Thank you to everyone who reviewed!

It lets me know that there really are people who are waiting for me to finish this- that helps me stay dedicated. So thank you very much.

I hope you enjoy this chapter! I wrote it when I am supposed to be studying for my chemistry test tomorrow. Yes, my parents are going to kill me... But leave reviews and maybe I'll live. :)

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Guess what! This chapter marks a very special event! My story is now over 100,000 words long! YAY!

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The only noise came from my heels, they clicked each time they touched the stone floor.

Peter led us along; I preferred it that way, especially tonight. I was empty, my heart frozen, I certainly had no sense of direction. Hopefully, Peter will guide us for the rest of the night.

He quickly grew tired of the silence, and I cringed when he started to speak. "You don't seem excited for tonight."

"It's just another ball." I said quietly. "There will be many others."

"True," He paused. "Usually though you are nearly excited as Susan and Lucy…"

I shrugged.

He refused to give up. "Are you not pleased to know that we're going home tomorrow?"

I was very pleased. Going home meant seeing Susan, Lucy, and Edmund. Going home meant sparring and training with Vicern, that is, if he has returned from the Elven city. Going home meant avoiding Peter without trouble.

"Yes." I replied making sure to keep my eyes on the suit of armour that stood at the end of the corridor. "It will be good to be home."

A smile grew on his face, "Home. I miss it so much, it is nice to have so many humans about, but Narnians are so much more kind. No gossip or ridiculous laws-"

"We're here." I announced timidly, then adjusted the necklace nervously, and waited for him to give direction. We walked into the entrance corridor, following the small stream of couples and groups who were passing into the Great Hall. Never had I seen so many colours while my stay in Archenland, usually vibrant colours were not worn since they were not in style- but tonight it seemed that everyone wore vibrant costumes. There were horses, wizards, knights, and birds of assortments. At least I would not stick out… As beautiful as the dress was, it only mixed me into the crowd rather than stand out.

"Oh yes, yes we are. Well, erm, ready?" Peter looked down at me with his usual kind smile; it was common for Archenland masks to only cover the forehead, eyes, and nose.

For the first time ever, his smile failed to flatter me. For the first time ever, the butterflies never exploded in my stomach, blood did not rush to my cheeks, and my heart did not start to beat the tiniest bit faster. Yes, I was in love, but my heart was frozen, ice.

"Yes." My tone was flat, indifferent. I kept my face neutral, my mouth neither smiling nor frowning as we strolled into the massive, colourful, and noisy hall.

An orchestra played against the wall, the musicians all dressed in pure black costumes- their masks white. Half of the hall was dedicated to dancers, and I could see why, most of the people were dancing tonight. They spun, twirled, ladies laughing as their mysterious partners dipped them. On the immediate right was two large tables where assortments of sweets and treats sat, tempting all to eat them. Where they were no dancers and no food, was room for socialising. People stood in groups and huddles, women whispering to one another, while admirers snuck glances.

A fun night for the nobles- full of mystery and deception.

"Do you want to dance?" Peter asked.

"Not really," I answered straining my neck to a better view of the groups of people that surrounded us. "I wish to find Calantha and Patdor."

To my surprise, Peter's shoulders fell a bit. But as soon as they fell, he straightened his posture once more. "Do you have any idea what colour dress she is wearing?"

"Gold and brown." I caught sight of a gold dress, but turned away when the lady had blond hair, not brown like Calantha. "She is a cat and I know that Patdor is a-"

"Evening my Lady." A man stood in front of me, too close for comfort in my opinion. Peter silently pulled me back a few inches, while bringing himself closer.

"Evening." Peter said in a polite voice before I could. "May I help you with anything?"

"No, but the Lady can." The man's hair was black, complimenting his dark green mask lined with silver glitter. I was beginning to realize that many guests did not have a theme to their costume; they simply dressed for a masquerade.

