Chapter 1 along together with the prologue! Sometimes I do that, because the prologue doesn't tell much, and you don't fully understand it without a chapter. I sometimes lose interest…-shrugs- Please read on!
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Chapter 1- Wishing Dreams
The palace was a grand sight for anyone to view. Its grounds were so large, that no one could see the boundaries from one side, or from the middle. During the day, the castle was easily spotted by even strangers from out of Kyrria. At night, however, it was not so easy. The castle was grey, and it camouflaged well with the dark clouds and the black skies. That night, however, the castle was lit with hundreds of firelight posts, the ballroom was well lighted, and the paths in the gardens were all lit. It was the night of the royal ball, held by Kyrrian Prince Charmont, and all the maidens from Frell, Ayortha and beyond attended, with the hopeful wish that they might be noticed by the handsome future King.
It was conventional for balls in Kyrria to be somewhat like a masquerade. All the guests, male and female, noble or commoner, wore masks, which covered their upper face. Once they entered into the ball, it was their own choice whether they decided to remove it or not. The majority removed their masks instantly once inside the royal grounds, hoping to be noticed and found attractive and to be wooed. The few remaining guests left their masks on, either playing hard-to-get, or hiding a deformity of some kind- old age, a bloodied scar, and so on. Very few indeed, wore their masks in a ball for no reason and only out of the simple fact that they liked it.
Char sighed as he watched and welcomed his guests. He had hoped that Ella would attend, but so far, there had been no sign of her. Maybe I missed her, he thought, and quickly scanned the guests. A good many of them already removed their masks, but Char couldn't seem to see anyone even resembling Ella. She'll be coming soon, she's just running late. Char comforted himself with the thought. The ball wouldn't be half as enjoyable if Ella wasn't there. Char returned to waiting by one of the entrance pillars for her. The whiteness of the stone pillar contrasted deeply against his royal blue suit.
Prince Charmont was indeed a very handsome young man, and, of course, the fact that he would be King once he married didn't hurt for all the young ladies to know. He had a tall and wiry frame- very stable looking, and his looks would make almost any young woman swoon at the sight of him. He had blue-green eyes, which seemed to look very intently at people when he listened to them speak, as well as his relatively long brown hair, with his long fringe, which was swept to a side so that he could see. Char enjoyed growing his hair a bit, as he always had to have it cut and perfected combed and sprayed when a formal event occurred. This time, however, his parents had agreed to let him grow it, the ball being his own event. He had a surprisingly well-toned body, which fitted perfectly into his custom-made suit.
Char caught a young group of maidens dressed in bright colours nearby, watching him and whispering. He took a deep breath. He'd find Ella later. Right now, it was his duty to meet his guests, and formally welcome them. Char hesitated, then made his way towards the group of women. He heard their whispers growing louder, as they realized he was approaching them. A pretty blonde widened her eyes as she saw him, her mouth slightly dropping open.
"Good evening, my welcomed guests," Char said politely, as a way of greeting. He didn't want to seem too casual, but he noticed that many of the women had the word interest written all over them already. A good-looking brunette pushed her way forwards, sticking out a pale arm. She had long and perfectly straight hair, and a figure to die for. She wore a red tieback dress, and Char noticed a heavy silver mask clutched in her other hand.
"Sherrine Marconi, Your Highness. Honoured to meet you." She produced a fleeting smile, to which Char responded courteously.
"A pleasure meeting you, Miss Marconi," he said quickly, before excusing himself politely and striding away to the ballroom. It was time for the ball to begin.
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Far away from Frell, in a stone estate owned and deserted by the Count and Countess Fenwick. Trust someone like Dame Olga to provide such a place for her stepdaughter. It was dusty, and anyone could see that it had been unused for a long time. In a corner of the large hall, huddled two young women. There were a few servants still running the estate, and they were meant to make sure that their "guests," were fed and watered.
"I'm sorry, Ella," the young Ayorthaean whispered to her friend. "I promise we'll find a way to go somehow. Maybe tomorrow, or the night after. The last night is the most special, of course."
Ella smiled through her tears.
"I really want to go," she said quietly. "We'll find a way.
"That's the spirit." Areida thumped her shoulder. Ella started to laugh.
"You're beginning to sound like Mandy now," she said, and hugged Areida tightly.
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There was still a long line of people to meet, and Char was doing anything to keep himself from walking back to his quarters for a quite evening. The next maiden came up. They bowed, and Char said almost mechanically,
"What be your name, Lady?"
The woman had a friendly smile, and seemed rather young, perhaps a few years younger than himself. She was a pretty blonde, with fair skin and wild-green eyes. Eyes like Ella, Char instantly noticed.
"Arielle, " she replied, her eyes flashing mischievously. "Just Arielle. And I'm not a Lady, Your Highness."
She grinned, and Char found himself laughing. He raised an eyebrow.
"You're not a Lady?" he repeated, a look of amusement hidden in his eyes.
Arielle shook her head in agreement.
"Nope," she said airily. "Definitely not. I'm too immature to be one. Even Madame says so."
"Is that so?" Char smiled. The woman before him had cheered him up considerably.
"Would you favour me with a dance…Arielle?"
She shrugged.
"Sure thing," she said carelessly, and moved first onto the dance floor. She turned back, and grinned at Char, who followed her.
After a few dances with Arielle, Char had developed a friendly liking towards the young woman. She was cheering and playful, and didn't seem to seek anything more than friendship. He sighed, and returned back to his line of hopeful waiters. Groups of women came and left, and none had captured Char's attention. Well, he had expected it. He had already fallen I love with Ella, and if there was no Ella, no future Queen, he had decided. He frowned, as the last lady in line approached him. He bowed, and the Lady curtsied. Char surveyed her up and down, his heart racing.
It was Ella, and he knew it.
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Did-you-like did-you-like? Do I get my brownie privileges back?? As you might have noticed, I've used the same fictional characters, which I made up in Loved Forever, so I guess the two stories are kinda linked…
Please review!! And I have a quiz as well, but you can only answer it if you've read Loved Forever, cos it's about someone from it that's in here.
Quiz: Who is Count and Countess Fenwick?
Good Luck, and no multiple choice, unfortunately…please review and tell me what you think this chapter!!
Loved Forever,
-Evalia
