He was pacing back and forth in the ballroom, not caring for everyone that was staring at him. He had spent the last two weeks preparing that moment. His father had almost had a stroke when he had seen his son appear but was soon reconciled with the idea. He was his only heir and a much different one too. More responsible, more mature.
When he had spoken of a ball to find a bride, his father had immediately agreed.
And there he was, the centre of all attentions but the one he wanted.
"Maybe she did not understood," he thought. It was unlikely, for she was intelligent but not impossible.
Finally, someone announced the countess de Kersaint. He ran toward her and froze when he recognized the old woman that was Brianna's stepmother. She was followed by a young woman, who could be thought pretty if she did not look so arrogant. But no trace of Brianna.
"Your majesty," bowed the old woman.
"Where is she?"
"Who do you speak of, your majesty?"
He had to control himself. It would probably make a bad impression if he strangled that woman in front of an audience.
"Brianna. Where is Brianna?"
"Oh, her. I am sorry to have to inform you that she is dead, my Lord."
He took one step back. She had to be lying. He knew she was. He would know if Brianna was dead.
"May I present my daughter, Mar…" he was not listening to her anymore.
Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw a flash of golden fabric. He looked in that direction and his heart raced furiously in his chest.
There she was, wearing the dress he had given her, looking exactly like she had on Christmas night. The happiest and saddest day of his life.
He was wondering if she was going to recognize him when her eyes met his. He wanted to drown in their beauty. She smiled to him and he knew she had recognized him.
They stared at each other for a long time, forgetting about everything else.
Finally, both at the same time, they began walking. They met halfway and smiled.
All they had to do was to say was the one thing they had never said to each other.
"I love you," they both whispered.
He took her hand and pulled in his embrace. She laughed softly and kissed him. Once. Twice. Then their kiss grew more passionate. All the intensity of their feelings, their passion, their desire for one another was thrown into that kiss.
Out of breath, they broke apart. Every one was staring at them, staring at their future queen.
"Shall we dance?"
"With great pleasure, your majesty."
He placed his hand around her waist and pulled her close again. They danced silently for a moment, then she said: "How did you became human again?"
He smiled. She could not hold her curiosity much longer.
"Your love set me free."
"But I loved you long before that night, Aidriann."
"Really? I suppose you had to say it out loud. Wait. What did you say?"
" I loved you long before that night."
He smiled tenderly. "No. when you said my name."
"Aidriann," she whispered.
He bent to kiss her. "Once again."
"Aidriann," she repeated, kissing him softly.
"When did you understand?"
She knew what he meant.
"I had this gift made for you."
"The friendship poem?" The pain he had felt that day was still vivid in his mind thought he was living proof that she loved him.
"Yes? You read it?"
"No. I…I could not."
She cupped his cheek with her hand and forced him to look at her.
"I realized that night that should not have changed the title of the poem."
"What was it?"
"Love."
He smiled then said: "What does it say?"
She answered without hesitation.
"Love is a hand that helps you through your pain and hardship.
Love is an attentive ear that listens to your sadness and joys.
Love is a look that sees you soul without ever judging you.
Love is a heart that opens itself and never closes, like a shelter."
They were both crying.
"I could not have said it better."
He kissed her tenderly and they continued swaying. Dancing together for ever and ever.
The end.