A/N:
Warning: loooong chapter. And I lied. I'm warning you now: there is mush in this chapter. Anyway, thank you so much to: flyinghigh808, glowing cinderella, whiskeygirl, Tamaran Girl: Hehe, you're hilarious. I might bring Afrella back, I might not. We'll see! And your three other questions (the ones you numbered) will be answered in this chapter. Your Gavin question will be answered in this chapter. Just read on!, Rowenhood, Gemm'n2590, Shima And Tempis, Vanessa-Black and Zabini, slickchick650, secludeddark, Pointy Objects, Skeet, Luna Leigh, Valiant Warrioress: Yup, yup. I will., Fallen Fantasist, Frodocrazi: Yup, Rain does have a part., spazzle.dazzle, Daffodil8728, megan h, glacialrose, Miss Piratess, SourJellyBeans56, carav: Yes or no? That's hard. Can I answer with 'I don't know yet'?, Tallemera Rane, manda, Princess Persephone, CrismHeart, lilsakura, CharlyB, loving-life, Laelai, anniebaby of Tortall, Crazayladay, diamond, Melx: Turning 16 on March., wonderxwoman, EragonFan, Goldilocks31890, Jaid Ziaen, slw: Lol, I have no idea., Gothamin, heatherika, Abigail: Hmmm…maybe!, MANDA, heatherika,AuthorFairy: Yeah, I've seen it. It was AWESOME! But he didn't die. Why didn't he die? He was supposed to. In the book, he did, even though I never read the book. My friend told me., heatherika, sarah, LuvonWings: Lol, so true. smackenberry, hwena, Wayretro
If I missed you,
It means I made a boo boo,
But then you know what to do,
You do, don't you?
-courtesy of too much S-U-U-U-G-A-A-A-A-R- No, I'm fine. Really I am.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The Ball
"I haven't seen you in a while. What have you been doing?"
Fauna made a face. "I was sick, until yesterday." She shook her head. "I don't like being sick."
Daria chuckled. "I don't think anyone does, Fauna. Are you all better now?"
The little girl brightened. "Yup! I'm not sick anymore!"
"Good. This means you can spend time outside, right?"
Fauna nodded, looking at Daria curiously. "Yes, but what are we going to do outside?" she asked.
"Well," Daria said, smiling mysteriously, "I've decided to teach you how to ride a horse."
Fauna gasped. She stared at Daria with wide, innocent eyes. "Really?" she said breathlessly. "I will actually get to ride a horse?"
Daria laughed. "No, not a horse. A pony."
Fauna's eyes widened even more, if that was possible. "A pony…" she echoed softly. She looked at Daria enquiringly. "A real pony…?"
Daria resisted the urge to burst out laughing. "Well," she said pleasantly, "what's the use of a fake one? Come on. We'll bundle up quickly, then go."
After putting on their cloaks, gloves, scarves, and boots, the girls went out through the back door of Daria's manor. A cold winter breeze greeted them, and so did the snow. It was falling down slowly, as if it had all the time in the world. It gave the atmosphere a quiet and serene feeling; it was as if everyone all over the country had stopped what they were doing to watch the snowflakes fall down and gather on the ground.
"It's pretty, the snow," Fauna said, holding up her palms to try and catch the snowflakes.
Daria smiled. "It is."
They stayed there for a short while, admiring the snow, until Fauna deemed herself ready for her lesson. They went to the stables. Daria picked her usual horse, Ashwin, while she chose a tame and gentle pony for Fauna.
Fauna giggled as she stroked her pony's forehead. "She can get lost in the snow," she said to Daria. "I've never seen a whiter horse. Not even Sir Davy has a horse as pretty as this one. What's her name, Daria?"
"Snow," Daria replied with a smile.
Fauna beamed. "I like it." She patted her horse one last time, then said, "What should I do now?"
"Well," Daria said, approaching her student, "the first thing you need to know is how to climb on the saddle. You place your foot here, hoist yourself up, and swing your other leg to the other side."
Fauna's widened, and she shook her head vigorously. "What if I fall?"
"Don't worry," Daria said reassuringly. "I'll be here to catch you."
