Disclaimer: I don't own anything that you recognize
A/N: Thanks a lot to all of those who reviewed and to Ally Serenity for betaing this chapter
Chapter Twenty-Two
During the next morning, every one rested and readied for the exhibitions that would take place in the afternoon. Lily and Bella made the team rehearse their show one last time before giving them the morning off. Then Bella and Lily made an assessment of the competition and made note to contact a few riders and fighters they had noticed. Once they were done with that, they caught up with the boys and stayed with them for the whole morning. At one moment, Lily dragged James away to talk to him alone.
"Are you ready?" she asked a bit worried.
"As ready as I can be. Relax Lil, everything will be perfect." he answered, placing a hand on her shoulder to reassure her.
"And your costumes?"
"Done and ready," James said calmly.
"Both?"
"Both. Calm down Lily!"
She laughed a bit.
"Sorry to bother you like that, I'm just a little nervous."
James smiled.
"You? Nervous? What is the world coming to?" He said jokingly.
"Are you laughing at me?" asked Lily half joking, half being hurt.
He grew serious and looked at her straight in her eyes.
"I would never dare to." Was his answer.
He looked so serious that Lily only nodded. There was an awkward silence.
"Hey! I think the others must be worried.." Said Lily
"You are right, lead the way my fair lady." Replied James, bowing
They hurried to catch up with their friends, and spent the remaining part of the morning talking, joking, and walking around.
After lunch, they prepared their dragons and in James and Lily's case, their horses as well. Their friends knew they would present something together, but didn't know what it was, as they had stayed very secretive about it.
The show started. The exhibitions were different and entertaining. The presentation of the Lions earned them tremendous applause as well as respect from the other riders. Indeed the exhibition Lily and Bella had made them learn was a mix between fighting and acrobatics. The result was breathtaking.
Then Lily went to ready herself for her presentation with James. It was soon their turn. To prevent people from seeing them before the start of their exhibition, they cast an invisibility spell on themselves and on their horses. They headed for the area where the show took place.
"And now, two people everyone knows. These two are of the best riders of the whole army. They are going to present us an exhibition they had called Devil and Angel. I think you all know whom I speak of... May I present you Lilyaris and Prince James!" shouted the commentator.
Immediately, they took off the spell and appeared. There were whispers among the crowd.
Sir Exer, Sir Albus, The King and the Queen were watching the two youths closely from their seats.
James was wearing a black armor with gold ornaments. His helmet, dark as well, was covering his face. At his side he had a sword covered in a black and gold sheath. His black cloak was floating behind him as he stood at one end of the show's area. At the other end stood Lilyaris, dressed in the same outfit than James except hers was white and silver. Music started to fill the air, and the whispers died as everyone focused on the two riders. The music was somber and dark, creating a heavy atmosphere. They started to move, slowly, turning around each other, forming complex patterns. Suddenly the music accelerated. Immediately, they lunged at each other, faking a fight. Their moves were incredible. As the music grew louder and louder, their moves became more and more dangerous and daring.
"Incredible…" said Exer, watching in awe as Lily did a summersault on Angel's back, landing perfectly on the mare.
"Is it not?" said Albus.
"That is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen!" exclaimed the King.
They stopped talking to focus on the couple before them.
As it seemed that they had reached their limits, there was an explosion of sound. James and Lily then were surrounded by light which became brighter and brighter. There was a flash, which blinded everyone for a few seconds. When they were able to see again, they had changed. Instead of wearing black or white they were both wearing gray. The only difference being that James had gold ornaments and Lily's were silver. Moreover, they had both lost their armor and instead, James was wearing ceremony's clothes which fit him very well and Lily was now riding side-saddle as she wore a long dress. The dress was a light dray and gave her an unreal aspect, as if she was not from Earth.
"Lily is quite a beauty." Said the Queen. "Not in a classical way like Elianor, in a strange way. She is singled out."
"Indeed." nodded Albus. "I think she inherited her mother's features but her elf part gave her a strange side."
A child voice started to fill the air, seeming to come down from the heavens. Lily and James started to draw movements of haute ecole, coming closer before going away. It was like a dance. Finally as the music started to fade out, they stopped in front of each other and bowed to the other. There was an instant of silence that was their best recompense, showing the people had been truly touched by what they had done. Then the stands burst in cheer. Lily and James bowed again, smiling and holding each other's hand. Then they made their horses rear, and headed towards the exit. It took a lot of time for the people to settle down.
"That was…" The King didn't seem to find the right words to describe it. "I do not know what to say!" He said.
