Chapter 2

The castle was buzzing with servants preparing for the evenings big event. Fresh baked breads of different spices and flavors were being pulled from the hearth, bottles of vintage wine were being brought in by the cases, flowers and decorations were going up in the grand ball room while the pastries were being placed on a long table in the corner of the room. The musicians were setting up their instruments and tuning them up as the servants worked in frenzy, making it look like a dance in its own right.

Juan made his way down the spiral stair case that led to the kitchen, where he sampled some of the fruit and cheese that were being placed on the platters. He whistled along with one of the tunes that the band was rehearsing and scooped up one of the female servants and twirled her around a bit, a few of the older women giggled and the guys cheered on.

Byron tried to take Juan's lead, but got brushed off just as quickly as he tried to grab hold of one of the younger girls.

Juan laughed and let the girl get back to work. Byron's ego was damaged a bit, but was soon lifted as one of the male servants passed him a glass of ale and patted him on the back. "Better luck next time lad."

Byron scoffed as he downed the ale and left the servants to their task.

Juan and Byron made their way out to the court yard and took a stroll about the grounds. Dusk was growing into night, the stars were slowly beginning to come to life one by one. A soft gentle breeze was blowing hinting to a night time shower that was due to come at any time.

"Tell me Juan, with all the beauties that will be on display tonight, is there one that you might have thought about or even considered as your wife? Or will you simply just pick and choose? I don't know if I could hold up under such pressure. What ever happened to the good ole days where one could just find someone, court them then get married?"

Juan chuckled a little as he grasped his friends shoulder.

"To tell you the truth, there is one that I would consider as my wife. Are you familiar with Regiene DaeRegion?"

Byron's jaw had dropped, had he heard right? Had his friend lost complete control of his senses?

"My friend, have you gone mad? Do you know what kind of woman she is? Do not mistake me, she is incredibly beautiful, but she has a mind of her own. She does not take instructions from any man! She is to strong willed, you would never be able to humble her."

Juan tilted his head a bit, a huge grin spreading across his strong square jaw. "That is what attracts me the most! Can you imagine how nice it would be to have someone that isn't under your control? Some one that will put up an argument now and again? Yes, she is wild in spirit and that is something I would never want to take away."

Byron patted his friend on his back and shook his head, "Then I shall go and fetch the doctor immediately so they can size you up for your padded room. And if all goes well, then I shall come and visit you from time to time to tell you that I have warned you against this."

Juan promptly punched his friend in the arm and the two started laughing. "Well if it comes to a padded room then I shall make the request that you be put in there with me, then I could have some one to torment while I am locked away."

The two men continued to banter back and forth at one another as they made their way inside to greet the already arriving guests.

The wind began to pick up its pace, the smell of the impending rain was growing stronger as the clouds began to gather in the night sky. The stars with their twinkling lights slowly faded behind the clouds, but the night sky held on to a strange light that seemed to hover just above the tree line, slowly making its way toward the castle.

Regiene's carriage was the last to arrive at the castle, the footmen made haste to the carriage to help the people out and usher them inside.

Regiene was the first to exit the carriage, the wing of her costume had gotten caught on the carriage door as she made her exit causing her to fall onto one of the footmen. The blood began to rush into her cheeks as her blush spread across her sparkle painted face.

"I am deeply sorry sir, I must have tripped."

The footman made excuse after excuse saying that it was his fault and for her not to fret over something so trivial.

"You are to kind sir, thank you." Regiene's mother was the next to come out. it took both footmen to help her out for they did not want her to have a mishap and fall, especially in her delicate condition.

Before they could offer a hand to the king, he had made his way out with a bounce in his step. Regiene couldn't help but giggle at her father, the way he acted was like he was a young strapping lad, ready to take on the world.

The music that was playing inside could be heard outside and the king scooped his wife in his arms and twirled her about then snuggled close in to her neck and gently placed a kiss in the crook of her neck.

"Behave yourself my king, after all this is how we got into this situation." She began to rub her swollen belly and everyone began to laugh, including the hired help.

"Forgive me wife, but how can one hold back when he has two of the world's most beautiful gems at his side and a song in his heart?"

Regiene began to blush again, her father always made her blush when he praised her so highly, but it made her feel good that she was so loved and cherished.

They made their way into the palace and through the great hall, taking note of the exquisite art and tapestries that hung from the walls. They made their way to the grand ball room where they were announced and soon the preliminary introductions began.

The room was buzzing with talk and laughter as the music played and people danced. Regiene was polite and courteous with all her conversations. She had followed her parent's instructions to perfection, But she longed to be out and away from the crowd, and she was hoping to escape before the prince had a chance to speak with her and take notice.

But alas no. for as soon as she was announced he had indeed taken notice. He had noticed the way all the guys had rushed over to her side trying to introduce themselves, he also noticed how her eyes glistened in the candle light. the sparkle makeup made her look more like an angel, and the wings made her look even more heavenly.

Juan had not taken his eyes off of her since she entered the room. Byron had to jab him in his side to take his attention away and with a cross look upon his face he glared at Byron.

"What the hell was that for?"

