I can still feel your warm embrace
And picture your sweet smile
But when I open my eyes
You are gone
You left
As quickly as you appeared
Leaving no traces
For me to find you
Were you just another fantasy
From my dreams?
Or are my dreams becoming true?
CHAPTER FOUR
"A ball?!" Tohru's eyes widened as she dried a plate from her enormous stack of dishes.
"Can you believe the nerve?!" A head servant growled as he dropped in to a chair, "After one hectic of a banquet now they're going to hold what they say's going to be the biggest ball of the year?!"
"Uh…"
"ARE WE MACHINES OR SOMETHING? Do servants not also need rests?!"
"When is it?"
The head servant sighed and hung his head, "In a week---IN A WEEK! HOW THE HELL CAN WE GET ANYTHING DONE IN A WEEK?"
Tohru shrunk back and gulped nervously, "I-I am sure we can finish everything in time."
"Is the ball for the prince to chose a bride?" She asked eagerly to change the subject.
"No, I heard it was more for the prince to mingle with the courts, just to relax more and feel more welcome I suppose." A vein popped from his forehead as he stared daggers at Tohru, " Of course…relaxing for him meaning more days for us slaving away!"
"Head Servant Sir," Meshyou appeared in the doorway, "You're are wanted in kitchen, the chefs are having some…difficulties."
"Probably tearing each other's throats out again." He swore loudly before leaving, "Those (beep)(beep)(beep) idiots! Never any(beep)(beep)(beep) peace with them around!"
"That goes for you too!" Meshyou shot back once he was out of earshot.
"Meshyou-san," Tohru asked in a hurry, "Is there really going to be a ball?"
"Yes," Meshyou sighed, "Prince Kyou sure brings lots of excitement for us…so much that I now get up each morning before the rooster crows. I can tell we're going to be restless with the Masked Ball well on its way."
"The Masked Ball?"
* * *
"Everybody comes in a mask so no one will know you are." Emiko toyed with an emerald ring on her finger. "But I already know what my sisters are wearing because Callie just had to come and show off her stupid dress yesterday, and Kay practically drew me a picture of what it looks like. Hmpt! If they think they can win Prince Kyou's heart with a couple of coy words and some rags they'd better check in with reality again! Because they'll be the ones eating their hearts out as Prince Kyou and I dance away in the spotlight!"
"I wish I had a sister." Tohru said wistfully.
"No you don't," Emiko sniffed in annoyance, " At least not sisters like mine."
"Someone I could laugh with when I'm sad…someone I could talk to when I'm lonely…"
"You're too idealistic, it doesn't work like that."
"Emiko-chan must've at least liked Kay-sama and Callie-sama at some time."
Emiko pursed her lips and crossed her arms, "I don't, and even if I did like them once, it was a long, long time ago, so long I can't remember it." Her face hardened like cold marbles.
She smiled softly at Tohru, "You might think a Princess's life is easy, but I've had my shares of troubles too."
"Before my mother died," Tohru began hesitantly, "she always used to say, 'life is like a ship at sea, the sailing might be hard at times, but always think of the sun after the storm."
"And I know who my sunshine is!" Emiko's skirt spread out like a pink umbrella as she twirled around the room.
"Prince Kyou?"
Emiko stopped mid way in a twirl and grinned slyly, "Like there's any other?"
* * *
"A ball?" Kyou looked at Shingure in boredom, "This better not be some plan to get me to propose in public."
"No, no, no…" Shingure wave his hand carelessly, "I wouldn't do something like that to you ( A.N: Yes he would^_^)---it's a masked ball, you just go and have fun…get to know some people."
"When I can't see who they are?"
"The princesses will be there."
"And…?" Kyou slouched in his seat and closed his eyes.
"All I can say is---you only have three month, so you had better act fast."
"Whatever…"
"One more thing, Kyou?"
"What?"
"Make sure you don't get to know the women too well…"
With a sleep yawn that made him look incredibly sexy and adorable at the same time, Kyou opened one eye.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"You know perfectly well what I mean."
"Calm down. I can behave." Not saying that I will.