As the King, his wife, and Sir Exer kept on praising what they had just seen, Sir Albus was still looking at James and Lily, his eyes fixed on their hands which were still clutched tightly. He noticed how James was looking at Lily, focusing on her as she talked with her friends and his face hardened, fearing the worse.
The remaining part of the afternoon passed quickly. The crowds watched with interest the following exhibitions, but everyone had Lily and James' in mind... After everything was finished they were surrounded by people, and congratulated countless times, much to their embarrassment. Finally they managed to retreat to their quarters. But there they were cornered by their friends.
"That was amazing Lil!" shouted Bella hugging Lily, nearly strangling her.
"Thank you Bella, but could you stop choking me?"
She released Lily immediately.
"Thank you."
They resumed their conversation, talking about the show and the people who had took part in it. They stayed up late in the night. Finally Lily spoke.
"It is late, we should go to sleep, we will not have a lot of sleep tomorrow night."
Sirius yawned and stretched.
"You are right. By the way, who are you going with?" he asked looking at his friends.
Bella smiled.
"Yvan asked me yesterday."
"Great Bella! But why did you not tell me?" said Lily.
"I wanted to surprise you." answered Bella shrugging.
"I asked Deborah and she said yes." Said Remus, a huge smile plastered on his face.
"The daughter of the Duke! Way to go Remus!" whistled James. Remus blushed a bit.
"And you Lily?" asked Sirius.
She shrugged.
"Nobody had asked me, so I will probably go alone, since I am forced to come." At this she glared at Bella who smirked evilly.
"Yes. And do not even think of skipping it. And you Sirius?" she said threateningly.
"I asked Valery and she accepted." He said smugly.
"Wonderful!" exclaimed Bella
"James?" said Sirius.
"Nobody for now."
He saw his friends starring at him, jaws wide opened.
"Do not look at me like that! What is your problem?"
There was a moment of silence.
"Let me say it straight. You, the heir of the throne, the man hunted by half of the girls of the kingdom, it is your birthday, and you have nobody to go to the ball with?" said Bella.
"Great summary." Replied simply James.
"Is it a joke?" asked Sirius.
"I am really serious."
"All right. Have you asked someone?" said Bella.
"No."
"Did somebody asked you?" continued Remus
"Yes."
"Well, why did you say no!" exclaimed Sirius
"Well, I was asked two times by Clelia. I refused. I did not want to support her blabbering for the whole night. Then I was asked by Jennasa, Kathya, Selay, Mirays and Reanne. I said no, as I know they only want to be seen with me to attract attention."
"Not for Selay…" Muttered Bella.
"You have always had a soft spot for her." Replied Sirius.
"I do not!" said Bella vehemently. "It is you who do not like her since she made the three of you stand on a table while we were at school and sing soprano after having transfigured your clothes into diva's dresses."
Lily snickered.
"It was not funny!" shouted Sirius.
"It was!" replied Bella. "Anyway James, you mean that our dear friend Elianor has not asked you?"
"I was coming to this. She asked me, hmm let me count... seven times."
"Seven!" repeated Remus, Bella, Sirius and Lily.
"And she still has not understood that you refused?" asked Bella incredulously.
"Apparently not."
"So you haven't anybody to go to the ball with you?" said Sirius.
"No, but I planned on asking someone as I know that she has not been asked yet." Announced James.
"Really? And who is the lucky girl?" said Sirius jokingly.
"Well… Oh no!"
"Who?" asked Sirius bewildered.
"Elianor coming straight towards us." Said James spitefully. "I suggest we made a strategic retreat."
"I second this idea." Added Lily "I am really not in the mood for a verbal duel."
"Well" cut Bella. "You two are going to escape by the right door, while Sirius, Remus, and myself are going to keep her here for a few minutes. Go to the stables; she never goes there. 'It is too dirty and filthy for a proper Lady'," she said in a good imitation of Elianor voice and tone."
"Alright and thank you," said James and Lily before exiting the room as fast as they could.
"Why did we not we leave with them?" asked Sirius.
"They are the ones in greatest danger. We just have to make her stay a few minutes in the room before leaving." Said Bella.
"It is going to be the longest minutes in my life." replied Sirius bracing himself for Elianor's blabbering.
James and Lily were running towards the stables, laughing their heads off as they were thinking of the face Eleanor must have made when she had realized they had left the quarters.
They entered the stables and verified that people had taken care of Angel and Devil. They found them quietly resting. They sat on a bale of straw and started to talk. They chatted for a while then fell silent. Lily saw that her friend was playing nervously with a wisp, and biting his lower lip, two signs showing he was nervous. She smiled and put a hand on his, stopping his play with wisp.
