Falling In Love With Love
Christopher wiped his damp forehead with a towel as he entered the grand foyer after a brisk game of badminton on the palace lawn. He gratefully accepted the cool drink a servant offered him quickly finishing it in one long gulp
"Thank you." he placed the glass on the tray as he noticed fresh beautiful bouquets of flowers, candelabras, and decorative ribbon trim beautifully coordinated throughout the room. Several servants were in every corner of the palace carrying silver trays of food, desserts, and other fancy delectables. He quickly put two and two together.
"Peter!" he stopped a servant in his tracks gesturing to the several scrolls piled in his arms "What are you carrying?"
The man simply handed him one of the scrolls "Your proclamation, Your Highness."
"I haven't made any..." he quickly read the words that were ornately written on the fabric.
His Royal Highness, Prince Christopher Rupert Windomere Vladimir Carl Alexander Francois Reginald Lancelot Herman Gregory James, Prince of Baltia, Earl of Westernesse, Duke of Estes, Baron of Terre, Lord of the Atlas and Great Steward of Richlands
has cordially invited you to the annual Queen's Ball.
All eligible young women in the kingdom are summoned to attend in hopes of becoming his bride...
The prince instantly took off down the marble staircase to find his mother. He spotted her having a conversation with a maidservant discussing table arrangements. Unable to control his emotions, he almost charged into her.
"Mother!" he shouted
The Queen darted in the opposite direction pretending to not hear him.
"Listen to me, you have to call off this ball immediately!"
"Now why would I do that?" she asked whimsically while observing the garland decor on the walls "The invitations were sent out last night. Besides, what would we tell everyone?"
"You'll tell everyone that you went behind my back and you're very ashamed of yourself!"
"Ashamed?"
"Yes! I do not understand why you would go against my wishes. Am I not your son?"
Lionel was up on the ladder decorating and eavesdropping on the entire conversation. He had to help his pal out.
"I should probably not interfere..."
"Probably!"
He had to think of a plan fast on his feet "Let's say the prince goes to the ball tonight..."
"Traitor!" Christopher yelled in frustration
"If he should find a bride tonight, that's wonderful...but if he does not..." he trailed off hoping he would catch on
The young man smiled understanding what he was insinuating "Lionel, you're brilliant!"
"Mother I'll attend the ball, but if I do not find her tonight you'll let me fall in love my own way..." he negotiated
"But!"
"With no interruptions..."
"But..."
"No matter how long it takes."
"It has the ring of fairness to it." the King agreed "He has always followed your way, my dear. It is time you've followed his."
"I suppose if that's what you want." she sighed in defeat not understanding.
The prince eagerly hugged both his parents before running off filled with relief.
"Don't worry Your Majesties, the prince will find his bride tonight, I can feel it in my bones!"
The Queen side eyed Lionel "You'll feel it in your bones if he doesn't." she seriously replied.
Cinderella sighed in repose as she stared at her reflection in the shiny clean floors after scrubbing all afternoon. She looked at her overworked hands in disgust as they were now peeling and dry from endless chores.
Nevertheless, she was just happy that she'd finished her work for today and it was now time to rest for bit. She was most looking forward to finishing her book while sipping on a cup of tea.
"The Prince is giving a ball!" shouted Francine with glee practically bursting through the front door with the prized scroll in hand. "A ball! Daughters, come down at once!"
Minerva and Calliope slowly descended down the stairs in confusion "What is it mother?"
"The Prince is giving a ball!" she repeated walking her dirty shoes over her step daughter's hard work "They say he wants to find a bride, he may find one at the ball!"
Cinderella couldn't do anything but just sit there on the floor as she stared at the footprints in frustration. She couldn't understand the big fuss.
Calliope was ecstatic to hear such good news "If only he'd proposed to me!"
"No, he will propose to me!" claimed Minerva
Francine rolled her eyes "Just leave the hair and clothes to me. We must get you girls ready...and soon! It is tonight after all."
"Tonight?" said Minerva
"Yes, so don't just stand there! Prepare yourselves! Cinderella, fetch hot water to draw our baths and gather sewing needle and thread. We have a throne to claim!"
Christopher was laid out on the deep crimson chaise lounge in his bedchamber, seemingly resting, eyes closed. On the outside his seemed peaceful and at ease, but on the inside his mind was filled to the brim with every emotion imaginable.
