Inside, the ball was alive. The orchestra played beautiful pieces of music and couples were dancing, twirling across the ballroom floor. Rory noticed Jess dancing with the Princess Michelle and smiled, 'At least he's found happiness' she thought. Near the staircase, which led to the throne where King Arthur and Queen Elizabeth were sitting, was a line of maidens, waiting to meet the Prince, whom did not seem to be present at the end of the line. As she was heading toward it, Rory noticed Georgia in the line. Instantly, she backed away.

"Would you care for this dance?" a deep, caring voice came from behind. Rory whirled around to find herself looking straight up at a young man, barely an inch away from him. His soulful blue eyes stared right into hers, his dirty blond hair gently touching her forehead. A whirlwind of emotions raced through Rory's heart and head. The only other time she ever felt like this was with, 'No, it can't be, can it?' Rory wondered.

"I insist. Come on, those other maidens can wait," the man gestured toward the line, and took Rory's hand, gently.

"Does that mean, are you, are you Prince Tristan?" Rory sputtered in a small, amazed voice.

"Yeah. I guess I am. It feels weird to actually say that, but yeah, I am," Prince Tristan said smiling, "I haven't seen you around my kingdom before." 'It can't be her,' Tristan thought, 'Jess said she wasn't coming, my Rory, but yet, why are these feelings stirring up inside of me if it isn't Rory?'

"Oh, I don't live here," Rory lied, "I just came. Came to see you and attend your ball, Prince Tristan."

"Just call me Tristan, please. You're the only other lady, besides Michelle, who has not tried to purposely dance with me tonight," he said while twirling around the dance floor. "That girl over there," Tristan pointed at Georgia, "has been bothering me all night. I guess she can't tell I'm not interested."

"So, the ball wasn't your idea?" inquired Rory. "No, my parents thought it would be good for me to find a bride. But I already have, its just they are not going to be to pleased about who she is. I'm sorry if I've disappointed you," he confessed.

"Oh, well, its okay. I mean, I did come here to meet you, but I too have someone waiting at home," Rory replied.

"That's nice. Well, I'm glad I've finally found a friend at the ball. I'll have someone to pass the time with tonight at least."

"Oh." Rory whispered. "Do you want to step outside? Take a break from the ball," she asked suddenly as Georgia quickly advanced toward her. The last thing she needed was to be caught.

"Sure. Why not?" He replied and led her to the door. Outside, the moon sparkled down upon the courtyard. The pond and fountains shined a glossy surface and the deep green trees swayed with the breeze.

"It's really nice out here," Rory said softly, unaware that Georgia had followed them outside and was watching there every move.

"Yeah," Prince Tristan agreed. "I come here often with my sister Michelle and her boyfriend, Sir Jess, just to talk and think. She's lucky he has a noble upbringing and is a knight; otherwise, perhaps our parents would have forbidden our friendship. It's really serene out here."

"I know, I wish I had a place like this back home," Rory said, looking at an under construction balcony.

"Well, you can always come here and visit. I'm sure Jess and Michelle would find great joy in meeting you," Tristan told his friend.

"Sure," she echoed softly, realizing it was the same Sir Jess she knew that Tristan was telling her about. They walked around the courtyard, talking as if they had known each other forever, more than just one night, with a hint of flirtation in their voices. Prince Tristan again couldn't help but feel a connection to the girl, like he had seen her somewhere, someplace before. It was almost as if she were, 'No!' Tristan thought, 'you went over this before. It's not Rory. She would have recognized me, even if Jess was wrong.'

"Come on. I'd like to introduce you to my parents," Tristan took her arm and urged Rory to follow him.

"The King and Queen? No really, I can't." Rory protested, trying to grab her arm back from his firm grip.

"Come on, they won't harm you. Maybe my sister and Sir Jess will be there too. You're going to be okay." With that comment, Rory looked up into his eyes, the same deep blue eyes that belonged to her stranger. The same eyes, reflecting the same soul. 'Everything makes sense now,' Rory thought, He's the Prince!' Then the realization hit home. Rory's heart jumped. 'The bride he was talking about earlier was me!' Rory let out a little laugh and Tristan stared. She loved Prince Tristan and he loved her. 'That's why Jess wanted me to come tonight, to meet him.' Rory's heart raced, 'I love Tristan. But he's the prince. Didn't he say that Jess was only allowed to be with the Princess because of his stature? But there is no way he'll ever be allowed to be with a peasant like me,' Rory thought with grim despair and a sad smile spread across her face.

"Is something wrong?" Prince Tristan asked her concerned. "No. I just...I have to go. Tristan, please?" Rory begged. Suddenly she couldn't stand to be there another moment. Then, as if to confirm it, the clock struck midnight.

"Oh my god. I really have to go. Good bye." Rory shouted as she began to run.

"Why? Tristan asked, confused by his friend's sudden change of heart. "It's only midnight. What's your name? Will I ever see you again?" Tristan began to run after her, realizing his words hit only empty air. After a few steps, Tristan stopped, realizing he could never catch up with her.

"Some girls are such simpletons," Georgia said, coming out from behind the bushes.

"What do you mean by that?" Tristan asked defensively.

"That girl you were with just puts you on and then runs. Some people are just like that," she said with disdain, "But I'm not." Georgia put her arm around his and smiled.

"I'm afraid you've misunderstood, miss." Tristan took a step away, "She was my friend, unlike other people here," Tristan said,



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