"Spill it. Tell everything to Lily." she said with a soft smile on her face.
James looked at her hand, fixing for a while, probably weighting the pros or the cons of telling her his problem. Then he looked up at him with a determined face, except for the fact he was still biting his lips.
"Well, I was wondering... I mean I was thinking of ... no I was trying to decide if... Oh never mind!" he exclaimed, throwing his hand in the air.
Lily put a calming hand on his shoulder.
"Take a deep breath, calm down, and try again."
For a few moments, James breathed heavily, trying to calm himself.
"I have never seen you so nervous! What is the problem James?" asked Lily concerned.
He looked at her.
"Well, you know that I have not asked anybody to the ball and refused the invitation of the girls who asked me, do you not?"
She looked at him closely.
"Of course, you told this to us minutes ago."
"Well I know it is not a proper place to ask it, but I want to know if you would do me the honor of being my partner for the ball." He said in one breath before looking at her hesitantly, as if fearing her reaction.
Lily was speechless and petrified. At first, her mind did not register the question. James misunderstood her quietness.
"If you do not want to, it is alright, I understand." He said quickly. She held a hand, silencing him and looked straightly at him.
"You aren't joking, are you?" she asked. He frowned.
"Why would you think I am joking?"
"James, you are the heir of the throne, the man in the dream of most of the girls in the kingdom. I am part-elf, raised by commoners, a woman without proper manner... I mean, I am nothing like Elianor, I am not a Lady or someone important. I am a good rider and a good trainer, but that is all."
James starred at her. How could she have so little faith in her abilities? It was almost unbelievable. It put a hand on her shoulder making her face him.
"Lily, why would you want to be like Elianor? Nobody likes her! She may be from a powerful and healthy family, but she is a spoiled girl who wants everyone to be her slave and obey to her every order. And you ARE important. Who is able to manipulate the staff? Who was able to build the Golden Gate? Who exchanged herself against my father? Who defied Voldemort? You! Do you not know that a lot of people consider you like a model to follow? Do you not know that you are respected in the whole army for your abilities and your behavior towards others?"
Lily was silent, troubled by his speech. Finally she spoke.
"Are you sure you want me to be your partner? It will not please a few people."
"I do not care. So do you accept?" He looked at her, hope visible in every features of his face.
Lily smiled.
"Alright, you won."
James smiled back, his face overwhelmed by relief.
"Thank you Lil!" then he grinned mischievously. "This way you will not make a fool of yourself while dancing."
"My dear prince, I may surprise you!" she replied a grin on her face.
He bowed to her.
"We shall see."
"Well, we had better join the others. They must be waiting for us." Said Lily.
"Go ahead, I want to look for something before."
"All right. See you at the quarters?"
"Yes."
She got up and headed to the doors. As she passed it, she did not hear James muttering.
"You never cease to surprise me, Lilyaris."
Lily caught up with his friends who were talking quietly.
"Well thank you for saving us from the terrible Elianor." She said.
"Any time." Answered Bella. "You should have seen her face when she saw her prey had escape from her clutches. It was hilarious..."
"So true! And when she wanted to chase you and Sirius told her to go towards the North paddock, saying he had saw you walking there."
"Well, she believed me."
Lily looked at Sirius.
"The North paddock, it's the one where we put the bulls, the cows, isn't it, the one in which we had put Big Meany?"
"Exactly, and he told her you were walking in the paddock."
They burst in laughter.
"I think that will make her understand the wonders of running…" Said Lily, once she had managed to calm herself. Then James came in and was filled on the news.
Later, they parted and went straight to bed.
As they were preparing, Bella looked at Lily.
"What did you do when we were occupying Elianor?"
"Well..." said Lily, not knowing if she should tell her that James had asked her.
"Spill the beans..."
"We went to the stables and looked at Angel and Devil, making sure they were alright. Then we sat and talked."
"Really?"
"Yes, and heaskedmetotheball." Said Lily quickly fearing what she might say.
"What!"
"He. Asked. Me. To. The. Ball." repeated Lily, articulating.
Bella made a cry of joy and hugged her friend.
"That is marvelous!"
"Do you really think so?"
"Yes! Why not?"
"I mean, will it not be strange to se the heir of the throne going to a ball with a part-elf?"
Bella looked curiously at her.
"No. I mean everybody loves you, except a few but they do not count. Why would it be strange?"
"I do not know, difference of status?"
Bella was thoughtful.
"Status has its importance, but everyone knows that you and James are friends, so it will not be strange to see the two of you going to the ball together."
