I actually got to exempt all my midterms so three week vacation woooo! I'm also going to anther convention!


The ball was in one day. Even the castle was in an uproar over the last minute preparations. Rein sighed as she flipped the pages of the history book, not even bothering to read it.

Everyone she usually talked to was busy preparing for the ball, including Milky who was helping with decorations. Obviously she couldn't do anything because she was unfamiliar with Moon Kingdom balls.

She wasn't sure where Shade was however. He didn't return to the room last night. He still kept his promise about joining her in her rexilli training, but other than that, she hadn't seen him around at all. I guess he is busy preparing for the ball too. It was his engagement party after all.

Rein sighed again as she closed her book and got off the reading chair. She wasn't sure what to do. It never occurred to her how useless she was until she had nothing else to do.

The thought of being unable to do anything made her upset. "Boomo, what do you think I should do?" Rein asked. It was only when she finished her statement did she remember that he was with Milky. She sighed. She decided to take a walk around the castle to cool her mind off.

Every now and then, she would be greeted by passing maids and butlers. Sometimes she would offer to help, but was immediately waved off. Rein sighed as she found an empty hallway, and slumped against the wall. Guess it doesn't make sense for the prince's fiance to be doing work.

"Lady Rein?" A familiar voice asked. Rein looked up to see Lulu pushing a massive cart. "Oh dear, you shouldn't be sitting on the floor."

"I know, I'm just... I have a lot of free time." Rein replied. Lulu almost gasped.

"Oh no no no! That's unacceptable!" Lulu helped Rein off the floor. "Everyone might be busy this day, but you also have things you need to do too!"

Rein gave her a puzzled look. "What?"

"A dress! You need to pick out a dress! Oh dear, there isn't much time! Follow me." She took Rein by the hand, completely abandoning the cart. She stopped by another maid and asked her to take the cart to the kitchen.

Lulu then dashed down the hall and into the guest bedroom where Rein first stayed. "Stay seated while I retrieve the dresses." Rein nodded, and silently sat down, looking at herself in the mirror.

The engagement party is tomorrow. She had already been there a week. She had almost forgotten about her impoverished lifestyle due to all of the intense lessons, and unusual customs. Rein sat there, thinking about her new life when the door to the room burst open, frightening her.

"Lulu tells me you don't have a dress!" Milky almost screamed as she skipped in. "Such a crisis! My brother's fiance can't go to her own ball without a magnificent dress!" Rein nodded, still recovering from her sudden arrival.

"Yeah! Pretty!" Boomo cheered as he popped out of Milky's hair. Lulu soon walked in, an array of gowns in her hands.

For the rest of the day, Rein began trying on all sorts of dresses, in addition to the corset. Even though Rein was embarrassed, she loved trying on the variety of dresses that Milky chose out.

"Lady Rein, you look so nice in all these dresses, it's actually really hard to choose." Milky said as she let out a breath on the bed. "It's like you were born to wear them!"

"Oh don't be silly. I never even thought I would wear one in my entire life." Rein replied, laughing as she twirled in her dress. "I don't understand why its so hard though. Don't I just need a nice dress?"

"No way!" Milky shot up. "You need to be the most beautiful one at the ball!" Rein sighed as she stared at her feet.

"I don't see why that matters. It's only a matter of time before Prince Shade finds someone better than me." Rein stated as she stared at her feet. She knew it was bound to happen, but she didn't understand why the thought made her so sad.

"Nonsense!" Milky almost shouted. "I know my brother well enough to understand when he is lying!" She calmly sat back on the bed, folding her hands in her lap. "This isn't the first time he has brought home a woman of status." Rein suddenly felt sick. She didn't know why, but she didn't want to hear this. "I understood his reasons." Suddenly she turned to Rein, tears welling up in her eyes. "But he wasn't happy doing it." Soon she stood up and took Rein by the hand. "But I've seen his expression when he's with you. He's happy." Rein felt her face grow warm.

"I never thought..." Rein started.

"Trust yourself Lady Rein." Milky stated. Her eyes soon left Rein's as a dress being her caught her eye. "I think I know the perfect dress for you!"

The night of the ball came sooner than Rein expected, and soon she was already in the dressing room. She stared at herself in the mirror, touching the tiara on her head. A tinge of sadness hit her as she let go and stared at herself in the mirror again.

"Lady Rein, you must get ready! The ball is soon!" Lulu said as she began picking up the stray laundry.

"I'm sorry, I'm just nervous."

"Of course. Though I'm sure you'll do just fine." Lulu replied as she stared at Rein's dress. "You know, looking at you reminds me a lot of the past." Lulu stated. Rein sighed.

"I don't have much of a past to think back to." Rein responded. Lulu was about to say more when the door suddenly opened, and Shade, someone whom Rein hadn't seen until just now, walked in. Rein reflexively stood in a defensive position, while Lulu approached Shade.

"Excuse me sir, but what are you doing here?"

"I'm here to make sure she doesn't choose some God-awful dress." Shade replied as he began walking towards a seat in the corner. Lulu stopped him however.

"Sir, I hope you know it's rude to walk in on a lady while she is changing."

"What do you mean? It's not like there's much to see."

"You jerk, piece of...!" Rein screeched as she began tossing things at him. He struggled to dodge her precise aim. Lulu then tapped on his shoulder, a dark air surrounding her.

"Prince Shade, I believe it would not be good if your sister found out about your 'unmanly' actions." Shade stiffened up as he took a deep gulp.

"Excuse me." He quietly said as he walked out. Lulu huffed and turned back towards Rein. "He once walked in on his sister changing. It was not a happy scenario." Rein laughed as she stood up from her chair.

"I think I'll go ahead and start changing. If you will excuse me." Rein said as she took the dress from its place.


