May 19th, 17th year of the reign of King Edward
The first arrival for the ball, two days early, was the delegation from Dell. Their procession was so elaborate that it rivaled anything that my family has ever done. The nobles threw Prince Richard straight into my path, but in the past few weeks his manners have improved. I didn't mind that he monopolized my time, and he complimented everything I did. If I wasn't so sure that his behavior has changed, then under normal circumstances he'd be driving me crazy.
May 21st, 17th year of the reign of King Edward
The rest of our guests arrived today, the day of the ball. The processions from Meadow and Brook were ordinary and unremarkable since I'm used to seeing them arrive in Vale. Meadow and Brook are the respective kingdoms of Esmerelda and Helen. The delegation from Moss arrived in an incredibly simple fashion. There weren't jewels all over the place, or things decked in gold. It was a refreshing change, and there isn't enough simplicity in our world. I love simplicity every now and again, and for once someone was not showing off their wealth.
I was right when I thought the engagement between Jacob and Esmerelda would be announced at the ball. I'm happy for both of them, and I hope that everything will work out perfectly for them.
During the ball, Prince Richard maintained the same behavior that impressed me the other night. I also felt compelled to do anything he asked of me. The nobles are convinced that any alliance with any kingdom would help our status, and they keep encouraging any relationship with a neighboring kingdom. I can partially thank them for my continuous friendship with Esmerelda and Helen, but that's the only thing I'll ever thank them for.
May 23rd, 17th year of the reign of King Edward
Wedding preparations have already begun, but the more amazing thing is that my parents want this wedding done within a month. It did take my parents a year and a half to be married after they were engaged. I've always assumed that it was my grandmother's fault that preparations went so slowly. I remember that there was always some animosity between my mother and my grandmother, but neither admitted it openly. I never understood the issues one had with the other, but the beginnings must have stemmed from my grandmother's questions about my mother's heritage. I suppose I understand my mother's feelings, but I wonder if she's moving this too quickly. Is it actually possible to plan a royal wedding in a month?
A/N: I know things are moving quite quickly, and I also raised the rating on this story because it's taken some turns that I never originally intended it to. Until my next update.