::sorry this took so long! I'm working on the next part, while juggling
school. I love the feedback, more please! *giggles* But here goes.::
Part Five
The couple danced dance after dance. There were waltzes, tangos, and lambdas-well maybe not lambdas, or tangos for that matter, but definitely waltzes. There must have been at least 20, but to Liz and Max it was hardly one. The time passed on into the late hours, but the prince and princess could have danced till dawn. Time meant nothing to them. It did, however, to many others, including the king who was dozing off. The queen finally had to elbow him in the ribs.
"-oh-what?" the king asked sleepily.
"End the ball," hissed his wife. "Everyone is falling asleep!" She inclined her head towards their daughter. "Except for your daughter that is."
King Raoul shook his head to wake himself. "Huh? Oh. . . yes. . . ok." He cleared his throat, "Excuse me, I'd like to thank you all for coming to celebrate the arrival of our honored guest, Prince Maxwell. I hope you all had fun, but I believe it is time to retire. We must try to get some sleep before it is time to go about our work, no?" The audience murmured their agreements. "Goodnight then," said the king.
Everyone began to drift out, back to their rooms. Several people had already begun their slumber and had to be awakened. The queen stood from her throne, gave one last look to her daughter and Prince Maxwell and turned to her husband. "Get up! I have a headache and you are already asleep and I cannot stay here any longer! I need to rest my eyes," she looked harshly at him. He gave her a dazzling smile in return. Her eyes softened. "Let's go now you silly old fool."
The king just shook his head and joined her on her way out. Just before he left the room, he looked for his daughter. Last time he looked, she was dancing happily with the prince. They certainly have hit it off, he thought, I'm glad they are having fun. Just not too much fun I hope. He saw the young couple, still dancing. "If he gets fresh, I'll knock his teeth in," King Raoul mumbled grumpily.
"What honey?" questioned the queen.
Raoul looked at her innocently, "Who me? Nothing, nothing at all dear."
"May I ask for the last dance madam?" Please say yes, I don't think I could take rejection." Alex held his hand out to his best friend Maria. She looked better now, happier. He had tried his best to lighten the mood. Alex knew all the tricks, the jokes, the faces, and so on. Plus, he knew Maria's secret love for dancing. She might not show it at big events like this, but he had seen her float around like the court's best ballerina when they were just messing around. She was the best dancer he knew; even better than Liz. Though she didn't really count because she was a natural klutz.
Maria's lips pulled back into a smile, "Why of course, dear sir. But there is one problem."
"And what is that dear miss?" Alex asked in mock seriousness.
"There is no music. The minstrels have left for bed, like we should."
Alex stood straighter. "You cannot possibly mean that you are tired already?! Wimp." He chuckled, "Besides, the lack of music doesn't seem to bother Liz and her boy toy. They are dancing away over there."
Both turned to look at Max and Liz. They were still dancing and staring into each other's eyes.
Maria slapped Alex on the shoulder, "Yeah, but they also love each other dork!"
Alex looked shocked, "Are you saying that you don't love ME?! That's a cruel thing to say! No more talk, let's dance!" He grabbed Maria by the hand and dragged her on the dance floor. She giggled, but began dancing beautifully. Alex danced gracefully along with her, he was not a bad dancer himself.
"Of course I love you Alex, but not like that," she nodded towards their other best friend. "Just look at them, they don't even know everyone's gone. Bet you didn't know I set that up."
"You set that up?" He twirled her around into a dip. "I didn't know you could make love potions, mind making me one?"
The blonde rolled her eyes. "You've got too much flirting power as it is, you just need to use it on the right people. That means leave me alone!" She laughed, "Joking, but seriously, we need to find some people for us. You know, like Liz has Max now?"
"Yeah, that'd be nice. I need to find someone who appreciates me, no one else does." He made a face, "And you need someone who will listen to your constant complaining. . ." He looked away and waited.
"What are you talking about mister?! I do not complain, not one bit!"
Alex laughed; he knew what buttons to push. "Calm down woman! Now I think the lovebirds have had enough lovey-dovey time. The servants want to clean up and they look pretty angry having to wait this long. Besides, I don't know about Max, but Liz is mighty cranky when she doesn't get her beauty sleep," he said matter-of-factly.
Maria looked thoughtful, "You're right there. I'd hate to break up that love fest but a cranky Liz is a no-no." She started walking towards the prince and princess. She laughed and looked at Alex, "All the passion is making me sick anyways."
