Aerina stormed furiously through the castle towards her chamber. Knocking
everything out of her way, people shouted, dishes fell, dogs yelped, a cake
almost felt if it hadn't been for the cook who used a levitating charm. Her
hair flew like that of tree branches that twist and turn in a violent
storm. She came to her chamber and used her powers to push the doors back.
The nurse and a couple of maids were astonished at Aerina's sudden arrival.
" My lady I tried to stop him! But he was so stubborn," the nurse fell to her knees as Aerina arrived infront of her.
" Please forgive me," she whispered to the princess's feet. The princess calmed down and looked at the nurse.
" Rise you. No need to fear. I will not harm you. For you have done well and tamed the beast, " she said smiling. The nurse smiled back.
" Oh wonderful, we must get you dressed then!" she exclaimed. She clapped her hands twice and the maids brought forth the dress. It was white and of course silk. It was quite plain in a way, but at the waist there was a silver buckle where a see-through sort of silk flowed through down to the end of the dress.
" Oh it's beautiful!" she exclaimed while her fingers traced the dress. She removed her afternoon dress. The nurse helped her slip on the white dress and after she was done she went to the closet to search for her gloves. Aerina twirled looking at the dress her hair flew gently in the hair as she giggled. "This will be the most wonderful night of my life!" she exclaimed happily. " My lady, Phillip has sent word that so there is no mix up he will be the gentleman wearing the black and white mask." The maid said gleefully.
Eric walked about cheerfully through the castle. He greeted the people whose items were thrashed about on the floor. He entered his chamber and left the secret door to Aerina's room adjacent. Nothing was said much, the ladies only discussed about Phillip, who Eric found quite amusing. Not that Phillip was funny, it was just that Phillip looked like someone who would be funny to make angry.
" I believe the young prince of Niapon has an affection for you." The nurse said. Eric looked up and sat beside the door listening.
" I agree, he never leaves me alone." Aerina replied.
"Hah!" Eric replied to himself. He stood up, " So she thinks I fancy her? Well she thinks much of herself. I believe revenge is called for," he said to himself. Behind the wall he heard something else that caught his attention.
' Too easy.' He thought to himself.
Fireworks exploded in various colors and shapes above the castle, which had flags of gold and ribbons and bows all about. The courtyard had pixies hanging about everywhere. The greeters wore white and led the guest up a red carpet. Inside the castle there you immediately saw the brown staircase and the chandelier that also had pixies lighting it. The orchestra played joyful music that everyone enjoyed. The ladies all wore different dresses of green, red, purple, and white, black, brown. The gentlemen all wore their dinner clothes of brown or dark blue. There were different masks, a lion, a cat, an enchantress, a fairy, a witch, a clown, a sad drama face, and a happy drama face. Everyone talked about happily. A young gentleman walked about in black and his mask was white and black, which covered his hair. The ladies whispered about as he passed them by. He stopped by the staircase and waited for the princess.
Aerina slipped on her tiara and last of the many necklaces and bracelets she had on. The nurse brought her an enchantress's mask.
" Thank you." She said while she slipped on the mask. Aerina walked out of the room and came to the staircase. Everyone stopped talking and knelt in honor. The young gentleman by the staircase did the same. She smiled and walked down gracefully. At the last step her heel didn't reach all the way and she tripped. The young gentleman stood up quickly and caught her in his arms.
" You must be careful dear princess. " he whispered to her. Aerina nodded and blushed a bit. Everyone returned to the dancing and opening of the presents. He let her go and walked away. She stood there astonished and looked about the people to find her friends.
The little children ran about with their presents. At the entrance of the ballroom they were about to enter, where they were not allowed to enter. Just before they were to enter a wizard appeared in a poof of smoke. They halted and stared at him. He was old in a dark purple cloak, and pulled a flute of wood. He played one little note and another. He continued to play making the children follow him. Inside the ballroom there were balloons and punch. The ladies flirted with the gentlemen. The elders discussed how the young-uns behaved now days. Her ladies surrounded Aerina.
" Oh Aerina who was that young gentleman?" Lady Jiori asked. She wore a red dress with a plain red mask and also had jet-black hair.