Fauna bit her lip, then nodded. "A-all right." Silently, she approached the pony.
"Be careful." Daria stood close by, in case anything happened. However, as she watched the girl make her attempt to mount the pony, a certain memory flashed through her, bringing her back to what seemed like a long time ago…
"I choose this one," Daria said, patting a white mare affectionately.
Jerrold snorted. "Maybe you should start with a little pony," he said, grinning uncontrollably.
She glared at him. "Oh, you're very funny."
His grin remained. "Well," he said, shrugging, "I'm not sure you can handle a big horse, Daria."
She raised an eyebrow at him. "Because…?"
"Because you're a beginner."
"I can't ride a pony, Your Highness," Daria told him angrily. "Unless you want the pony to collapse after five seconds with me on it."
He eyed her up and down pointedly. "Hmmm…you're right. You have a very bulky figure."
She scowled. "You're a jerk."
"I was jesting."
"I know."
He grinned. "Why don't you ride this one?" he said, patting a black stallion on the nose. "I like him."
Daria stared at him. "Do you want me to die?"
"I'm just saying that I think you can handle this one." He turned and gazed intently at her. "You're strong. You can handle a war-horse."
She stared back at him, confused and speechless. Then, after what seemed like forever, she blinked and took a big step back. "Well, you're wrong," she said flatly. She patted the white mare. "I like this one."
He shot her a look, then shrugged. "Fine."
"So…how do I get on?"
He smiled, no doubt delighted with the fact that she was turning to him for guidance. "Place your foot here, use it to hoist yourself up, then swing your other leg to the other side. Trust me, it's easy."
"That's easy for you to say," Daria said irritably. "You're an expert rider."
"But it really is easy," he protested.
She looked at him sharply. "What if I fall?"
He smiled and shrugged. "Then I'll be here to catch you."
That seemed like centuries ago. Who knew that later on, he would be asking for her hand in marriage? She wouldn't have believed it…yet here they were. She was going to see him tonight, for the ball, and give him her answer.
She frowned. What is my answer?
"I did it! I did it!" Fauna squealed, snapping Daria out of her thoughts.
"Hmm? Oh…great job," Daria said distractedly.
Fauna looked at her, concern evident on her face. "Are you all right, Daria?"
Daria nodded. "Of course." She smiled at the girl before her. "I knew you could do it. Let's continue the lesson, shall we?"
A thin layer of ice covered the flowing waters of River Lucarno. The girls were near the river, with Fauna playing eagerly with the snow (which had accumulated to a height of one inch) and Daria watching her…well, she was watching the little girl, but her thoughts were somewhere else.
Until now, she still didn't know whether to say yes or no to Jerrold's question. She had never been asked to make a decision this serious before. Her silly indecisiveness made her feel weak. It was simply a matter of yes or no, wasn't it? Well, it seemed like it, but to her, it wasn't. It just wasn't. There were consequences and feelings to consider.
Suddenly, she saw darkness as gloved hands were placed over her eyes.
"Guess who?"
The voice obviously belonged to a man. Daria grinned as she recognized that voice. "A lying thief, no doubt."
The hands let her go. A grinning Christian met her sight. His pale hair almost camouflaged with the snow. "Daria," he said, mock-bowing, "may I ask what you are doing here?"
"Horseback riding lessons," Daria replied. She turned to Fauna, who was looking at Christian curiously. "Come over here for a minute, Fauna."
The little girl obeyed, walking cautiously towards Daria, and not taking her eyes off the blond stranger.
"Fauna, this is Christian," Daria said. "Christian, this is Fauna."
Christian, grinning broadly, gave Fauna a deep bow. "I'm very pleased to meet you, Fauna."
Fauna nodded shyly. "Pleased to meet you too." She turned to Daria, grinned, and went back to her impossible task of making a snowman.
"So," Christian said, placing himself next to Daria, "are you going to tonight's ball?"
Daria nodded. "Yes. Are you?"
He smiled. "Of course. I am a very sociable person."
She chuckled. "Said the man who is away from Frell half the time, and was leaning against the wall during my banquet."