"If you say so."
"Do not worry, it will be a great evening... I heard the King and the Queen have prepared something huge. I mean James is turning twenty one; during the evening he will be confirmed as the heir."
"Really?"
"Yes. I have never seen the ceremony, but I heard it was amazing."
"We shall see."
"You are right. What are you going to wear?"
"It's a surprise, you shall see tomorrow."
"Not fair, I showed you mine!"
"Only because you wanted me to help you!"
"True, but give me an hint!"
"No, no."
Bella tried to maker her give her a hint on her dress, to no avail. So she dropped the subject and the two girls went to bed. Lily did not fall asleep immediately. She replayed the moments she had spent with James and the warmth she had felt when he had put his hand on her shoulder. She tried to push all her thoughts of James in the depths of her mind to no avail.
What is happening to me! She thought troubled.
The next day passed uneventfully. The five friends spent it wandering in the forest, partly because James did not want to cross paths with Elianor. Three hours before the ball, they came back to their quarters and started to ready themselves for the ball.
Remus, Sirius and James were ready quickly and went to the girls' quarters to wait for them, they met Yvan there who was waiting for Bella. Half an hour before the start of the ball Bella climbed down the stairs.
She was stunning. This night she wore a long gown. It was light blue on the top, slowly becoming midnight blue on the bottom. Little silver stars were spread all over the dress shining at her every move. The sleeves clung tightly to her arm from the shoulder to the elbow, then became larger. They were made of a blue veil in which silver threads had been added.
The whole robe was breathtaking. She had put her hair in an elaborated bun, only letting a few locks out, framing her face. Her make up was discreet, but brought out her eyes. She did not wear a lot of jewelry, only a necklace her mother had given her, made of silver wires intertwined and small amethysts put between the wires; two rings, one given by her father and on which her family crest could be seen, the other given by Lily and simply holding a strange stone. Lily wore the same. These rings meant that their holders had promised eternal friendship to each other and warned its holder when the other were in danger. It was an elf tradition.
Yvan was the first to recover, and bowed to her.
"You are stunning, Lady Bella."
"Drop the formalities, since when did you call me Lady Bella?" She replied, clearly amused by their reactions.
"Well Bella, I am going to be envied by every male at the ball."
"You will not be the only one, I know for sure that an other will be envied."
She smiled.
"Well, my kind sirs," she said looking at James, Remus and Sirius who were still staring at her "I suggest you pick up your jaws, and put them in place. Lily will be ready in a few minutes, be ready for a shock." She added with a smirk.
They looked at her questioningly, but she only smiled mysteriously.
After five minutes, they heard Lily coming. Indeed it was a shock to them. The first word to come to their mind was "Angel". It was true Lily seemed really unreal. She wore a long gown similar at the one Bella wore with slight differences. Hers was pure white. The bodice was ornate with a complex pattern drawn in a silver color her sleeves were made of a shimmering white veil on which moonstone powder had been spread making it shine brightly. The skirt of the dress was white as well, with little silver threads on it. The necklace Praïn had given her was hanging at her neck, and on her finger could be seen the friendship ring, and a bracelet made of silver leaves were locked to her right wrist, showing that she belonged to the elves' community.
She wore her hair down, her red locks falling on her shoulder and reaching the middle of her back. Her hair was maintained in place with little claps shaped like stars. Like Bella, she wore little make-up.
She smiled shyly at them. The three boys were speechless. Sure, they thought she would be great, but not that beautiful. If a light halo had surrounded her at that moment they would have swore she was not from earth.
They stared wide-eyed at her, to make sure it was really Lily. She bit her lips feeling really uncomfortable under their stares.
Bella laughed.
"I told you to be prepared for a shock, and Yvan, I am starting to be jealous, seeing you cannot take your eyes of Lily."
This seemed to make them snapped out of their trance. James, Remus and Sirius started to compliment Lily and Yvan started to apologize to Bella.
"No need, I was only joking. Now, shall we go?"
"Lead the way my kind lady." He said, offering her his arm.
"Wait Bella, you forgot your cloak!" said Lily, handing a silver material to Bella who fixed it to her shoulders, while Lily was doing the same. They had agreed on wearing the same cloak.
"Everybody is ready?"
A chorus of yes answered her.
"Good, we need to go fetch Valery and Deborah, before going to the ball, so we had better hurry."
They exited the quarters and headed towards the castle. They found Valery and Deborah waiting for them in the hall. Sirius and Remus bowed to them, smiling. They were very pretty. Valery, a tall, talkative and easy-going brunette was dressed in an emerald dress while Deborah, a friendly blond girl was wearing dark purple.