" I don't know…but I believe it might be Phillip. He sent me a message that he was going to be wearing a black and white mask." Aerina replied. The young gentleman made his way across the floor.
" Ahem, " all the ladies turned at him, " may I have this dance my lady?" he asked letting out his hand to Aerina. A waltz began to play. Aerina smiled.
" Of course Phillip." She said and walked across the floor with him. They twirled about the floor she was lost in another world of love. But she did notice the stain ontop of Phillip's shoulder. Suddenly an elder called Phillip.
" I'll be right back, wait right here." He said clutching her hand and walking away. She stood there waiting for him. In a few moments he returned.
" Excuse me for that." He said holding onto her waist as they began to dance again. Aerina looked up at him.
" You look beautiful this evening my love." He said.
" But then again…you always do." He continued.
" Please stop Phillip, for sure I will blush madly." She whispered. Phillip held onto her tighter.
" I mean it Aerina, you are enchanting. I fear there is nothing I can do. Except…" his words trailed away.
" Except…" She tried to continue for him.
" This." he said closing in on her mouth and kissed her softly. They danced about kissing passionately. He stroked her hair and she massaged his neck with the tips of her fingers. As to not to draw too much attention, Phillip led them out, still kissing. Outside there was no one. They continued to kiss until the song ended. Aerina broke from the kiss slowly. He sighed and looked at her lovingly. She ran her fingers on his shoulder, her eyes looked at the design of his clothes. The stain was gone; actually, his suit was entirely different.
" Phillip, dear…did you change?" she asked. A familiar grin struck his face and he kissed her again. He broke the kiss softly.
" No."
" Well you weren't wearing this before."
" Yes, I was."
" No you weren't Phillip."
" Yes I was, I have been wearing this all night." He leaned into her ear and whispered.
" Perhaps, you don't recognize a certain neglected prince." That is when Eric removed his mask. Aerina gasped and backed away covering her mouth.
" My apologies your highness." He replied bowing and smirked as he stood again. She walked over to him and looked at him. Aerina stroked his cheek lovingly.
" You …"
" Yes?" he said closing in again. Before he could do anything Aerina slapped his cheek.
" You dirty little devil!" she exclaimed.
"Well-" Eric began.
" How dare you!" she said again.
" You s-" he tried to explain.
" Have you no shame?" she whispered angrily.
" Just a litt-" he tried to sputter.
" I have no patience for you!" she interrupted him. Eric became a bit angry she was taking away the whole fun of it. The kiss had been warm and beautiful and he had never felt anything like that before. He took her arm.
" Tell me you didn't feel it! Tell me that when you were kissing me that it wasn't like heaven. Like you could melt there in my arms." He said. Behind them in the ballroom everyone began to waltz again. Aerina sighed and looked at him.
" No. I didn't feel anything." She said and walked back inside. Eric watched her walk back inside. He rubbed his cheek and smiled.
Aerina walked around the ball searching for Phillip. She finally saw him re- entering the room.
"I'm - what's wrong?" he asked looking at her.
" Him…."
" What did he do?"
" He tricked me into doing something."
" Did he?"
" Yes." She said looking down.
" I'll be right back, " he said kissing her on the cheek.
" Where are you going?"
" To do something I should've done this afternoon."
Eric walked about the courtyard happily. They had kissed, not just an empty kiss that he would have had back home. This was with love and passion and he liked it. He never felt like this.
" Haha, calmed down there Eric, if anyone saw you they might think that you're…" that's when he realized something, " in love…" He sat down. That's when Phillip and 3 more men came out.
" What did you do to her?" Phillip yelled angrily.
" To who?" Eric replied.
" To Aerina!"
" Oh! Her! Nothing really. Just kissed her. It was the most wonderful kiss," he said turning his back to them.
" Like flying, I had wings there for a mom-" he said turning back. But instead Phillip had flung his fist at his face and punched him on the nose. Eric stumbled back a bit he touched the tip of nose.
" Bleeding…. asshole!" he yelled and swung at Phillip's eye which was a direct hit. Eric however forgot about the men. They took him by the arms and held him back. Phillip pushed back his sleeves and began punching him in the stomach. A maid saw it. At once she reported it to Aerina who was discussing something to her fellow ladies.
