Down stairs the party was already in full swing, the open courtyard allowed a perfect view of the night's blooming dusk, fireflies danced around the hedges and the gardens in the vast space. Young nobles were enjoying themselves around a huge bonfire, and at a nearby maypole crowned with streamers of the kingdom's colors. A DELICIOUS smell of various spices and roasting meats wafted from a nearby firepit. The music was jubilant and exotic.
"Come! You must meet some of my compatriots. Mira trotted over to a small group of people gathered on the edge of a table burdened with foods of every menagerie. A tall man with silver hair in a royal blue crushed velvet suitcoat turned to greet them.
"Ah! Mira!" The man said in obvious joy, "I knew you by your laugh..." He knelt deeply in a way that actually gave Angelia's heart a flutter and took the princesses hand. He placed a chaste kiss upon her knuckles. "My lady…"
"Oh, Roy" She scoffed, and pulled her hand free but not before her cheeks showed an obvious rosiness. "This is the Lady Angelina, an honored guest in my fair kingdom."
He smiled at her warmly, and bowed deeply. "Lady Angelia… A pleasure! The summer night is fairer still, for you have graced us with your beauty."
Angelina stammered out a thank you, and made an attempt at a curtsy.
In doing so she stepped upon the hem of her luxuriant dress and stumbled backwards, Roy reached out a hand in alarm but was too far away to stop the fall.
"Great..." Angelina thought, preparing for agonizing embarrassment.
Strong arms caught her roughly by the shoulders and returned her to her feet
She whipped around to see who it was an almost had a heart attack…a tall, blonde, fair skinned man with bright green eyes, and a signature green cloak showing the colors of a Neighboring kingdom stood before her grinning. He bowed
"I'm so sorry, my Lady... Are you alright?"
"Uh..."
"I am called Kane."