The best friends marched up to the couple, still oblivious to everything. Alex reached out and tapped Max on the shoulder. "Eh-excuse me, but may I cut in?" Max didn't acknowledge his presence. He tried again, "Excuse me!! May I cut in?"
Max broke his eyes away from his love and looked at the tall, dark haired boy. "What did you say?"
"May I cut in?"
Max's eyes narrowed. "Who are you? What do you wish to accomplish by dancing with Liz? Can't you see that we're enjoying ourselves here?"
Maria stepped in front of Alex, "Whoa there buddy, we just wanted to inform you guys that it's time to meet Mr. Sandman."
Liz looked puzzled, "What are you talking about? The ball's just started."
"Yeah, like hours ago! Come on, time to go you too." Liz and Max looked meaningfully at each other. "Oh don't worry, you can last a couple of hours apart. You'll see each other tomorrow morning. Now you need some sleep. Let's go." She linked arms with Liz, "I'll make sure Lizzy gets to bed safely. Alex, please escort Max to his room."
Max looked at Maria sharply, "I am perfectly capable of walking myself!"
"Don't get huffy Mister!" She poked him in the chest, "I know you can walk all by yourself, but it's dark and you might get lost and I don't want you wandering around like a lost puppy. So don't argue and follow Duke Alexander there."
Max looked at Maria and knew she wouldn't budge. Then he looked at Alex and finally at Liz. "I guess it's time to say adieu my love." He kissed her hand lightly, "My heart aches till the moment we meet again."
"And mine also," Liz's eyes shined.
Alex patted Max on the shoulder. "You've got it bad man. Let's get you to bed." He pulled Max towards the door. "Farewell ladies, I wish you both a pleasant slumber." He waved goodbye to Maria and Liz.
"Farewell to you too, kind sir," Maria waved back. She looked at Liz who still had a dreamy look in her eyes and smiled. "Let's get you to bed Miss. Don't worry; I'm sure you'll see Mr. True Love in your dreams tonight."
Liz only nodded her head. She was still gazing at the doorway that Max and Alex had left through. Maria took her hand and pulled her towards the royal bedchamber.
o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o
The prince slept comfortably in his room. It was one of the larger ones in the castle, though not as big as those of the royal family. To the east there was a grand window that provided an onlooker a fine view of the palace grounds. The queen had had the room fully furnished with beautiful things. On the south end there was a stately fireplace finely crafted of handmade red bricks with a massive mahogany mantle. Over it hung a landscape of the royal gardens. Prince Max lay sleeping on the other side in a bed of enormous proportions. Easily, a dozen people could have slept in it. It was constructed out of mahogany, same as the mantle, with four sturdy corner posts and a false ceiling. Each post was carved with vines, leaves, and flowers. The headboard depicted a hunting scene. Deep red colored drapes hung down each side to prevent any unwanted light from disturbing the sleeper. Indeed, Max was fast asleep amidst a heap of silken bed linens. His slumber was pleasant as he dreamt of his love; unaware that a dark figure was climbing outside his window.
The dark figure gracefully vaulted through the large window and into the room like a large black cat. He approached the prince's bed and carefully pulled back a drape. Max nestled deeper into the silk and sighed. A quiet chuckle came from the intruder. He reached out a hand and touched the prince's shoulder.
"Prince. . . Max. . ." he whispered. The prince didn't move. The man shook Max and spoke louder. "Come on Maxwell, wake up!"
Max snorted and turned to face the man who woke him. His eyes opened slowly; he didn't want to leave his dream. He yawned and looked up. "Michael?!" He sat up quickly, "Is that you or is this some stupid dream?"
The man smiled. "No you're not dreaming Maxwell, it's me."
"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at home, remember? My father said I was to come alone."
Michael shook his head, "You really think I'd listen to that? I couldn't leave you alone here. Besides, what was I supposed to do by myself back home?" Max looked at him inquisitively. "What? You don't want me here? Okay, I guess I'll go back then." He began walking back to the window. "Later."
Max rolled his eyes. "Don't be so dramatic Michael. Of course I want you here." His best friend looked back with a goofy smile on his face. Max returned it, "Now stop fooling around, why are you here?"
"I told you, I was bored at home. Decided I would check up on you."
"But I got here less than a day ago."
"You know how quickly I get bored," replied Michael. He looked around and saw a large armchair. "Looks like they set you up nicely." He sank into the well-cushioned chair. "Yeap, pretty comfy. How's the people?"
Max yawned again and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Why do I get the felling you are trying to change the subject?" Michael shrugged. "Um, they're alright. The king is funny, the queen is a little nasty, and the princess. . ." He sighed and remembered Liz's face.