The ball had already begun and Rein was no where to be seen. Shade stood at the entrance of the ballroom, greeting everyone who walked in. She's late. He impatiently thought as he greeted the next guest. If she's late, she is so dead. Once he is sure that no one else is coming, he decided to begin.

Lightly, he tapped his glass. "Good evening everyone!" he said loudly as everyone looked to him. "I'm glad you were all able to make it. I would like to thank you for all coming to congratulate us on our engagement. I know how sudden it was, but believe me when I say she is truly the one for me." He gave everyone a sincere smile, and continued on. "She is a bit late, but I'm sure that she will be here soon. I also hope that you all have the queen in your hearts, for she is still bedridden and is unable to attend this fine occasion. Let us do a toast..."

"Oh, I'm truly sorry for being late!" Rein cried as she dashed into the ballroom. Everyone stopped and stared at her, surprised. "The preparations took a lot longer than I expected!" Rein took a deep breath, and stood up tall, a kind smile on her face. "It is nice to finally meet you all." Shade was almost speechless, but made sure to call her up.

"And she finally arrives. The guest of honor, my fiance." Rein slowly made her way towards Shade, waving at everyone she passed by.

"Good evening dear guests! My name is Rein Auroros of the Sea Kingdom. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Everyone stood in silence, until Shade continued his speech.

"As I was saying, before I got interrupted by my lovely fiance, let us do a toast! To a fantastic evening and a grand marriage!" Everyone shouted a cheers and tossed their drink up.

The night was long and full of life. Shade guided Rein around, letting her greet many of his friends. She met all kinds of people from duchesses, to nobles.

She also met all of the princesses and princes of the neighboring kingdoms. but unfortunately couldn't chat due to all the other guests she had to meet.

Bright and Altezza Melecie of the Jewelry Kingdom.

Lione and Tio Fiaro of the Flame Kingdom.

Auler and Sophie Tylton of the Windmill Kingdom.

Mirlo and Narlo Aquali of the Waterdrop Kingdom.

Solo Gaulet and his many sisters from the Seed Kingdom.

But she noticed that a kingdom was missing. "What about the Sunny Kingdom's monarchy?"

"They could not make it. Apparently the princess, Princess Fine, has a minor injury." Shade said.

"What happened?" Rein questioned.

"I don't know, but it is not life threatening." She felt another tinge of sadness. He mood to party faded away pretty quickly.

"Can you excuse me for a moment Shade? I would like to get a drink." Rein said as she began to walk off. Shade grabbed her arm however.

"I can't let you walk off on your own."

"Prince Shade, we would like to discuss something urgent with you." A couple of men said as they walked by. Rein shook her head to reassure Shade that she would be alright before pulling away.

Instead of getting a drink like she said she would, she left giant ballroom and entered an empty hallway. She sighed as she stared out a window. I can't believe I'm letting such petty feelings ruin a nice party. Rein thought. She stared out the window, not able to see anything but darkness.

"Lovely party isn't it?" A older voice said from behind. Rein immediately felt chills down her spine as she turned around. The Prime Minister stood behind her, drink in hand.

"Yes, it truly is lovely." Rein said, trying to keep the talk small.

"I don't understand why the guest of honor is away from a party thrown for her though." The Prime Minister asked, taking another sip.

"I just needed a little breather. I was never good with crowds." Rein replied, wanting to leave.

"My dear, you should be enjoying the party while it is still around." Even through his sincere smile, Rein could feel her instincts screaming at her, warning her about how dangerous he is.

"I would rather go back when I feel a little better." The Prime Minister swiftly took her hand, sending more chills up her spine.

"Oh dear consort, you should really be enjoying the time you have now." Rein wanted to pull away, but she could barely speak a few words without feeling chills down her spine.

"Good evening Prime Minister. It's nice to see that you were able to attend this fine evening." Shade suddenly said from behind Rein. He placed an arm around her, and took her hand from his.

"Oh, Prince Shade. I just came to get a nice drink." He said as he swirled the liquid in his glass cup. "I'll be taking my leave now. Best regards." He said as he walked down the hall. Rein let out a deep breath that she didn't even realize she was holding in.

"Are you okay?" Shade asked. Rein only shivered.

"He is a terrible man." Was all she could say. Shade sighed, gripping her hand.

"I told you I should have gone with you. You can never be alone with him." Shade firmly told her. Rein sighed as she stared at her feet.

"It doesn't matter. I can handle myself." Shade suddenly took her by the shoulders.

"It does matter. You said it yourself, we need to start acting more like a husband and wife. One job of the husband is to protect you. Now come on." He took Rein's hand again and dragged her back to the giant ball room. Even though she felt a little stressed over what just happened, having Shade around made her feel... safer.

Soon, Rein was back to greeting people. She managed to find Elizabetta and the two exchanged a few words. Shade kept Rein close this time, making sure she didn't wander by herself. By then, Rein had recovered her party spirit as she greeted other guests.

It was only when the party was halfway through that another guest arrived. Lulu had searched the entire crowd for Shade to inform him. Shade followed Lulu through the crowd, dragging Rein behind him. Rein, who was unsure of what was happened, decided to greet some nearby guests as Shade approached the one who arrived late. It was only when Rein returned to Shade's side that her stomach fell.

"Good evening. I'm deeply sorry for my late arrival." A slender man, with silver hair said with a bow. Rein could feel her face pale as he raised his head. She hoped that it wasn't who she thought it was. "The Sunny Kingdom sent me to represent them at this ball. I am Toma Magireve, Prince of the Wulpurgis Planet."


I'm sorry for the wait. Good news is, my I exempted all my midterms, so now I have an extra week for winter break, ye. So look forward to some updates finally!