Author's Note: You like it, you want it, I have it, you got it!

nascar-freak

Chapter 7: Dance With Me, Princess

Music filled the ballroom as guests, here and there, mingled with each other. Jannel

was talking to Peter at the foot of the great marble staircase descending to the

ballroom. It had a scarlet carpet running down the steps and the rails were polished

until the silver and gold shone. Fresh flowers were placed in crystal vases on each end

of the rails. The ballroom looked so elegant this evening. Each of the numerous

diamond chandeliers was lit. The tall glass windows lined with gold had new scarlet

curtains running down their sides to match the carpet of the stairs. Through them, you

could see the Narnian sky, bright with its stars. Silhouettes of the Griffins flying

overhead could be observed when you look closely. The marble floor was polished so,

that it reflected the light of the chandeliers and the many guests below it. In the

middle of the room stood a grand piano, which the Narnians had hoped someone

would be able to play. This piano had not been played for over a century, way before

the Battle of Beruna, the Narnians found it sitting alone in a spare room when the

Pevensies began their reign.

"Where is Giovane?" Jannel looked around her. She saw many guests, but no

Giovane. Peter shrugged, "Perhaps she will be a little late." Then, Jannel looked up at

the staircase and gasped. Peter looked up as well and his jaw dropped. At the top of

the stairs stood Giovane. She wore a navy blue gown with silver vines curling from

her shoulders and around her waist, giving her more shape. The sleeves were loose

like wings and they flowed gracefully down her arms. Giovane's skirt ran fluidly

from her already tight waistline and reached the floor. Like all the other royals, she

wore her crown atop her head. Her hair fell upon her shoulders like gentle waves. For

Peter, she stood out among the other princesses he had met so far. Giovane descended

the steps with her parents behind her. When they reached the floor, Peter and Jannel

paid their respects to the Celestian Majesties and Highness, "Welcome to the ball,

Your Majesties," Peter said as he straightened up. The king and queen smiled, "Thank

you, High King!"

Peter turned to Giovane and smiled, "Princess," he bowed. Giovane curtsied. When

the king and queen excused themselves to meet a few friends, Giovane stayed behind

and smiled, "Well, what have you been doing?" she asked. Jannel looked down at her

gown. It was a deep red color and her sleeves were loose at the top, but tight from her

elbow to her wrists. For the bodice, Jannel's gown gave shape to her waist and

loosened from there to the floor. Giovane thought she looked pretty, "You're gown

looks nice on you, Jannel,"

"Thanks, Giovane," Jannel blushed. Peter smiled, "You look beautiful in your gown,

Princess of Celestia."

Giovane looked at him in surprise. She smiled shyly, "Thank you, Peter!" she said,

"You look as-um-handsome as well," Giovane avoided Peter's eyes. She couldn't

help but hear him smirk. Peter wore an outfit, similar to what he wore in to his

coronation a few years ago. But, instead of a sapphire colored tunic, he wore

something much darker: midnight blue. This went well with his beige breeches and

black swade boots. He looked much more elegant that way because his skin

contrasted well against the dark shade of his tunic.

Lucy watched Peter and Giovane from afar and giggled. She ran to the conductor of

the orchestra. He was a Faun, who wore the traditional red cape for formal occasions.

Lucy tugged at his cape. The Faun looked down and smiled, "Ah, Your Majesty! How

may I be of assistance?" he asked and Lucy motioned him to bend closer to her. When

he did, she whispered something in his ear. The Faun's eyes widened in excitement,

"Oh!" he said and smiled, "As you wish, my queen!"

The conductor straightened up and relayed Lucy's message to the musicians. They all

smiled in excitement.

The ballroom fell silent when the conductor tapped his conducting stick on his stand.

Bergomask music filled the hall and guests began to clear the dance floor. Pair by pair

dancers twirled onto the floor and danced as the music flowed by. Peter smiled as he

saw Susan dancing with a prince from Archenland. Giovane hummed with the tune

and Peter bowed and held out his hand, "Giovane," he said cheerily. Giovane looked

at him as she laid her hand in Peter's and he took it warmly in his, "High King, are

you certain?"

Peter laughed, "Dance with me, Princess!" and twirled her onto the floor. Giovane

laughed melodically as she danced with Peter. He had his right arm around her waist

and his left hand holding hers. Giovane couldn't help but feel nervous to be so close

to the High King. She twirled around, following his lead and Peter said, "You dance

quite well,"

"So do you," Giovane smiled and Peter switched leads with the music. A few more

minutes passed and the music died down. The dancers bowed to each other and

clapped. Peter was about to say something when he heard his name being called,

"Peter!"

Peter turned around to see Edmund ushering him over. He smiled and took Giovane's

hand in his, "Thank you for dancing with me, princess," he said and gently kissed

Giovane's hand. Then he walked away to see to his brother. Jannel ran up to her

friend, "Oh, you looked beautiful on the floor!"

Giovane laughed, "Did I? I could have danced all night," she froze at what came out

of her own mouth. Jannel nudged her playfully on the arm, "Oh dear, she's falling,"

"I am not!" All the same, she felt her face redden. She decided to have a drink and

gather her thoughts. As she walked to the tables, she could see Lucy shaking hands

with the conductor of the orchestra. Giovane smiled, "Oh, Lucy!" she laughed.

Author's Note: Um… Did I describe the scene properly? hehe…