" Phillip is what?" she spoke. She looked outside where Eric was been eliminated.
The pain that Eric was experiencing was extremely hurtful. He was about to faint when he saw Aerina and a group of people behind her following her outside.
" Phillip! Stop!" she said grabbing onto his fist. Phillip looked at her.
" I'm sorry Aerina." He replied. The nurse came out and took out a handkerchief. She wiped off Eric's blood.
" There is no show here. Everyone. Go home." the Nurse said and led everyone inside. Aerina and Eric were left outside alone. They stared at each other for a while.
" You have had just-" Phillip called for her. Aerina walked away looking at Eric. Eric looked back at her.
" Come see me out my love." Phillip said holding hands with Aerina. Eric gulped and sat down.
" What a revenge that was." He said tossing the handkerchief to the floor.
A few hours later Eric was in bed in his pj's with soup and hot water with a towel heating inside beside him. The spoon would try to feed him but he didn't want to eat anything. A knock came from beside the secret door.
" Enter if you wish." He answered. Aerina came in already in her sleeping gown and her hair was back down. She stood by the fireplace staring at him.
" What? Have you come for a show? Would you like me to stand upside my head and try to juggle for you?" he said while the spoon tried to feed him some soup.
" I don't want!" he yelled at the small spoon, which flew to the top of his head and whacked him on the head.
" Ah bugger!" he exclaimed rubbing his head. Aerina came and sat by him. She pulled up her sleeves and took out the towel. After squeezing out most of the water, she rubbed the towel on his face. He looked at her lovingly. She continued to watch his face and looking at him at the same time. Eric leaned in to kiss her.
" I-"
" Don't" Aerina interrupted. She stood at once.
"I have to go to bed, " she said. Looking at him still.
" I didn't feel it. Just to let you know. Nothing is to change. You have deceived me and tried to make a fool out of me. Now rest. Good night." She said and head for the door.
" Wait!" Eric croaked out. He got out of bed and tried to rush to her. He grabbed her and pulled her in for a kiss. Nothing. No response from her. When he had broken the kiss she looked down, mumbled good night, and left the chamber. Eric bid her a good night also and closed the door.
" Sweet Dreams. I guess."
" My lady I tried to stop him! But he was so stubborn," the nurse fell to her knees as Aerina arrived infront of her.
" Please forgive me," she whispered to the princess's feet. The princess calmed down and looked at the nurse.
" Rise you. No need to fear. I will not harm you. For you have done well and tamed the beast, " she said smiling. The nurse smiled back.
" Oh wonderful, we must get you dressed then!" she exclaimed. She clapped her hands twice and the maids brought forth the dress. It was white and of course silk. It was quite plain in a way, but at the waist there was a silver buckle where a see-through sort of silk flowed through down to the end of the dress.
" Oh it's beautiful!" she exclaimed while her fingers traced the dress. She removed her afternoon dress. The nurse helped her slip on the white dress and after she was done she went to the closet to search for her gloves. Aerina twirled looking at the dress her hair flew gently in the hair as she giggled. "This will be the most wonderful night of my life!" she exclaimed happily. " My lady, Phillip has sent word that so there is no mix up he will be the gentleman wearing the black and white mask." The maid said gleefully.
Eric walked about cheerfully through the castle. He greeted the people whose items were thrashed about on the floor. He entered his chamber and left the secret door to Aerina's room adjacent. Nothing was said much, the ladies only discussed about Phillip, who Eric found quite amusing. Not that Phillip was funny, it was just that Phillip looked like someone who would be funny to make angry.
" I believe the young prince of Niapon has an affection for you." The nurse said. Eric looked up and sat beside the door listening.
" I agree, he never leaves me alone." Aerina replied.
"Hah!" Eric replied to himself. He stood up, " So she thinks I fancy her? Well she thinks much of herself. I believe revenge is called for," he said to himself. Behind the wall he heard something else that caught his attention.
' Too easy.' He thought to himself.