Anxiety, confusion, and worry plagued him. This would be the last ball he would ever have to face, no matter what the result was, he was free from the painful humiliation of attending another pity gala.
However, what if his Mother was right? What if falling in love his way never worked? What if he never found his one true love? What if, what if, what if? Fear quickly took over as he sat up and pondered
"What if I never find true love?"
He exhaled as he fell back on the pillows of the plush chair thinking of the maiden from the village he met days ago. A classic beauty she was. So mysterious and wise. He could not stop thinking about what she said to him about how women preferred to be treated amongst men.
"Like a person, with kindness and respect."
That simply amazed him. For once in his privileged life he was intrigued with a woman that he genuinely liked, it was unlike him to feel this way about someone. He was very much enamored with everything about her, but what was her name?
He had courted a few young ladies in the past, with the insistence of his mother, but the relationships failed miserably. Most maidens had mostly cared about his title and wealth giving little thought to the actual person. No one had given him that spark until that fateful moment in the village. The prince desperately hoped that he could experience that feeling once more.
Knock. Knock.
Christopher hated that sound. "You may enter."
"Your Highness, it is time to prepare you for the ball." said Lionel "Five hours hence everyone gathers in your honor."
"Right." he sighed "A complete waste of time, I know I won't find her tonight."
The valet understood his strife. "You never know, things happen when you least expect it." he said sincerely "If not tonight, I know you will very soon."
Christopher accepted his hopeful words, but his stomach dropped when his team of tailors and maidservants entered his quarters to drape him in the finest clothing.
"Here we go..."
A few hours went by before the prince was groomed from head to toe in a well fitting white frock coat trimmed with gold inlay, teal colored crushed velvet britches, and family jewels. The Crown Jeweler offered his crown to wear, but the prince declined on the grounds of it being much too heavy to balance while dancing.
He held a stern expression as he checked his appearance in the full length mirror before a servant handed him white gloves to complete the look.
"Excellent choice Your Highness." complemented Lionel "The guards will arrive soon to escort you to the ballroom."
Christopher nodded his head as he walked over to his balcony viewing the many coaches rolling through the front gates. He couldn't believe he was going to do this once again.
"God save the Queen..." he whispered fiercely
"Cinderella my petticoat! Cinderella my stockings!"
The young woman rushed around the parlor room trying to tend to all three women as quickly as she could. It had taken hours to prepare them for the ball and they weren't even close to perfecting their appearances.
"Minerva stand still!" Francine shouted tightening her corset forcing air out her lungs "Beauty knows no pain!"
"Mother you're hurting me!"
"Cry now or cry later when the prince doesn't prefer you because you refused to properly wear your undergarments! You must do what is necessary to play the game, and win the prize!"
Cinderella couldn't help but feel a little bad for Minerva, she didn't deserve that at all. She frowned when she referred to the prince as a prize, for he was a person not an object to win.
"Cinderella, do you not wish to attend the ball?" asked Calliope
The young woman hadn't thought at all about attending the ball until time grew closer for them to leave. She dreamily sighed at their fabulous dresses, although she was happy they were leaving her alone for the night, she couldn't help but wonder what it was like to visit the royal palace and attend such an elegant event.
"Do not even bother answering that mindless question." Francine alleged "Under no circumstance are you to attend the ball tonight."
"But all eligible young women in the kingdom are invoked to attend..."
Francine narrowed her eyes in her direction in disbelief that she would even dare to mention the gala. "Well, I suppose you think that the prince is going to take one glance at you and fall madly in love."
Cinderella felt uneasy at the comment, she hadn't at all felt that way about herself in the prince's presence. "Not at all I-
"Trust me, Cinderella. Know your place and be satisfied with what you have. You'll be much happier."
"If, my father were alive..." she blurted out wishing her father were there to defend and protect her
"Well, he's not. Is he?" she stung "Don't cling to the past, Cinderella. It's not very attractive."
Both Minerva and Calliope sat with perplexed faces, knowing their mother had gone too far.
"You really should get your head out of the clouds and focus more on your work. Now, make use of yourself and fetch me the hand mirror from the mantle, will you?"
Cinderella meagerly handed her the mirror as she watched the woman stare fondly at herself "And above all, a good bride always hides her flaws..."
"Until after the wedding!" chimed the sisters
"Shouldn't a man love you for who you really are in-spite of everything?"
