are all those people?" Bar-Van asked Winn, nodding towards a group of alien-looking people who stood in the corner, wearing fine attires, showing off their riches. A blue-skinned woman caught his eye. She was beautiful, dressed in a golden ball gown, her dark red hair pulled up in a neat bun.

"Princess Kressdi and her people from the planet Scichi," Winn replied. "Quite the beauty, isn't she? She has her eyes on the throne."

Kara's eyes narrowed when she noticed Princess Kressdi eyeing someone. Her gaze followed to see who it was. Dressed in the most exquisite crimson royal robes, Prince Mon-El stood greeting his guests. He seemed polite with all of them, but one woman stopped by and didn't curtsy in front of him. Instead she placed her hands on his shoulders and kissed his cheeks. Mon-El smiled and kissed her cheek as well and held his arm out for her and led her towards the dance floor.

"Lots of neighbors," Bar-van said, looking around.

Winn nodded. "Princesses from the neighboring star systems. It's the Crown Prince's twenty-fifth year, so they are looking for a bride for him. One of these women will be the future Queen of Daxam. So, the Prince has to dance with all these pretty ladies and well... spend time with them, to get to know them well."

Kara rolled her eyes hearing that. Grabbing onto Bar-Van's hand, she turned to Winn. "Winn, I think you should go mingle. We are off to the dance floor. And you may take the evening off. As long as I'm with my family, I'm in no danger."

Winn's eyes lit up when he heard that. Thanking Kara, he walked away towards the food table happily.

Bar-Van grinned and led Kara to the dance floor. He noticed that the Daxamite danced a little differently, but he preferred the Kryptonian version. So did Kara. So he grabbed both her hands and started to sway. The music had changed seeing the two Kryptonians dance to a different rhythm, in a different pace. It was fast and they were both enjoying themselves.

Kara's eyes fell on the Prince, who looked displeased as she danced with Bar-Van. She chose to ignore him, despite her eyes falling on the woman who stood very close to him, whispering in his ears.

"Do you think he's already chosen his bride?" Bar-Van asked, looking at the Prince dance with a beautiful young woman with curly, light brown hair, wearing a lighter red ball gown.

"There are many Princesses here today. And sadly it's not his decision to make. His parents will choose a bride for him," Kara replied. "Look, there's Princess Qlenn from Iyclite. We vacationed there, remember?"

"The planet with lots of crystals! Yes, I remember. I'm guessing it's very warm here for the Princess of Iyclite."

Kara chuckled heartily. Just then someone tapped her shoulder and she turned around to see Zora and Hal-An. Giving her friend a quick hug, Kara let Zora pull her to the side.