They headed towards the ballroom and found themselves the last ones.
"Fashionably late." Whispered Sirius to his friends, grinning.
James and Lily groaned at the same time.
"Exactly what I need." muttered Lily, somberly. James took her hand, squeezed it reassuringly before releasing it.
She smiled at him.
The herald at the door looked at them with a wide smile but seemed a bit surprised when he saw Lily. He opened the doors. The eight youths could hear the talk inside die. The herald stepped in the room and started to announce them...
The King and the Queen had been waiting for their son who had not showed up yet. They were a bit worried. Indeed this ball was in his honor and he was not even here! They noticed that his friends were not there either. Sir Albus and Sir Exer were at their side. And as they were about to send someone to bring them, the doors opened.
The conversations died as everyone was dying to see who was entering.
They immediately looked at the doors and saw the herald entered and started to announce the newcomers.
"Lady Deborah and Sir Remus."
They entered calmly, walked to the throne and bowed, followed closely by
"Lady Valery and Sir Sirius."
The following couple that entered, created a huge wave of whispers.
"Lady Bella and Sir Yvan."
The Queen and the King smiled. Bella had really outdone herself this night. Most of the men present were shooting jealous glares to Yvan who was smiling widely.
Finally the last couple entered.
"Lilyaris and Prince James." Some whispers followed this announcement. Slowly they entered the room. When people caught sight of them, they fell immediately silent. The Queen was shocked too as well as her husband and the counselors. They were amazing. They walked in the room, followed by everyone's gaze. All the young women were glaring venomously at Lily; meanwhile, James was the target of envious and jealous stares from the men. James led Lily to the throne. They both bowed to the royal couple, then joined their friends on one side of the room.
Sir Albus, first taken aback a bit by Lily's appearance, focused mainly on James' behavior, dreading to see his suspicions confirmed. He relaxed, seeing that the Prince was looking at his parents.
The King raised to his feet.
"Well since the Prince has finally decided to come, I declare the ball opened!" Announced the King.
Immediately, music started to fill the room.
A few couples in which were Yvan and Bella, and Sirius and Valery, started to dance. Being the Birthday boy, James, escorted by Lily and his friends, walked through the room, saluting the different members of the nobility present there. He exchanged a few words with each. Lily, seeing Derna and Kermal in a corner turned to speak to James.
"James, I am going to go talk to Derna and Kermal." She said.
"Alright, I will join you in a few minutes, I must speak to the Duke of Nearth, the father of Elianor, unless I wish to be accused of favoritism."
"Poor James. Good luck." she whispered teasingly, before heading towards her friends. She had been talking with them about their work in their wing, when she heard the voice of Elianor.
"Prince James, How wonderful to see you! Would you like to dance?"
She felt a pang in her heart, but dismissed it immediately. She looked at the dance floor, where room had been given to the couple. Lily had to admit it, Elianor was a wonderful dancer, and she and James made a good couple: noble, rich, and good-looking. She sighed and turned back to her friends, resuming her conversation.
The King and his wife looked at their son, dancing with the young Elianor.
"They made a beautiful couple." said Sir Cornelius behind them.
"Indeed." said the Queen. To her husband she whispered quietly.
"Regis, look at James' face, I do not think he is really fond of her."
"You are right." said the King after having looked at his son. "You know it is starting to worry me. James is twenty-one, today he will be confirmed. In a few years, I will resign from my functions and he shall be crowned. He will have to be married then."
"I know, and every girl in the kingdom would be ready to do anything to marry him and become the Queen, except for Bella who only sees him like a brother. It is a shame, she would have been a wonderful Queen."
"He should not have any problem at finding at least a girlfriend, but no. He is twenty one and no relationship for now."
"He knows most of them are after him just because he is the heir."
"And Elianor is the worst." Said the King.
"Right, Regis. She has been chasing him ever since he entered school; they were eleven then."
"Persevering."
"Yes."
"Well, time will tell."
"Right as always."
They looked back at the dance floor. The dance was over and James had hurried to reached Lily, Derna, and Kermal. He found them talking quietly with Yvan and Bella.
"Ah! Birthday boy!" said Bella when she saw him. "Fell in Elianor's clutches I saw."
"Do not talk about it, I could not refuse in front of her father..." he said, making a face. Then he looked pleadingly at Lily. "Please, O Lilyaris, may I have this dance, to counteract the one I had to spend with her highness. please…"
"Alright." Said Lily, smiling, taking the arm that James was offering her.
