Nancy Tremaine did not run in high heels. When she ran for exercise she wore sensible shoes designed specifically for that purpose, and she always wore flats on her way to work just in case. After years of carefully planned punctuality she rarely needed to run any time that had not been planned and prepared for with the appropriate attire.
She should have felt ridiculous jogging down a New York City sidewalk in a ball gown and mismatched heels, but she couldn't remember the last time she'd had more fun. With the handsome and charming prince holding her hand, explaining in snatches about his kingdom as they weaved around passersby, she couldn't help but feel cheerful and excited. It felt like she was a child running around a playground with her best friend. It felt like she was dancing down the street with her boyfriend.
Edward's eyes sparkled as he twirled her around a street corner. He really was so graceful-and strong. When Nancy, unused to running in heels and drunk on delight, missed a step Edward was always ready to catch her before she even realized she was falling. He would sweep her back onto her feet and they'd grin at each other, catching their breath for a moment before taking off again.
Nancy would, in turn, tug him to a stop when they reached a crosswalk and they would dance in small circles as they waited for the lights to change and the cars to stop. And each time, unlike during their dance at the King and Queen's ball, they would be looking only at each other.
They arrived at the portal exhilarated and out of breath.
Edward had explained that he had arrived though a portal in the ground and, given they were in New York City, Nancy had had a sneaking suspicion of just what this "portal" would be.
But Edward braced himself above it and held out his hands for her, and Nancy took them without any hesitation.
She dropped into a shimmery blue…somewhere, and then Edward was beside her. They reached out and grabbed each other's hands, floating together in the unknown.
A speck of light landed on their clasped hands, followed by another and another until they were covered. There was the rushing sound of water and they were falling…up?
Nancy stumbled as her feet hit the ground, but Edward's support kept her from falling. When she finally caught her breath and balance, he grinned and threw out an arm in a gesture that encompassed everything around them. His proud, jovial voice boomed over the sound of rushing water.
"Welcome to Andalasia."