Kyou moved the corners of his mouth into a smirk that would've made Shingure drool if he was gay or of the opposite sex.( A.N: Can someone tell me if him and Akito is a couple? If I'm totally off track then please blame it on those sites that claim to be truthful, and then kindly turn your undivided attention back to the story)
Like hell you would, Shingure sent him this mental message that Kyou didn't bother to acknowledge, You know as well as I do that you're probably going to flirt with every woman who looks good in a tiny corset and half their chest in full view. King Issaru and your father are going to have my head on a platter if I don't see you through your wedding. So please, PLEASE Kyou, don't force me to take drastic measure because I swear to everything holy and divine that I will make you very sorry IF YOU MAKE ME VERY SORRY!
Shingure smiled lightly as his violently disturbed thoughts rambled on.
"Make sure that you do."
* * *
The day of the ball was finally here, which was a humungous relief to almost everybody. The honored guests were pleased because they could enjoy themselves in another grand and important event, which would make them, seem more grand and important. Unfortunately servants did not feel the same way about Balls and Banquets because first of all, they were not invited because of their lower-class status and no one back then have enough common sense to notice being filthy rich did not make you better than others. Secondly, they were so sick of preparations that half of them couldn't wait to slam their heads in a pillow and not wake up until Christmas.
At first the Head Servant laughed in Tohru's face when she asked if she could serve at the Ball, but later Princess Emiko-sama had a little chat with the old pal and set the record straight. Of course Tohru didn't asked her new and wonderfully powerful friend who is the third royal princess of her country to brig her to justice, because Tohru is such a sweet and kind girl that she would never complain about anything. The Ball Room was decorated in everything shiny and sparkly that it made your eyes hard to stay focused. Cooks, chefs and anybody else with a title that gave them the right to make food worked until their pupils dilated and became afraid of kitchen accessories.
Servants weren't the only ones in a hurry, noblewomen, ladies of the court either soaked in foreign oils or piled their faces with heavy cream and cucumber slices over their eyes.
"How do I look?"
Tohru stared in wonder at the dazzling princess before her, Emiko looked gorgeous and she knew it herself. The midnight blue dress fit so perfectly with her silk sequenced mask, that she couldn't help but break into a smile.
"I think Emiko-chan is going to attract a lot of attention tonight."
"But I only want Prince Kyou's attention." Emiko fidgeted with her golden chain.
"You'll get it." Tohru reassured her. "How would you know it's Prince Kyou anyway?"
"He'll be standing with my father so I'll know what he's wearing and then I'll just let him know that this stunning beauty who has been taking his breath away is …me."
* * *
Kyou grinned and tried to remove himself away from all the female attention.
"Prince Kyou, we are just so deeply honored by you presence, you have no idea…" The woman drew herself so close that he could smell the perfume on her.
"Thank you." He flashed another killer smile that drew more attention before receiving a dirty look from Shingure.
Emiko watched as Prince Kyou struggled to get away from the crowd of women.
I knew he'd come looking for me. She thought as she made her way towards him. Like those stupid court women can hold his attention for longer than ten minutes?
"Prince Kyou?" She called to get his attention, he turned and she knew he liked what he saw. "Would you---?"
"Prince Kyou!" Emiko was interrupted by a voice that she knew and did not want to hear. And there was Kay, all dressed up and looking positively radiant in her white silk dress and mask. "You promised me the next dance--- remember? You don't mind do you?"
"No, not at all." Emiko forced out through her teeth and smiled tightly as Kay grinned sweetly at her.
"Wait for me." Prince Kyou winked at Emiko before Kay took his arm and led him to the dance floor.
"Grrrr," Emiko growled as she headed over to the buffet table, "I can't believe she shares my blood…"
Without a second though she popped a piece of cake in her mouth and chew angrily as she watched Kay cling to Prince Kyou like a barnacle.
"Why that little…" A gentleman near by looked at her with interest as she ate on with incredible speed until half the cake was gone.
"That strawberry nut cake must be rather good eh, my lady?"
"It's alright—" Realization dawned on Emiko as she stopped the piece half- way reached her open mouth. "Strawberry nut cake did you say?"
"The very best."
"OHMYGOD!"
* * *
"I'm allergic to nuts!" Emiko screeched out as she dropped into dry sobs. "Whenever I eat it I get a rash that turns my whole face red and---"
Tohru looked helpless as Emiko threw up in the bush.