Christian smiled, then shrugged. "You got me there. I guess I'm not so sociable." He grinned. "Why waste time talking to some narrow-minded elites who only care about how rich they are? Not too mention the ladies' perfume." He cringed. "I may be a high-ranking spy, but when it comes to withstanding such hideous scents, I am a failure."
Daria laughed. "Good to know your number one weakness."
He pretended to be devastated. "And I can't believe I just revealed it to you."
She rolled her eyes and was about to say her sarcastic reply when he interrupted her.
"Save me a dance?" he asked quietly.
She stared at him. "Pardon?"
"During the ball," he said, "will you save me a dance?"
She chuckled. "You want me to go through torture, don't you?"
He blanched. "Oh," he said, faltering slightly, "I…uh…I…didn't think about that…"
Daria stared at him, wondering why he was suddenly so tense. "Christian," she said, cutting him off, "of course I'll save a dance for you."
He smiled. "Thank you."
They were silent. Fauna was still trying to build a snowman. Daria admired her determination, but wondered at the same if she should tell the girl that there wasn't enough snow to build one. She shortly decided later not to do so. She could see that Fauna was obviously having fun, despite her unsuccessful attempts of packing snow bigger than Christian's head.
"What is that?" Christian spoke up, looking at her cloak.
Daria frowned and followed his gaze. She then realized that he was talking about the red flower she had pinned on her cloak yesterday. She flushed and mumbled, "Jerrold gave it to me."
Complete, utter silence. When Daria finally got the courage to look up, she saw a blank expression in Christian's grey eyes. He was gazing at her, yet there was nothing in his gaze. It was unnerving, and it did remind her of Jerrold.
"Oh," he said quietly. "Do…do you know what it means?"
She nodded. "I do," she said, just as quietly.
There was silence once more. Daria fidgeted a bit, not liking the awkwardness that had formed between them. Why there was awkwardness in the first place, she wasn't sure. Shouldn't Christian be teasing her right about now?
Then he spoke up. "Did he propose to you?"
She remained silent.
"I'm sorry. That's none of my business."
She smiled tightly. "He did," she whispered, turning to him. "He didn't tell you? You're his best friend."
It was Christian's turn to remain silent.
"Christian?" Daria said, looking at him worriedly. "Are you all right?"
Christian nodded. "Daria," he said, "Jerrold is proud, like almost every man in this world." He smiled. "He wouldn't have told me unless he has already received an answer from you. And I suspect that he hasn't."
Daria looked away from him. "What doesn't escape you, Christian?"
He chuckled. "Lots of things."
"I doubt it." She sighed and said quietly, "I should be going. I'll see you tonight, all right?"
He nodded, with all traces of his light-heartedness gone. "Of course."
It was almost time for the ball. Daria was in her room, dressed in her uncomfortable gown. Charlene was fixing her hair expertly, doing some finishing touch-ups here and there.
She was ready a few minutes later. Lady Gina entered the room and beamed when she caught sight of her daughter.
"How beautiful you look, Daria," she said proudly. "Aren't you glad we chose that gown? It compliments your figure very well."
Daria regarded her mother with an amused expression on her face. "Yes. I suppose," she said.
Her gown was as white as snow. It had a train, tight sleeves, and the like. It was a very beautiful dress, but it was tight, barely allowing her to move. Or maybe it was because of her corset.
Thanks to Charlene, her hair was fixed up very stylishly, yet simply. She was delighted of the fact that she couldn't feel any hairpins drilling into her skull. And she was also glad that her hair didn't feel so heavy. She didn't want to get a stiff neck later on.
A few minutes later, she was in the carriage, with her parents. Lord Ormond and Lady Gina were both dressed very elegantly, no doubt to uphold their good reputation of being high-class socialites.
The silence in the carriage was pleasant. Lord Ormond and Lady Gina were in good spirits, each looking forward to have a splendid time at the ball. Daria, on the other hand, was in a pensive mood. After all, the time was near…
"There's something I didn't tell you," she spoke up.
Lady Gina looked at her curiously. "What is it, Daria?"
"It's…it's about Jerrold."
Lord Ormond chuckled. "Well, that doesn't surprise me."
Daria's next line did so: "He proposed to me a few days ago."