Michael raised an eyebrow. "I take it she's nice. Is she cute?"
Max's eyes sparkled as he thought of the princess. "She's more than 'cute' Michael. She is beautiful, gorgeous, ravishing, the most magnificent woman ever to walk on this Earth!!"
"So," Michael shrugged, "she's cute." Max looked at him bewildered. "What?"
"How can you sit there and say that? Can't you see that I love her more than anything else in my life? She is my everything Michael, everything." His voice grew serious. "I thought anyone could tell that, especially you. You are my closest friend, closer than my sister even. I'd thought that you would understand that I love this woman."
"Whoa, calm down Maxwell. You say I'm dramatic," Michael answered sarcastically. "Okay, let me get this straight: you just arrived here today-"
"Yesterday really, it's nearly morning," Max cut in.
"Today, yesterday, makes no difference. You got here, met this princess-"
"Her name is Liz, isn't it beautiful?"
Michael looked annoyed. "Are you going to let me finish?" Max nodded. "So you barely met this princess-excuse me, Liz-yesterday. You danced with her for a little bit and now you think you love her? Isn't it a little bit too soon to tell? I mean it's alright to just say you think she's hot."
"It's more than that Michael. I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with someone the very moment you saw them, but I loved her even before I saw her; I just never realized it." Michael looked skeptical. "You may think I'm crazy, but what I say is true. I love her. Just because I haven't known her very long doesn't mean I can't love her. It's the only thing I know for certain right now. And really, I feel like I've known her all my life; like we've met in a past life or something."
Michael still looked skeptical. "Well, you're right about one thing. I do think you are crazy, but I've thought that for a long time. And I know that you don't say things you don't mean. So if you say you love her, you do. Anyways," he stretched out his legs, "this is getting a little too sappy for me. How about we get some sleep, it's almost dawn."
Max grinned and looked out the window. "Well if you wanted to sleep, you shouldn't have come in the middle of the night!"
"Don't get me started again Maxwell," replied Michael sleepily. His eyes were already closed. "Goodnight."
Max shook his head and lay back down. "Goodnight Michael." A silence filled the room. "And I'm glad you didn't listen to my father, thanks," he said quietly.
Michael yawned. "Anytime buddy. . ."
Part Five
The couple danced dance after dance. There were waltzes, tangos, and lambdas-well maybe not lambdas, or tangos for that matter, but definitely waltzes. There must have been at least 20, but to Liz and Max it was hardly one. The time passed on into the late hours, but the prince and princess could have danced till dawn. Time meant nothing to them. It did, however, to many others, including the king who was dozing off. The queen finally had to elbow him in the ribs.
"-oh-what?" the king asked sleepily.
"End the ball," hissed his wife. "Everyone is falling asleep!" She inclined her head towards their daughter. "Except for your daughter that is."
King Raoul shook his head to wake himself. "Huh? Oh. . . yes. . . ok." He cleared his throat, "Excuse me, I'd like to thank you all for coming to celebrate the arrival of our honored guest, Prince Maxwell. I hope you all had fun, but I believe it is time to retire. We must try to get some sleep before it is time to go about our work, no?" The audience murmured their agreements. "Goodnight then," said the king.
Everyone began to drift out, back to their rooms. Several people had already begun their slumber and had to be awakened. The queen stood from her throne, gave one last look to her daughter and Prince Maxwell and turned to her husband. "Get up! I have a headache and you are already asleep and I cannot stay here any longer! I need to rest my eyes," she looked harshly at him. He gave her a dazzling smile in return. Her eyes softened. "Let's go now you silly old fool."
The king just shook his head and joined her on her way out. Just before he left the room, he looked for his daughter. Last time he looked, she was dancing happily with the prince. They certainly have hit it off, he thought, I'm glad they are having fun. Just not too much fun I hope. He saw the young couple, still dancing. "If he gets fresh, I'll knock his teeth in," King Raoul mumbled grumpily.
"What honey?" questioned the queen.
Raoul looked at her innocently, "Who me? Nothing, nothing at all dear."
"May I ask for the last dance madam?" Please say yes, I don't think I could take rejection." Alex held his hand out to his best friend Maria. She looked better now, happier. He had tried his best to lighten the mood. Alex knew all the tricks, the jokes, the faces, and so on. Plus, he knew Maria's secret love for dancing. She might not show it at big events like this, but he had seen her float around like the court's best ballerina when they were just messing around. She was the best dancer he knew; even better than Liz. Though she didn't really count because she was a natural klutz.
