Chapter 3-First Impressions
Two weeks after the Outer Senshi and Black Moon Princes had arrived; the Moon Kingdom was in a flurry of excitement. The Earth Prince and his retinue were scheduled to arrive at noon. A lot of things had to be done. Lita and Hotaru were in the kitchen baking. Lita handled desserts and Hotaru handled the entrées. After several failed attempts to raid the kitchen, Haruka and Serenity went to watch Ami and Michiru's chess game, along with Minako and Setsuna. At precisely twelve noon, Queen Selenity was in the teleporter room waiting for the visitors. The Princesses were not to see the Prince and his retinue until the ball, in accordance with Terran tradition.
"Prince Endymion, I do believe you've grown since the last time we talked!" She said after releasing him.
"Our last conversation took place the previous year Your Majesty; I have grown at least two inches since then." The Earth Prince had a warm and slightly low voice. It matched his looks perfectly. He had thick coal black hair that constantly fell in his eyes, which were a piercing deep blue. The fact that he was well built was noticeable even though he wore black armor and a matching cape with red lining. His generals and fellow Princes stepped forward one at a time as Endymion introduced them and bowed to the queen deeply.
"Your Highness, May I introduce Prince Kunzite of the North and Commander of the Royal Guard." Kunzite, or Kunz as he was jokingly called, was no less handsome than Endymion. He was a little taller and seemed to be a year or so older. He had silver- blonde hair that stopped at a few inches below his shoulders. His eyes were steel gray and as cold and hard as ice-coated granite. He wore a gray uniform with blue trim and a matching cape that had a blue lining.
"Prince Nephrite of the West and 2nd in command of the Royal Guard." Nephrite, a.k.a Neph, towered over his companions at six four and had long dark brown hair and chocolate colored eyes that could melt hearts or freeze them, depending on his mood. He wore the same outfit but with red trim and minus the cape.
"Prince Zoicite of the East." Zoicite, or Zoi as he preferred to be called, had thoughtful looking leaf green eyes and shoulder length strawberry blonde hair, which he kept in a ponytail for efficiency. His build was like that of Endymion and the others. He wore the same gray outfit as Nephrite but with green trim.
"Prince Jadeite of the South." Jadeite, also known as Jade, was slightly shorter that his companions, but not by much. He had the same build as his companions, however. He had short blonde hair and blue eyes. He looked like a devil in angels clothing, with a smile that could charm baby birds from their nests. His uniform had blue trim.
Queen Selenity smiled. "It's a pleasure to meet or be reacquainted with all of you. My servants will show you to your quarters." The men made as if to leave, when an upraised hand from the queen stopped them. "Endymion, you'll have to wait until the ball tonight to see your cousin. Do not let me catch you near her quarters. Is that understood?" Endymion bowed his head sheepishly and said, "Understood." Queen Selenity smiled as they left the teleporter room.
The Grand Ballroom looked magnificent for the arrival of the visiting royalty. There wasn't a speck of dust in the room nor was there a shortage of food. Hotaru and Lita had done their respective kingdoms proud. Ami had even created an ice sculpture of the palace with her magic and guaranteed everybody that it wouldn't melt. Everyone, including the Outer Senshi, gathered in Minako's room to get ready. When Ami pulled out a modest light blue dress, not that different from the dresses they wore to greet the Outer Senshi, Minako looked at her like she'd grown two heads.
"Amilan Minerva! You can't wear that to this ball! I've got just the thing!" Minako ran to her closet and pulled out a blue dress. It had a full skirt and long sheer sleeves. The square neckline was low enough for Mina, but high enough for Ami, and the skirt had an iridescent silver layer over it. Ami took the dress and went into Minako's bathroom to try it on, just to get everyone off her back. When she came out, everyone gasped. The dress made Ami's flame of beauty become a fire. The dress accented her modest curves, matched her eyes, and brought a delicate blush to her cheeks. She smiled a little.
"Mina, I do believe you're right. It's perfect. I think I'll wear it tonight." She said, sitting down at Mina's vanity and beginning to brush her hair. Lita took the brush from her.
"I'll do your hair. Where is that coronet of water lilies Queen Athena gave you?" Ami produced it and Lita put it on in such a way that Ami's hair was framing her face. The coronet accented her planetary symbol. She put on a silver chain that had the symbol of Mercury dangling from it.