They were stunned. A ringing silence followed as they stared speechlessly at their daughter, who was shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Daria knew that this was going to be their reaction, yet she found herself still unprepared for it.
It was Lord Ormond who broke the silence. "What?" he whispered.
Daria shrugged. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I'm really sorry."
"And what did you say?" her father said sharply.
"He gave me time to think about it," Daria replied. "I'm supposed to give him my answer before the ball." She smiled awkwardly. "He's going to meet me at the front steps at the palace."
Lord Ormond raised an eyebrow. "And what is your answer, Daria?"
Daria gulped. "I…"
The carriage jerked to a stop. A well-dressed footman opened the door and bowed politely to the palace guests. Lord Ormond came out first, followed by Daria, then Lady Gina, who was still speechless and still staring at her daughter.
Daria fidgeted under her mother's piercing gaze. "Are you all right, Mother?" she said quietly. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner. I really am."
Finally, Lady Gina spoke. "You're going to be queen," she whispered.
Daria's eyes widened. "I am not…"
"Daria," Lord Ormond interrupted. When Daria turned to him, he nodded towards the top steps of the palace. "He's waiting for you."
And with him were about seven or eight girls, fawning over him. Daria realized now that he chose a poor meeting place. Chuckling quietly to herself, she lifted her skirts and proceeded her way to the top.
Her heart was pounding. Her hands were quickly turning cold and clammy, and she resisted the urge to wipe them on her gown.
When she looked up, she saw Jerrold looking past his admirers' shoulders…
…and right at her. Still with that same intensity in his gaze. She gulped and prayed that she wouldn't trip. She thought that that would have been the least of her concerns, but strangely enough, it didn't turn out that way.
She held his gaze, while chanting to herself: Don't trip, don't trip, don't trip.
Gently, he pushed his way through the admiring girls. He broke his gaze with her when he turned and nodded at the guards standing nearby. The guards nodded back and proceeded to escort the fawning girls into the palace.
Jerrold stayed behind. When he turned back to her, she held her breath unconsciously as he waited patiently for her to reach the top. To her, it felt like years before she did.
But in the end, she was there, standing right before him. Without saying anything or breaking eye contact, they greeted each other: he bowed his head, while she curtsied.
It was the prince who broke the silence. "Daria…"
Daria smiled shakily. "Good evening."
He held out his hand. "Let's go for a walk."
She nodded and took his hand. Jerrold held on tightly to her, as he led her away from the palace doors. Daria didn't know where they were going, but frankly, she didn't care. As silly as it sounded, it all felt like a dream to her.
She found herself in one of the palace gardens. She could tell that it was not the main garden, where many of the court subjects spent their time. No…the garden they were in was too private and too secluded.
The snow crunched softly underneath their feet. It was chilly, but not cold. There was no breeze tonight, no rustling of leaves.
The air was still.
"Have you decided?" Jerrold asked, breaking the silence.
Daria gulped. "Yes. I…I have."
He looked at her expectantly. "And?"
She turned away from him and walked a few steps forward. "And," she said, concentrating on the snowy ground, "before I tell you my answer, there is something that we need to clear up."
He walked forward and placed himself behind her. "What is it?" he said quietly, turning her around.
She bit her lip and looked at him. "Do you love me?" she whispered.
He stared right into her eyes. "I do." He smiled. "Is that what you needed to be cleared up?"
She shook her head. "No."
His smile fell. "Then what is it?" he asked softly, enquiringly.
She bowed her head. "I-I…" She took a deep breath. "I don't know if I love you."
He was silent. Daria closed her eyes and gathered up the courage to look up. When she finally did, the first thing she saw was the pain and sadness in his eyes. It was a first. It hurt her to see them.
"What are you talking about?" he said quietly. His voice shook, which was another first for her.
Daria looked down again. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I just don't know if I love you. I care about you a lot, but I don't know if…if I love you…"
She trailed off. The silence that followed was too heavy, too intense. Daria sighed and closed her eyes tiredly. He shouldn't have brought her to this isolated place. He shouldn't have…
Jerrold stepped forward and took her hands in his. After what seemed like eternity, he whispered, "Can you learn to love me?" She looked up, and he gave her a sad smile. "If I try," he said, "will you give me a chance?"