"James, I hope you are wearing protected shoes." Said Bella jokingly.
Lily had to restrain herself of poking her tongue to her friend.
James led Lily to the dance floor where they got into position, waiting for the music to start, and smiling to each other. The invisible orchestra started to play. It was a difficult dance and first James feared that Lily did not know how to dance it and would make a fool of herself. To his great surprise, she started to do the steps perfectly. She shot him a smile. He recovered quickly and followed her in her evolutions. Slowly, people stopped dancing to watch them.
Sir Albus, Sir Exer were watching the people dancing, talking quietly. Suddenly, Sir Exer noticed a couple.
"Albus! Look this way!"
Sir Albus, followed by the royal couple, who had heard Sir Exer's words, looked where he was pointing.
It was James and Lily, deeply immersed in their dance, as they did not notice that more and more people were watching them. It really was a sight: James was known to be an excellent dancer but it was quite a surprise to see that Lily was a match for him. They continued to dance, perfectly coordinate, each of their movements being the sequel of the previous.
As James led Lily in a series of hard steps, everyone held their breath, but they did it so smoothly it seemed easy to the spectators. It was nearly a miracle that they hadn't tripped on each other feet. Sir Albus noticed that they hadn't broken eye contact thorough the whole dance, still looking at each other.
"What a match! Now they really make a great couple." said the King in a whisper.
"Do not say that too loud, Regis!" said quickly Sir Albus.
"Why not?" said the King bewildered.
The Queen had immediately understood the old man.
"Look at James," she asked to her husband "See how he is looking at her."
The King looked closely at his son, frowning, understanding showing on his face.
"Are you sure Albus?"
"Not exactly, though I am highly suspicious he is developing strong feelings for her."
"If it is true, it will bring a lot of trouble. I will have a talk with James tomorrow." Said the King.
"Even if it were true, Lily would deny her feelings and follow what reason and duty would order her. She is very conscious of the difference of status between her and her friends." Said Sir Exer
"You are right." Said Sir Albus. But he was still worried.
They looked at the couple as the music faded out.
Lily was flooded by the music, she was only focused on dancing, and on her partner. From the beginning they had locked their eyes. Soon they became oblivious of their surroundings, only focused on dancing together. The rush of emotions that this dance was bringing to her overwhelmed Lily. Each time James touched her she felt something. She would have been unable to describe it. She did not know what it was, but it was really troubling her.
James and Lily stopped and bowed to each other. Then they seemed to snap out of their trance and noticed for the first time the people surrounding them who were clapping. They blushed, smiled, and bowed again before hurrying to their friends' sides.
Bella was looking eyes wide opened at her friend.
"Lily! Why did you not tell me you knew how to dance?"
Lily grinned.
"I wanted to surprise you and apparently, it worked!" She said looking pleased with herself.
"That is the understatement of the year." Replied Bella.
Sirius and Remus were just starring at her, too shocked for words.
Lily scanned the room. Her eyes stopped on the King who pointed to James when he saw her looking at him.
She grabbed his arm.
"James, I think that your father wants to talk to you…"
"Really? Must be for the confirmation… Well, stay here and enjoy the show." Said James with a mischievous grin.
"What!"
But James left them before they could get him to answer their question.
He reached the throne, and stood up next his father.
As the people noticed it, the room fell silent. The voice of the King echoed in the ballroom.
"You have been gathered here to celebrate the twenty-first birthday of the prince, but also to assist to his confirmation. Now, James, heir of the throne, is going to renew his vows."
James stepped forwards.
"I, James, son of King Regis and Queen Dorilys, swear before these people gathered here, to serve my kingdom and protect it."
Then his father took an odd-looking crystal ball and gave it to him.
As soon as James touch it, the ball started to glow brightly, colors swirling in it.
"I swear on my life to protect my people and to act in their best interests. If I ever was about to break these vows, I would have to be banned form the kingdom and see my powers being taken from me."
At these words, a song echoed in the room as the ball seemed to explode in colorful fireworks. Lily learned later it was only illusions.
When it was finished, everyone cheered loudly.
The King spoke louder. "The heir has been confirmed and accepted. I now present you Prince James, High-Heir of Erkanswald!" Cheers erupted again.
James, smiling brightly headed towards his friends who congratulated him.
"So Lil, James, ready for the dance?" asked Sirius.
Lily gave him a strange look.
"What dance?"
Sirius looked at her surprised, before looking bewildered at James.
"James, please, tell me you warned her about the Confirmation's dance…" Said Bella, looking exasperate.