"It looks great. The best part is that the flowers are spelled to never wilt or die. Don't you think you should start getting ready?" Ami asked. Lita nudged her from her seat and began brushing her own hair. She decided to put it into a bun and hold the sides in place with a pair of emerald and silver clips. She took her dress from the hanger and put it on. The dress had a slim skirt that clung to Lita's figure. It was deep green and had a delicate sweetheart neckline. There was a wide pink ribbon around her waist. She put on a pair of rose earrings and a matching necklace, before exchanging her gold gauntlet for silver. She applied a shimmering pink lip-gloss. She turned to Michiru. "Michiru, could you tie my bow?"
Michiru did as asked and then took over the full-length mirror from Minako. She looked quietly elegant in a blue dress that matched her moods with the colors of the ocean. Right now it was an excited tropical blue, though no excitement showed on her face, as was befitting of a Neptunian princess. The dress had an empire waist that tied with a bow the exact color of her eyes. It flowed like the oceans of her home planet. As was the custom, she wore a small brooch with her planetary symbol on it. Her lips were painted a delicate shell pink. Her hair was curled gently and pulled away from the sides of her face.
Haruka came out of Minako's closet, where she had been hiding for the past hour. She whistled appreciatively. "Michi, you look gorgeous." She said, kissing her lover softly. Michiru laughed. "So do you." She was right. Haruka's dress was dark blue, short-sleeved, simple and loosely flowing. Her hair had been combed until it shone like spun gold. As was expected of Uranian royalty, she wore a gold hoop in one ear. Haruka frowned. "I look like such a girl." She complained, tugging at her dress.
Rei laughed. "And what, may I ask is wrong with that?" She wore a red dress that fit like a glove all the way down to her feet, where it had a short train. The dress had orange and yellow fires on the bottom half that moved and no straps. Her hair was spiraled and piled on top of her head. Instead of her earrings, she put in a nose stud with her planetary symbol on it. Her lips were a beautiful brick red color.
"Nothing's wrong with being a girl, as long as you're not Haruka." Minako said matter-of-factly. Her dress was a delicate shade of peach, and of the newest Venusian style. It had long flared sleeves, and sat off her shoulders, dipping slightly in the front to show a bit of cleavage. The bottom part of the dress had a slit up the middle that showed off her legs. It was as silky looking as her hair, which was in her usual manner. She put on her choker and some gold lip-gloss and smiled happily.
Hotaru giggled. "Well, you're right about that." She said, going over to share the full-length mirror with Michiru. Her dress was long and emphasized the figure no one knew she had. It draped in the front and clung to her figure, loosening up a bit as it reached the floor. She wore two rings, one with the symbol of Saturn and the other with an ankh, her personal symbol, on them. She chose to forgo makeup.
"Whoa Hotaru, when did you get a figure like that?" Serenity asked, getting a shrug from Hotaru. She wore a long, flowing dress of the palest blue. It had short puffy sleeves and a train that was two feet long. Her hair was in the traditional style, only she placed two white lunar sprites in them. The flowers faded to a delicate pink inside. She fastened her crescent moon earrings and grabbed the clear lip-gloss from Mina's vanity.
Setsuna quietly walked in and began applying a deep red lipstick. Everyone looked at her. Her dress was long, with a deep v-neck that managed to go down nearly to her waist, without revealing anything. Black pearls joined the edges of the v-neck. Her straps were two delicate strings of black pearls, and her earrings were drop shaped black pearls. The deep red color of the dress matched the lipstick she carefully applied. The dress went down to the floor and had slits up the sides that stopped at her knees. Her hair was in its usual style, part of it in a bun and the rest cascading down her back. She wore gold ear studs in her cartilage that were shaped like her planetary symbol. Mina's mouth dropped open.
"Wow, Setsuna. You look beautiful." Setsuna blushed lightly.
"Luna's coming to get us in about 10 minutes. By the way Ami, you might want to try the pink gloss with that dress. Everyone else already knows what colors to wear. And for the love of the Gods, Haruka, at least put on some chap stick." Ami and Haruka did as ordered and everyone was ready precisely ten minutes later when Luna came to get them. She looked stunning in her light yellow dress with a full skirt over gauzy purple underskirts. Her hair was done in the traditional Venusian female cat style, two buns on each side of her head, and the rest of her hair cascading down her back. They left Minako's chambers and proceeded to the top of the stairwell. The presenter tapped his staff three times on the floor to get everyone's attention.