She frowned. "You mean…you mean you are still willing to have an engagement, despite what I just told you?"
He nodded silently. "If you tell me that I still have a chance with you, even if it's very small, then yes. Besides, it doesn't have to be a short engagement." He gazed at her. "Will you marry me, Daria?"
She stared bewilderedly at him, then nodded. "Yes…"
He smiled and wrapped his arms around her. Daria rested her head against his chest, liking the comfort and sense of protection he gave her.
"You'll grow to love me," he murmured. "I'm sure of it."
Snow began to fall.
When Daria entered the ballroom alone, the orchestra had just started playing. The music was lively, and on the dance floor were men and women, laughing, twirling, and switching partners. There were elegantly prepared round tables at the sides, and she saw two long tables filled with all kinds of food in an adjacent room.
"Your name, my lady?" asked the stiff-looking man standing beside the doors.
Daria wasn't sure what type of information to give, so she settled with telling him all that she knew. "Uh…Lady Daria Embleton, daughter of Lord Ormond Embleton, marquess of Frell, and Lady Gina Embleton, marchioness of Frell…?"
He shot her a weird look, then said, "I didn't need to know all of that."
She blushed and muttered an apology. She kept her head bowed down as three bangs resonated throughout the ballroom, and the man spoke over the music, "The Lady Daria Embleton."
Still blushing, she slowly made her way down the stairs, while keeping her head down. She didn't know if she was being stared at, but it certainly felt like it. However, at times like these, people tended to be paranoid when they had no reason to be.
Finally, she reached the bottom. She breathed a sigh of relief.
"Daria!"
Daria turned and saw her mother sitting at a table, waving to her. With her were her father, Christian, and a man and woman she didn't know. Daria suspected that they were Christian's parents. She headed over to the table and curtsied at the two strangers and Christian. The men stood up and bowed, while the woman smiled pleasantly and bowed her head.
"Daria, I'm sure you haven't met these two?" her father said, gesturing towards the unfamiliar man and woman.
Daria shook her head. "No, I haven't."
He smiled at her. "Daria, meet Lord Sander and Lady Rhian. Sander, Rhian, this is Daria, our daughter."
The couple smiled at Daria.
"Very pleased to meet you, Daria," Lady Rhian said. "My son has told me a lot about you."
"Nothing bad, I hope," Daria said as she took her place between Christian and her father.
Lady Rhian chuckled. "Don't worry. You are perfectly safe."
Suddenly, Daria felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned and was surprised to see Gavin standing before her, still looking as handsome as ever.
"A dance, Lady Daria?" he said, blue eyes twinkling.
Daria smiled and took his hand. Gavin led her to the dance floor, but not before greeting the others at Daria's table.
"I must warn you," Daria said, as they weaved their way through other couples, "I'm not a very good dancer, so I apologize beforehand if I ever do tread on your toes. It's bound to happen, unfortunately."
Gavin chuckled. "Apology accepted. Now, it's my turn to apologize."
Daria looked at him curiously. "What for?"
"For being unable to escort you on your banquet. I'm deeply sorry, Daria."
She smiled. "It's fine. It's all in the past."
"Did you find a replacement?"
She chuckled. "My mother did."
"And are the stories I hear correct? That it was Prince Jerrold himself?" he said cheekily.
She sent him a sharp look. "Yes."
"I've been hearing a lot about him…and you," Gavin said. "It really is tiring when people have nothing to do but gossip. Don't worry," he said with a smile, "I shall not intrude."
She nodded. "Thank you."
A man tapped Gavin on the shoulder, asking to cut in. Gavin bowed his head, and handed Daria to him.
Daria groaned mentally. Another night of endless dancing.
While dancing with her third partner, Daria heard three bangs echo throughout the ballroom. The orchestra stopped, and she knew that it was now time for the royal family to make their entrance, for the orchestra did not offer this kind of treatment to the palace guests.
There was a pregnant pause as everyone turned to the side doors—the ones that had not been opened yet that night.