He looked down, not meeting his friends' eyes.
"Well, it must have slipped from my mind," he mumbled.
"What!" asked Bella. "Oh my! How could you forget it!" she said, glaring furiously at James.
Lily was more and more confused.
"Could someone be kind and tell me what this is about?"
Bella looked at her, a bit worried.
"Well after being confirmed, the heir and his partner will dance a special dance, called the confirmation dance. Only the heir knows the steps. Just before the start of the dance, the heir has to create a mental link with his partner to allow himself to give her his knowledge of the dance."
"WHAT!" exclaimed Lily. She opened her mouth to say more, but before she could, Bella dragged her outside.
Once they were outside, Bella turned to face her friend.
Lily looked lost, confused, even a bit betrayed.
"HOW could he forget to tell me this! I am going to make a fool of myself! Everybody is going to laugh at me! 'Oh look it is the part elf who is trying to act like a noble! Isn't she ridiculous!' And I will make him look ridiculous too! This is a nightmare!"
Bella grabbed her shoulders.
"Calm down Lil! Don't you think you are overreacting?"
"Overreacting! Are you mad! I am not overreacting, I am stating facts!"
"Lil, everything will be fine. All the partners of the previous heirs did not know the steps and none of them made a fool of herself."
Lily looked at her hopefully.
"You are sure?"
"Absolutely. The link allows them to have access of the knowledge the heir had of this dance so you are able to do everything he can."
"This link, does he allowed to read the thoughts of the partner?" asked Lily, the worry tangible in her voice.
"No, of course not!" Bella reassured her.
"Alright" Lily took deep breaths.
"Are you fine Lil?"
"I will be, do not worry, now what about getting back inside?"
"A wonderful idea I must say."
They linked arms and came back in the room.
The remaining part of the ball passed quickly. The King motioned to James to ready himself and his partner. The prince came close to Lily and asked her to follow him.
"I am sorry to have forgotten to warn you Lil, I believe Bella had explained you the whole thing?"
"Yeah, just do it."
"All right. You just have to relax, it will not hurt."
"I trust you, get done with it." Replied Lily.
James nodded, held his wand out and flicked it, while muttering a charm.
Immediately Lily felt the knowledge coming to her. She realized she knew the dance and the steps as if she had practiced them times and times..
"We must go now." said James, dragging to the dance floor.
People had left the floor, leaving it to them. They faced each other, locking their eyes as they did during their dance earlier.
As the music, which had led countless heirs for this dance, began to fill the room, they started to move. As earlier, their moves were gracious, smooth. They seemed to float on the floor barely touching, held by the music, but never breaking their eye contact. Lily felt the same feelings she had felt earlier during their dance, only increased. She smiled, feeling for the first time completely secure and sure of herself, there, on the dance floor, before the eyes of the whole nobility, dancing with James. He always seemed to have this effect on her, and it troubled her a lot.
People in the crowd held their breath as they watched them dancing. They were amazing, her with her red locks falling softly on her white gown, looking like an angel; him in his pale blue ceremony outfit, giving him a royal look. They could not look away.
Finally, the dance ended. Applause started erupting, making both of them blush.
Elianor had a deep frown on her face, looking sourly at the couple on the dance floor. As they went back to their friends, she hurried towards them grabbed Lily's wrist and dragged her outside before James could have stopped her. As they were finally alone, she tightened her grip on her wrist, knowing she was hurting her.
"Listen you filthy whore; you stay away from James. How he could be friends with a good for nothing woman like you is beyond me, but open your ears because I will not repeat it again. He is the prince, the High-heir and the only women worth his interest are noble ones, like me. Moreover I do not think your little friends really like you, they just stay with you because they pity you, or use you. Who would want a commoner-raised-part-elf woman as a friend? So stay away, go back to where you belong." she said tightening her grip as she spoke, her eyes full of hate and scorn.
Elianor was about to say more when she heard people coming. She released Lily's wrist and as she left, smiled at James who, with Bella, Sirius and Remus had come to see what Elianor wanted with Lily. What she didn't know, was that the four friends had heard everything, having followed them and stayed hidden. They glared coldly at her, before hurrying to Lily's side.
They found her staring at a wall, pale, apparently lost in her thought.
Approaching her slowly and cautiously, Bella put an arm around her shoulder and shook her lightly.
"Lil, Lil, look at me."
Lily turned her head and fixed her eyes on the face of her friend. They showed nothing, no emotion.
"Lil, don't believe one word of what she said."
Started Sirius, worried.
She looked at him.
"So you heard."