"Presenting...Her Royal Majesty Princess Serenity!" Serenity floated down with all eyes on her. Gasps were heard all around as she made her way to the silver throne by her mother's left side. There was another throne by Queen Selenity's right.
"Princess Minako Ditea, cousin of her Majesty Princess Serenity and leader of the Inner Senshi." She stood just behind her Princess's throne.
"Princess Litana Makoto of Jupiter." She stood next to Minako.
"Princess Amilan Minerva of Mercury." She took the space next to Litana.
"Princess Reiana Phoenix of Mars, cousin to Earth Prince Endymion." The black haired Martian took her place next to Amilan.
"And presenting the Outer Senshi. Leader of the Outer Senshi and guardian of the Time Gates, Princess Setsuna Trista of Pluto." She took her place behind Queen Selenity's throne, next to Minako, Time Staff in hand.
"Princess Hotaru Isis of Saturn." The presenter's voice shook slightly as the Senshi of Death swept past him with her Glaive and took her place next to Setsuna.
"Princess Haruka Michelle of Uranus." She stood next to Hotaru with her Space Sword on her waist.
"And Princess Michiru Amara of Neptune." She glided to her place beside Haruka, the Aqua Mirror in her waist ribbon. The presenter waited until all the Senshi were settled and the crowd had quieted, which took ten minutes or so.
"Presenting, the visiting Princes from Earth! Endymion II, Prince of the Earth Kingdom, and cousin to Princess Reiana Phoenix of Mars!" As he walked down, Princess Serenity gave an almost inaudible gasp. He was so handsome! And his eyes pierced her heart and soul. She knew that it had to be love at first sight. At least on her part.
As Endymion walked down the stairs, he kept his eyes focused on the precious angel in front of him. She looked so delicate and innocent and it was all he could do to keep from sweeping her up and kissing her until she couldn't breathe. He came to the end of the walkway, bowed to the Queen and Princess, kissed Reiana on the cheek and took his place in the throne on Queen Selenity's right.
"Prince Kunzite of the North and Commander of the Terran Royal Guard!" Mina looked at Kunzite dazedly. She had never seen anyone who came close to looking that wonderful. Her eyes traveled over his well-built body and took in his eyes. She inwardly grinned. She found someone for her! Now all she had to do was convince him that she was the one. No problem.
Kunzite noticed the Venusian princess staring at him, and recalled that she was the leader of the Inner Senshi. He'd have to compare battle tactics with her one day, even if Endymion had especially ordered him to spend this vacation relaxing. He doubted that she could be a good leader, judging from the fact that she seemed to have a perpetual cheerful expression on her face. Her beautiful face. He mentally shook himself. He bowed to the Queen and Princess and then stood to the side of the red carpet.
"Prince Nephrite of the West, and 2nd in command of the Terran Royal Guard!" Lita took in everything about him and wondered if he was single. She forced herself to remain calm and aloof, as befits an Amazon. He was so adorable! And tall!
Nephrite took in the tall woman. She was gorgeous and had emerald eyes that made his heart beat fast. He admired the way she kept her gaze level and her face calm. So this is the Jovian Warrior Princess I heard about. I figured she'd look more like a he. Not at all. I should get to know her better, He thought as he took his place beside Kunzite.
Kunz, what do you think of them? Nephrite telepathed him.
Don't call me Kunz, and they all look like pushovers except for the Jovian and Uranian. He telepathed back.
The Jovian's pretty hot huh? Nephrite asked.
The Venusian's hotter. Kunzite telepathed automatically. Nephrite gave a mental guffaw, but was silenced when Kunzite gave him a glare.
"Prince Zoicite of the East." Ami looked at him and caught her breath. He was very, very handsome. Then she blushed and looked away. He was probably mean or rude like all guys.
Zoicite looked at the vision before him. She should have been lost beside the Jovian and Martian, but she stood out like the last icicle of winter. Her porcelain skin and perfect curves was one thing, but her eyes got to him. They were big, blue and sparkled with intelligence. He bet she was a good chess player. He decided to challenge her to a chess match and get to know her a little better.
She's hot isn't she? Nephrite asked Zoicite.
Yeah, I love her eyes. They're so blue and intelligent looking. Zoicite mentally sighed.
Uh, I was talking about the Jovian Princess, Litana. I bet you like the Mercurian Princess don't you? Nephrite telepathed. Zoicite grinned and refused to say anything else.
"Prince Jadeite of the South." Rei had seen the looks on her friends' faces. They had all gone love-struck over the generals. She glanced at Jadeite and gave a mental frown. He was looking at her with the most awestruck, idiotic look she had ever seen.