"I can't go to the Ball like this! I might just throw up again on Prince Kyou…"
The two girls stayed silent for a moment.
"Unless…" Emiko's eyes brightened a she straightened up excitedly and glanced at Tohru.
"…Unless I get a replacement."
Tohru stared at her in amazement. "You…aren't talking about me right?"
"Please Tohru? Please do this for me!" Emiko pleaded with puppy-like eyes.
"You're exactly my height and figure! All you have to do is to wear my dress dance with Prince Kyou and then just stay at the Ball and avoid small talks! PLEASE? PLEASE? PLEASE? I'll do anything! I'll---"
"But what if they find out? What if they…?"
"I'll take all the blame, just please? You don't even have to go off and look for him, he'll come for you! Please hurry, the dance is almost over."
"I…but I have to serve all those platters of food…"
"There are so many serving maids that they won't miss you! And if there's a problem I'll take care of it."
"But…" Tohru still looked uncertain, "…"
"There are millions of 'But' and 'what if'—just please do this for me once? Don't make me grovel on my knees…"
Tohru looked at her friend's pleading face and nodded softly.
"Alright, I'll do it…"
"Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU…ugh…I don't feel so good…"
* * *
"No thank you." Does my voice sound that high and squeaky? Tohru smiled politely as she refused another nobleman in a dance.
"Maybe some other time I'll get a chance to dance with such a beautiful lady such as yourself."
Tohru blushed at the compliment but then reminded her self she was in Emiko's dress, Emiko's shoes and Emiko's necklaces; they wouldn't pay attention to me if they knew I was just a plain maid.
"Would you dance with…?" The woman asked while the man beside her glared at him in fury.
In Kyou's rapid attempts to come up with excuses his eyes fell on a exactly who he was looking for; the lady in blue.
"I'm sorry," He tried his best to sound like it too. "But I'm already taken."
"Care to dance still?"
Tohru looked at him curiosity, "Prince…Kyou?"
"Please keep your voice down." Kyou glanced around nervously as he took her hand and led her away as quickly as possible.
Everything was fine, Tohru avoided a conversation and Kyou didn't want to start one either, until Kyou pulled her closer when the music turned slower and she started to step on his shoes.
"Sorry." She grimaced, "I-I'm not a very good dancer, maybe you should dance with someone else."
This is the first time in Kyou's life when a woman didn't want to dance with him---and actually told him to dance with someone else( rejection hurts).
"Not that I don't want to dance with you," Tohru added quickly when she saw Kyou's face. "I mean, you're a really good dancer, and I'm not—so…"
Kyou felt amused at her outburst, "You can learn—I'll teach you."
"I don't want you to waste time on me." Tohru looked down at her shoes.
"If you were wasting my time I wouldn't have kept dancing with you."
"Huh?" Tohru looked up in surprise.
"And if I wanted to, I could waste my time on you from now until the ball ends."
"You can't do that!" Tohru panicked, what would head servant say about coming in late plus not doing her job? Even Emiko might not be able to bail her out of this one.
"Why?" Twice the same woman refused him? What is the world coming to?
"Because…I'll ruin your shoes…"
Kyou laughed, "I have others, don't worry."
"But they're such nice shoes…" Tohru knew she was grasping straws but she didn't care.
"I value my dance partners more."
With that, there was not much Tohru could say, so…they danced on.
End chapter four
A.N: Does everybody like this chapter? This is the chapter that everybody's waiting for…they actually meet! I'm sorry if the poem was kind of lame at the beginning but I am in a hurry to eat my lunch, catch the bus and head downtown to look for 'peach girl momo' mangas in my local comic store( did I mention I have to do all this in 30 minutes?). Anyways, back to 'unexpected', I am so thankful to everybody who either read this story or even sent a review( shed tears) you guys don't know how much your feedback has encouraged me to work harder on this story! I will now ignore daily life and drink more tea and coffee than ever so I can have enough strength to continue my story…or something to that point…By the way, if anyone thinks of any good chapter titles please e-mail me because I'm clueless at these things (notice how all my titles are one worded?). And as always…please review.
