Chapter 13

It was the day of the Ball and to say that DG was nervous was an understatement.

She had been too young to ever go to any of the balls before so she had no idea what was going on. The seamstress brought her dress and it was exactly what she had wanted; a ruby red brocade gown with a gentle scoop neck and ¾ length sleeves. Her hair had been swept up and away from her face in the O.Z.'s equivalent of a French twist with a small gold tiara tucked into it. There were just a few strands left loose to frame her face. Her makeup was light just like she liked it. She wore her locket around her neck and small diamond earrings. She looked in the mirror. Even she had to admit that tonight she looked like a Princess.

Cain hated his uniform, preferring his linen shirts and cotton trousers that he usually wore. The high collar of the dark blue jacket made him feel like he was choking. And the grey trousers did not leave much to the imagination. He knew that DG was going to be staring at his… ahem, assets all night. Oh well, the things I do for love, he thought to himself. He found himself standing in front of DG's door and knocked lightly. "DG, you ready, Sweetheart?" he called.

"Yeah, come on in," she called to him.

She looked him over as he walked in. The leather of his gunbelt stood out in contrast to his crisp uniform jacket, but he just wouldn't be Cain with out it. His Tin Star shined brightly on his chest. She knew that he was uncomfortable but to her he was breathtaking.

"You look good enough to eat." She commented to him.

"You look pretty good yourself, Sweetheart. And as much as I'd love to stay here with you if we don't go now we'll be late."

"Well," she said smiling at him as she took his arm. "Lead the way, Tin Man." As they walked out the door she leaned back and gave a low whistle, "Hello, butt."

Cain blushed.

Cain and DG met the rest of the Royal family outside the Great Hall. They were going to be introduced last. DG's mother and Father were first followed by Az and her escort, Glitch. Then it was their turn. "Presenting her Royal Highness Princess Dorothy Gale and escort Royal Tin Man Commander Wyatt Cain." They entered the room and the guests erupted in applause and shouts of joy.

DG danced with her father, Glitch, Raw and Cain several times. And it wasn't long before it was time for the announcement of her succession to the throne, the engagement of Cain and DG.

The family joined the queen on the dais in the ballroom. The Queen called for attention. "People of the O.Z., I thank you for joining us on the momentous occasion. Not only are we celebrating the return of my daughter Princess Dorothy Gale, but I am also pleased to introduce her as my successor and next Queen of the Outer Zone!"

There were shouts and whistles and applause. Lavender held her hand up for silence and the crowd settled. "I also wish to announce the engagement of Princess Dorothy Gale and Tin Man Commander Wyatt Cain!" The crowd once again erupted in applause. "Now, dance and enjoy yourselves."

DG and Cain made a few more circuits around the dance floor before Jeb tapped his father on the shoulder. "Hey, Dad, mind if I dance with your Princess?" Cain looked to DG who nodded.

"Go right ahead, son. DG, try not to hurt him." He winked at her. She stuck her tongue out at him. "Real mature, Sweetheart."

Jeb spun DG around the floor for a moment then spoke, "I wanted to tell you that I'm ok with it. You and my dad I mean."

"I'm glad that you are. But I'm sorry to say that I'd marry him even if you weren't. I love him."

"I know that. I've seen you two together. He would never say anything but he's happier now than he ever was even with my mom. You challenge him and he needs that. He's changed a lot since the… well, you know, but I still see that man I idolized sometimes mostly when he is with you. Just, take care of each other."

"We will, Jeb and he will always be your father. I won't keep him from you. But what about you, any girl catch your eye?"

Jeb blushed, "Maybe."

The dance ended and DG made her way back to Cain when there was someone in her way. She looked at the young man standing between her and Cain and vaguely recognized him as some young noble from the Eastern Boarder Zone. –Wyatt, I need you.--

"Princess, congratulations on your engagement. But I must ask whether it is wise to bring such a man into the Royal circle. Surely a man of noble birth would be a better choice to usher in a new era for the Outer Zone."

"Excuse me. But I don't think that it's any of your business who I marry. You don't know me, you have no right to pass judgment!" She glanced over the young man's shoulder and saw that Cain was there.

"There you are, Sweetheart, I've been looking for you." He pushed past the young noble and took DG's hand. "I believe we were going to dance again, right?"

Smiling her relief at him she said, "Of course, Wyatt." As they walked away she looked up at Cain, "I love you."

The rest of the Ball went on without incident. After the guests had gone Cain couldn't find DG. He felt panic begin to rise then he remembered he could find her through their Bond. He focused on the bond and located DG out on the balcony chatting with Jeb who was blushing. Cain chuckled. --Wonder what she said?--

--I was asking him about his new girlfriend. Yes, you were projecting again, Wyatt.--

Cain approached his Princess and son. "Am I interrupting?"

DG turned and smiled. "Of course not, Wyatt. I was just talking to Jeb about the woman he spent most of the evening with." Jeb blushed bright red again.

Cain took pity on his son. "DG, leave him alone. I'm sure if there was something to tell he'd talk to me about it. Besides it's getting late so we should get you upstairs to your room." He took DG's hand and together they left for her room. As they reached the door she turned to him.

"Wyatt? Are you going to stay with me tonight?"

"I wasn't really planning on it. I am right next door, DG. You even created a door to connect our rooms directly. One of these days we are going to get caught and I am going to get shot. Please, DG. Let me go to my own room."

She pouted. "Oh, alright. But soon you won't have that excuse."

"Of course, Princess. Good night, Princess." He smiled and kissed her tenderly. He waited until he heard the door lock then he went to his room. Sleep found Wyatt Cain easily that night. His dreams were filled with hope for the future.