Jadeite swallowed hard when he saw Reiana. He looked at her with a mix of curiosity and desire. She reminded him of a fire. Beautiful, tempting and dangerous. He wanted her bad.
Nephrite nudged Kunzite discreetly. Hey, I think Jade has his eyes on the fire maiden. This will be interesting.
Kunzite agreed. I'm not usually a betting person, but I'll bet you two weekends off duty that he gets slapped a couple times.
You're on. Nephrite said.
Prince Demando and Prince Safiru were also introduced. "Presenting, Prince Regent, His Royal Highness Prince Demando."
The Prince took his seat in another one of the thrones. "Presenting, second in line to the throne, His Royal Highness Prince Safiru!" He took his seat at his brother's side.
"Daughter, it's time to start the ball." Queen Selenity murmured to her daughter. Serenity stood up and the crowd quieted. All the men held their breaths and hoped that she would ask to dance with them first, as was the custom. The Moon Princess traditionally started the dance by going up to the man of her choice and asking him to dance. She took a deep breath and walked to her mother's other side.
"Earth Prince Endymion," She began, her voice ringing like bells. "would you care to dance?" He stood, took her hand and led her to the dance floor. They danced together, eyes never leaving the others. She had to tilt her head up to ask a question. "How do you like my mother's kingdom?"
"The kingdom is beautiful, as is the kingdom's princess."
Serenity blushed. "Thank you, milord."
"No need to thank me over the truth. Perhaps you could show me around your beautiful palace tomorrow?"
"It would be my pleasure." Serenity's eyes lit up. "Come with me to the balcony! I can show you your planet from here!" Endymion and Serenity danced their way over to the balcony, where Endymion stopped short upon seeing his planet suspended in the night sky.
"My God…" He breathed.
Serenity giggled as she leaned on the balcony. "Isn't it beautiful?"
Endymion could not speak, so taken was he with the sight before him. Serenity glowed in the earthlight, the light turning her hair into molten silver, and making her pale skin glow. Before he realized it, he had taken her in his arms, and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Watching from various points around the ballroom, several of the nosy Senshi gave dreamy sighs. "Wow! They must have it bad." Lita whispered. Mina nodded confidently.
"They do. They're soul mates." Rei nodded in agreement.
"I feel it too. Let's go back before they figure out we've been watching them. Ami must be pretty lonely."
Haruka laughed. "She snuck in a book and she's reading it as we speak. Something much more interesting is happening on the dance floor though." Everyone turned around and scanned the dance floor. Michiru laughed.
"Ruka, isn't that Setsuna and Prince Demando dancing?"
"They look so beautiful together." Lita whispered. The instigators made their way around the ballroom.
"Princess Setsuna, you are an excellent dancer." Demando said as they twirled around the floor.
Setsuna blushed. "You are quite the dancer yourself, Prince Demando."
"Thank you, Milady. Forgive me for saying so Princess Setsuna, but you are the most breathtaking woman I've ever seen. Would you do me the honor of showing me around the Palace grounds tomorrow afternoon?"
Setsuna nodded. "It would be my pleasure, Prince Demando. Should I meet you in the Plutonian wing at around two?"
Demando nodded. "On one condition. Please call me Demando."
"Only if you call me Setsuna." She murmured as the song ended. She disappeared into the crowd before Demando could say anything else.
"Rei? Why are you sitting all by yourself? Come dance with me." Setsuna said. Rei looked up.
"Sure. Let's show Haruka and Michiru how it's done." The two friends made their way to the dance floor as a fast and spirited number started. They laughed themselves breathless and then returned to their seats as a slow number came on.
Demando came up to Setsuna. "Setsuna, would you like to dance again?" She glanced around at her friends. They were all in spirited conversations with one another. She took his hand and smiled. "I'd love to."
They ended up next to Serenity and Endymion, who were dancing very closely together.
"Setsuna? Why did you run off like that?"
Setsuna blushed. "Well, Rei was by herself, and I wanted to keep her company, so I asked her to dance."
"Oh. I understand." They continued dancing.
Litana sighed. It seemed like the beginnings of yet another pair had started. She got up from her chair and wandered over to where the food was. Skipping over the heavier foods she had prepared, she chose a light sandwich. Taking it back to her chair, she looked around for her friends. A shadow loomed over her. Looking up, she saw Nephrite.
