Looks like I'll be sleeping in class today. I can't sleep tonight because my internal clock is thrown off from the sleeping on the plane and well into the day, as well as the two hour time difference.

Ugh, so this is what I'm doing now.

Disclaimer: The plot idea is mine. Characters are not.

The Gown:

Chapter 4

Name

EPOV:

As expected, my father showed up in the stables as I was mounting my stallion and told me about the party I was expected to go to. And the people I was expected to meet.

I knew he was talking about Cassandra, but I played dumb.

I can't really remember what I did between then and when I'd looked into her eyes. Well, not well at least. It was all a vague blur.

What happened was that I'd arrived at the party, fully planning on showing up, staying long enough to make my presence known, and then leaving…?

But because nothing ever works the way I want it to, Cassandra had seen me, and was then persistently following me around.

I tried my hardest to ditch her, to get out of her sight. But I just couldn't shake her.

Finally, I gave her the slip, turning a sharp corner, then another, and turning back around so she would be confused.

I craned my neck to see if she'd seen me, still walking at a brisk pace, not looking where I was walking.

And that's when it'd happened.

I'd walked right into to someone, knocking them onto the floor with me on top of them.

I looked down into the eyes of the most beautiful being I'd ever have the pleasure to meet in my life.

She was so beautiful; I thought my heart would pound out of my chest. I was stunned for a moment, too stunned to move.

She was staring into my eyes too, and I could feel her heart pounding through her chest, beating against mine.

I was snapped back into reality as I scrambled up to stand. "Here, let me help—" I said, trying to help her up as she tried to stand.

The second our hands touched, I had let go; sending her tumbling back to the floor. Oh God, could I be any more stupid?

"Oh, I'm sorry!" I cried, embarrassed. It was like there was lightning that flowed between our hands at the slightest touch. It startled me. Why am I acting so foolish? What's wrong with me?

I helped her up again, pondering the shock that I still felt between our hands.

Did she feel it too? I wasn't sure why, but I hoped so. Truth be told, I kind of liked that feeling. It felt good in my hands, holding hers.

It took me a minute to realize I was still holding her hand after she'd stood up and that I was staring at her face. What snapped me out of my reverie was the blush creeping onto her face, and the shaking of her hands.

I let go immediately, embarrassed, and diverted my eyes to the floor. That of course, lasted for about 20 seconds before I wondered if she was as beautiful as I thought she was.

I looked up slowly, taking in the beauty of her dress. She must have been very rich. She could be a princess…or a duchess…

My heart thrilled at the word. Perhaps she could be my Duchess…?

What's wrong with me? I thought feverishly, I'd only looked into the eyes of one girl, and now I'm acting like a bumbling idiot!

Finally my eyes reached her face, and I realized she was staring at me too. II stared into the depths of her eyes.

They were a chocolate brown that made me think chocolate was a substance worth eating.

I had to know this girl, I just had to.

"Hi, I'm—"

"There you are!" Cassandra cried, and my face turned to a look of horror as I turned around, and there stood the girl on the planet I wanted to see least of all.

"Since I've found you, don't I get a seeker's kiss?" she asked, in what I assumed was supposed to be an alluring voice. She just sounded incredibly stupid. Like a foolish little girl whom didn't know anything about what she was talking about.

But then, being the idiot she was, she proceeded to jump up on her toes to press her lips to mine.

I was briefly stunned for a minute, confused how anyone could be as stupid as her.

"I think I should leave you two alone." I spun around, her voice was so beautiful, that I thought my heart might pound its way right out of my chest.

And then the weight of the words caught up to me.

"No, please don't!" I cried while she stole away, but Cassandra tried to turn me around with her frail strength.

"So—"

"Get away from me!" I yelled, ripping her arm off of my shoulder. "Why do you always have to ruin everything?"

She looked horror struck, like this wasn't what she was expected.

"Just leave me alone!" I yelled as well. "I don't ever want to see your face again!"

I could almost hear her thoughts, 'What had I done wrong?'

Everything, you foolish child! You ruined everything!

I turned on my heel and walked after the beautiful woman, as she slipped away through the garden.

Then, my pace picking up, as I slowly ran, dodging people out of my way.

I ran out onto the patio in the garden, and looked around. I didn't see her.

I ran through the garden. She had to be here, where else could she have gone?

After I circled the garden several times, I knew she wasn't here.

She was gone.

I walked slowly through the palace, to my chamber.

I lay down on my bed, dumbfounded.

My confusion turned to anger as I thrashed for a moment, pounding my fists against the bed in a fit of blind fury.

"No!" I yelled.

But I had exhausted myself. Soon I'd fallen asleep, dreaming of her perfect face, and her perfect voice, and her perfect form.

And I didn't even know her name.

I couldn't tell you what the dream was about. I didn't notice anything about it. Just that she was there. And that she looked absolutely breathtaking.

What had happened to me? I'd barely gotten half a sentence out with her, and already I'm acting as though…

Say it… My mind resounded.

I took a deep breath.

As though it were love at first sight.

I tried to imagine how soft her hair would be to the touch. If only I could touch her hair…and her face.

And her lips…with my own.

Oh what I wouldn't give to have kissed those perfect lips!

Oh yes. As foolish, and superficial as it seemed, I was in love…

And I didn't even know her name.

Okay, so I might not be posting for another 2 weeks or so. I have been grounded. I have mere moments to post this.

They are coming for my laptop as I type, yikes. Forgive my half-ass sentences.

I missed the bus.

This chapter is half done.

There was going to be a BPOV to accompany this, or at least a half BPOV. But I ran out of time to type it.

I did not want to leave you hanging for 2 weeks.

That is why this chapter is short.

Next chapter will likely be short.

Sorry.

Loop holes are my specialty; I'll let you know if I figure something out.