That night, the royal ballroom looked more beautiful than ever; with the shining marble floors, fresh flowers in silver vases filling the space with their delicate scent, and the countless candles under the ceiling flooding the room with a soft, golden glow, which made everything appear just the slightest bit otherworldly. Beautiful were also many of the women who had arrived at the ball; fanning themselves gracefully as they curtseyed before the prince, batting their eyelashes and sending him coy smiles. Fiyero did his best to treat each and every maiden with civility, thanking them politely for their attendance and welcoming them to the castle; but the second they walked away, the expertly faked smile disappeared from his lips, just as their faces disappeared from his memory. There was only one girl he was hoping to see tonight; and a painful feeling arose in his chest as he grappled with the all too likely thought that Fae may not show up. His parents tried to engage him in conversation, as did many of the dignitaries; but he brushed them off, trying to hide his frustration. When the music started, many eyes turned expectantly in the prince's direction, but he pretended to remain unaware of those expectations. If he could not dance with Fae tonight, he was not going to dance at all.

With a deep, melodious clang, the golden ballroom door opened once again, the crowd's attention going to the person standing atop the grand staircase; and when Fiyero's eyes fell upon her, he felt the air being knocked out of his lungs. The fashionably late maiden, draped in a stunning gown in the color of the most precious of emeralds, with luscious raven hair framing her face, stood, visibly abashed at the attention, on top of the stairs. She looked down at the crowd, and when her eyes met Fiyero's, he knew. He could not explain it if he wanted to; he just knew, instantly, that she was the girl he had been waiting for – not just tonight, but his entire life. He rushed to the bottom of the stairs, not caring about the surprised looks and whispers, and extended his hand; waiting in agony as she carefully and slowly – painfully slowly – walked down towards him. His entire world seemed to stop when she reached the last step and looked deep into his eyes. Her hand hovered in the air for a second – and at last, her skin touched his, and at last, all fell into place, and at last, everything was the way it was supposed to be.

"Fae," he breathed, looking at her in awe. "I've been waiting for you."