"Are you sure about that dress?"

"I am entirely sure!"

"Oh I don't know... Don't get me wrong, the dress itself is pretty, but I've never wore that color, before..."

"What a shame! You definitely should wear it more often. This deep green looks perfect with your hair. Believe me, Donna. I know what am I talking about!"

"Ooooh thank you Rose, you're so sweet...

"Aaaaaww thank you! You're too kind to me..."

The woman smiled warmly.

" ...however I'm just honest about the dress."

"One thing doesn't have to exclude the second one, does it?"

"Not otherwise!"

Rose giggled. In a moment her face expression became more serious and she added.

"I'm very glad that I met you, Donna."

"And so am I, Rose! Who would think that we'll find such a great contact so fast..."

"Right? Honestly, I was a little afraid whether you would like me. You are John's beloved little sister, after all..."

"He calls me his little sister!? Funny, that I call him my little brother..."

"Really? I thought you are younger than him..."

"Not mentally."

Women exchanged amused glances and burst into laugher.

"You know Donna? John told me so much about you, that I almost felt like I knew you..."

"I hope only good things?!"

"Of course!"

She admitted and for a while her thoughts drifted away somewhere. Donna smiled in her heart. Every time when they started talking about John, an unaware smile appeared on Rose's nice face and her eyes were filling up with some exceptional light. The Princess noticed the same unconscious reaction in her own brother, during their conversation yesterday, when she asked him about Rose he behaved in this odd way... It wasn't difficult to notice, these two were in love. As simple, as that. Donna didn't have to see them together to know it. Probably, if she would be able to look at herself and Jack from the side, she could finally realize that they also behaved like this. What a pity! How much easier life would be then... (or maybe not?)

Anyway, in regarding to Rose and John... perhaps, Donna should be angry at this, as it made everything even more complicated. In the not so far future John was supposed to marry some boring princess and rule their Kingdom, not to be happy with some other woman instead. Hmmm... didn't it already sound ridiculous?! Like being a royal meant, that the only thing which truly mattered were duties and Kingdom. King or Queen or any other royal family member must take care of them, however it doesn't mean they have to be happy. Because, who cares about their happiness, it is whether they perform duties well?! How cruel was that?! Donna loved her dumbo brother, and wanted him to be happy. She also wished she had the right to happy life. Why couldn't she choose her own path or the man, who she loved? Besides, it was possible. For example in Camelot. In the morning when Donna talked to Jack, and commented how extremely nice the Queen Guinevere was. To her surprise, Jack explained that she is an exceptional queen indeed, and whom firstly the woman was. Then it could happen. King Arthur was opposed to these stupid, outdated traditions and now ruled the Kingdom having his beloved woman by his side. In addition, they were almost legendary in other lands. Donna heard many times about this famous royal couple from Camelot. Arthur was celebrated as one of the most righteous, kindest kings in the history, while Queen Guinevere as the most caring and loved by her lieges. However no one seemed to know their real story.

BUT, coming back to the subject. Rose... Donna wasn't going to hide, that already she adored this woman. Still couldn't believe that she had met her just a few hours before. After the initial intimidating moments, they very quickly found a common language. Rose turned out to be adorable, warm and intelligent. Moreover, she had a great sense of humor. Donna felt, as if they had already been friends for a long time. Of course, the princess appreciated her friendship with Amy very much, but never felt so close to her like she was to Rose. She was like Donna's soulmate friend... (Obviously, not the same type of soulmate, what Jack is...) Rose and Donna seemed different at first sight, but in fact they were very similar. From word to word, the women spent almost whole day together. Not that they planned it... Actually, Donna wanted to take 'the famous Rose' for a short walk through the neighborhood. However they had such nice time together, that they didn't even notice how fast time had passed... Suddenly, the women reminded themselves about the whole ball tonight and Donna realized that she had nothing to put on for such an occasion. Luckily Rose helped her with that. First, she took Donna to the Queen (who preferred to be called Gwen), explaining that she had the same problem yesterday. Gwen gladly saw them, and immediately offered one of her dresses. As she explained, she had so many clothes, that even if she wanted to very much, she wouldn't be able to wear them all... Later she left them alone in royal wardrobe, because unfortunately she had to discuss some important matters with the King. Finally, they chose the dress, but the princess wasn't convinced to its color. But if Rose told her that it suited... Why would she lie?

