There was nothing like a starry night on the planet Mercury. The brilliant and encroaching sun in the sky gave way to a cool and serene night speckled with millions of stars and planets. "A few more important than the others," Princess Mercury thought to herself. Venus, Earth, and Mars she could easily make out among the other glowing balls of mass. The others were very faint and at times, indecipherable. Tonight, however, she could make out each and every one of them. All were in line with each other, which only happened once every one hundred years.

In celebration of this rare occurrence, a glorious ball was planned. People from all over Mercury came to the capital to celebrate this planets peaceful and prosperous existence. Elaborate feasts were prepared, as well as music, dancing, and entertainment. Happiness was in an abundant supply because Mercurians loved nothing more than to get together and celebrate among companions. A ball was to be held in the royal palace for the royal friends, family, and trusted ones. Happy chatter echoed throughout the palace and city. Yet, despite the occasion, Princess Mercury found it hard to rejoice on this day. Gazing at the stars reminded her of her absent friends. All had been invited, but all had declined claiming to be "busy with important things". She had faith in her friends and believed them, but her trust did not make up for the sadness that swelled in her heart. She had not seen them in so long…She signed. It was useless to continue resonating on their absences. She promised herself that she would plan a rendezvous as soon as she could. She blew a kiss to the cluster of planets and turned her attention to the city.

Lights twinkled throughout the city like diamonds. Different strings of music reached her, all coming from various parties. Laughter was prevalent and floated up to her high place on the balcony. She smiled down on the capital city which would someday be hers…this thought sent a chill through her. She knew she would become queen one day, but she was not sure if she would be ready for it. Her mother was a graceful, kind, fair and diplomatic queen and it will be hard to fulfill her standards. The entire kingdom will be left to her discretion. That kind of power scared her, and she knew she had to master it eventually. But not yet; she had three years until she became twenty, the age of coronation. She had enough time to get her priorities straight. Besides, she won't be doing it alone…

She then turned her thoughts to Tristan: her love, her soul mate. He completes her in every way that one can be completed. Their relationship started as a young, playful flirtation with hours lying together in the palace gardens, gazing at the stars. She could talk about anything to him and simply be herself. Being a princess was all about keeping up appearance; but with him, she could be the girl that she was born to be. He listened to her as she spoke of books, science, and philosophy. He never grew tired of her endless love for poetry. He even wrote some for her, to convey how much he cared for her.

As both souls matured, their relationship grew more serious. Love crept up on them and they knew that they wanted to be together forever.

She smiled, looking down at the dazzling diamond ring on her left finger. Tonight was the night that they would announce their engagement. No one knows, not even the queen. Her insides squirmed at this thought. How was she going to react? She knew that her Mother liked Tristan, but was not sure if she would find him a suitable husband for her. Anxiousness overtook her thoughts as she contemplated the possibilities.

Lost in her thoughts, she did not notice someone creep up as they put their hands in front of her eyes.

"Guess who"

The hands were big, soft, and warm. She knew these hands.

"Tristan my love!" she exclaimed.

She turned around and greeted his soft, strong lips. He had lips of an angel. She could never tire of them. Slowly she pulled away to admire the face that she loved so dearly.

His long blonde hair hung down to his shoulders with beauty and elegance. The light from the stars picked up the silver high-lights in his hair and cast an illuminating light on his white tuxedo and cape. Sheathed At his waist was the traditional Mercurean sword.

All the worry in her heart was gone because with him here, everything in the world seemed right. She looked into his deep blue eyes and wondered how she ever got so lucky to have a kind, gentle, handsome man such as him him as a fiancée.

"Mercury, dear, you look beautiful," murmured Tristan.

"I can say the same for you my white prince," answered Mercury.

But Mercury looked more than beautiful. Her long, wavy blue hair was curled and pinned to one side, lying over one shoulder. She wore her mother's diamond tiara on top of her head to symbolize her princess rank. Her ball-gown was white and strapless that flowed down to the floor with an elegant train and had a corset bodice laced with streaks of dazzling gold.

Tristan admired his stunning fiancée and his soon-to-be-wife. There wasn't any other girl for him. But, even amidst all the beauty and happiness, Tristan could sense worry in Mercury's eyes.

"Darling, what worries you?" asked Tristan

Mercury sighed. He could read her like a book. "I am just a little anxious about how mother will react. I'm afraid she will not give us her blessing."

Tristan smiled. It was so characteristic of her to be concerned about her mother. But she did have a point…

"Mercury, we decided on tonight. I thought that was what you wanted. But if you like, we can postpone the engagement. You know I'd do anything for you."

She felt her heart swell. "And I you. No I don't want to postpone it. If I had my way I would marry you right this second! I just love my mother so much; it would be terrible to do anything against her wishes."

He chuckled at her rashness." You have nothing to worry about. I'm sure it will be fine. Trust me."

Such soft features and beautiful blue eyes; she had always trusted those eyes.

"You're right. It'll be fine; glorious even."

"That's my girl. Now what do you say we go enjoy this ball?"

She smiled. "Splendid idea, my handsome prince."

With that, she wound her arm in his and they made their way off the balcony and towards the inner rooms of the palace.