:Chapter 1: Meeting the Princess:

Jesse's POV

Tonight was the night of the masquerade ball at the Simon's palace. Father says it the perfect to go after the emerald jewel that they stole.

"Jesse are you prepared for tonight's mission?"

"Yes father" I really wish there would be an easier way to marry Maria without looking for the emerald. I don't even love Maria. "No boy you must marry Maria. It's your duty as the Prince."

Was what my father said but I never wanted to be a Prince. I wanted to marry someone for love not arranged. In a few minutes the carriage came by and opened the door for me to enter. "Your highness" the man said. Father came up to me and whispered in my ear "Be careful" I nodded to his response and the carriage took off. When it had reached the Simon palace I placed my mask over my eyes and headed towards the palace.

Suze's POV

"Suzie?" My mother called.

"Yes?"

"What are you doing? You need to be down stairs enjoying the ball not staying in your room all night." I really don't want to attend the ball especially knowing Paul Slater was there.

"I wish not to attend the ball."

"Please Susannah to need to find a husband. Oh please just come to the ball even if you don't find a man tonight."

"Ok fine." My mother smiled and left the room. I wore a beautiful white, blue-green dress with a pink rose in the centre. I got dress until there was a knock on the door.

"Come in" I answered. I was expecting my mother but it turned out to be my best friend/servant CeeCee.

"Suze your mother wants you to come down." I nodded in response and check in the mirror one more time. Well here it goes.

Jesse's POV

I stand around to slowly sneak out when everyone was distracted but it was very difficult especially when three women were waiting for me to ask them to dance but I just ignore them. I know it's rude to ignore women but I was here for one reason and one reason only. I stand around and saw Paul Slater with Felix Diego. Truthfully I hate Paul Slater. He has everything and still insists on wanting more. Suddenly the trumpets were blown and everyone was silence waiting for Princess Susannah.

This was a perfect time to slip away without anyone noticing but then the princess came into the view. Then I just stopped in my tracks. She was beautiful with her chestnut brown hair and the emerald eyes behind her mask. I couldn't move I just wanted to stay and keep gazing at her. Then the music was played again once she reached the bottom step. I was going up to her but then Paul Slater went up to her.

"Good evening Princess."

"Good evening Prince Slater"

"May I say you look wonderful tonight? But of course you always do. May I have this dance?" I heard Slater say to her. I did a low growl and hoped she said no.

"Sorry Slater but I do not wish to dance."

"Come on Suze I love you and I know you want to dance with me. So why don't you put this 'I hate Paul Slater' act away?"

"Paul for one I do hate you and you don't love me you only want me because you can't have me." I overheard and she walked away. Honestly I was happy to see her chase Slater away. Other women normally would fall head over heels over Slater. So I decided to forget about the jewel tonight and go to the Princess.

Suze's POV

"Hello." Someone behind said.

"Paul what did I say I do not…"I stop only to realize it wasn't Paul. "Oh I'm gratefully sorry I thought you were someone else."

"It's ok. To be truthful I hate Slater myself." I half smile at that comment.

"Well as you know I'm Princess Susannah Simon. May I get to know your name?"

"My name is Jesse de..." Then he stopped talking.

"Excuse me?" I asked him and stared into his chocolate brown eyes.

"I'm sorry I was just noticing how beautiful your eyes were." I blushed at his comment.

"Thank you" I replied.

"My name is Jesse de Johnson."

"Nice to meet you Jesse" He took my hand and kissed the back of it. As I felt his lips touch my hand it tingled.

Jesse's POV

I couldn't tell her my real name because then she would know and call the guards and never speak to me. "Would you like to dance?" I asked her.

She smiled and said "Of course." I lead her to the dance floor. "I'm sorry I'm not much of a dancer considering I haven't danced at a ball after the big jewel thing." I did a very small tiny smile since it was my family that was after the jewel. I continued to dance with her telling her jokes that made her laugh. When the music stopped I asked her "Would you like a stroll outside in the garden?"