Her thoughts about John who, she thought before, had fallen in love with an improper woman... Now, Donna was forced to admit, he chose perfectly. After this afternoon, she just couldn't imagine any other woman by his side than Rose. Perhaps, it was too soon for such serious contemplation, but no one knew Donna's little brother better than her. It was happening very fast (actually, like everything lately...) nevertheless she knew - this woman will make John happy. Not to mention, that was a great material for her sister - in law... So maybe, they will figure out how to solve it in the future. In fact, they didn't have to worry about it right now, did they? Different things worried the princess. That stupid brother of hers, constantly not telling Rose whom he really was. She definitely had to talk to him as soon as possible, or it could cause so much trouble...

But first, they must finish here.

"So Rose, you're saying that it looks fine?"

She asked once again looking at her own reflection in the mirror.

"Like, I've said before (one hundred times, apparently wasn't enough) you look beautiful in it. Who are you trying to impress, hmmm?"

Rose smirked looking at her carefully. 'You haven't meet him yet...' she thought. But instead said.

"I do not!"

"Of course you do not!"

She laughed.

"Anyway, Rose what about your dress? The ball is starting soon..."

"OH DEAR! I've completely forgotten... Kahlan is gonna to kill me..."

"What happened..?"

Princess Donna smiled.

"And who is Kahlan?"

"Oh she's a friend of mine. You must meet her, Donna."

"If you say so... only, why she is gonna to kill you?"

"Oooh right... well the thing is... Kahlan and Gwen insisted on prepping me for the ball. Mostly Kahlan was hmmm... I would say, too enthusiastic about this idea. Surely, she's looking for me now..."

"I see. Then probably you must..."

"I must go, yes..."

Rose seemed to read in the princess' mind.

" Anyway, I had a great time with you Donna, I really did."

"Same as me, Rose... But we'll meet at the ball, won't we?"

"That's right! And you know what? We should arrange some 'girl's meeting' tomorrow with Gwen and Kahlan. I'm sure you will like them, like I do. It's always a lot of fun..."

"I bet, it is! I like this idea very much."

"I'm happy to hear that! So, see you soon."

"Necessarily! And Rose?"

"Yes?"

"Thank you for the dress. And the great afternoon."

"Oooh the pleasure is mine!"

Rose smiled widely, Donna smiled back with her whole heart. What a wonderful girl. And to think, that she had judged her so wrong at the very beginning...

The princess didn't stay alone for long. Soon someone knocked the doors and she couldn't resist to smile, knowing full well who stood behind them. Donna slowly opened the door to stand in front of him. Jack looked at her protractedly, then grinned with approval.

"What?"

She asked impatiently.

"Well... What can I say? You look gorgeous My Princess. Especially for me, I suppose?"

"You wish!"

Donna joked, smiling from ear to ear. A light blush appeared on her cheeks.

"Actually..."

She added.

"I wasn't quite sure about the color. But Rose convinced me, that it looks fine..."

"Then Rose is a very clever girl!"

"Oh she is. Jack, she's really awesome!"

"I suppose, she must be..."

He laughed.

"John wouldn't be so crazy about some empty, boring doll..."

"Yes! You must meet her, perhaps during the ball?"

"Oh I doubt it..."

"Why?"

"I'm quite sure that your brother won't leave her side for any minute..."

"Right..."

She giggled.

"Besides..."

Jack made a pause to cast Donna one of those glances which every time made her heart beating faster.

"... I will also be very busy."

"With what?"

She asked breathlessly.

"With my most favorite duty ever: standing by My Princess' side and protecting her."

"Then I cannot impede you performing your duties..."

"Yes, I'm afraid you'll be forced to spend the whole ball with me..."

"Well... I suppose, I can handle that..."

Donna answered jokingly and let him lead her towards the ballroom. Suddenly, she realized that she never felt so happy like this moment before. Then she thought, that it's gonna to be a wonderful evening and nobody, literally nobody could possibly destroy it. If she only was right...