Francine smirked at that response, deciding to turn her attention towards her step daughter yet again. "How quaint. Tell me Cinderella, what would you say to capture the prince?"
"I don't know." she had never even met the prince let alone spoken with him.
"Of course you don't!"
"But whatever I'd say, we would know in an instant that we were meant for each other. Then he'd smile and kiss my hand."
"That sounds so romantic." said Calliope
"Say it again Cinderella." begged Minerva
"This isn't above love! It's about marriage! Have I taught you girls nothing?" shouted a flustered Francine "I cannot believe I raised you girls to think this way!"
Cinderella frowned at that statement. It was always about love to her. Why marry if love is not involved? She wondered if Francine ever loved her father at all.
"Do you think that the prince will actually love his bride? Of course not! He needs to marry in order to secure his place in the kingdom...and I need one of my girls to secure his fortune. It is the only way."
Minerva and Calliope both appeared nervous at their mother's words. Cinderella could tell that they didn't agree. She actually felt sorry for them.
"Haven't you ever loved before?" asked Cinderella
"Nonsense is what that emotion is! Your father would sit and write about love until the day ran out and his fingers were weak and brittle. Remove the veil from your eyes Cinderella and step out of your little make believe world because it will never happen for you! Who needs love when you have riches?" she snapped "Let me tell you girls something..."
"I fell in love with love one night when the moon was full
I was unwise with eyes unable to see
I fell in love with love, with love everlasting...
But love fell out with me!"
"And it will fall out with you too, Cinderella. If you're ever lucky enough to find love that is...I mean look at you! It's preposterous!" she cackled aloud "Enough talking, finish up! We must be the first to arrive!"
Cinderella ignored the woman as she continued to brush Calliope's curly auburn locks of hair until it was perfectly smooth.
At the hem of his chambers, he took a moment to compose himself. He couldn't very well go skipping out onto the corridors. He needed to be somewhat dignified. Taking a few breaths, he straightened himself and turned the corner that would lead him into the grand ballroom with two guards at his side. Lionel wasn't too far behind them as they finally reached the entrance.
The valet clapped his hands for the doors to open to the ballroom unveiling hundreds of young women standing on the marble steps draped in their finest attire awaiting their chance with him.
Their gowns pooled together into a kaleidoscope scope of colors and fabrics of all textures, extravagant feather fans whispering about their faces, as they excitedly and anxiously waited on bated breath for the guest of honor, the crown prince. His thoughts instantly went to the instances of him hearing woman of the past talking about him behind his back.
"Just give me a few years and I'll be the future queen most definitely."
"I wonder how many rooms the palace has."
"A chance is all I need, I'll most definitely trap him in the best way, if you know what I mean."
He instantly went in the opposite direction leaving the guards and the valet confused.
"Your Highness?" Lionel chased after him concerned "May I ask what is troubling you?"
He couldn't do anything but shake his head "I can't do this again Lionel. It's all too much, I refuse! I honestly thought I could but I cannot go through with this. Call it off now, I order you!"
"I apologize for this, but you do not have the authority to do so Your Highness." Lionel honestly felt horrible for the young man "Everyone is already here and expecting your presence tonight."
"I do not care! Those women do not respect me! They want wealth and prestige and I have too much respect for myself to let them fawn over me like a piece of meat!"
"I am in agreement."
"You don't under- you are?"
"Yes. I've seen you grapple through this entire journey and I know what you are going through. However, as crown prince, you have duties to fulfill. Unfortunately this is one of them. Don't think about the purpose of why this ball was thrown for you, just simply have fun with it. Before you know, it will all be over and everyone will forget that this night ever happened."
For some reason Lionel's words took to him. "I guess you're right." he exhaled nervously "Lionel, can I trust you with the words that I am about to say?"
The man furrowed his brow with concern "Of course Your Highness, you can confide in me."
"I met someone." he spoke lowly as if his revelation were against the law "A maiden from the village."
"Met whom? The village? When did this occur..." he rambled
"Last week when I hid amongst the citizens, I met the most intriguing woman...her many bushels and boxes were disheveled in the road, and being the gentleman I am, I of course assisted her...afterwards, the two of us conversed for a moment." he paused, his memories fondly playing in his mind. A smile lit up his face, his eyes twinkling. "She was quite alluring, Lionel. I was drawn to her spirit and the fascinating perspective she gave. I could hardly think straight during the whole encounter. It was as if a completely different entity outside of myself took over."