And picture your sweet smile
But when I open my eyes
You are gone
You left
As quickly as you appeared
Leaving no traces
For me to find you
Were you just another fantasy
From my dreams?
Or are my dreams becoming true?
CHAPTER FOUR
"A ball?!" Tohru's eyes widened as she dried a plate from her enormous stack of dishes.
"Can you believe the nerve?!" A head servant growled as he dropped in to a chair, "After one hectic of a banquet now they're going to hold what they say's going to be the biggest ball of the year?!"
"Uh…"
"ARE WE MACHINES OR SOMETHING? Do servants not also need rests?!"
"When is it?"
The head servant sighed and hung his head, "In a week---IN A WEEK! HOW THE HELL CAN WE GET ANYTHING DONE IN A WEEK?"
Tohru shrunk back and gulped nervously, "I-I am sure we can finish everything in time."
"Is the ball for the prince to chose a bride?" She asked eagerly to change the subject.
"No, I heard it was more for the prince to mingle with the courts, just to relax more and feel more welcome I suppose." A vein popped from his forehead as he stared daggers at Tohru, " Of course…relaxing for him meaning more days for us slaving away!"
"Head Servant Sir," Meshyou appeared in the doorway, "You're are wanted in kitchen, the chefs are having some…difficulties."
"Probably tearing each other's throats out again." He swore loudly before leaving, "Those (beep)(beep)(beep) idiots! Never any(beep)(beep)(beep) peace with them around!"
"That goes for you too!" Meshyou shot back once he was out of earshot.
"Meshyou-san," Tohru asked in a hurry, "Is there really going to be a ball?"
"Yes," Meshyou sighed, "Prince Kyou sure brings lots of excitement for us…so much that I now get up each morning before the rooster crows. I can tell we're going to be restless with the Masked Ball well on its way."
"The Masked Ball?"
* * *
"Everybody comes in a mask so no one will know you are." Emiko toyed with an emerald ring on her finger. "But I already know what my sisters are wearing because Callie just had to come and show off her stupid dress yesterday, and Kay practically drew me a picture of what it looks like. Hmpt! If they think they can win Prince Kyou's heart with a couple of coy words and some rags they'd better check in with reality again! Because they'll be the ones eating their hearts out as Prince Kyou and I dance away in the spotlight!"
"I wish I had a sister." Tohru said wistfully.
"No you don't," Emiko sniffed in annoyance, " At least not sisters like mine."
"Someone I could laugh with when I'm sad…someone I could talk to when I'm lonely…"
"You're too idealistic, it doesn't work like that."
"Emiko-chan must've at least liked Kay-sama and Callie-sama at some time."
Emiko pursed her lips and crossed her arms, "I don't, and even if I did like them once, it was a long, long time ago, so long I can't remember it." Her face hardened like cold marbles.
She smiled softly at Tohru, "You might think a Princess's life is easy, but I've had my shares of troubles too."
"Before my mother died," Tohru began hesitantly, "she always used to say, 'life is like a ship at sea, the sailing might be hard at times, but always think of the sun after the storm."
"And I know who my sunshine is!" Emiko's skirt spread out like a pink umbrella as she twirled around the room.
"Prince Kyou?"
Emiko stopped mid way in a twirl and grinned slyly, "Like there's any other?"
* * *
"A ball?" Kyou looked at Shingure in boredom, "This better not be some plan to get me to propose in public."
"No, no, no…" Shingure wave his hand carelessly, "I wouldn't do something like that to you ( A.N: Yes he would^_^)---it's a masked ball, you just go and have fun…get to know some people."
"When I can't see who they are?"
"The princesses will be there."
"And…?" Kyou slouched in his seat and closed his eyes.
"All I can say is---you only have three month, so you had better act fast."
"Whatever…"
"One more thing, Kyou?"
"What?"
"Make sure you don't get to know the women too well…"
With a sleep yawn that made him look incredibly sexy and adorable at the same time, Kyou opened one eye.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
"You know perfectly well what I mean."
"Calm down. I can behave." Not saying that I will.
