...and Lucy B. I actually think we should elect her as to-be princess becauuse she's is the least likely to marry the prince. No offense to you Lucy B. but your character is...the least likely to marry the prince. Good character actually!

I somewhat agree and somewhat don't. 

In the older days, princes would often keep something known as a harem, which is basically a host of women who are technically his wife.... So, it would be natural for the prince to think he can have every pretty girl he sees.

Thank you so much for coming back!!! I'm still trying to decide how things should play out. I wouldn't mind marrying the prince, but I sort of want some three-way drama with the Captain of the Guard, as well to spice things up a bit. I guess we'll see how things work?

Fenrys~

The day of the ball. It definitely came much too quickly. Just before dawn on the morning of the ball, I dressed in my favourite black pants and tight fitting shirt and left the room for a "night stroll". Haha, not. Instead, I slipped into a rich, gaudy court lady's room and stole the dress that I was to wear to the ball. I also took some shoes and a piece of hair jewelery. As a last thought, I grabbed a beautiful, delicate golden necklace with a teardrop shaped amethyst, as well as matching earrings, for Melia. I know they'll look spectacular on her, and I highly doubt that the lady will notice anything missing with how much other junk is in her room.

When I get back to the room we are being kept in, I carefully fold my dress --- a stunning midnight blue ball gown with a silver bodice and millions of tiny crystals scattered on the skirt. It looks as if someone had spilt a bucket full of starlight down the front of my gown, and I absolutely loved it. Add that to the fact that I could easily conceal a couple of daggers beneath the folds of my dress, and it perfectly matches my beloved locket.

A few girls murmur quietly amongst themselves as I pull my dress out of my drawer later that day. It goes over my head with barely a whisper as the fabric arranges itself over my body. It fits perfectly. Although I wish the neckline wasn't quite so low. Oh well. Let the court think what they might. With a smile, I hand Melia the necklace and earrings that I took for her. In return, she helps me lace up the back of my dress.

"You look spectacular," I whisper.

"You too," she responds.

Then, we head into the ballroom. The sights, sounds, smells of the dance engulf me and wrap around me like a blanket. I feel more at home here than I expected to be. I am only able to talk to Melia for a few moments before the crowd pulls us apart. Now I am alone.

Then, suddenly I'm not. A warm presence at my elbow draws my attention. The prince. I bite back a gasp. Even in my hatred for him, he looks incredibly handsome.

"Care to dance?" he asks. Though it sounds more of a challenge than a question. No one would dare refuse the royal family in public, and we both know.

"Of course," I respond, giving him my hand, although every part of me screams against it.

Fortunately, my brothers taught me to dance at a young age and I slip into place smoothly. I catch Melia's eye over the prince's shoulder as he pulls me to the centre of the dance floor. Help! Emergency. I mouth frantically. She shrugs, seeming to hold back a laugh. I blow out a breath through my nose. My back is now to my friend, but there is no mistaking the peal of laughter is hers.

"I am not my father's keeper, you know," the prince says softly.

"And what is that meant to mean?" I question, keeping my voice low against the prying ears of the courtiers.

"I know how much of a tyrant my father is. More so than most," something like grief flashes behind his eyes.

Despite myself, I feel a flash of emotion towards him. No, Fenrys. I scold myself.

Keeping my voice cool, I respond, "Then why do you not do anything against it?"

"Because..." he trails off, "Because I am a coward, and am too afraid of being hurt."

"That you are," I say as the last notes of the dance finish. I make to step away, but he holds me to him.

"What happens beyond these palace walls?" says the prince.

I fight to keep the door to my memories tightly shut.

"Many things. Things you could never survive. Not in this gilded cage you live in," comes my reply.

"Prince Endymion," a voice from somewhere over the prince's shoulder says.

"Chaol," the prince responds, finally letting me go, "Please meet Lady Wildfire---"

"My name is Fenrys, "I say, cutting him off, "I... lied that day in the garden."

The His Highness blinks, "Well, Lady Fenrys. Meet the Captain of the Guard, Chaol Westfall."

"Pleasure," Chaol says, bowing politely.

"And to you," I respond, dipping into a graceful curtsy.

"Will you keep my lady company whilst I attend to my other guests?" Prince Endymion asks.

"Of course, Enda. What's a friend for, if not to entertain your future wives?" Chaol says, breaking the air of formality.

Enda walks away, chuckling softly. Meanwhile, I am left to dance with Chaol.

As I am swept into a waltz, I see Melia winks at me from across the room. That devious little... I smile. Of course she would find a way to save me.

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