7.
The laughing slowly stopped, the grins replaced by utterly shocked looks. The prince was kissing a peasant girl?!
But Ed didn't care. He didn't care what Winry looked like, or who she was - He knew he was in love. His face was bright red as she kissed him back, but he didn't care at all; all he cared was that she was right in front of him, in his arms. He pulled away, breathless, and stared at the girl in front of him with a flushed smile on his face. She stared back, looking slightly confused, before a big smile broke across her face, and she stood there, with tears still falling down her cheeks - the only difference was that these were happy tears. Ed glanced down for a moment, something catching his eye against the cream carpet- It was a dark-brown, dusty, dirty, ragged old slipper. He looked down at Winry's bare foot, and bent down, slipping it back on her foot, before standing up again. She blinked in surprise before throwing her arms round his neck and whispering 'Thank you' to him, making him blush even more. He hugged her back, holding her, completely ignorant to everyone else in the room, except for her.
They were suddenly pulled out their embrace by - who else but - Winry's step-sisters. Ed frowned and shoved Envila away from him angrily.
"What do you think you're doing?!" He scowled at them both, especially the way Greedlia was gripping Winry's shoulder tightly.
"Winerella is our sister, sire, and she's coming back with us. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by her but... I'm afraid she's a bit..." Envila leaned forwards to whisper in Ed's ear, making him lean away and scowl. "... of a headcase. Mental. Completely nuts." She grinned, leaning back up again.
"But I-!" Winry's protest was cut off by Greedila clamping her hand over her mouth. That was it for Ed- Nobody treated her that way. He tackled Greedila off Winry, shoving her to the floor before pulling Winry into his arms.
"Guards! Take these two... men? Away! And tell everyone else to leave... The ball is over!" He yelled.
"But sir... What about the quest to find your wife?" One of the guards suddenly asked, frowning.
Ed shook his head and smiled, looking down at Winry.
"I've already found her."