A/n: First off, I'm sure many of you hate me for not updating sooner . . . and I'm not going to make excuses cuz what I did was wrong, to leave you all hanging, and I'm really sorry. But I was kinda sidetracked (read: busy w/ school, other fics, friends, etc). So yeah. Here's an update. Oh, and another warning – this is going to end on a cliffy. So don't flame me! ^-^ Luv ya all… really, you're all the best!!!! And um, review replies are gonna be shorter now, cuz I want to get this posted today.

THIS CHAPTER IS DEDICATED TO LALAITH, CUZ I PROMISED HER THIS!!!

*****

babyjayy ~ thanks!

Laur1532 ~ thank you, for actually seeing the question! It was random . . .  I don't have another account, I just wanted to know, cuz I was thinking about making one, you know . . . but anyways, thanks for the review!

Movielvr ~ well, I luv u too, for reviewing!! You rock . . . umm, can't think of more to say *bangs head* so I'll just, um, continue . . .

Black eagle ~ wow, you, hyper? Lol, just kidding. Thanks for the review!!! Rock on!

Awaiting impatient person ~ don't have to wait anymore . . . okay, so maybe you do, but only after this chapter is posted ^-^

Kassi of Pirate's Swoop ~ erm, you'll just have to kinda wait and see, won't you? Hehe, I'm enjoying this . . . thanx 4 reviewing!

Gayle ~ I wouldn't do that . . . okay, so maybe I would. But I won't *.*

Stori Luver ~ Hey, K! Luv u 4 reviewing, ur awesome.

CrimsonEnchantress ~ actually, to tell you the truth (and I'm serious, I'm not just fishing for compliments here) this story is one of my not-so-good ones. Really. I've just started writing fanfiction (as of Nov 2003) so I'm new (this was my first story)… and this story really isn't the best it could be. And I really mean this in a sincere way; I'm not asking for anyone to compliment me and say I'm wrong. Cuz I know I can do better . . . I'm blabbering, aren't I? Sorry about that, just got a little carried away . . . oh and thank you for responding to my little random question. You're the best!

Dragonfirechick ~ thank you for reviewing, and thank you for the advice (and cookie) but I've got a better way to let her know . . . which you'll see in this chapter.

Queen of Sheba ~ Thank you sooo much for the really nice review! And also, thank you so much for answering my random question. I just needed to know, you know? So anyways, ran out of things to say . . . moving on . . .

EdhelWen ~ cheese?? Ugh, don't pelt me with cheese!! Cheese is . . . um, good is cheese doodles. Lol. Um, really? NY Times Bestseller List? You've got to be kidding me, lol. Thnx for the review!

Hayley ~ thank you sooo much for reviewing! Anyways, done w/ the review responses, so onto the chapter . . .

*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*

I locked myself inside my room, refusing to talk to anyone. I didn't get palace news, but I didn't care. I only left to have my meals, but even then, I never spoke. I answered in single syllable words whenever I could, and never instigated any form of conversation at all.

I didn't even talk all that much to James or Cordelia. And I knew I wouldn't be able to face Ted.

I was sure that my family noticed my withdrawal and change, but none of them ever mentioned it. I was glad of that, because it meant that I could be alone with my thoughts.

My thoughts never left me alone.

The day of the ball came. I was a nervous wreck, trying to decide whether or not to tell my parents that I liked Ted instead of Darren.

This ball was to announce to all of Kyrria that I was going to be married to the prince of Ayortha.

And the ball was tonight.

I sighed, flopping down on my bed. This was all too much. A million thoughts and emotions swirled through my mind. I pushed them all away.

A soft knock on my door brought me to the present, and I sat up. "Come in," I called, rather hesitantly.

My mother peeked in. "Are you all right dear? You seem so quiet and withdrawn these days."

I sighed, deciding to finally let it out. "I don't want to marry Darren."

She frowned. "I knew it had something to do with your marriage proposal." She slipped inside my room and closed the door softly. She padded over to me and sat down on the edge of the bed.

"You don't understand. I love Ted . . . not Darren." There. I had finally admitted it aloud.

I saw a brief flicker of something in her eyes, before she quickly masked it. "Honey, we've already planned everything out between the Ayorthian royals! We've planned the entire marriage and everything . . . and now you won't do it?"

I felt bad, but I knew I would feel even worse if I actually did agree to the marriage.

"Couldn't you have said this earlier? Now, I'm not sure you can back out of it," said my mother.

I buried my head in my hands. "I'm not going to marry him. I don't love him."

"I'm sure that you'll love the Prince. Trust me on this one – I just know you'll come to love him," said my mother firmly. "Now dear, get up and get dressed. The ball is in a few hours. Guests will be arriving soon."

I sighed. "I'm not going."

"Oh yes you are, because we will be announcing the marriage whether you're there or not," said Ella stubbornly.

