Two weeks have passed since the eclipse. A lot had changed in those two weeks. The Northern Wastes as they were know under the sorceress' rule were restored t their former glory. The fields of Pappay were on the agenda to fix. But first came as always the celebration. A ball was to be held in honor of the men and women who gave their lives to help DG and I save the OZ.

"I don't get it, DG," I tell my twin sister after lessons with Tutor. "Why is this ball so important?"

The blue eyed dark haired princess laughed at this, "Andromeda, this is to show that even after all the OZ has been through there is still a reason to celebrate."

DG and I were identical twins in everything but eye color. DG had our father's eyes. I had the lavender eyes our mother is known for. That is how everyone is able to tell us apart. As DG is talking I walked into someone knocking that person over.

I stopped and reach down to help the person up. "I'm so sorry," I say. I should have been watching where I was going."

The eyes that were usually so cheerful were uncharacteristically concerned. I had seen these changes take place. One minute he was cheerful happy go lucky Glitch the next he was the no nonsense Royal Advisor Ambrose. I can tell now was an Ambrose moment.

"Ah, Princess DG and Princess Andromeda," said the Royal Advisor respectfully, "your mother and Princess Azkadellia are waiting in the Sitting Room."

"Why are mother and AZ waiting in the Sitting Room?" I ask him curiously.

Just then the sound of feet fast approaching came from behind us.

"I believe that will be Cain," said DG with a small laugh.

No sooner had DG said this Wyatt Cain came puffing into sight. "We had an agreement girls," said Cain. "No more running off like that."

"It was her idea, Cain," I said pointing at DG who was looking all innocent like.

"It was just DG's idea," said Cain. "May I ask why you where laughing also."

Wyatt Cain was assigned as Tin Man Protector to Azkadellia, DG, and I. The blond haired blue eyed man had accepted the job as he already felt responsible for at least DG's and my safety. He and his son Jeb were given quarters near my sisters and me. Cain was still Cain. He was still trying desperately not feel as though he let his family down all those years ago. Although everyone including his son keeps telling him it isn't his fault. He doesn't buy it. Hasn't yet.

"I had told a joke at the time," said DG going along with the ruse. "She was laughing at that. OK?"

"Tell me the joke as well then," said Cain in the no nonsense tone of voice of his, "I like a good joke as much as the next man. Go ahead."

"You can talk jokes later the princesses are expected in the Sitting Room nowish," snapped the prim and proper Ambrose. "Preferably in the company of their Tin Man Protector."

I saw Cain starting to get angry and knew what came after that. "Come along Wyatt," I said hooking my arm with his. "We don't have to take this. You do your job perfectly well and Ambrose knows it." You pat his arm comfortingly. Then begin to drag Cain in the direction of the Sitting Room when Raw walks up.

"Hey Raw," DG and I say as one. Raw is a Viewer. An empath. My friends, DG, and I had found him trapped in the Fields of the Pappay. When we found him he was scarred like everything else in the OZ by the Sorceress' evil powers. It took a while but Raw was now finally back to an almost normal state.

"Andromeda and DG's mother wait for them in Sitting Room," said Raw. "Invite Raw to join. Tin Man and Advisor join too."

Without further question the five of you had set off down the hall. It wasn't a long trip at all before the five of us arrived in the opulant Sitting Room. Queen Lavender of the OZ, and her eldest daughter Azkadellia rose to greet you all as you entered.

"What took you so long?" asked AZ smiling slightly. "Having a bit of sport at Tin Man Cain's expense?"

Azkadellia or AZ as DG and I called her was the eldest of all three of us. It had been a while since the three of us had been able to laugh and joke. For sixteen years AZ had been pocessed by the Wicked Witch of the West. At first, no one knew the difference at all. That is until she killed DG and me. Obviously we were both brought back but it was that that convinced everyone all was not right. The past sixteen years Azkadellia had to watch the witch hurt everyone she loved and cared about. Since the eclipse she has learned half of the OZ hold no grudge against her. But still she strives to bring the OZ to it's former glory.

"That can wait, my dears," said Queen Lavender. "I am glad everyone was able to attend this impromptu meeting. I wished to extend an invitation to you gentlemen."

"Ma'am," said Cain, "we have to accept. Remember you hired me to protect Azkadellia, Andromeda, and DG?"