Lionel listened on as he spoke "It seems that you were beguiled by her. I've never heard you speak so highly of a woman before."
"I probably won't ever feel like that again. Promise me Lionel to not mention this to my father nor mother, especially my mother."
"You have my greatest impart, Your Highness."
Christopher sighed turning back towards the entrance corridor "I'm prepared. Call for the herald Lionel."
"That's more like it." he patted him on the shoulder "I'm here if you need me as always."
Christopher nodded, his emotions receding as he stepped into the threshold of the ballroom. Loud trumpets blared a thunderous roar before the herald announced his presence to all who attended.
"Introducing, His Royal Highness Prince Christopher..."
The prince quickly walked into the center of the ballroom as his guests enclosed around him applauding in his honor. Families with young daughters traveled far and wide from the outskirts of the kingdom in hopes of catching the interest of the King's only son.
On the outside, Christopher appeared confident and dashing but internally he felt trapped. Confined to a cage, he was put on display for all to see, and he was required to pick another to join him inside it.
He quickly raised his hand to prompt Lionel to begin the process of dancing with each young maiden. The valet escorted the first lady over to him, a blonde, dressed in opal colored taffeta smiling from ear to ear.
"Just have fun with it." he thought as the orchestra began to play a soft tune
"Good evening, Your Highness." she spoke as she curtsied "My name is Gwyneth, daughter of Frederick, Baron of Lyonesse."
Christopher forced a smile as they waltzed for not even two seconds before he silently hinted at Lionel to escort another girl over. The valet quickly obliged as he smoothly walked over a short haired woman grinning in his direction.
Lionel saw his reaction before they were even introduced and diverted her in the opposing direction, instructing the next girl to face the the prince.
"This is going to take a while." thought Lionel
Cinderella waved goodbye as she watched the carriage disappear down the dirt road for the royal palace.
She silently walked back inside the house, tiredly eyeing the mess of fabrics, garments, and feathers her step family left behind in preparation for the ball. Gently picking up a discarded hat, she placed it back on the chair deciding not to clean up right away.
It would be hours before they would return, for this was the perfect period to alleviate her mind.
Solemnly, she walked into the kitchen where her favorite chair and book were waiting patiently for her. It was quite awkward and new to have the entire dwelling to herself, but she quickly molded with the atmosphere as she began the fifth chapter.
Suddenly she felt a bit overheated and stood to open the window to that faced her garden, receiving the cool evening air blowing in from the east. She began to read again, and frowned after hearing the frogs croak steadily in the woods. Hearing the animals always tickled her but for some reason on this night it had become unbearable to hear. The young woman quickly shut the window closed, and sat to continue the chapter. A few moments had gone by when she noticed she had read the first two sentences repeatedly. Concentration had completely vanished from her.
"Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love."
But never doubt I love.
The one person in the entire world who had shown her unconditional love had been gone for years. It was an emotion she was deprived of for most of her life, yet she achingly yearned for it. Darling memories of stumbling into the handsome young fellow that day in the village was an encounter that often caused her heart to leap whenever it crossed her scores of thoughts. Very few things intrigued her, and he was among them. A humble gentleman he was, inquisitive and kind were words most perfect to describe him. The simplest phrase that he uttered before disappearing forever replayed repeatedly in her head.
"I hope to see you again, Cinderella."
As did she. Whatever feelings haunted her since that day never lifted, and she never wanted it to end. What ever was his name?
"Perhaps a drop of tea will do me well." she opened the cupboard for a cup when it slipped out of her hands like liquid, suddenly shattering onto the floor in pieces. She instantly knelt down to clean it up before bursting into tears, sobbing uncontrollably near the crackling fireplace. She cried for quite a while until she could finally sync her breathing, attempting with all her might to calm herself down.
"I am worthy of love." she whispered as tears rushed down her cheeks "My father loved me..."
She quickly knelt down on her knees, still sore from scouring the warped wooden floors and clasped her hands together tightly, her damp eyes wide open searching for what to say. Her emotions landed on one request that she'd always dreamed of doing since she was a little girl. Attending the royal ball for the first time. Just one night off from her mundane life to feel beautiful on the exterior, draped in finery and jewels like everyone else could. To be amongst noble and courageous people and not have a care in the world. Just this once.
