Well, here's another chapter for ya'll to toss over. I really hope that ya'll are enjoying this as much as I am writing it. Well, as i always say, on with the story...

Chapter 7

New Acquaintances

Silence fell over the garden. The sound of music and dancing drifted out from the ball room. The set mood was absolute shock. "Do you know each other?" Rose asked. She was just as shocked as the boys, but for a different reason. She didn't think that her parents had noticed she was gone; when they do, they normally send Margarite! "Um, shall we all sit?"

The three crowded onto the bench that Rose and Jessie had previously occupied. "Tom, what are you doing here?" Jessie finally asked.

"Before I answer that, Princess Rosalina Katrina, may I introduce myself?" Tom asked, standing up again. "My name is Tom Best, nephew of Sir Carlson, I'm Jessie's cousin." He gave an elaborate bow.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Tom. Please, call me Rose, most everyone does. How long are you staying in town? I gather that you just got here."

"Rose, what a pretty nickname! Well, you are right, I just got in today. Jessie, would your father mind if I stayed with you for a few weeks? I have no where else to go…"Tom trailed off.

"Of course! You are always welcome!" Jessie exclaimed. Except my father doesn't know I'm here. What is he doing here? I hope he's not checking up on me.

"Lady Rose, your father has requested that I dance with you before the night is over." Tom said. That wasn't entirely true, but he did say to talk to her and what better way than through dancing? "Would you mind if I took her from you Jessie?"

"Rose, do you want to dance with my cousin?" Jessie asked his friend.

"Why not? Lead on Sir Tom!" Rose said standing up. Tom extended his arm in offering, which of course she took. "Tell me Tom, are you a linguist? I'm struggling with a new language my father is asking I learn."

"I know a few things, but Jessie is much better at that than I. Try me and we'll see!" Tom replied. Shrugging, Rose stumbled over her words, "Siente un buon… ballerina?"

"Non realmente, um…ma posso simmularlo? Tom stumbled back.

"Non si preocupi, io…li…aiutera." Rose laughed. Slowly, realization showed on Tom's face, and he laughed as well. (Translation form Italian: Rose-Are you a good dancer? Tom-Not really, but I can fake it. Rose-Don't worry, I'll help you.)

As they walked inside the ballroom, they were greeted by a roar of laughter and chatter. A new song came on, it was a ballad, one knew well to Rose. The two walked out on the dance floor and started to dance. Lucky for Tom, it was a long song. Unlucky for Rose, she was going to have to ice her feet later.

As Tom twirled Rose to the beat of the song, she couldn't help but laugh. Even though he was not a good dancer, he was fun to be with. "So, Sir Tom, what brings you here? There are no tournaments currently, so why have you come? Just for the ball?" she asked with a sly smile.

"That and other things." Tom replied curtly. Tell me, do you like your life? Do you wish you could change it? I mean, you must study foreign languages that you need not know, you are forced to stay within the castle walls with a guard at all times, and you must marry whomever your father chooses…would you like to live a different life? Change it?"

"My, you are full of questions! Would I change my life?" Rose paused. Of course I would! I would do anything to get rid of this curse! Oh dear, I'm seventeen! The curse will com true any time now! "I believe that everyone would change something in their lives if they could, and I believe that there are things that I would change, so…yes! Why do you ask Sir?"

"Just curios." As the dance processed, the two continued on with random conversation. When the music stopped, Tom twirled Rose one last time, and then bowed deeply. Rose in return curtsied. "It was a pleasure dancing with you Princess. Forgive me any sore toes I might have caused you Lady. Now if you will excuse me, I must leave your presence. Please tell Jessie that I have gone to his home." Tom bowed his exit.

Rose stared after him. He was truly an interesting man, and quite handsome, but she knew she preferred another. Suddenly there was a tap on her shoulder, so she whirled around to see who it was.

"May I have the next dance Lady?" it was Jessie. He bowed to her elegantly.

"Of course sir!" she replied, curtsying back. The next dance was 'The three Madrigals,' a very pretty and long song. Rose knew her toes were safe from Jessie though. "Your cousin is an interesting man!" Rose commented. "Not nearly as good of a dancer as you though." Jessie twirled her into a dip.

"Why Princess, if I didn't know better, I'd say you were smitten with my cousin!" Jessie teased. He knew she preferred someone, he just didn't know who.

"Oh do stop teasing me." Rose demanded, even though she knew it was to no avail. The rest of the dance passed with the two laughing at each other. The night ended with that song and everyone left for their own homes.