Kyou moved the corners of his mouth into a smirk that would've made Shingure drool if he was gay or of the opposite sex.( A.N: Can someone tell me if him and Akito is a couple? If I'm totally off track then please blame it on those sites that claim to be truthful, and then kindly turn your undivided attention back to the story)
Like hell you would, Shingure sent him this mental message that Kyou didn't bother to acknowledge, You know as well as I do that you're probably going to flirt with every woman who looks good in a tiny corset and half their chest in full view. King Issaru and your father are going to have my head on a platter if I don't see you through your wedding. So please, PLEASE Kyou, don't force me to take drastic measure because I swear to everything holy and divine that I will make you very sorry IF YOU MAKE ME VERY SORRY!
Shingure smiled lightly as his violently disturbed thoughts rambled on.
"Make sure that you do."
* * *
The day of the ball was finally here, which was a humungous relief to almost everybody. The honored guests were pleased because they could enjoy themselves in another grand and important event, which would make them, seem more grand and important. Unfortunately servants did not feel the same way about Balls and Banquets because first of all, they were not invited because of their lower-class status and no one back then have enough common sense to notice being filthy rich did not make you better than others. Secondly, they were so sick of preparations that half of them couldn't wait to slam their heads in a pillow and not wake up until Christmas.
At first the Head Servant laughed in Tohru's face when she asked if she could serve at the Ball, but later Princess Emiko-sama had a little chat with the old pal and set the record straight. Of course Tohru didn't asked her new and wonderfully powerful friend who is the third royal princess of her country to brig her to justice, because Tohru is such a sweet and kind girl that she would never complain about anything. The Ball Room was decorated in everything shiny and sparkly that it made your eyes hard to stay focused. Cooks, chefs and anybody else with a title that gave them the right to make food worked until their pupils dilated and became afraid of kitchen accessories.
Servants weren't the only ones in a hurry, noblewomen, ladies of the court either soaked in foreign oils or piled their faces with heavy cream and cucumber slices over their eyes.
"How do I look?"
Tohru stared in wonder at the dazzling princess before her, Emiko looked gorgeous and she knew it herself. The midnight blue dress fit so perfectly with her silk sequenced mask, that she couldn't help but break into a smile.
"I think Emiko-chan is going to attract a lot of attention tonight."
"But I only want Prince Kyou's attention." Emiko fidgeted with her golden chain.
"You'll get it." Tohru reassured her. "How would you know it's Prince Kyou anyway?"
"He'll be standing with my father so I'll know what he's wearing and then I'll just let him know that this stunning beauty who has been taking his breath away is …me."
* * *
Kyou grinned and tried to remove himself away from all the female attention.
"Prince Kyou, we are just so deeply honored by you presence, you have no idea…" The woman drew herself so close that he could smell the perfume on her.
"Thank you." He flashed another killer smile that drew more attention before receiving a dirty look from Shingure.
Emiko watched as Prince Kyou struggled to get away from the crowd of women.
I knew he'd come looking for me. She thought as she made her way towards him. Like those stupid court women can hold his attention for longer than ten minutes?
"Prince Kyou?" She called to get his attention, he turned and she knew he liked what he saw. "Would you---?"
"Prince Kyou!" Emiko was interrupted by a voice that she knew and did not want to hear. And there was Kay, all dressed up and looking positively radiant in her white silk dress and mask. "You promised me the next dance--- remember? You don't mind do you?"
"No, not at all." Emiko forced out through her teeth and smiled tightly as Kay grinned sweetly at her.
"Wait for me." Prince Kyou winked at Emiko before Kay took his arm and led him to the dance floor.
"Grrrr," Emiko growled as she headed over to the buffet table, "I can't believe she shares my blood…"
Without a second though she popped a piece of cake in her mouth and chew angrily as she watched Kay cling to Prince Kyou like a barnacle.
"Why that little…" A gentleman near by looked at her with interest as she ate on with incredible speed until half the cake was gone.
"That strawberry nut cake must be rather good eh, my lady?"
"It's alright—" Realization dawned on Emiko as she stopped the piece half- way reached her open mouth. "Strawberry nut cake did you say?"
"The very best."
"OHMYGOD!"
* * *
"I'm allergic to nuts!" Emiko screeched out as she dropped into dry sobs. "Whenever I eat it I get a rash that turns my whole face red and---"
Tohru looked helpless as Emiko threw up in the bush.
