(A/N) I'm very nervous right now. I'm not very good at writting the most important scenes, since I usually have several different versions and I'm usually pretty split at which version I really wanted to write down. Well, here's half of the ball, since I can't fit the entire ball into one chapter.

Chapter 5

The ball was really glamorous. For just one and a half days of decorating time, the maids and servants had done an excellent job. Pink streamers hung from the ceilings everywhere. Yellow bows were placed almost randomly around the palace. Lanterns and torches were given a special coloring so that they shed multiple-colored lights.

The hallways held a certain charm to it that was delightful. The carpeted floor was sprinkled with small colored confetti that sparkled in the light.

The ballroom was, by far, the best, although I could not dance. The last time I tried, I knocked over several noble ladies, even though I was far smaller than they, and, according to the royal physician, had obtained a fractured arm. I never dared to dance again.

As I walked down the central staircase, I saw that many guests were already assembled in the reception hall. I smiled as Sophie guided me down the steps carefully. I saw Prince Edward in a black suit, which contrasted with his pale skin, making him look more like a god than a prince. I also saw many of the noblewomen looking at him with interest. He, however, was staring at me, his mouth slightly open in what seemed like shock. I smiled at him, I knew it was shy. To think that he was really interested in me was unthinkable. I, plain and cursed, could never compare to the other ladies in attendance. Yet, I could hope that he liked me, could I not?

Father and Mother introduced me to the assembly. I curtsied deeply, surprising myself with the perfect balance. I nodded at each "Happy Birthday" I received and watched the pile of presents grow.

Finally, I was free to wander about. I found a chair partially hidden from most guests while still giving me a good view of the ball. I had learned to hide myself from any person who sought for a dance with me. I cannot dance, but that does not mean I do not like to watch them dance.

I laughed as a few very young ladies tried to dance with inexperienced noblemen in a very fast waltz. I was very amused when one particular couple seemed to loose their balance, tripping on each other's toes, I guessed, and went careening into other couples. Some other couples were older; they were quite boring to watch. Still others danced like stars, their feet barely touching the ground. Emmett and Rosalie, for example, seemed to fly around the dance floor, performing daring moves – a dip, a toss-up, a twirl. Their skills took my breath away.

The musicians changed their song to a slow Sarabonde. I was so into the dancing that I did not notice someone approaching me.

"May I ask for a dance?" a velvet voice asked. My heart skipped a beat. Dance? Now? Why does that voice sound so familiar?

I turned my head to see Prince Edward standing beside me, watching my reply. "Um…" I stuttered. I can't dance, but that doesn't mean that I never wanted to. "I cannot dance?" My voice was shaky, and I mentally slapped myself.

Edward looked at me, puzzled. He leaned his head in a little closer. "Please?" he whispered. That was when his scent hit me – his wonderful scent that smelled indescribably addicting. My head was dizzy as I felt heat rush into my cheeks.

"I still can't dance," I muttered with difficulty. "I trip and knock over people."

Slowly, he leaned in more until our noses were almost touching. My breathing hitched. "It all goes to the leading. I promise you won't trip." I made the mistake of looking into his golden eyes. They were deep golden pools that seemed to know all of my secrets. Not thinking, I nodded, knowing somehow that I will regret this later.

His eyes brightened with joy for a second. He pulled me out onto the dance floor. The musicians were playing a stately courant. He put his right hand on the small of my back and held my right hand with his left. At his touch, I felt a small shiver run down my back.

And then, we were off.

He led me around the dance floor with an unmatched grace. His eyes seemed to brighten with the joy and ease. We twirled and glided across the dance floor. To my surprise, I did not fall. My feet were not the least bit tangled to each other – I did not even misstep! My skirts rustled as I twirled through several partners before coming back to Edward.

As the music continued, he became a little more daring – a dip here, a drop there, a whisk and a swivel. The dance floor gradually cleared until we were the only couple. When the musicians stopped, he surprised me with a deep dip. I was breathing heavily from the exercise, as was he. All of the audience clapped loudly. I was pulled into his chest, feeling more peaceful than I had. He whispered in my ear, "Whatever happened to 'I can't dance'?"

I smiled. "I don't know. I guess I must've left it on the chair."

He looked like he was about to say something when someone shouted out, "What are you waiting for, boy? Kiss her!" My eyes widened. Was it proper? It was not long before the entire audience began giving encouragement.

He looked into my eyes, my breathing nearly stopped. "Well, no help for it," he sighed. Slowly he leaned in and brushed his lips across mine. Time seemed to have stopped. There was more cheering and clapping. I even heard some whistling. However, I was not paying attention to them. I concentrated on how his lips, cold as they were, felt on mine. I almost hungered for more, although I knew it was improper as it was.

The musicians started up again with a fast gigue as we made our way off the dance floor. I wondered how I was able to dance without making a safety hazard of myself. From the admiration on the faces of many, I think I was actually graceful for once. How I accomplished that with my impaired balance, I do not know, but I did.

Mother and Father were waiting for me by the sidelines, their expressions were shocked, proud, almost offended, but the most prominent being happiness and hope. I think they must have thought that this would be proof that the curse would be broken. Now, do not get me wrong. I want the curse to be gone, but I had given up most of my hope.

Mother embraced me in a hug, softly whispering how the guests were acting like street-dancers instead of at a royal ball. Father gave me a grin and a wink, almost as if he knew something I did not. Edward, who was beside me the entire time, bowed deeply to Mother and Father.

"Prince Edward, we congratulate you on your excellent dancing skills. We have never seen anyone able to lead Bella willingly onto the dance floor, but you achieved it, and led her well," Father said with a twinkle in his eye. Edward raised an eyebrow at me. I blushed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," he answered with another bow.

"We will be visiting some other guests," Mother said. "Have fun with yourselves!" I successfully suppressed a groan of despair. "Yes, Bella, I have almost forgotten to tell you. You are to sing to the guests later on. You may bring only one person with you, if you so wish." She nodded her head at Edward before joining Father.

I don't think this is very well-written, but I don't really know how to make it better. Comments, reviews, please...I'll even add a cherry on top if you do...reviews please. The next half of the ball could be out tomorrow or Friday if I get a lot of reviews, or you might have to wait until the weekend... R&R!!!