"The Royal Family of Kyrria: His Majesty King Alaric; Her Majesty Queen Cynthia; His Royal Highness Prince Jerrold, Crown Prince; His Royal Highness Prince Damien; His Royal Highness Prince Logan."
The doors opened, and everyone remained completely silent as the royal family walked into the ballroom. The King and Queen came in first, followed by a serious Jerrold, then his brothers. The palace guests created a path for the royals and either bowed or curtsied as they passed.
Jerrold was almost an exact replica of his father. They had the same hair, the same muscular figure, and almost the same height. The younger princes took on their mother's looks, with their straight brown hair and lighter skin.
When the royals took their places up on the dais, the King smiled and gave his speech. He thanked everyone for coming tonight, and Daria found it somewhat difficult to believe that he was a neglectful parent. He had a very kind smile and a pleasant air. The Queen was the same as well. Her face was angelic, with her cheerful smile and twinkling brown eyes.
When all the royals were seated, the orchestra recommenced. Spirited music filled the ballroom, and everyone began to laugh and dance once more. Daria did the same, but she didn't do any laughing. As she did the gavotte with her partner, her eyes constantly trailed towards the serious-looking prince sitting up on the dais.
"Prince Jerrold is quite the man, isn't he?"
Daria's eyes turned to her partner, who was grinning widely. She flushed and said, "I'm sorry."
"I understand. After all, most ladies are infatuated with him."
A small scowl appeared on her face. "I am not infatuated with him."
"Oh, forgive me," her partner said. "In love. Not infatuated."
She glared at him. "I am not…"
She trailed off. Am I or am I not in love with him? She felt incredibly stupid for not knowing her own feelings. She had heard of the "When you are in love, you just know it" saying, so she couldn't help but feel like a total dunce, since it was certainly not like that in her case.
Her partner took her silence as a confession of her love for the prince. He chuckled quietly.
"So you are in love with him," he said humorously. "Like every other maiden in this kingdom, I suppose. You have heavy competition, my lady."
She shot him a look and was about to say something, when Christian tapped her partner on the shoulder and asked to cut in. Her partner stepped out of the way, and Christian took his place.
He grinned at Daria roguishly. "Remember your promise?" he said, placing his hand on the small of her back.
She smiled and accepted his other hand. "Of course."
The music was slow and soft. They danced a sarabande. Around them, the air seemed to still; the music gave that kind of effect. Even the people sitting at the tables either stopped or quieted their conversations.
"So," Christian said, breaking the silence between them, "can I congratulate you on your engagement with the prince?"
Daria lips curved into a tiny smile. "Yes."
He merely nodded. Daria paused, expecting his best wishes. He gave none. She frowned, but said nothing.
They danced quietly for a while, until Christian spoke up once again.
"Congratulations," he said softly.
She gave him a look. "Thank you…"
He paused and gazed at her. Then he took a deep breath and said, too casually, "When are you getting married?"
"Not anytime soon," Daria replied. "We agreed to take things slow."
He nodded. "I see…" he said impassively.
She smiled uneasily at him and remained silent. Suddenly, when she looked over her partner's shoulder, Daria caught sight of a couple, also dancing a sarabande. They looked quite the sight, for they looked as if they belonged together.
Jerrold and Ennael. Ennael was dressed in a beautiful gold gown. Her dark hair spilled down her back in smooth waves, and her tanned skin was glowing. And not in a sweaty way, either. It was a nice glow, and Daria couldn't help but feel a bit uncomfortable as she watched the two speak quietly to each other while they danced.
Christian, noticing her distracted manner, frowned and glanced behind. After seeing the prince and princess together, he shook his head and said, "They've known each other since they were children, Daria. Don't worry."
Her gaze turned to him. "I'm not worrying," she said flatly.
He smiled. "Good," he whispered. "Because there is no reason for you to do so. Ennael doesn't stand a chance."
She offered him a wry smile. "How smooth, Christian."
He chuckled. "I thought so, too."
The dance ended. Christian bowed, while Daria curtsied. When the orchestra started to play another slow and soft music, Christian turned to her and said softly, "Another dance?"
She nodded. "All right."
