Chapter 1

"This is inhumane torture.", Dg said as she stood on the stool, while the seamstress to put the finishing touches on her ball gown. Azkedellia stood watching her sister. "It's not really that bad Dg. Just be thankful that you don't have to wear a corset. So stop complaining.", Az replied. "No. I can't stand wearing dresses. And heels tend to make it worse. It makes me feel too girly.", Dg said. The seamstress stood up from her work. "Princess, step down from the stool and twirl slowly for me please.", the seamstress asked, and Dg did as she was asked. After the seamstress was satisfied, she put her hands on her hips and said, "My work is done here.". She quickly gathered up her tools and left the room.

"Dg it looks amazing.", Az said clapping. Dg looked down. She had to admit, it was beautiful, but she still didn't feel like herself. Then she remembered that it was time for her ball lessons with Tutor. "Az, help me out of this thing.", Dg said trying to reach behind her back and undo the buttons. Az just laughed. "What are you laughing at?", Dg asked. "I'm laughing at you little sister.", Az replied honestly. "Well I might as well get used to it. People are gonna be laughing at me tomorrow night.", Dg replied. "What do you mean?", Az asked curiously as she undid the last button on the dress. "People are gonna laugh when I trip trying to walk down those stairs. I'm gonna trip and fall flat on my face.", Dg replied as she stepped behind the changing screen.

"Oh Deej. They are not gonna laugh at you, cause your not gonna fall. Believe me, you are not gonna fall.", Az replied. Dg looked at Az. "How do you know that?", Dg asked. "I just know.", Az replied. Dg could tell that Az knew more than she was telling. There was something that Az knew, that she didn't.

Dg stepped out from behind the screen. She now wore a blue blouse, with velvety feeling pants, and boots that came up to her knees. Ever since they had moved back to Finaqua, this was her usually attire. Her mother and Az had tried to talk her into wearing dresses, but Dg refused to wear any except for special occasions. So her mother had the seamstresses make her some pants. "Well come on. Tutor is probably waiting for me.", Dg said walking to the door. When she stepped out the door, her eyes met a pair of icy blue eyes. Those eyes belonged to a certain Tin Man, whom Dg and Glitch had rescued just 2 months ago. "Hey Cain.", Dg said. "Hey princess. You ready? Tutor is waiting for you.", Cain replied. Dg nodded as Az walked out behind her. "Well, I'll see you later Az.", Dg said as she started down the hallway. "Alright.", Az replied watching her sister walk down the hall with Cain, then sneaking off to the ballroom.

It had been like this ever since they returned to Finaqua. Dg would have lessons and Cain would escort her there. Actually, he escorted her everywhere. He was almost like her shadow. But she didn't mind. Dg watched Cain in the corner of her eye, his eyes were hard and cold blue, with the hint of gentleness she loved about him. He tried to hide it, but Dg knew it was there. Suddenly, his eyes caught hers briefly, her eyes darted back to the front of her, blushing from embarrassment. What she didn't see however was that Cain blushed too.

They met up with Tutor in the dining room. He sat at the long table, which was set with silver plates, spoons, forks, knives, and wine glasses at each plate. "Dg. It's good to see you today.", Tutor said standing from his chair and greeting her. "You too Mr. Cain.", Tutor added. Cain tipped his hat. "Hey, Tutor. So what are we going over today?", Dg asked. "Ball and dining manners.", Tutor replied. "Oooh sounds fun.", Dg replied rolling her eyes. "Well let's get started.", Tutor said as he pulled out a chair for Dg, and with that, the lesson began.

Tutor got frustrated quick. Dg's tomboyish habits were less than to be desired. She wasn't the least bit lady-like. She would burp, laugh, then say excuse me. Cain coughed to cover up his laughter at Dg. He couldn't help it. Tutor showed Dg how to call for a toast. He lightly tapped his glass. The tiny cling rang throughout the dining hall. He then motioned to Dg to try it. She picked up her fork and tapped her glass. Except, she tapped the glass a little too hard. The glass shattered when the fork hit it. Dg dropped the fork shocked. Cain dropped his head to where his hat was covering his face and just laughed. Tutor gave up. "Ok let's move on.", Tutor said getting to his feet. He grabbed Dg by her elbow and took her to the ballroom. Cain followed in suit.

"What not?", Dg asked. "You'll see.", Tutor replied. He grabbed hold of Dg's arm and grabbed Cain by his arm and dragged both of them to the top of the stairs. Unbeknownst to Cain and Dg, Glitch and Az were watching from a hiding place, waiting for the festivities to start.

Tutor put Dg's arm through Cain's arm and then walked back to the bottom of the stairs. "What's going on?", Dg asked when Tutor turned around and looked at them. "You are practicing being lead down the stairs by an escort. As your escort will do tomorrow night.", Tutor said. "WHAT! I have to have an escort?", Dg replied stunned. Tutor nodded, "And he has already been chosen for you.", Tutor added. "Well who is it?", Dg asked. Then Cain cleared his throat. Dg looked up at him. "It's you?", Dg asked. "Is there a problem?", Cain asked as he looked at her. Dg smiled, "No. I would rather it be you than anyone else.". When she said that, something inside Cain, felt like butterflies. Why? He had no idea, but it felt good.

Glitch and Az couldn't help but laugh at Dg's reaction to an escort, but they had expected what she would say when she found out that it was Cain. They high-fived each other. The matchmakers had struck again.

"Ok now, you two, slowly descend the stairs.", Tutor instructed. Cain and Dg slowly walked down the stairs. Oh this was easy, Dg thought. But then her mind darted back to the fact that now she was wearing flat bottomed boots, and tomorrow night, she would be wearing heels. Oh that would be fun. Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, Tutor met them there. "Now it is time for you to learn the next step. The waltz.", Tutor explained.

Both Dg and Cain cringed when they heard the word "waltz". "Glitch. Azkedellia. Come out here please.", Tutor said. Dg looked over to see her sister and Glitch coming towards them. "You were there watching the whole time weren't you.", Dg told Az telepathically. "Maybe.", Az replied with a sly grin. "Now. Dg Glitch will teach you, and Mr. Cain, Az will teach you.", Tutor explained. Then the dancing began.

At first all anyone could hear out of Glitch was, "1…2…3…Oww…1…2…3…Oww.". But Dg got better and no one heard anything else. Dg looked over at Cain, who didn't seem like he was having any problems.

Finally the lesson was over and everyone returned to what they had been doing previously. "Wasn't that fun?", Dg said as Cain walked her back to her room. "If you say so Princess.", Cain replied. Finally they came to Dg's door. It was getting late so it was pretty much time for bed. "Well I guess I'll see you tomorrow.", Dg said turning to face Cain. "Yep. I'll come get you when breakfast rolls around. Then you have to have your last lesson before the ball.", he told her.

"Ok.", Dg replied. "Goodnight Princess.", Cain said tipping his hat. "Goodnight Cain.", Dg replied with a gentle smile. She went in her room and closed the door. Cain smiled back as he walked away.