Fireworks exploded in various colors and shapes above the castle, which had flags of gold and ribbons and bows all about. The courtyard had pixies hanging about everywhere. The greeters wore white and led the guest up a red carpet. Inside the castle there you immediately saw the brown staircase and the chandelier that also had pixies lighting it. The orchestra played joyful music that everyone enjoyed. The ladies all wore different dresses of green, red, purple, and white, black, brown. The gentlemen all wore their dinner clothes of brown or dark blue. There were different masks, a lion, a cat, an enchantress, a fairy, a witch, a clown, a sad drama face, and a happy drama face. Everyone talked about happily. A young gentleman walked about in black and his mask was white and black, which covered his hair. The ladies whispered about as he passed them by. He stopped by the staircase and waited for the princess.
Aerina slipped on her tiara and last of the many necklaces and bracelets she had on. The nurse brought her an enchantress's mask.
" Thank you." She said while she slipped on the mask. Aerina walked out of the room and came to the staircase. Everyone stopped talking and knelt in honor. The young gentleman by the staircase did the same. She smiled and walked down gracefully. At the last step her heel didn't reach all the way and she tripped. The young gentleman stood up quickly and caught her in his arms.
" You must be careful dear princess. " he whispered to her. Aerina nodded and blushed a bit. Everyone returned to the dancing and opening of the presents. He let her go and walked away. She stood there astonished and looked about the people to find her friends.
The little children ran about with their presents. At the entrance of the ballroom they were about to enter, where they were not allowed to enter. Just before they were to enter a wizard appeared in a poof of smoke. They halted and stared at him. He was old in a dark purple cloak, and pulled a flute of wood. He played one little note and another. He continued to play making the children follow him. Inside the ballroom there were balloons and punch. The ladies flirted with the gentlemen. The elders discussed how the young-uns behaved now days. Her ladies surrounded Aerina.
" Oh Aerina who was that young gentleman?" Lady Jiori asked. She wore a red dress with a plain red mask and also had jet-black hair.
" I don't know…but I believe it might be Phillip. He sent me a message that he was going to be wearing a black and white mask." Aerina replied. The young gentleman made his way across the floor.
" Ahem, " all the ladies turned at him, " may I have this dance my lady?" he asked letting out his hand to Aerina. A waltz began to play. Aerina smiled.
" Of course Phillip." She said and walked across the floor with him. They twirled about the floor she was lost in another world of love. But she did notice the stain ontop of Phillip's shoulder. Suddenly an elder called Phillip.
" I'll be right back, wait right here." He said clutching her hand and walking away. She stood there waiting for him. In a few moments he returned.
" Excuse me for that." He said holding onto her waist as they began to dance again. Aerina looked up at him.
" You look beautiful this evening my love." He said.
" But then again…you always do." He continued.
" Please stop Phillip, for sure I will blush madly." She whispered. Phillip held onto her tighter.
" I mean it Aerina, you are enchanting. I fear there is nothing I can do. Except…" his words trailed away.
" Except…" She tried to continue for him.
" This." he said closing in on her mouth and kissed her softly. They danced about kissing passionately. He stroked her hair and she massaged his neck with the tips of her fingers. As to not to draw too much attention, Phillip led them out, still kissing. Outside there was no one. They continued to kiss until the song ended. Aerina broke from the kiss slowly. He sighed and looked at her lovingly. She ran her fingers on his shoulder, her eyes looked at the design of his clothes. The stain was gone; actually, his suit was entirely different.
" Phillip, dear…did you change?" she asked. A familiar grin struck his face and he kissed her again. He broke the kiss softly.
" No."
" Well you weren't wearing this before."
" Yes, I was."
" No you weren't Phillip."
" Yes I was, I have been wearing this all night." He leaned into her ear and whispered.
" Perhaps, you don't recognize a certain neglected prince." That is when Eric removed his mask. Aerina gasped and backed away covering her mouth.
" My apologies your highness." He replied bowing and smirked as he stood again. She walked over to him and looked at him. Aerina stroked his cheek lovingly.
" You …"
" Yes?" he said closing in again. Before he could do anything Aerina slapped his cheek.
" You dirty little devil!" she exclaimed.
"Well-" Eric began.
" How dare you!" she said again.
" You s-" he tried to explain.