They began to dance a sarabande once more. Conversations died down as melodic echoes filled the ballroom. Even the dancing couples barely exchanged words as they let the music captivate them.
Daria's eyes travelled around the dance floor. She caught sight of the beautiful Ayorthaian princess dancing with an unfamiliar man. She frowned and searched for Jerrold.
She found him sitting back up on the dais, looking right at her. The expression on his face was blank, yet, as always, there was sharpness in his eyes.
She turned back to Christian and caught him gazing fixedly at her.
"Do you love Jerrold?" he asked quietly.
She frowned. "I…" She paused. "I care about him. A whole lot." She gazed back at her partner and said firmly, "There is a chance that I do love him."
"But you are not sure yet," he stated simply.
Her frown deepened. But before she could open her mouth and reply to him, they were interrupted.
"May I cut in?" said a deep voice.
Daria turned and gaped at Jerrold. How he reached so quietly, quickly, and stealthily, she wasn't sure. Christian raised an eyebrow at his friend, then grinned.
"Of course," he said, stepping aside.
"Thank you."
Daria silently watched as Christian walked off the dance floor. Then her eyes flickered towards her new partner, who was gazing at her intently, similar to what Christian had been doing earlier. Without saying anything, he stepped forward, closing the gap between them, and placed his hand at the small of her back.
Their hands met. His hand was still warm and comforting. For some strange and unknown reason, Daria began to get flustered, despite the fact that he was her fiancé.
They began to dance to the slow music. Daria found herself concentrating on the floor.
"Am I really that ugly to look at?" said Jerrold later on.
Daria looked up. "Sorry," she said sheepishly.
He chuckled. "Sorry for what?" He smiled at her. "You know, I'm pretty sure that this ball is about me finding a bride-to-be. My parents have barely dropped obvious hints, but this is the only plausible explanation I can think of." He chuckled. "Imagine everybody's surprise when I announce tonight that I've already found someone."
She stared at him. "Are you sure you want to announce it tonight?"
"Why not?" He frowned. "If you want to keep this a secret for a longer while, it's fine by me. Just say the word."
Daria shook her head. "No," she said. "It's all right."
He smiled. "Good." He then switched to a different topic. "It has been a while since I last saw Christian dance."
She chuckled. "Men dance with me to feel better about their dancing abilities." She then looked at her partner pointedly. "You and Ennael make a wonderful couple," she joked.
"She used clever tactics to get me to dance with her," Jerrold replied. "She said, and I quote, 'Dance with me, Jerrold. You wouldn't want to offend a lady, would you?'"
"She certainly is cunning," Daria agreed.
"Yes," Jerrold said amusedly. "My parents practically adore her witty ways."
"They seem like nice people," she remarked.
"They certainly are," he said. "But there is a difference between 'nice people' and 'good parents'." He gave her a look. "But enough about that. This night is not about them."
"Have you told them about me?" Daria asked nervously.
He shook his head. "No, but I will. Tonight. Right before I make the big announcement."
"How will they take it, do you think?"
"I think they'll be overjoyed. After all, this is what the ball is about, right? Me finding a future bride."
"No, that is what you think," Daria countered. "You could be wrong."
He shrugged. "Perhaps."
The dance ended. Jerrold bowed, while Daria curtsied.
"Unfortunately for us," Jerrold said, "my mother has strictly instructed me to socialize with everyone."
"I understand," Daria said.
He smiled. "I'll come back to you later. You can count on that."
Daria was admiring the two swans expertly carved from a block of ice (they were the centerpiece), when someone bumped her roughly on the shoulder. She turned and managed to stop herself from rolling her eyes when she saw Antoniette.
"Oh," Antoniette gasped. "Forgive me, Lady Daria. I did not see you there."
Daria raised an eyebrow. "Fake apology accepted," she said coolly, and brushed past the blond beauty.
Antoniette, however, would not have that.
"I barely recognized you without all the soot on your face," she sneered.
Daria faced her and scowled. Antoniette, receiving the reaction she had been aiming for, smirked triumphantly.
"You'll always be a servant, Daria," she said. "Jewels and elegant dresses can never hide that."