"Princess Litana? Would you like to dance?" Lita smiled before taking Nephrite's outstretched hand.
"Princess Litana, when I first saw you, I thought you were a cook. I am I right?" Nephrite asked.
"You are right, Prince Nephrite. How did you know?"
"I saw you skip over all the desserts and entrées and figured that you made them. Most cooks don't eat their own cooking."
Litana smiled, making Nephrite's heart beat like a drum. "You are very observant Prince Nephrite. I did make the desserts. Princess Hotaru made the entrées."
"Do you know anything of Terran cooking?"
"No, but I should very much like to learn."
"Perhaps I could teach you?"
"Would you really?" Lita's eyes lit up.
"Why not? I happen to be a decent chef. I'm sure I could teach you some basic dishes. Say, tomorrow after lunch?"
"Only if we can go riding in the morning. I'd love for you to see the scenery. It's nothing like back home, but it's still rather nice. Say, seven?"
"It's a date." They continued dancing and talking.
Minako was sitting in her chair, bored out of her mind. Kunzite was the only guy she wanted to dance with, and he hadn't moved since the ball started. She saw a flash of silver heading her way out of the corner of her eye. It was Kunzite and he was looking at her! She put on a regal expression, befitting of the leader of the Inner Senshi and pretended she hadn't seen him.
"Excuse me Princess Minako." He had a low voice that gave her chills. "You are the leader of the Inner Senshi, correct?" She nodded once, still keeping her regal manner. "Perhaps we can get together tomorrow or the day after to discuss battle tactics. I am interested in finding out how the Palace can be so well protected with so few guards."
She nodded once more and he began to walk away. "Prince Kunzite?" She called. He turned. "Would you care to dance?" He nodded and they walked to the dance floor. "Perhaps you can explain to me exactly how you manage to keep up with all of those people in the Terran Royal Guard tomorrow. I am most interested in that." Minako said politely. Then she smiled, making Kunzite's heart stop.
"What do people do for fun on Earth?" He raised an eyebrow. How could one person switch from battle tactics to entertainment so quickly?
"I wouldn't know. I don't have much free time. When I do, I usually go horseback riding with Zoicite. When I can tear him away from books and women of course."
Mina giggled. They continued the rest of the dance talking about various things.
Hotaru sighed. It was so boring around here. She got up and headed for the balconies. She made her way over to the left edge of an empty balcony. Someone coughed gently. She whirled around with her Silence Glaive at the ready. The person stepped out of the shadows. Hotaru's breath caught in her throat. It was Prince Safiru.
He held up his hands in a peace gesture and bowed. "I apologize for startling you Princess Hotaru. Are you okay?"
Hotaru put the Glaive into an at-ease position and put a hand on her chest. "I'm fine." She gasped. "Just a little startled Prince Safiru." He gently herded her to the bench and sat her down.
"Are you alright? Should I get Her Majesty?"
Hotaru straightened up. "I'm fine, really I am. Thank you for caring."
Safiru nodded and smiled. "I couldn't let the most beautiful Saturnian in the galaxy just sit there without any help."
Hotaru blushed. "Only a royal of the Black Moon could turn a compliment so well, Prince Safiru."
"Please, Princess, call me Safiru."
Hotaru stood and did a little curtsy. "Only if you call me Hotaru."
"Well, Hotaru, there's something I've wanted to do since I first saw you, and I'd like to do it now without anyone else around." Safiru said, stepping closer to the girl.
Hotaru cocked an eyebrow. "And just what would that..." She lost her train of thought as Safiru kissed her gently. When he pulled away, Hotaru finished her sentence. "Be?"
Ami had just finished turning down another guy. Sighing unhappily, she made her way to an unoccupied corner of the room, unaware of the two pairs of eyes that followed her movements.
"Princess Amilan, would you care to dance?" She looked at the man who asked with barely noticeable distaste. He was obviously drunk and unable to speak two words without slurring them.
"No thank you Lord Darek. I'm not quite up to dancing." Darek grabbed her wrist in a vice-like grip. Amilan struggled to no avail. Darek led her out to a private alcove, just outside of the ballroom. He pushed her in and followed after her. He pinned her to the wall with his knee, held her arms and began kissing her sloppily. Amilan nearly gagged. The alcohol on his breath made her want to faint. He began to slide a hand under her skirts. Suddenly, Darek was thrown out of the alcove. He slid against the floor, coming to rest on the far wall, teeth chattering and face blue with cold. He was jerked from his position, and thrown against the wall, an energy dagger appearing from nowhere.