"I wish..." she mustered "I wish I could go to the ball."
FOLDEROL AND FIDDLE DEE DEE! FIDDLE DEE FADDLE DEE FODDLE!
ALL THE WISHES IN THE WORLD ARE POPPYCOCK AND TWADDLE!
Cinderella turned to see a beautiful woman draped in bronze satin and topaz gems sparkling in front of her waving as if she had known her forever. She couldn't believe her eyes. Had she gone mad?
"Who are you?" she cried
"I'm your Fairy Godmother, honey."
"You?"
"Is it a problem dear?"
"No I'm sorry I just never dreamed of..."
FOLDEROL AND FIDDLE DEE DEE! FIDDLE DEE FADDLE DEE FOODLE!
ALL THE DREAMERS IN THE WORLD ARE DIZZY IN THE NOODLE!
"Why did you say that about dreamers?"
"I can see that this is going to take a while. Aren't you going to invite me in?" she spoke knowingly
"Oh forgive me, of course I am!" Cinderella quickly opened the door leading to the wood, her expression held confusion as she was no where to be found.
"Cinderella over here!"
She turned to see that Fairy Godmother was already inside the house waiting patiently.
"I always knew that someone would come and take me away from here!"
"Cinderella, if you want to get out of here you're going to have to do it yourself.
"However so, Godmother? I've wished for this one request my entire life." she replied
"Well, let me put it this way. Too many people in this world are just sitting around, wishing for something to happen, and they'll never do anything about it." she said
"So, you're telling me not to wish?"
"No, no, no! That's not at all my point! Everything starts with a wish!" she smiled
"Then, why would you say that wishes are useless?"
"Well, let's see just how useless wishes really are. Come with me." Fairy Godmother led her outside in front of the abode.
"Now, tell me. If you could wish for anything at this very moment, anything at all, what would it be?"
Cinderella thought for moment "I would wish for my father to come back into my life...but at this very moment before you appeared, I wished to the high heavens for an opportunity to attend the royal ball."
"Well then, what's stopping you from going?"
"I have no way to get there." she said woefully "My step mother forbade me to go as well."
"The world is full of zanies and fools, Cinderella. Unfortunately, your step mother is one of them." she said seriously "They don't believe in sensible rules or what sensible people have to say. You have authority over your own life my godchild, all you have to do is trust yourself."
Cinderella accepted her words fully, mustering up courage in her heart.
"Now as for transportation...well, you do have a fair point there. Suppose I were to turn that pumpkin over there into a big, beautiful, golden carriage that would carry you to the ball?"
Cinderella hurriedly went over to the pumpkin patch and picked the plumpest gourd in the garden, placing it near her Godmother.
"Well, what would we do about horses?"
"Your mouse friends would do nicely!" she gestured to the rusted cage of pale rodents, smiling as Cinderella fetched it as well.
"As for coachmen and footmen..." she pondered "Your hens!"
"My poor hens are exhausted from the day, but I will gather them for you!"
After Cinderella found the things she needed, Fairy Godmother stood back and whimsically maneuvered her arms and fingers in each direction, casting an extraordinary spell on each object until it appeared to be what she spoke. The young woman stood in awe as she watched her Godmother work her magic, amazed at the ornate carriage trimmed in detailed fashion. Four ivory Arabian horses were strapped in the front neighing excitedly as three coachmen and footmen dressed dashingly in brocade placed themselves in arrangement, prepared to ride off for the palace.
"Just like in my dreams..." Cinderella whispered
"Let's see...We've a coachman, a footman, horses, a carriage...is there anything else I have forgotten?"
Cinderella looked down at her ragged dress in shame. Fairy Godmother noticed instantly motioning for her to spin around.
"How could I forget, I always save the best for last!"
Cinderella did as she was told and slowly revolved in place with her arms out nervously. With a flash of light, her threadbare petticoat was instantly transposed, lengthening into a gown of sweeping lapis satin. From underneath peeped out her petite feet covered in glossy stockings and Murano glass.
"Impossible..." she breathed out
Completely wonderstruck, she removed her silk dress gloves, goggling at her once tufted hands now smooth as butter. She gently touched her braids, curled into a perfect chignon at the crest of her head, fitted by a diamond encrusted tiara.