"I can't go," I said. "I'll run away."

She raised her eyebrows. "To where? There are guards posted under your window, just in case you haven't noticed. They're keeping an eye on you, so you don't leave us again."

I hadn't noticed.

I crossed over to the window and peered down. She was right; guards were pacing underneath my window, trying to look casual and inconspicuous. I could tell that they had recently been stationed there, because they looked around nervously every once in a while.

I sighed. There goes my great plan, I thought.

And then, the idea hit me. A wonderful, fantastic idea.

"I'll go," I announced.

My mother looked at me curiously, but decided not to ask. She was pleased that I had actually agreed to go. "Thank you, dear," she whispered, as she hugged me and left.

A smirk appeared on my face as soon as the door closed.

I had said that I would go . . .

But I had never promised that I would behave.

*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*

I dressed carefully. I put on the beautiful turquoise gown that my mother had pulled out of the fairy trinket box so long ago, and my mother's prized necklace, passed down to her from her mother. I had a maid help me pile my hair up in an elegant twist at the top of my head, complete with loose strands to frame my face. I made sure that every little detail was perfect. I wanted to look dazzling tonight, just so my plan would turn out so much better.

What was my plan?

My main mission was to ruin the ball. And, of course, not have the wedding announced. And as an extra bonus: bug Darren. I knew it would irk him to have me ruin this night.

I took one last peek at the mirror to make sure that I looked fine.

I looked decent enough. My dress was a pretty turquoise, which brought out my eyes. It wasn't frilly, either. It was silky and floated lightly with my every motion. It had a low-cut collar, trimmed in silver, and the narrow waistline tapered into a V. the sleeves were long a trailed behind me loosely. I found that I actually liked this dress. It matched me.

Lastly, I found a silver tiara, decorated with sparkling blue gems. Usually, I hated to wear these things, but . . . tonight was an exception.

I placed it on my hair, and admired the effect. It made me look slightly more imposing, more regal. I didn't feel so . . . young anymore.

I trailed down the stairs, making sure that I didn't step on my dress. If I did, I knew I would most likely trip and tumble down the entire staircase. And that would not be very good.

At last, I reached the ballroom. It was a huge room with a dome-ceiling, numerous gorgeous tapestries, and, overall, a lavish look. It was huge and could fit lots of people, and I guessed that that was probably the reason why the ball was held in there.

Taking a deep breath, I put my hand on the gold door handle. My hands were shaking. I wasn't so sure of myself anymore. Was I ready for this?

As ready as I'll ever get, I thought. I nodded to the two doormen on either side of the door. They nodded and raised their trumpets to their lips. As the door swung open, they blasted notes that echoed through the entire room. The room fell silent as a herald announced me to the room. "Her Royal Highness, Princess Lela of Kyrria."

I felt all the eyes on me, and I lost my courage.

My father and mother stepped forward, with the King and Queen of Ayortha beside them.

"I have an announcement to make," my father began in his loud, imposing voice.

I froze. This was all going wrong! He wasn't supposed to announce the marriage until after dinner . . .

"My daughter, Princess Lela, will be marrying . . ."

I closed my eyes. I couldn't believe this was happening.

"Lela!" I heard my name whispered, but I didn't open my eyes. I knew it was just James.

"To the Crown Prince of Ayortha . . ." my father was saying.

I felt like I was going to faint. For a minute, I wondered what would happen if I actually did faint. Would I still be married?

Probably, said a little voice in my head.

I dimly registered the fact that my father had quieted, and that there wasn't a single sound in the room.

Footsteps moved towards me, and I stiffened, knowing it was the end. It was Darren, I knew. And he was supposed to kneel before me and ask me to marry him.

I was right. He stopped in front of me, and dropped to his knees before me, taking my hand in his. His hand was cold, and I realized, suddenly, that he was just as nervous as I was.

I still didn't open my eyes. Maybe if I didn't, I wouldn't have to see the way my father looked at me disapprovingly. I wouldn't have to see everyone staring, waiting for the inevitable.

Because I knew I couldn't say no to his marriage proposal. If I did, the Ayorthian royals would be sorely offended, and it might even cause war to break out between Kyrria and Ayortha. I couldn't let that happen.

The silence built up, reaching its peak. And then, at last, the question came.

"Princess Lela, will you marry me?"

I froze. I recognized that voice.

My eyes flew open.

"Ted?"

He grinned at me. "Surprised?"

He was the prince of Ayortha? What about Darren . . . When had this happened?

Surprise, initial shock, and thoughts overwhelmed me. The world tilted crazily.

Unable to cope with this new turn of events, I did the most reasonable thing I could: I fainted.

*~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~*

A/n: Haha! I told you (author's note in the beginning of the chapter) that I would have a cliffy! So, like this new turn of events? I'm so evil! Anyways . . . until later! And please review ^.^