I had a feeling of what was going to happen, but if it meant getting away from Peter, then I was willing to do it. "And what might I help you with sir?"

He bowed forward and offered his hand, "By joining me in a dance this next song."

Sliding my arm away from Peter's grasp, despite it growing tighter and tighter, I did a small curtsy. "As you request." I was eager to get away from Peter. Placing my hand in the stranger's, we walked forward through the crowd. I risked a glance back over my shoulder, and found that Peter had disappeared… What in the world…?

"I must confess," the young man took my attention again. "I can barely dance."

"Then why ask me to dance?" I asked in curiosity, trying to keep my tone from being rude.

"Because you seemed rather keen on leaving that man's side, it was plain to see you were uncomfortable." His left hand rested on my back, not going anywhere near low, and I took my own position. Slowly, we took the first few steps of the waltz.

I smiled, "Was it that noticeable?"

"Only to someone who took a moment to look." He motioned towards the crowds, "But not many people here are willing to do that, they are too caught up in their love triangles."

"Interesting… a noble who dislikes the ways of the nobles? How did- Ow!" The toes on my left foot ached for a moment as my partner accidentally treaded on it.

He tensed in embarrassment, "My apologies- I did warn you though."

To spare his feelings, I managed to keep my laughter back. "That you did, sire. Would you like to just watch the dancing, rather than take part?"

"Please, if you don't mind." He chuckled. "So... I think it is rather impossible to guess you are, not with that remarkable mask. Though, may I guess what noble family you come from?"

"If it would please you." I highly doubted that he would guess who I was, being that I was not from a noble family of Archenland at all... How could I? My family was from-

Um, where was my family from? Actually, where IS my family? Do I even have one? What happ-

"Are you from the Yule family line?" he asked.

"No."

"The Idel family?"

"Try again."

"How about the Qwer family?" the stranger grinned. "Is that you Lady Belie behind that mask?"

For the first time since lunch I laughed sincerely, "Sorry sire, but tis not Lady Belie."

That put him off, he stroked his chin. "Then I am at loss, I have named the families with many ladies of your hair colour... You truly are a mystery. Ah, but I am curious to see if you can guess my identity."

Considering I did not grow up here in the castle, the chances of me guessing his name or even family name was very slim. I only knew a few men's name by heart. "I am afraid that I am unable to even guess which family you come from. I am not good at these sorts of games."

The young stranger looked down at me, he was a good 4 inches taller than myself. "Tell you what, I shall give you a hint if you supply one yourself."

"Alright." That sounded fair enough. "But you first."

"I am not of a noble family line." he whispered into my ear, as if revealing a secret. Slowly, he pulled away, watching for my reaction.

All I did was nod, and beckoned him closer. Bending over, he placed his ear in front of my face. I whispered, "Neither am I."

That interested him greatly. "So you're a royal maid then? I'm a royal butler, just like my father and grandfather. So who do you work for? I work for Lord Von-"

I gasped. "Lord Von?! Patdor- erm, I mean to say Lord Patdor's father?"

"Yes... Do you work for the family as well? Then why do I not recognize you?" He sounded confused.

My word, he worked for Lord Von! Against my better judgment, I could not help but ask, "Is it... Is it true what they say about Lord Patdor and the princess?"

"Can I trust you?"

"I know you do not know who I am, but trust me, I am not one to spread information." I assured. "I give you my word."

Silent at first, he took a moment to think. Finally, he nodded and grabbed my hand. "Someone might overhear us, let us go out into the hall."

Curious to know what Von thought, straight from someone who worked for him and knew things others never heard of, I willingly let the handsome butler lead the way. Making his way through the mass of bodies, I kept my eyes open for any sign of Peter. Nothing, it seemed that he had simply disappeared from the ball. But... Would Peter really do that? Leave me completely alone in the hands of a stranger, yes we both knew I was more than capable of defending myself, but Peter was my escort... It was not good manners at all.

