Disclaimer: I don't own any of the characters from the movie.

Author's Note: Here is a little Valentine's Day story written in reply to a suggestion made by Barbiegirl2435. I'll admit that it's kind of cliché and maybe even a little cheesy, but if you like fluff stories, here's one for you! Also, to put all credit where credit is due, I got the title for this story from one of my favorite oldies songs by The Fourmost (If you've never heard the song, I most certainly recommend it). Happy reading!


Part I
Science and Sonnets

The sun was shining bright as Anneliese gathered her science books together. It was a symbol that her studies had now been completed and the rest of the day was hers; oh, how happy she was that this was the case.

It was February 14th, a day not taken lightly by the subjects in her kingdom. The day meant gifts of flowers and candy, kisses and hugs, all shared between family, friends, and sweethearts, as cool winds blew and the sun danced across a clear blue sky. The princess was no exception. She already had in mind to write out a series of valentines and send them to her very own sweetheart, Julian.

"Well, I suppose that ends our studies for the day. Any questions?" The tall blonde man turned to her as she rose from her desk.

"No. I think that does it." She smiled at him warmly, a token he instantly returned, only to be rudely interrupted.

"Princess! There you are!" With all the insolence of every grand entrance, Preminger, the royal adviser, strutted into the room. His black poodle followed closely behind, prancing happily at his heels.

"Oh, hello, Preminger." Anneliese nodded to him, frowning slightly as she saw Julian take this as his cue to leave. "May I help you?"

"Indeed you can." Preminger grinned as a manservant also entered the room, a large red dress draped over his right arm. "Your mother sent this dress up for you. You are to wear it to the masquerade ball tonight."

"Ball?"

"Why yes! The annual Valentine's Day ball! Have you forgotten?"

Indeed she had. The princess lowered her eyes, turning to Julian, whom she saw by the desk straightening her books.

"Never mind." Preminger motioned the manservant forward and he gently laid the gown on her bed. "The dance starts at eight sharp. Tabitha will be sent up soon to help you with your preparations."

Anneliese nodded. "Thank you, Preminger." Her smile was stiff as she watched him exit the room. The manservant closed the doors behind them.

By this time, Julian had also gathered his things and headed for the door.

"Julian," She stopped him, holding up her hand.

"Yes, Princess?"

She swiftly looked away from him and to the books he held in his arms. "Please," She paused. "You may leave that book here. I'd like to study it some more, if I may."

He smiled warmly and passed her the requested book. "Of course, your highness." He bowed and then passed the item off to her.

They paused for a moment, each with a hand on the book. Their eyes locked briefly and butterflies danced in her stomach. Oh how handsome he is! How much I wish I knew if he felt the same. I love you Julian. Nothing can or will ever change that. She searched for a similar declaration in his own eyes.

Julian broke the moment as he cleared his throat and turned away. "Enjoy the rest of your day, Princess."

"Thank you." Anneliese watched him leave feeling empty and sad. Like every lesson, this one had gone by too soon. Sighing, she returned to her desk, setting down the book with a bang. Her disappointment of the afternoon was now heavy upon her. She had seen into his eyes, and nothing had been there. She began to wonder how long she'd have to wait for true love.

"Meow!" A white cat leapt up onto the desktop and landed with a thump.

"Oh, Serafina! Get off of there!" The princess waved the feline away, causing both the cat and one of her textbooks to tumble to the floor. She gasped as she saw something flutter out. Quickly, she went to her knees picking the small pink envelope from off the floor. She was surprised to find her name written on the side. "Did this fall from my book?" She looked up at the desk and then back to the envelope, flipping it over. Where had it come from? She had never seen such an odd-colored envelope before. Who could have slipped it into the textbook?

Sensing no fear, Anneliese went on to open the packet, pulling from it a single page of pink paper. On it, written in delicate scroll was a poem:

With each new dawn,
A yellow sunrise,
I see the sweet girl,
With beautiful eyes.

Her long blonde hair,
Like shining spun gold,
I
t is her I long,
To have and to hold.

Anneliese read the words again and again, charmed by the content and the mysteriousness of it all. The letter was left unsigned. She wondered what it could mean. Did she have a secret admirer? She figured it wouldn't be impossible, but who? With all the guards about the castle, it would have to be an inside job. One of the kitchen boys? Preminger? Julian?

The last option warmed her. Oh how she hoped it was he! He was learned enough to be a fine writer. He seemed a logical choice. Yet then, she remembered his empty eyes and her feelings of hope decreased. No, it couldn't be from Julian, for he did not love her in return.