Crashing the ball hadn't been as hard as I'd imagined. I'd spent weeks earning the money for a mildly nice dress, and even more time adding to it. Now, standing at the base of the palace, I can't help the small amount of worry. There was no telling what the punishment would be for coming uninvited, but a larger part of me was too excited to care. I moved with the crush of people towards the doors, body practically thrumming with excitement. When it came time to give a name and title for announcement, I simply whispered that I didn't want the undue attention that would come from it. The man had nodded, and I had slipped off to one side. I stood near the balconies, watching the dancers swirl across the floor with a large smile on my face. It was every bit as grand as I thought it would be.
"You know, most girls want to be out there." The voice caught me off guard, and I turned quickly to see a strange man. He was dressed differently than the other men in the room, his suit a simple black and white with a long coat. He gave me a knowing smile, and it caused my stomach to flip.
"I-I'm not sure I know your meaning, sir." I tried to keep my voice even, but it almost seemed like he saw through me. If he knew who I was, then I was in danger. I nodded to him and turned to go, only being stopped by a gentle hand on my arm. I tensed, but turned to face him again. His smile seemed friendly enough.
"Would you care to dance, miss?" He released my arm and offered a hand instead, and I hesitated. I weighed the options and glanced to the large clock. I had time; I nodded and accepted his hand, and he led us onto the dance floor. The new song started and he easily swept me along. I felt like I was flying, and felt myself relaxing and smiling as we moved. He seemed just as happy as me, his grin lighting up his eyes. Giving him a closer look, I took in the features I had glossed over before. He had brown, somewhat floppy hair, a bright cheerful smile. His eyes, though, were what gave me pause. They were deeper, older than any I had seen before. They were strange yet fitting for the man in front of me, and it made me all the more curious as to who he was. All too soon, the song ended, and he released me. I could feel the flush on my skin, and gave a courteous bow before slipping into the crowd. I could hear him call after me, but I could also hear several ladies of the courts asking after him.
Slipping out to the gardens, I took a deep breath of the cool air, starting down a path through some rose bushes. I looked around, enjoying what was sure to be my only view of such gardens for some time. I wandered deeper in, finding a fountain towards the middle in a small clearing. I sat on the edge, watching the water. My rippling reflection didn't look like the me I knew; eyes too large, too bright, cheeks rosy. It hit me that this was all temporary, and I smoothed my hands over my gown a bit. I studied the material, a deep blue I had managed to work with a swirling silver material that had cost me over a month's wages to afford. I gave a quiet sigh at the idea that I would be packing this dress away forever. Or worse, selling it. A throat cleared behind me, drawing me sharply from my thoughts. I turn slowly, worried I've been caught and this was the ending to my night. Instead, it was the man who had danced with me, standing somewhat awkwardly next to the fountain.
"Oh, I'm sorry, sir. Did you need something?" I asked, keeping my voice polite as I turned a bit to face him. He still wore a smile, but it was smaller, more subdued. He shook his head, and moved to sit next to me on the fountain.
"Well, a name wouldn't be remiss." He seemed to be joking, but I knew the request was genuine. I hesitated before shaking my head this time.
"I'm afraid I cannot give that, sir. You see, I'm nobody important." I frightened myself with the admission, but his smile only grew. In some strange way, I felt I could trust him. He didn't seem like the other men inside, stuffed shirts and large egos. He seemed more grounded.
"Oh? Well, how could anyone remain unimportant at a party such as this? Or in a gown quite so unique?" I felt my skin flush again, and ducked my head in embarrassment. He ducked down to catch my gaze. "If it makes you feel any better, I'm no one important either. I heard about this ball and decided I needed a good night out." I gave a small laugh at the idea.
"You seem so comfortable among them, sir. Are you really telling you're not a lord or a duke?" He shook his head, and the rest of our time was spent discussing as much of our lives as we dared share. He considered himself a traveler of sorts; according to him, he tried to help anyone he could along the way. His adventures sounded so wonderful, I knew I would be dreaming of them for ages to come. All too soon, I heard the distant ring of the church bell. I held back a sigh as I stood.
"Wait, where are you going?" He stood as well, looking a bit worried. I didn't want him to feel bad; I took his hand and gave it a squeeze, before pulling away.
"I apologize, but I have to go. Thank you or the wonderful evening." I turned and started for the exit, and for the second time that night, I was stopped by a hand on my arm. He turned me to face him, his face falling.
"Wait, wait. Can't you stay just a little bit longer? Please?" His questions caused that flip in my stomach again, and it was more than tempting to give in to what he asked. Another toll reminded me that I really needed to go. I shook my head again, and he stepped closer, only inches from me now. My breath caught in my throat as he looked down to me. "Then come with me…" My eyes widened a bit in surprise, and for a moment, I warred with myself on what to say.
"I can't. I'm sorry, but I have to stay here." He deflated a bit, and I hurried to explain. "I have responsibilities here, and a home, and…" I trailed off as his grip on me loosened. "Believe me, I would love to travel with you. It sounds like such a wonderful adventure." A spark of hope brightened his gaze, and I mentally cursed myself. If he continued to push, to ask, I didn't know if I could continue to say no.
"You don't have to give up anything." His grin returned, and I opened my mouth to debate him, but he silenced me. "I can travel in time as well. I can have you back right after we left, as if nothing had changed."
"Oh..that sounds too good to be true, sir." I gave what I hope was a smile that let him down easy, but he simply shook his head.
"It's true! Let me prove it to you." He rubbed his hands together in excitement, nearly bouncing with it. "One trip. One trip, and if I prove to be wrong or not right in your eyes, you don't have to travel with me anymore. Just. One. Trip." Each of the last words brought him a small step closer, until I could feel his breath on my face. My mind blanked at his request.
"I, erm..tomorrow." The word blurted from my lips, kickstarting my mind back into gear. "Give me tonight to think about it, and I'll let you know tomorrow."He nodded excitedly, and I couldn't stop my own grin from appearing. I turned to go.
"Wait, where? How do I find you?" I turned and tossed over my shoulder.
"My name is Stella. Come find me, if you're as good as you say." I hurry off towards home, my thoughts swirling with the idea of an adventure with my mystery man.