"I meant Mr. Cain I was not inviting you as the Tin Man Protector of my daughters. I am inviting you all as citizens of the OZ. I expect to see Jeb as well, Wyatt." Ambrose opened his mouth to speak but Lavender motioned for silence. "I know what your going to ask Ambrose. To what am I inviting all of the citizens of the OZ? To a ball of course. We must make everyone believe all is well. Can I count on the three of you to be there?"

Queen Lavender had since the day of the eclipse resumed the leadership role of the OZ. She offered jobs to both Cain, Ambrose, and Raw. She also had all the ex-Longcoats including Adrian Zero put into jail to await trial for their crimes. The queen had allowed AZ, DG, and I to sit in on the reconstruction council as the OZ was your home as well as hers. She and Ahamo had gotten back together and were very happy together.

"You can count on me your highness," said Ambrose in an official sounding tone. "I'll be there with bells on." Everyone knew Ambrose even as Glitch enjoyed dancing.

"I can't speak for Jeb but I will be there," said Cain in his no nonsense way.

"Raw would be delighted to join the festivites," said Raw.

The Queen smiled a smile which lit up the entire room. "I am glad to hear you all accept the invitation."

There is a knock at the door. After receiving a "Come in," from the queen a party planner enter the Sitting Room.

"Her Majesty I was looking for you and Prince Consort Ahamo," said Margo Demillo. Yes ladies and gentlemen she is Demillo's wife. "We have a few last minute plans to go over."

"I will be with you in a minute, Margo," replied the White Queen. She turned back to the five of you. "Did I leave anything out?"

I raised my hand like I was still in lessons with Tutor and asked, "Mom you never said when this ball was. When is it?"

The Queen frowned perplexedly. "I thought I had told you." She stares at Azkadellia, DG and my confused faces. "I guess I didn't tell you. The ball is going to be held tomorrow evening after a manditory feast." With this the Majestic Queen leaves for her meeting.

"We must go shopping for dresses," said Az excitedly. "A girl must look her best you know."

"Can I see Andromeda for a moment?" Cain requests. "It won't take long I promise."

AZ and DG give each other knowing looks. As if they know what Cain was going to ask me.

"All right," said DG. She turned to me, "We'll wait for you in the Fitting Room knowing mom she already has a dress maker en route."

They leave the room whispering to each other excitedly. The room is in utter silence for a while. Cain looks at me and then begins to pace. I had never seen Cain this nervous before. To lighten the mood I began to pace with him.

"So Cain," I say.

"I wish you would call me Wyatt," he said as he stopped pacing.

"What can I do for you, Wyatt?" I ask also ceasing my pacing. I watch him shift nervously from foot to foot. "Are you all right?"

"Yes!"

"Yes what Wyatt?" I giggle as he continues to shift.

"I'm all right. Yes to that," He sounds as nervous as he looks. "It's been a while since I've done this."

I smile sweetly at him. "Done what Wyatt? Your as nervous as if you were looking at something you dread most in your life. Try to relax. And then go on."

"?" he finally spat out in a rush of words.

"Wyatt!" I laughed. "Say it more slowly the only words I got was Will you and my name."

I had never seen Wyatt Cain blush before but there is a first time for everything. And now was that time. "I said, Andromeda Dorthy Gale, Princess of the OZ, will you go to the ball with me?"

"Why, Mr. Cain, are you trying to make me blush," you pretend to swoon.

"It's all right if the answer is no. I'll understand."

"Wyatt."

"I mean why would someone your age want to go anywhere with someone my age."

"Yes, Wyatt, I'll go to the ball with you."

"You probably want to go with someone your own age. Like Jeb."

"Wyatt!" I shout.

"Yes, Andromeda."

"I said yes, Wyatt. Would you care to accompany me to the feast beforehand, my dear Wyatt?"

"Of course, my beautiful Andromeda, I would love to."

"Then you can pick me up at my room at 6 tomorrow. All right?"

"Yes, my Princess."

"I'll see you later, my big strong Tin Man Protector." With that you kiss Cain's cheek and leave him in a state of shocked silence.

I arrive at the Fitting Room to hear, "I was told there would be three princesses. Where is the third one?"

"I'm right here," I say walking into the room.

"Good. My name is Amber DeMillo," said the girl. Yes. Ladies and Gentlemen she is DeMillo's daughter. "All right girls let's talk color schemes. What colors are we thinking first of all?"

"I was thinking maybe a soft pink shimmery silk," I answer. "I like pinks purples and reds."