Maria's lips pulled back into a smile, "Why of course, dear sir. But there is one problem."
"And what is that dear miss?" Alex asked in mock seriousness.
"There is no music. The minstrels have left for bed, like we should."
Alex stood straighter. "You cannot possibly mean that you are tired already?! Wimp." He chuckled, "Besides, the lack of music doesn't seem to bother Liz and her boy toy. They are dancing away over there."
Both turned to look at Max and Liz. They were still dancing and staring into each other's eyes.
Maria slapped Alex on the shoulder, "Yeah, but they also love each other dork!"
Alex looked shocked, "Are you saying that you don't love ME?! That's a cruel thing to say! No more talk, let's dance!" He grabbed Maria by the hand and dragged her on the dance floor. She giggled, but began dancing beautifully. Alex danced gracefully along with her, he was not a bad dancer himself.
"Of course I love you Alex, but not like that," she nodded towards their other best friend. "Just look at them, they don't even know everyone's gone. Bet you didn't know I set that up."
"You set that up?" He twirled her around into a dip. "I didn't know you could make love potions, mind making me one?"
The blonde rolled her eyes. "You've got too much flirting power as it is, you just need to use it on the right people. That means leave me alone!" She laughed, "Joking, but seriously, we need to find some people for us. You know, like Liz has Max now?"
"Yeah, that'd be nice. I need to find someone who appreciates me, no one else does." He made a face, "And you need someone who will listen to your constant complaining. . ." He looked away and waited.
"What are you talking about mister?! I do not complain, not one bit!"
Alex laughed; he knew what buttons to push. "Calm down woman! Now I think the lovebirds have had enough lovey-dovey time. The servants want to clean up and they look pretty angry having to wait this long. Besides, I don't know about Max, but Liz is mighty cranky when she doesn't get her beauty sleep," he said matter-of-factly.
Maria looked thoughtful, "You're right there. I'd hate to break up that love fest but a cranky Liz is a no-no." She started walking towards the prince and princess. She laughed and looked at Alex, "All the passion is making me sick anyways."
The best friends marched up to the couple, still oblivious to everything. Alex reached out and tapped Max on the shoulder. "Eh-excuse me, but may I cut in?" Max didn't acknowledge his presence. He tried again, "Excuse me!! May I cut in?"
Max broke his eyes away from his love and looked at the tall, dark haired boy. "What did you say?"
"May I cut in?"
Max's eyes narrowed. "Who are you? What do you wish to accomplish by dancing with Liz? Can't you see that we're enjoying ourselves here?"
Maria stepped in front of Alex, "Whoa there buddy, we just wanted to inform you guys that it's time to meet Mr. Sandman."
Liz looked puzzled, "What are you talking about? The ball's just started."
"Yeah, like hours ago! Come on, time to go you too." Liz and Max looked meaningfully at each other. "Oh don't worry, you can last a couple of hours apart. You'll see each other tomorrow morning. Now you need some sleep. Let's go." She linked arms with Liz, "I'll make sure Lizzy gets to bed safely. Alex, please escort Max to his room."
Max looked at Maria sharply, "I am perfectly capable of walking myself!"
"Don't get huffy Mister!" She poked him in the chest, "I know you can walk all by yourself, but it's dark and you might get lost and I don't want you wandering around like a lost puppy. So don't argue and follow Duke Alexander there."
Max looked at Maria and knew she wouldn't budge. Then he looked at Alex and finally at Liz. "I guess it's time to say adieu my love." He kissed her hand lightly, "My heart aches till the moment we meet again."
"And mine also," Liz's eyes shined.
Alex patted Max on the shoulder. "You've got it bad man. Let's get you to bed." He pulled Max towards the door. "Farewell ladies, I wish you both a pleasant slumber." He waved goodbye to Maria and Liz.
"Farewell to you too, kind sir," Maria waved back. She looked at Liz who still had a dreamy look in her eyes and smiled. "Let's get you to bed Miss. Don't worry; I'm sure you'll see Mr. True Love in your dreams tonight."
