Authors Note: Sorry for the bold and underlining. I seriously can not figure out how that happened. Any way, this is my story 100% so no stealing. Not that you would want to of course but still. Oh and this story is dedicated to my sister~ thanks for the advice and hug. It meant mire than you know. Now with out further ado-
Flash back-
Golden pillars arched over the ceiling, gleaming in the light from the chandelier. It was elegant and modern with newly discovered sunstars. Sunstars were not that rare but they varied in brightness and clarity so it was hard to find so many matching in brightness.
Looking fugitively around the room, Arja stepped out from where she had been hiding behind one of the topiary on the sides of the walls. Moving swiftly towards the garden door, which was intricately fashioned of cut wavy glass, she heard a voice behind her exclaim, "Oh there you are Princess. I just had to introduce my self."
Arja flinched at the gushing voice and pivoted. A lady dressed in a startling yellow dress with a purple sash and tulle. Her hair was- well, Arja thought off put, sculpted into a high, curly style that looked like a cross between a crows nest and a tornado. It was truly remarkable that her neck didn't snap at the sheer volume.
" As I live and breathe- it is you ! I have been just yearning to meet you Princess. Why," she paused a hand posed as she dramatically continued, "Words cannot describe how I feel at this meeting. I feel it must be destiny."
Arja, hiding the impulse to laugh, commented back, "I am glad you feel that way. I am sorry- I do not know your name. Coul-"
She was abruptly cut off as the person laughed, a tinkling laugh that could only be reproduced if one spent hours practicing.
"Oh, in all the excitement it slipped my mind. I am the Countess Carrington, but do call me by my given name, Nanette. It sounds so much more…charming do you not agree? Nanette sounds like all the glory of the world has been bound to those syllables."
"Very well Nanette." Arja was thoroughly amused.
"Have you seen the Prince Severn yet, Your Highness? He is…wonderful, absolutely wonderful." Nanette almost purred at the end. Arja was slightly frightened by this flirtatious Countess.
"That's nice," the princess said hesitantly. Nanette seemed to not even notice the strange look in her eyes.
"Oh, he is wonderful, but the duke of Harish- he is a much better kisser. And Earl Dinha is so light on his feet when dancing….his muscular arms are the most...interesting feeling."
Arja bit her lip and hastily bid Nanette good-bye. Leaving her pondering the qualities of each male in the world, she slipped out the door to the garden. Strolling slowly in the moonlight she realized this was only a minor reprieve. She would have to go back in and face the audience. Sucking in a deep rose scented breath, she walked through the doors into the stuffy ballroom. Several couples were swirling away on the dance floor, an attractive mix of bright greens, reds, yellows and blues.
"Princess?" a voice said from the side. She cocked her head to the side and surveyed the speaker. He was a 20ish prince with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. His skin was very pale, as if he didn't go out in the sunlight very often.
"Yes?" she said impatiently. He looked like the exact replica of all the things that she doesn't like.
"Will you give me the honour of a dance? I would be pleased beyond measure to dance with a beauty such as yourself."
Glaring lightly at the irritating man, Arja inclined her head in a symbol of acceptance. Taking her hand he lead her out to the dance floor and put his hand on her waist.
"You may not be aware of it, but my father has requested we become betrothed. At my instance of course." Arja stared slack jawed at the complete moronic blockhead in front of her.
"You what?" she hissed angrily her eyes flashing in hatred of the very suggestion. The pompous fool smirked.
"As your fiancée, there are certain things that we might do." He suggested. To make his point, he slid his hand down and squeezed. Arja exploded. Her fist flew like a darting sparrow and smashed into his face. Bringing a knee up, she hit him in a certain area. Toppling like a tree, he gaped at her flushed angry face.
"You idiotic, moronic BASTA-" Screaming at him she became aware of the hundreds of shocked faces circling her.
"Sorry, please go back to your dancing. We were just having a minor…disagreement."
Needless to say, he withdrew his offer.