"i was thinking a deep velvety blue with white trim," was DG's answer.

"Don't tell me. Black right?" asked Amber.

"Actually," said Azkadellia, "I was thinking a soft baby blue in silk. With a gauzey shawl in the same color."

"Roberta bring in the patterns please," called Amber to her assistant who is also her sister. Yes Roberta is also Demillo's daughter.

Roberta brings in a big black leather bound book and hands it to Amber. "Here you are Ambi. What else can I do for you?" she replies in her childish way.

"Why don't you and Chloe bring in the pink silks, velvet blue, white, baby blue silk, and gauzey fabric in each color."

The next time Roberta came she was accompanied by not only the fabric but also her younger sister Chloe. Yes, she is another of Demillo's daughters.

"If you would Princess' pick out a pattern I'll get started on your dresses," said Amber.

The three of you pick out a pattern. Mine is a sleeveless corset top with elbow length gloves and a shawl. DG's was the same as your except her shawl and gloves where white like the dress trim. Az on the other hand chose a tank top dress with a shawl and gloves.

"Come back around five they should be ready for a try on then," Amber informed you and your sisters. "Then we will see where we go from there. All right?"

The three of us go out to the garden. I love sitting in the garden. It was the most peaceful place in the palace at least that's what I think. We all sit down on a bench near a fountain and a statue of the first slipper and matriarch of the Royal Family. Dorthy Gale. Who DG was named for?

"So what did Cain need after the meeting, 'Dromeda?" asked DG with that knowing look on her face.

"As if we don't know what that man wanted to ask her," said AZ winking at DG.

"If you must know, Wyatt...," you began.

"Wyatt is it?" teased DG. "Since when were you and Cain on a first name basis, 'Dromeda?"

"Can I answer your first question Deege?"

"Sure," she grinned. "Go ahead. Wyatt what?"

"Wyatt Cain asked me to the ball," I squealed in delight. "And theres more. Guess what I did next?"

"What next?" asked AZ.

"I sort of asked him to the feast before the ball," at this declaration I blush a deep crimson. "Was that to forward you guys?"

"What did Cain say?" squealed DG.

"Yeah," squealed AZ. "What did Cain say?"

"He said yes," I said excitedly. "You know in his own way. You didn't answer my question."

"If the answer is yes what does it matter."

"I don't want Wyatt to fell trapped by me."

"When he said yes were you holding a gun to his head?" asked DG.

"No."

"Then like AZsaid what does it matter."

"I care about Wyatt Cain. Have you guys found dates to the ball yet?"

"I asked Glitch. Or was it Ambrose. Well I guess I asked them both didn't I. Yeah."

"I'm not going with anyone. Everyones afraid of me. Remember? I'm the dark twisty one," said AZ dramatically. "I did however visit Adrian Zero. He said to say hello to you Andromeda. He also said if he were free he would have asked you to the ball himself. Can I ask a question? What would you say if he asked you anyway?"

"I don't know," you sigh.

The gowns where ready by nightfall and in each room. The night and day passed quite quickly. And soon you found yourself being laced into your dress and waiting for Wyatt Cain. There is a knock at the door.

"Come in," I call from the bathroom. I was putting on some pink lip gloss. I heard the door open and close. Finished I pick up my bag and walk out of the bathroom.

I found a very handsomely dressed Wyatt Cain waiting for me. He looked great in the new dress uniform for the Tin Men. When I entered the room he looked up from whatever he was doing.

"You look amazing Andromeda," he said. "I guess we should either get going or find the others. Right?"

"DG, Ambrose, AZ, and Jeb said they'd meet us there," I reply. "So, I was thinking we should...I don't know. What do you think we should do Wyatt?"

"I came a little early. I was thinking if your up to it maybe we could take a little detour through the gardens on our way to the feast."

"I would like," I say with a blush as Wyatt Cain leads me out of my room. He offers me an arm. I take the offered arm with a smile. "Wyatt Cain you can be quite the gentleman."

"Only when the right lady is involved," he said blushingly. I had never seen Cain blush this much since the day he asked me to the ball. It was quite endearing.

As we entered the Rose garden I say in a whisper, "Why Wyatt Cain! I do declare you are blushing." I smile at him a little blush of my own showing. "It's quite endearing you know."

"Thanks 'Dromeda." He glanced at his watch. "I think we should get going to the feast."

"Yeah. Deege would never let me live it down if I was late."