"Yes and you know that she only tells lies; a lot of people care for you." said Remus.
"I do not know…" Lily seemed completely lost.
James looked at her. When he had created the link he had changed it a bit so he could feel her emotions, as he planned to tell her something later in the night and wanted to know how she felt about it.
He could feel her hurt and her confusion. With his head he motioned to Bella, Sirius and Remus to let them alone. He led her in the garden, hoping fresh air would help her recover. He made her sit on a bench and sat near her, putting a comforting arm around her shoulders.
He could see her trying to overcome the hurt the words of Elianor had created. He could not believe she could be so unsure of herself and have so little self-confidence.
You with the sad eyes
Don't be discouraged
Oh I realize
It's hard to take courage
In a world full of people
You can lose sight of it all
And the darkness, inside you
Can make you feel so small
She tried to smile at him, but her smile did not reach her eyes.
"Are you alright Lil?"
"Yes, I am fine!" she answered, a little shakily, trying to put up a brave face. But James wasn't fooled by her attempt to cover her hurt.
But I see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid
to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow
"Are you sure?" he asked, concerned, looking her straight in her eyes. Seeing through the face she held for the others, past the brave, kind, generous woman to see the scared one, the part of her which held all her doubts, all her fears, the part she kept well locked, hiding it from everyone, even her close friends. It was difficult, and had taken him a long time to manage to catch a glimpse of the other side of her personality. This night, it was easier, thanks to the link.
Show me a smile then,
Don't be unhappy, can't remember
When I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just call me up
Because you know I'll be there
"Yes, do not worry" she replied. He looked at her, doubtful.
"You know you can talk to me Lil, I will always be ready to listen to you."
"No, it is nothing, she just caught me off guard."
"Really? Why do I have the feeling that you re hiding something?
And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid
to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow
"You are wrong." said Lily. But her tone betrayed her.
"Do not lie." Said James, pulling her closer.
She sighed, he put a hand on her head and pushed it so it rested on his shoulder.
"What if she was right? That I do not belong to this world?" She was trembling a bit.
So sad eyes
Discouraged now
Realize
James began to stroke her hair, trying to calm and appease her.
"I cannot believe that you listened to her! We have said countless times that you are a wonderful person, and that you are a better person than a lot of nobles we know! Who do you believe? Your friends? Or a jealous and envious spoiled girl?"
When this world makes you crazy
And you've taken all you can bear
Just call me up
Because you know I'll be there
Lily looked down, touched by what he had just said.
She smiled a bit, still not looking at him.
"Thank you," she whispered, quietly.
"We are here for you Lil, Bella, Sirius, Remus, and me... I am here for you, I will always be."
And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors, true colors
Something in his tone troubled her but at the same time warmed her heart.
James looked at her, the light coming from the moon lightening her delicate features. He smiled, feeling he could stay there, with her leaning on him, forever.
Suddenly he pulled away, startling her.
He smiled reassuringly at her but noticed she was still looking down. He extended a hand and made her looked up. He saw a lonely tear o her cheek. Softly he wiped it, caressing her cheek.
Cause there's a shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors, true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Beautiful, like a rainbow
Time seemed to slow down. James felt like he wasn't controlling his body. He leaned slowly towards her, coming closer and closer with every second.
Lily saw it, but her mind did not seem to register it. She was totally possessed by a strange feeling, which drew her to him. She could not resist.
James' face was now a few centimeters away from hers. Their lips finally met and they shared their first kiss. It was soft, delicate as if neither of them dared to go further.
Through the link, James knew her feelings, he knew she shared the attraction he felt towards her.
Suddenly her mind came back to life and she realized, horrified what she was doing.
She immediately pulled away.
"We cannot!" she said her lips trembling, tears rolling down her cheeks.
James tried to calm her.
"We cannot." she repeated, before jumping on her feet and running back to her quarters.
James stood up, looking at spot where she had disappeared, his heart aching for her and for him. He knew that he could not deny his feelings anymore but also knew they could not lead to anything.
Unknown to him, the scene had had two witnesses.
Sir Albus looked at the young man standing alone in the garden. His heart and mind was full of sorrow and worries. He knew the trouble it would bring if news of this spread in the kingdom. He knew Lily would listen to her mind and her duty's sense as well as James and his heart ached for them. But what was done was done, and they would have to deal with the consequences.
The second witness, who had seen everything through a window, glared venomously at the spot where Lily had stood minutes ago.
Her eyes hardened, and her face became an icy mask.
"He will be mine." she said softly to herself, voice filled with icy venom, before letting the lacy curtain drop into its original position.
