Chapter 3- Surprise!
The maid ushered Eva into the room as soon as Aikka was out of sight. The door shut loudly behind her. The maid ran over to the bed and lifted up a gorgeous, long white dress. There were elaborate designs resembling the ones on Prince Aikka's headpiece embroidered with white silk thread, so they didn't stand out too much, but were still noticeable. It was absolutely breathtaking.
The maid clothed Eva in the dress, which fit perfectly. It was comfortable, very lightweight, and showed off her curves nicely. Then the maid fixed up Eva's hair, pulling it into a neat bun on top of her head, with a few loose locks hanging down. After that, the maid applied some makeup. It was subtle, but brought out the color in Eva's cheeks and eyes. Eva was ready in 45 minutes. As soon as the maid was finished, she guided Eva to the mirror next to her bed. Eva gaped. The reflection in the mirror could not be hers, she was still a girl, but the reflection was that of a woman's. She was a princess, an Earth Princess. The Nourasian clothes and styles just seemed to make her human features more distinct. She was beautiful. Her fit-for-a-princess room now seemed to fit her, Eva.
The slight clearing of a throat behind brought Eva back to reality. She turned and saw the maid opening the door to reveal Prince Aikka. He was dressed in robes even nicer than before. He looked like royalty, as was fitting.
"Eva, are you ready for…" His voice trailed off as he looked at her. WOW. I knew she was very pretty, but…WOW. She is gorgeous! I never quite realized how beautiful she really is. Oh shoot! I'm just standing here like an idiot! Say something! Hurry, hurry, something good, tell her she looks great! "You look great, Eva." You idiot! Why did I say that? Great is a common word to describe something common, she is anything but common! "I mean you look fantastic."
"Thanks, Aikka." Eva blushed. He looked fantastic too, but she was too shy to say anything about it.
"Shall I escort you to dinner?" Aikka bowed as he would to a princess, because Eva was a princess to him.
"It would be my honor," Eva said, as she attempted to curtsy.
She took Aikka's offered arm and they walked down the hallway, leaving the maid standing there, smiling.
Aikka led Eva down the hallway and toward the large, elaborate doors from which the noise had been issuing from previously. Now it was dead silent. No light showed from beneath the doors. Eva frowned in puzzlement.
"Aikka, are you sure this is where dinner is? There doesn't seem to be anyone here."
"I'm positive, just wait." He opened the door and led Eva inside.
All of the sudden, the lights turned on and hundreds of voices shouted, "SURPRISE!"
Eva started, almost jumping into Aikka's arms. The lights revealed many Nourasians, all smiling at her. There was a large white cake in the middle of the vast room. Many small fountains were displayed around the rim. Directly below the cake was a huge pile of presents, all wrapped in the brightly colored paper that Eva had seen the servants with earlier. Suddenly it all fell into place: Aikka's secrecy, the noises, the bustling servants, preparing. They had planned a surprise party for her!
A big smile lit up her face. "Are you serious?! This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me! Thank you so much, all of you!" Eva turned to Aikka and he led her into the large crowd of people. Eva introduced herself to everyone and they all were very nice. They talked to her about Nourasian customs, asked her questions about her customs, especially birthdays, and congratulated her on turning 18. One of the Nourasian customs she learned was that birthday presents were never opened in public; they were always opened after the party in private.
After the original excitement decreased and everyone had had a piece of cake, Eva was able to talk to people one on one. She noticed the king and queen and went over to thank her hosts.
"Thank you so much for all of this," she said.
"Of course, my dear, you are very welcome. However, you must know, it was not us who arranged this party, it was our son. After your father contacted us, Aikka was intrigued about the occasion for your visit. He questioned your father about birthday customs and decided to throw you a little surprise party. He planned every bit of it out." Queen Juanissa smiled down at Eva. "Our son has taken quite a liking to you, Lady Eva." At this last statement Eva blushed.
"Then, if you forgive me, I must go and find the prince, to thank him." Eva blushed even more, wondering what she would say to him.
"There is nothing to forgive, it is your party. Do what you wish." The king gave her a wink and Eva hurried away.
Looking around the room, Eva finally spotted Aikka. He was standing on the balcony that overlooked the gardens below. She walked over to him, leaning against the railing beside him.
"Your parents said this party was your idea." She didn't look at him yet, just stared at the white flowers that he had showed her earlier, suddenly remembering that hers was just laying on the bed where she had put it when the maid had helped her change.
Aikka blushed, murmuring, "Yes."
"Then, thank you. This was really sweet and it meant a lot to me." Eva turned and looked at him.
Aikka looked back, straight into her eyes. "It was nothing."
"That is where you're wrong, it was everything." Eva gave Aikka a kiss on the cheek and walked back into the room. Aikka was left staring after her, his hand touching the cheek she had kissed.
