A month had passed and it was nearing my seventeenth birthday in the Queen's company, which I must say was quite improved from Lord and Lady Grangerlous. We became good friends and often, I confided in her, which was something I hadn't done since the death of my parents. While I sewed she would visit me, and I found her company soothing and inviting. We went over every topic imaginable. She would often talk of ruling, and social affairs, but other times she would talk of her son William. She spoke so highly of him, as a doting mother should. She must have mentioned his integrity, the skill of his headship, and his extraordinary intellect at least thousand times. Also, according to her highness, he was the established age 19 and a proficient fencer. In these things I could find no flaw. I had not met William yet, he was still in Berkanlie discussing terms on the treaty, though he was due to arrive home sometime next week.

All that time, I waited anxiously for William's arrival. When the day came, the castle was alive with activity. People were dashing to prepare food, and a ball was to be held in his honor. I had been invited by Queen Hester, but truthfully I hadn't wanted to go. I didn't know how to behave or how to dress. This life wasn't for me, but what choice did I have? To say no to the queen meant risking our friendship, something which I held dearly.

The evening stars began to appear just in the vicinity of sunset, and William's carriage entered through the gates. I rushed to one of the upstairs windows to catch a glance of him. Servants were rushing about opening doors and announcing his arrival. By the time his carriage reached the door, I could barely see it from the density of the crowd. I strained to get a glance of him, but the effort ended as a complete waste of time. I shut the drapes and prepared for the banquet. It was so good-hearted of Queen Hester to invite me, and on such early engagement that, with my spare savings, I had time to sew a gown of my own. It was no where near as copious as the courtiers', but it would get me through the night. Slowly I bathed, changed and made my way downstairs. My stomach was in knots. What happened if I made a fool of myself in front of everyone? In front of Prince William?

"Maria, you just have to take a deep breath......" I reassured myself as I walked into the Banquet Hall.

It was perfect; there were so many people present no one noticed me saunter in. I took a place towards the end of the table so as not to be so close to the sovereigns themselves, perhaps out of respect (and nerves). While seated, I tried to steal a quick look at Prince William, but from here he was too far away and I couldn't make him out. Dinner itself wasn't bad, but the dull conversation had made it unappetizing. Once it was over, I didn't care about seeing Prince William, I just had to get away. The orchestra began to play and everyone made there way towards the Main Hall. I was the last in the group to join them. I trailed behind, not wanting to be seen, and once in the Hall, I grabbed a drink and made for the side. It wasn't like I was trying to have a bad time; I just didn't know how to dance. I watched as young ladies were being asked by rich gentlemen to join them in the waltz. They glided on air as if dancing on a cloud. While watching them, I noticed the two twin double doors outside, and hastily, I made my way to them. As I stepped through them, I caught the familiar smell of lilacs. This had to be the royal garden. My senses began to come alive as I strode through the rosebushes and passed the amber colored fountain, its sound soothing.Near the path I found a bench overlooking the menagerie. It was a beautiful night, the stars shone with a luster so brilliant no words could compete with its wonder. Sitting there watching and listening to the vista, I lost track of time. Two hours must have gone by before I was disturbed. I looked up at who had interrupted my tranquil state, but the outline was so shadowy the dark wouldn't allow it.

"May I sit here?"

The voice was that of a man's.

"Ahh...Well, of course" I scooted over. His outline and face becoming half-visible.

"I saw you during the dance and I wanted to meet you, but I could not. You see, every time I tried, a lady intervened my path, and I would be off dancing again."

"And why did you want to meet me, Sir?" I asked contrarily, not quite understanding his intention.

"Well, I looked at you from afar, and looking again I was reminded of someone, 'maybe I had met her at another ball' I asked myself. So therefore, with this conception in my head I wanted to be sure."

"I don't believe so, this is the first banquet I have attended, so consequently you must be mistaken. I'm sorry. Who did you say you were?"

"Oh, my apologies. My name is William. And yours?"

"Maria.....Prince William, is it?"

"It is, but you needn't be so formal.... please."

I smiled at his politeness. He was as good-natured as the queen had described him, and all this time I had been so uneasy to meet him.

"It's a shame you missed the ball, toward the end, one of the chancellors became so inebriated, he started to foxtrot with the head Duke of Charmaine."

Filling in the details, William began to laugh.

Seeing and hearing him laugh made me start to snicker, and before long we laughed together until tears came from our eyes.

Through mid-laughter he asked, "Lady Maria, do you dance?"

Embarrassed I responded, "Oh, no your highness, no one has ever instructed me. In fact, I left the ball early because I feared that someone would ask."

He gave an amused smirk, "Lady Maria, the ball is over and everyone has gone. Your one chance to learn has proceeded you......" Then he said something that completely knocked me of guard.

He extended his hand to mine. "Shall we dance?"

"I can't! I told you I couldn't!" I half shouted, desperate and a little frightened of being made a fool of."

With zeal he said,

"Well then, I will just have to teach you."