We broke free from the maze of crowds inside the Hall, and slipped outside into the hall unnoticed. We did not go anywhere, just to the other side where no one would be able to listen in.

"I can be punished for what I am about to say- I will lose my job and honour." The butler sternly said, imagine that, a butler using that sort of tone with a princess? Ah, perhaps I should always wear a mask... I enjoyed it when people, even if they were of the servant class, could treat me normally.

"I understand, trust me I do."

He crossed his arms, "You must first tell me who you are, I cannot trust a stranger with such a secret."

I sighed, and leaned against the wall, closing my eyes in thought. "How about a compromise? I shall tell you who I am- but only after you answer my question."

"No."

"Please, I promise that you can you trust me, and once you see my face you will agree." I insisted. It seemed that the young man knew something that I did not, I could just sense it from his body language. "But if I show you who I am- we will have to leave view from the Great Hall."

His arms fell to his sides, "I... I won't regret it... right?"

Nodding, I agreed. "Right."

"T-Then listen closely because I will not repeat myself, and you will be the one regretting if I hear any whisper of this amongst the servants or nobles. Yes?" His voice turned deadly serious, and I nodded. "Right then, understand this, Lord Patdor and the Narnia Princess are merely friends-"

"How do you know?"

"Because he is in love with my cousin!" He exclaimed, then cringed at the volume of his voice. Whispering, even though there was no one to hear, he continued, "My cousin Maret- you know her? She works in the kitchens, he fell in love with her when he used to hide in their from his studies and Lord Von. Earlier you noted how I dislike the ways of the nobles... Well, I don't dislike them, I hate them. I despise them. Because of their horrible laws- my cousin and Lord Patdor can never be happy, they can never marry."

"What does Von, I mean Lord Von know about Maret and-"

The stranger scoffed. "Know? Of course he knows, why do you think he locked my cousin Maret in his study room this night?" My mouth fell open at that, though I had felt nothing, I would feel nothing with my heart stuck frozen, but I was shocked at that. "Yes, I cannot believe it either! That man, until now he has done nothing but proved kind to me and my family, but now he has locked her in there to make sure Lord Patdor did not take her to the ball in secret. She is heartbroken and I can do nothing but watch her fall apart-"

"What would you do for her, good butler?" I asked urgently. "Would you do anything to make sure she got her happy ending?"

He frowned deeply, "Of course, but I am just what you say- a butler. What can I do with my status?"

I stood away from the wall, and pointed down the corridor, "Around that corner I will take off my mask, and maybe together we can make a plan to see Patdor and Maret married and happy."

"That's Lord Patdor, do you want to be punished for forgetting titles?" He reminded, surprised at the lack of title in my speech.

Ignoring him, I walked down the corridor and turned the corner. "Do not tell anyone of our conversation." I warned.

At that, he rolled his eyes. "That is what I made you promise."

As he spoke, I united the mask and held it in my hands, bringing my face into the open. His eyes grew wide, and the butler took three steps back and away from me. "You... You're... her! You're the Narnian Princess!"

Lifting the mask onto my face once more, I quickly tied it secure. "Makayla, or simply Kay. What is your name good butler?"

"Jedur." His voice was hoarse, almost in fright. "Your highness, forgive me, I did not mean to speak out of turn... Oh no, you're going to tell Lord Von! No, no, no! I will lose everything- please don't! Please-"

"Peace Jedur, I am a friend." I stopped him there. "Patdor is a dear friend of mine, and I want nothing more but for him to be happy with the woman who holds his heart. Now, I believe that we can help each other..."

He took a few deep breaths and straighted his tunic. "How long do you think it will take us your highness?"

I thought for a moment, "If it is midnight in an hour, then I say it will take us twelve hours."

"Twelve?! How do you know this?"

"Because at one hour to midday tomorrow, I return to Narnia. Now, Jedur... Let's plan a wedding."