Cornelia rarely wore dresses. It was something she almost detested. She found she was far more comfortable in her military uniform. However, tonight was a special occasion. She glanced at herself quickly in a mirror, suddenly realizing how much time she had put into her appearance. She blushed, realizing that her main objective in dressing this way was to impress Guilford.

In all honesty, he made her feel quite childish. Though she was his superior- in rank as well as skill- somehow, he always made her feel weak. His demeanor was smooth and respectful. He was a fast learner and incredibly loyal.

Cornelia had an important decision to make, now that she was being relieved as Lady Marianne's Chief Guard. As a Princess of Britannia, she was entitled to protection of her own. The only reason she hadn't received her protection was because she had yet to pick her knight. But Guilford seemed-

"You look stunning, Princess," Guilford said, bowing deeply. He offered her his arm and smiled politely.

"Thank you, Guilford," she said, feeling her cheeks flush with heat. She took his arm, and together they entered the ceremony hall.

Cornelia could see the heads turning in their direction as they passed. She was used to attention, but this was a different sort of attention. She tried to squelch her smile. For some reason, she felt bubbly and giddy. This sort of behavior, however, was not fitting of royalty. She had to be careful of her image in public. To come across as a giddy schoolgirl would be most unwise.

"Guilford?" Cornelia heard Blanks call. The small girl rushed up to her tall brother. Whether they were directly related or not was unbeknownst to Cornelia. Yet, she saw Guilford's love for Blanks, and it reminded her of her own feelings for Euphemia.

As Blanks ran forward, Guilford caught her in his arms and spun her around several times. Blanks' deep blue skirts swirled around her quite elegantly. He set her down upon the floor once more and they beamed at each other. The sight made Cornelia smile too. Blanks' eyes widened as she suddenly realized Cornelia's presence.

"Your Highness," she said, bowing quickly. "Forgive me for not noticing you."

"There is no need to apologize," Cornelia said softly. "Tonight is your night, not mine." She smiled at Blanks who returned the smile.

"You have come as Guilford's guest, then?" she asked. Cornelia nodded and Blanks' smile widened. "Then do not let me ruin your evening," she said, bowing. Cornelia didn't catch the wink Blanks threw at Guilford as she skipped away.

After several moments of mingling and comfortable chatter, a slow waltz started. Guilford extended his hand to her and she took it. As they danced, it seemed the two of them came closer and closer together. Guilford's hands were firm, but gentle as they held her. Cornelia was almost tempted to rest her head against Guilford's shoulder. Being in his arms was one of the most comfortable sensations she'd experienced, yet her heart was pounding rapidly. She tried to take up a conversation, which flowed easily and naturally between the two of them.

"I'm sure you're glad that our training sessions are over," she said, smiling slightly.

"On the contrary," he said softly, his gentle, steel-colored eyes searching her face. "I am grateful to you for teaching me. Everything I am, I am because of you." It seemed as though Guilford's words were timed with the music, for as he finished speaking, the sweet music- as well as Cornelia's breath- stopped. Guilford bowed deeply.

His last sentence was a sign. She'd be a fool not to recognize it. He was the one she'd been waiting for. She grabbed his hand, and wordlessly led him aside. There was a balcony overlooking the floor that she knew of. They would be alone there.

Guilford let her lead him along, not asking questions. Once they came to a halt, his eyes were inquisitive, but he said nothing. Cornelia studied his face. The moonlight shone off it in a regal sort of way. She had no hesitations about her decision. Her heart was at peace.

"Guilford," she said softly, stepping toward him. She realized she hadn't let go of his hand once they'd reached the balcony, but she paid that fact no mind.

"Yes, Princess?" he replied, his eyes transfixed upon her face.

"I have been in the process of making a decision for quite some time," She said slowly. "I've been waiting for all of the pieces to fall into place, waiting for the right candidate to come along. I do not want to ruin any plans you may have for yourself, but-"

"-Princess Cornelia?" a voice interrupted. Cornelia turned sharply. The messenger had a shaken expression on his face, shaking Cornelia's confident demeanor as well.

"Yes?" she asked, releasing Guilford's hand. Their fingers were still close enough to touch, and Cornelia did not break their contact.

"I'm afraid I have bad news," the messenger's voice was halting. "It's about Lady Marianne." Cornelia's heart sank. Marianne had been a mother-like figure to her. If anything were to happen to her, Cornelia wasn't entirely sure how she would handle the situation.

"Go on," she urged the messenger sternly.

"She's… been killed," came the hesitant voice. The information hit Cornelia like a brick wall. She was shocked and all her emotions were jumbled, as though her brain had forgotten which emotion was appropriate for this sort of information. Her breath came out in a short scoff and her eyes widened. It was as though she had been plunged into a bucket of ice water.

"Forgive me," she said turning to Guilford. Her voice was rushed. "I had hoped not to ruin this evening for you. We will discuss this again at a later date." Without waiting for a reply or for Guilford's reaction, she was down the stairs and exiting the hall. All she knew was she needed to get to Lady Marianne's. If there was no hope for her, perhaps Cornelia could at least save Lelouch and Nunnally, though this seemed impossible as well.