Liz only nodded her head. She was still gazing at the doorway that Max and Alex had left through. Maria took her hand and pulled her towards the royal bedchamber.
o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o+o
The prince slept comfortably in his room. It was one of the larger ones in the castle, though not as big as those of the royal family. To the east there was a grand window that provided an onlooker a fine view of the palace grounds. The queen had had the room fully furnished with beautiful things. On the south end there was a stately fireplace finely crafted of handmade red bricks with a massive mahogany mantle. Over it hung a landscape of the royal gardens. Prince Max lay sleeping on the other side in a bed of enormous proportions. Easily, a dozen people could have slept in it. It was constructed out of mahogany, same as the mantle, with four sturdy corner posts and a false ceiling. Each post was carved with vines, leaves, and flowers. The headboard depicted a hunting scene. Deep red colored drapes hung down each side to prevent any unwanted light from disturbing the sleeper. Indeed, Max was fast asleep amidst a heap of silken bed linens. His slumber was pleasant as he dreamt of his love; unaware that a dark figure was climbing outside his window.
The dark figure gracefully vaulted through the large window and into the room like a large black cat. He approached the prince's bed and carefully pulled back a drape. Max nestled deeper into the silk and sighed. A quiet chuckle came from the intruder. He reached out a hand and touched the prince's shoulder.
"Prince. . . Max. . ." he whispered. The prince didn't move. The man shook Max and spoke louder. "Come on Maxwell, wake up!"
Max snorted and turned to face the man who woke him. His eyes opened slowly; he didn't want to leave his dream. He yawned and looked up. "Michael?!" He sat up quickly, "Is that you or is this some stupid dream?"
The man smiled. "No you're not dreaming Maxwell, it's me."
"What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at home, remember? My father said I was to come alone."
Michael shook his head, "You really think I'd listen to that? I couldn't leave you alone here. Besides, what was I supposed to do by myself back home?" Max looked at him inquisitively. "What? You don't want me here? Okay, I guess I'll go back then." He began walking back to the window. "Later."
Max rolled his eyes. "Don't be so dramatic Michael. Of course I want you here." His best friend looked back with a goofy smile on his face. Max returned it, "Now stop fooling around, why are you here?"
"I told you, I was bored at home. Decided I would check up on you."
"But I got here less than a day ago."
"You know how quickly I get bored," replied Michael. He looked around and saw a large armchair. "Looks like they set you up nicely." He sank into the well-cushioned chair. "Yeap, pretty comfy. How's the people?"
Max yawned again and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. "Why do I get the felling you are trying to change the subject?" Michael shrugged. "Um, they're alright. The king is funny, the queen is a little nasty, and the princess. . ." He sighed and remembered Liz's face.
Michael raised an eyebrow. "I take it she's nice. Is she cute?"
Max's eyes sparkled as he thought of the princess. "She's more than 'cute' Michael. She is beautiful, gorgeous, ravishing, the most magnificent woman ever to walk on this Earth!!"
"So," Michael shrugged, "she's cute." Max looked at him bewildered. "What?"
"How can you sit there and say that? Can't you see that I love her more than anything else in my life? She is my everything Michael, everything." His voice grew serious. "I thought anyone could tell that, especially you. You are my closest friend, closer than my sister even. I'd thought that you would understand that I love this woman."
"Whoa, calm down Maxwell. You say I'm dramatic," Michael answered sarcastically. "Okay, let me get this straight: you just arrived here today-"
"Yesterday really, it's nearly morning," Max cut in.
"Today, yesterday, makes no difference. You got here, met this princess-"
"Her name is Liz, isn't it beautiful?"
Michael looked annoyed. "Are you going to let me finish?" Max nodded. "So you barely met this princess-excuse me, Liz-yesterday. You danced with her for a little bit and now you think you love her? Isn't it a little bit too soon to tell? I mean it's alright to just say you think she's hot."
"It's more than that Michael. I didn't think it was possible to fall in love with someone the very moment you saw them, but I loved her even before I saw her; I just never realized it." Michael looked skeptical. "You may think I'm crazy, but what I say is true. I love her. Just because I haven't known her very long doesn't mean I can't love her. It's the only thing I know for certain right now. And really, I feel like I've known her all my life; like we've met in a past life or something."
Michael still looked skeptical. "Well, you're right about one thing. I do think you are crazy, but I've thought that for a long time. And I know that you don't say things you don't mean. So if you say you love her, you do. Anyways," he stretched out his legs, "this is getting a little too sappy for me. How about we get some sleep, it's almost dawn."
Max grinned and looked out the window. "Well if you wanted to sleep, you shouldn't have come in the middle of the night!"
"Don't get me started again Maxwell," replied Michael sleepily. His eyes were already closed. "Goodnight."
Max shook his head and lay back down. "Goodnight Michael." A silence filled the room. "And I'm glad you didn't listen to my father, thanks," he said quietly.
Michael yawned. "Anytime buddy. . ."