Forthright, she ran into Fairy Godmother's arms embracing her with thankfulness that she couldn't describe any other way. "Thank you so much Godmother! Thank you!"
"Before you go, there is one thing I must tell you."
"Yes, Godmother?"
"Yes, dear, well even though my own magic is powerful, it can only last until midnight. At the stroke of twelve, the spell will be broken, and everything will be as it was before."
Cinderella was saddened by that "I shall obey your request Godmother."
"Good. Now, go! Go forth towards the royal palace and live vicariously tonight! Go forth in the name of every girl who has wanted to change the world she inhabited, go with the promise of possibility!"
With the assistance of the footmen, she nestled inside the carriage, her ball gown completely enveloping the interior.
"It is possible." she smiled looping her arm through the window opening, sweetly blowing a kiss to Fairy Godmother as the carriage swiftly began to hale off into the night by the stately horses. Cinderella covered her mouth in amazement as she glimpsed at the royal palace in the distance in all of its grandiosity, feeling the cool night air on her face as the carriage drew closer to the hilltop. Her wildest dream had finally come true.
"It's possible!
For a plain yellow pumpkin to become a golden carriage!
It's possible! For a plain country bumpkin and a prince to join in marriage!
And four white mice are easily turned to horses...
Such folderol and fiddle dee dee of course is...quite possible!" she exclaimed with full conviction.
After a long journey through the twisted woodland, the golden carriage slowly concluded at the wide steps of the grand palace. Her helpful footmen assisted her out as she carefully placed her glass covered feet on the smooth tile. Cinderella could nearly compose herself as she stared innately at the entrance.
"I'm finally here..." she lifted her petticoat as she climbed the many stairs to the front entry.
Two guards instantly opened the heavy doors as she approached them allowing her inside the most cherished edifice in all the land. A bit intimidated, she gingerly sauntered down the long corridor lined with towering mirrors and armed guards on either side. Giant chandeliers hung from the high ceiling and candlesticks affixed on candelabras were glowing softly in the dim room. Unsure of where to go, she timidly turned to her right and completely froze at the zenith of the staircase, viewing the hundreds of guests gathered below, dancing merrily around the ballroom.
Suddenly, the orchestra ceased their repertoire, alerting everyone to ogle in her direction. Cinderella could feel her heart beating furiously in her chest as she stood with her feet pressed to the floor. A hush swept through the entire room causing Christopher to look up. His look of confusion quickly melted into astonishment, his entire form swelled blissfully. Just like a child grows wide eyed at the most splendid lollipop in the candy store, his eyes were focused on the face of the angelic maiden poised for everyone to see. Her gown was the most fanciful periwinkle blue he had ever seen, the sleeves and bodice were speckled with minuscule corundums and shimmers. The bodice was tight, her gown flowing out from her waist like the ocean, the tulle fabric glittering in the candlelight. A tiara sitting neatly at the center of her hair, the color of onyx, was piled on her head while the rest hung in ringlets near her polished shoulders.
Cinderella's eyes searched through the crowd hoping to find an inviting face to ease her fear, and lingered on the buoyant face of a young man dressed in alabaster and gold curiously gazing at her with glee. A rush of relief flooded her body as she beamed her beautiful smile down in his direction. As if she were pulled by a magnet, she gracefully glided down the marble staircase, her eyes not once leaving his face. The ballroom was as quiet as the forest in the pit of night with everyone focused, anticipating her next move as she stood at the base of the staircase in front of the prince.
Christopher was in awe of her beauty so close, yet so far away from his presence.
"Hello..." he spoke breaking protocol by greeting first. He hadn't realized as all rules and procedures had fled his mind. He was only concerned about knowing more about this marvelous damsel.
"How do you do, Your Highness." Cinderella fell into a deep curtsy with her head bowed towards the ground, showing her highest respect. In reverence for her enchanting welcome he smiled, knowing in that moment that he'd never wanted her to address him in such a manner ever again. Christopher placed his gloved hand gently under her dainty chin, prompting her to lift her head towards him. She did so with a surprised expression, not expecting the prince to execute such a visceral move.
He desperately wanted their lips to meet, but held his composure as it was not the appropriate moment. They stared into each other's orbs, nonverbally agreeing to dance in each other's arms as the prince swept the mysterious maiden off her feet into a traditional waltz circling about the ballroom floor.