Daria clenched her fists. After counting for a few seconds, she smiled dryly and said, "You look beautiful tonight, Antoniette."
It was the truth. Antoniette looked absolutely gorgeous. She was wearing a peach gown that made her look like an angel. Her hair was done stylishly, with little crystals sprinkled here and there.
A confused frown formed on Antoniette's face. "I know I do," she replied. "So?"
Daria shrugged. "So nothing." She walked closer to Antoniette and said, "I'm learning how to control my temper, Antoniette." She smiled at the bewildered girl before her. "After all," she said, "future queens should learn how to hide their angry side from their subjects."
Antoniette's jaw dropped. Then, after recovering from her shock, she glared at Daria fiercely. "You lie."
Daria chuckled. "Unlike you, I am an honest person."
Antoniette narrowed her eyes. "Jerrold would never marry someone like you."
"We'll see," Daria said, shrugging. "And I don't think you'd want to leave the ball so soon, Antoniette, or you'll miss the announcement."
Antoniette, fuming, clenched her fists. "Fine," she said through gritted teeth. "We'll see."
She whirled around and stomped away. Daria smiled amusedly. She knew that it was immature and low of her to taunt Antoniette like that, but she couldn't help it. It made her feel a lot better.
She turned and headed back to the ballroom.
"What a socialite you are, Christian," Daria joked as she placed herself next to him. He was leaning against the wall by himself, with a glass of red wine in his hand.
He smiled at her. "You caught me. I was just talking to my imaginary friends here."
She rolled her eyes. "That explains it."
"Watch it," he said laughingly.
She snorted, then turned when she heard someone call her name. It was Eleanor. Like always, she looked beautiful. Her dress was blue, with a silvery petticoat.
"Come join us!" she called.
She was standing in a circle that consisted of people her age, which included Gavin, Ennael, and four other people. Jerrold was not there. Daria looked at the dais and saw him in deep and serious conversation with his parents.
He's talking about me and our engagement, she thought. I'm sure of it.
Since she was too far away, she couldn't see their facial expressions; therefore, she couldn't tell if the conversation was going well or not. Truth be told, she wasn't sure if she wanted to know or not.
"Daria!"
Her eyes trailed back to the circle of young nobles. She nodded at them, then turned to Christian. "Join me?"
He snorted. "I think I'm fine here with my imaginary friends."
She chuckled. "You can be so strange sometimes."
"And don't I know it."
She smiled. "I'll see you later."
He nodded. "Later."
Daria approached the group and took her place between Eleanor and a girl named Jocelyn.
"Ennael, do you know what the purpose of this ball is?" Jocelyn asked, resuming conversation.
Everyone turned to the princess of Ayortha, who smiled (almost mysteriously, according to Daria) and shook her head. "No, but I do have a pretty good idea," she said, her hazel eyes flickering towards Daria for a fleeting moment.
Daria was the only who caught it. Her cheeks began to burn.
"Maybe this ball doesn't have a purpose," Eleanor mused. "Perhaps it's only to bring…joy?"
"I don't think so," Gavin said, looking at Eleanor with amusement. (And affection? Daria thought so.)
Ennael spoke up. "Whatever it is, I…"
Suddenly, the Queen called for attention. Conversations died down immediately, including the one from Daria's circle. Everyone looked at the Queen curiously, wondering why she looked so overjoyed. Her eyes were shining, and a large grin was on her face.
"I'm sure that you have all been wondering what this ball is for," she said, as she made her way down the dais. The King and Crown Prince followed after her, while the younger princes stayed where they were.
"We all have our own notions," the Duke of Demby, a close friend of the royal family, said.
The Queen laughed. She had a nice laugh. "I'm sure you all do," she said jovially. "But now is the time to reveal the reason for this ball."
Everyone held their breaths as the Queen paused. Daria's heart was pounding at a rough rhythm.
This is it, she thought. This is it. She clasped her hands together to keep them from shaking uncontrollably. Unfortunately, it didn't work.
The Queen continued, saying, "I am pleased to announce that my son, Prince Jerrold, is engaged…"
Daria held her breath.
"…to Princess Ennael of Ayortha!"
And the world around her stopped.