"I can't go to the Ball like this! I might just throw up again on Prince Kyou…"
The two girls stayed silent for a moment.
"Unless…" Emiko's eyes brightened a she straightened up excitedly and glanced at Tohru.
"…Unless I get a replacement."
Tohru stared at her in amazement. "You…aren't talking about me right?"
"Please Tohru? Please do this for me!" Emiko pleaded with puppy-like eyes.
"You're exactly my height and figure! All you have to do is to wear my dress dance with Prince Kyou and then just stay at the Ball and avoid small talks! PLEASE? PLEASE? PLEASE? I'll do anything! I'll---"
"But what if they find out? What if they…?"
"I'll take all the blame, just please? You don't even have to go off and look for him, he'll come for you! Please hurry, the dance is almost over."
"I…but I have to serve all those platters of food…"
"There are so many serving maids that they won't miss you! And if there's a problem I'll take care of it."
"But…" Tohru still looked uncertain, "…"
"There are millions of 'But' and 'what if'—just please do this for me once? Don't make me grovel on my knees…"
Tohru looked at her friend's pleading face and nodded softly.
"Alright, I'll do it…"
"Thank you! Thank you! THANK YOU…ugh…I don't feel so good…"
* * *
"No thank you." Does my voice sound that high and squeaky? Tohru smiled politely as she refused another nobleman in a dance.
"Maybe some other time I'll get a chance to dance with such a beautiful lady such as yourself."
Tohru blushed at the compliment but then reminded her self she was in Emiko's dress, Emiko's shoes and Emiko's necklaces; they wouldn't pay attention to me if they knew I was just a plain maid.
"Would you dance with…?" The woman asked while the man beside her glared at him in fury.
In Kyou's rapid attempts to come up with excuses his eyes fell on a exactly who he was looking for; the lady in blue.
"I'm sorry," He tried his best to sound like it too. "But I'm already taken."
"Care to dance still?"
Tohru looked at him curiosity, "Prince…Kyou?"
"Please keep your voice down." Kyou glanced around nervously as he took her hand and led her away as quickly as possible.
Everything was fine, Tohru avoided a conversation and Kyou didn't want to start one either, until Kyou pulled her closer when the music turned slower and she started to step on his shoes.
"Sorry." She grimaced, "I-I'm not a very good dancer, maybe you should dance with someone else."
This is the first time in Kyou's life when a woman didn't want to dance with him---and actually told him to dance with someone else( rejection hurts).
"Not that I don't want to dance with you," Tohru added quickly when she saw Kyou's face. "I mean, you're a really good dancer, and I'm not—so…"
Kyou felt amused at her outburst, "You can learn—I'll teach you."
"I don't want you to waste time on me." Tohru looked down at her shoes.
"If you were wasting my time I wouldn't have kept dancing with you."
"Huh?" Tohru looked up in surprise.
"And if I wanted to, I could waste my time on you from now until the ball ends."
"You can't do that!" Tohru panicked, what would head servant say about coming in late plus not doing her job? Even Emiko might not be able to bail her out of this one.
"Why?" Twice the same woman refused him? What is the world coming to?
"Because…I'll ruin your shoes…"
Kyou laughed, "I have others, don't worry."
"But they're such nice shoes…" Tohru knew she was grasping straws but she didn't care.
"I value my dance partners more."
With that, there was not much Tohru could say, so…they danced on.
End chapter four
A.N: Does everybody like this chapter? This is the chapter that everybody's waiting for…they actually meet! I'm sorry if the poem was kind of lame at the beginning but I am in a hurry to eat my lunch, catch the bus and head downtown to look for 'peach girl momo' mangas in my local comic store( did I mention I have to do all this in 30 minutes?). Anyways, back to 'unexpected', I am so thankful to everybody who either read this story or even sent a review( shed tears) you guys don't know how much your feedback has encouraged me to work harder on this story! I will now ignore daily life and drink more tea and coffee than ever so I can have enough strength to continue my story…or something to that point…By the way, if anyone thinks of any good chapter titles please e-mail me because I'm clueless at these things (notice how all my titles are one worded?). And as always…please review.