"If you ever touch Princess Amilan again, I will kill you. Make no mistake about that." Zoicite let Darek slide to the floor and turned around. Amilan was standing there with a look of avid rage on her face. Her eyes were cold as ice. She picked Darek up by his throat and shook him until his teeth rattled.
"If you so much as look at another girl the wrong way again, you will find out why I'm a Senshi. Your own mother won't be able to recognize you by the time I'm through. And the Senshi of Mercury never makes threats; she makes promises. Remember that." She distastefully dropped him to the floor and kicked him in the ribs. Then she turned and walked away quickly. Zoicite followed.
"Princess Amilan! Princess Amilan!" She turned a few corners and slumped against the wall. She buried her face in her hands and did something she hadn't done since she was little. She cried. She was still sobbing when Zoicite found her.
"Princess Amilan, are you all right? He didn't hurt you did he?" Amilan looked up, startled. Zoicite was standing over her with a concerned expression on his face. She wiped her tears away and stood up hastily, brushing her skirts off.
"Prince Zoicite, I am quite well, thank you. You needn't have left the ball. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"I am well aware of that, but it hurts my honor that you would think that I would turn the other way when a woman was in danger, especially you. We should get back to the ball, before we're missed. Unless I'm mistaken, each of the princesses has to pick a person to dance with for the last dance. You're bleeding." He touched her cheek gently, and the cut vanished.
"I probably cut it when he pushed me in there. You are right of course. We should be getting back. Please, don't tell the others. Litana and Haruka would be very angry, and that's no way for the ball to end." He held out his arm and she took it.
"You have my word Princess." He said as they left for the ballroom. Before they got there, he had extended a chess challenge at two and she had accepted.
Queen Selenity stood, just as Amilan and Zoicite had arrived and were seated. "It's time for the last dance. As you know, each princess must pick the person of her choice to dance with. Daughter?"
Serenity stood up from her throne and once again walked to Prince Endymion. "Will you once again dance with me, Earth Prince Endymion?" He nodded and led her to the dance floor, where they stood waiting for the rest of the princesses.
"Princess Minako?" Minako walked to where Kunzite was standing.
"Prince Kunzite, please do me the honor of dancing with me." She said, holding out her hand. He took it and they walked to the dance floor.
"Princess Litana?" Litana walked slowly to where Nephrite was.
"Prince Nephrite, would you like to dance?" He placed a gentle arm around her waist and guided her to the dance floor.
"Princess Amilan?" Ami walked over to Zoicite. When she spoke, her voice trembled a little.
"Prince Zoicite?" He smiled and walked with her to the dance floor.
"Princess Reiana?" She smirked decisively and walked to Prince Jadeite. Her voice had a distinct sultry tone to it.
"Prince Jadeite, shall we dance?" He smirked right back and took her hand.
"Princess Setsuna?" Setsuna glided over to Demando. She smiled at him and he took her hand.
"Princess Hotaru?" Her Glaive disappeared and she approached Safiru.
"Prince Safiru, I don't believe we've danced at all tonight. We should at least have one dance together." They slowly walked to the dance floor.
"Princess Haruka?" Haruka grinned and turned to Michiru. She took her girlfriend's hand and they joined the last of the princesses on the dance floor. Queen Selenity nodded to the musicians and they began a slow, romantic song.
Princess Serenity and Prince Endymion danced closely to the rhythm of the song, oblivious to everything around them.
Princess Minako and Prince Kunzite danced politely, but in a way that assured every one of their growing feelings for each other.
Princess Litana buried her head in Prince Nephrite's chest. If she looked at him, she'd go tomato red, so she just kept her head on his chest.
Princess Amilan and Prince Zoicite waltzed around the dance floor, only looking away to avoid running over the others.
Princess Reiana did her level best to get a reaction out of Prince Jadeite, but blushed herself when he pulled her close and whispered, "I know what you're trying to do, fire maiden, but it won't work."
Princess Setsuna and Prince Demando danced next to Haruka and Michiru; ignoring the suggestive looks Haruka kept throwing their way.
Princess Hotaru and Prince Safiru danced slowly, enjoying each other's presence.
Princess Haruka and Princess Michiru danced like a couple so deeply committed, nothing could tear them apart, except for the glances Haruka kept throwing Setsuna's and Demando's way. She stopped when Michiru pinched her.