" Have you no shame?" she whispered angrily.
" Just a litt-" he tried to sputter.
" I have no patience for you!" she interrupted him. Eric became a bit angry she was taking away the whole fun of it. The kiss had been warm and beautiful and he had never felt anything like that before. He took her arm.
" Tell me you didn't feel it! Tell me that when you were kissing me that it wasn't like heaven. Like you could melt there in my arms." He said. Behind them in the ballroom everyone began to waltz again. Aerina sighed and looked at him.
" No. I didn't feel anything." She said and walked back inside. Eric watched her walk back inside. He rubbed his cheek and smiled.
Aerina walked around the ball searching for Phillip. She finally saw him re- entering the room.
"I'm - what's wrong?" he asked looking at her.
" Him…."
" What did he do?"
" He tricked me into doing something."
" Did he?"
" Yes." She said looking down.
" I'll be right back, " he said kissing her on the cheek.
" Where are you going?"
" To do something I should've done this afternoon."
Eric walked about the courtyard happily. They had kissed, not just an empty kiss that he would have had back home. This was with love and passion and he liked it. He never felt like this.
" Haha, calmed down there Eric, if anyone saw you they might think that you're…" that's when he realized something, " in love…" He sat down. That's when Phillip and 3 more men came out.
" What did you do to her?" Phillip yelled angrily.
" To who?" Eric replied.
" To Aerina!"
" Oh! Her! Nothing really. Just kissed her. It was the most wonderful kiss," he said turning his back to them.
" Like flying, I had wings there for a mom-" he said turning back. But instead Phillip had flung his fist at his face and punched him on the nose. Eric stumbled back a bit he touched the tip of nose.
" Bleeding…. asshole!" he yelled and swung at Phillip's eye which was a direct hit. Eric however forgot about the men. They took him by the arms and held him back. Phillip pushed back his sleeves and began punching him in the stomach. A maid saw it. At once she reported it to Aerina who was discussing something to her fellow ladies.
" Phillip is what?" she spoke. She looked outside where Eric was been eliminated.
The pain that Eric was experiencing was extremely hurtful. He was about to faint when he saw Aerina and a group of people behind her following her outside.
" Phillip! Stop!" she said grabbing onto his fist. Phillip looked at her.
" I'm sorry Aerina." He replied. The nurse came out and took out a handkerchief. She wiped off Eric's blood.
" There is no show here. Everyone. Go home." the Nurse said and led everyone inside. Aerina and Eric were left outside alone. They stared at each other for a while.
" You have had just-" Phillip called for her. Aerina walked away looking at Eric. Eric looked back at her.
" Come see me out my love." Phillip said holding hands with Aerina. Eric gulped and sat down.
" What a revenge that was." He said tossing the handkerchief to the floor.
A few hours later Eric was in bed in his pj's with soup and hot water with a towel heating inside beside him. The spoon would try to feed him but he didn't want to eat anything. A knock came from beside the secret door.
" Enter if you wish." He answered. Aerina came in already in her sleeping gown and her hair was back down. She stood by the fireplace staring at him.
" What? Have you come for a show? Would you like me to stand upside my head and try to juggle for you?" he said while the spoon tried to feed him some soup.
" I don't want!" he yelled at the small spoon, which flew to the top of his head and whacked him on the head.
" Ah bugger!" he exclaimed rubbing his head. Aerina came and sat by him. She pulled up her sleeves and took out the towel. After squeezing out most of the water, she rubbed the towel on his face. He looked at her lovingly. She continued to watch his face and looking at him at the same time. Eric leaned in to kiss her.
" I-"
" Don't" Aerina interrupted. She stood at once.
"I have to go to bed, " she said. Looking at him still.
" I didn't feel it. Just to let you know. Nothing is to change. You have deceived me and tried to make a fool out of me. Now rest. Good night." She said and head for the door.
" Wait!" Eric croaked out. He got out of bed and tried to rush to her. He grabbed her and pulled her in for a kiss. Nothing. No response from her. When he had broken the kiss she looked down, mumbled good night, and left the chamber. Eric bid her a good night also and closed the door.
" Sweet Dreams. I guess."