Byron cleared his throat a bit as he glanced to the woman that had been sharing a conversation with the prince until Regiene stepped into the room. A small blush rose up in Juan's cheeks as he apologized to his guest. The woman excused herself and took her leave.

"Way to go my love struck friend, I would have to say that you will defiantly not be invited to her castle any time soon."

Juan shook his head and when he looked up he caught a glimpse of a sparkled wing escaping out the side door leading to the garden. Juan had tried to follow her but was stopped by many of the guests wanting a moment of his time.

Regiene was finally glad to be out and away from the large crowd of guests. She preferred to be by herself, it helped her clear her head and if she was lucky then she escaped unnoticed.

Regiene took a walk about the garden and enjoyed her moment of freedom.

She found a nice bench that wrapped around a magnolia tree and took a seat. She watched the clouds race across the sky as the wind played in the branches of the trees, making them sway as if two people were dancing.

So caught up in her mind that she had not heard the approaching prince until he sat down beside her giving her a frightful start.

"One so beautiful should not be out without a gentle man on her arm."

Regiene screamed and almost slapped the man.

"Excuse me, do I know you sir? Has my father sent you out here to spy on me and make me come back inside to bear yet more small talk? Well I tell you now, I shall not go back in, I will bide my time out here until I see fit to return!"

Juan was a little taken aback. Did she not know with whom she spoke to? Of course she didn't, they were not formally introduced yet. With that thought in his mind he began to laugh, for what his friend Byron had told him was was truly a wild spirit and he had only gotten a small sample.

Regiene was aghast that this man was sitting here laughing at her, did he not have any respect for who she was? Evidently not, she was in her right mind to slap him across his face for such insolence, but her manners forbid her to do so.

"I am truly sorry my lady, please allow me to introduce myself. My name is Juan De Leon."

Regiene went weak all over, her head reeling as she realized how harsh she had been with the one person that could have her thrown in a dungeon for her disrespect.

Regiene's head spun faster and she fell slightly against Juan's shoulder.

Juan quickly wrapped his arms around her to help steady her. Regiene's skin felt like silk, the sweet smell of her perfume filled his senses. He slowly traced his hands down her arms and at once noticed that her skin was very cool. He immediately removed his jacket and wrapped it around her for warmth.

A little concerned that she might faint, he excused himself to fetch a glass of punch.

Regiene took in the smell of his jacket and was thankful that he was this kind to her, especially with the way she just spoke with him. (How could you be this stupid, your tongue will surely get you into trouble) was what she muttered to herself as she slowly came to her senses.

Juan had quickly returned with punch and some cheese for her to nourish herself with.

"Please forgive me my lord. I…..I thought that you were one of my fathers people. I meant no disrespect."

"None taken my lady, it was I that should apologize for giving you such a fright. Truth be told, I wasn't sure just how to approach you to start up a conversation."

Regiene began to giggle nervously as she took a sip of punch. As soon as she had finished the refreshments that Juan had brought they began to talk.

Juan's father had spied his son with Regiene and smiled, he had hoped that the two would meet and he thought it best not to disturb them.

Unbeknown-st to the many on lookers, Juan's father was not the only one watching the two budding lovers.

The night wore on and Juan and Regiene talked on. They made their way around the garden several times over. They spoke of all the things that they would like to change if they ruled their kingdoms, down to what they would do in their spare time.

Soon the impending rain that had been threatening began to let loose some of the drops that wouldn't hold back any longer.

Regiene spread out her arms and twirled around as the rain began to fall. Juan could hold back no longer and took Regiene in his arms and gently kissed her lips.

Regiene froze, but as the kiss continued she fell into his embrace and welcomed the advance.

Juan slowly pulled away and immediately begged Regiene for her forgiveness.

Regiene looked up at Juan and began to laugh, Juan suddenly became embarrassed. Was she mocking him?

"I'm sorry, but it seems as though some of my makeup has gotten all over you. I think it best that we get back to the party before our parents send out a search party. And it wouldn't hurt if you went in and washed up a bit."

Juan was glad that she made light of the situation instead of knocking him off his feet.

"Your wish is my command." Juan took her hand and gently placed a kiss upon it and they made their way back to the party.

The guests finally made their way to their carriages as the nights festivities came to a close and thanked their hosts for a wonderful evening.

Regiene had left the party a bit early due to her mother feeling a bit uncomfortable with her condition.

Juan stood by the garden and watched all the people leave. Byron came up to his friend and goosed his arm.

"And where did you run off to for so long? Did some young filly lure you away?"

Juan chuckled at his friend's choice of words. "More like a filly with wings."

Byron could barley believe what he was hearing! Had his friend tamed this wild woman from the neighboring kingdom?

"Oh man, are you saying what I think your saying? Did you actually tame that wild lass? You must tell me everything!"

Juan began to tell him everything that had taken place between him and Regiene, including the kiss that was shared between them.

Byron was awe struck. Not only did his friend carry on a lengthy conversation with her, but he actually got to kiss her!

"Well I guess that would explain the glitter all over your face. And here I thought you had caught one of those wood fairies and kissed her backside."

Juan shook his head, but he was still caught up in the sensation of his first encounter with Regiene that he paid no mind to his friend that stood there mocking him.