Hey guys, it's been a while. But I want you all to know I'm still here. This one took a little bit longer to write due to the fact thhhat I haven't been able to produce any ideas for this story laately. And tonight/tomorrow I''ll be updating my other story "Meow for Me", which is a Harvest Moon fanfic about Molly/Hikari and Chase. Oh yes! I also began another Soul Eater fan fiction (A VERY LONG PROLOGUE INCLUDED). So go check that out, sweetheart! All in all, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, Happy Valentine's and I'll see you all on March Break! This chapter is the narrator's point of view, as I have much to write in this one - THE NEXT ONE IS THE BALL - EEP! So get reading!

Starcrossed Lovers

Chapter 8: The Movement

The wind blew, and it brushed through her hair as the kingdom stood below the hilltop and her mother and her stood atop; staring down into the casket of the former king. Tears were shed and cries rung throughout the entire kingdom; their king had fallen. A young man sat in a tree, his red eyes watching the princess as she stood numbly atop the grassy hill. Tears did not run down her face although, her mother and her had shed all of their tears already, now was the time to be strong; for themselves, for each other, and for their kingdom. Turning hand in hand, the mother and daughter stood in front of the people and the queen raised her hand out, as if reaching out to grasp their hands, and this notion was carried. Every person and being stood together, hand in hand, and together they mourned the death of their fallen king and began to move on toward the new age. The young man with the snow white hair smirked, a grin stretching his pointed lips and exposing his sharp teeth.

"What an unexpected turn of events. I didn't think she would hold out this long," he chuckled, hopping down from the tall branch effortlessly. Hands stuffed in his suit pockets as he strolled elegantly (yet simplessly careless at the same time) back towards the boundaries of his own kingdom; the kingdom of darkness. Licking his lips, the gun in his pocket seemed to grow heavier as he remembered the happenings of that day.

Although he had a duty to his kingdom and all of his loyalty belonged to his parents and brother; that sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach would not go away as he struggled to push away the regret of doing such an awful and misleading thing. He was a monster. Opening his mouth, he quickly closed it again; hopping over the metal fence with great ease. Letting a small sigh pass through his lips.

At the same time, a young woman was being prepared for the matchmaker; who would also be attending the ball in order to help the young princess find a suitable husband and future king of their kingdom. A similar sigh escaped her lips, and she clicked her tongue in annoyance as the maids struggled to find a color that would "suit her in a way that would make men adore her", as per the elderly matchmaker's request.

As if on que, the wrinkly woman stepped inside. Her silver blue eyes holding wisdom, and each wrinkle draped upon her skin representing a year of life and another memory of great importance.

"Princess," despite her reputation of being a total anal old woman, her voice was soft and kind and she gently patted the young woman's cheek as a sign of friendliness and adoration. "I know this is a hard time for you, but this one simple notion of you trying to find a husband has caused such an uproar. Princes all across the nation have come to court you, so for that reason you must stay strong and be yourself. I have traveled from kingdom to kingdom, and from the many I have seen, the only man I have ever loved came from the most despicable and dark kingdom in the entire world; do not judge any of these men before you take a moment to speak with them, but at the same time remember who you are, and remember the light and love that resides in each and every heart in this kingdom." she smiled a toothy grin, before turning and leaving, just like that.

"That was rather... quick," she breathed, standing up to watch as the old lady hobbled out of the room.

The old woman chuckled to herself, loving to see the surprised faces of all the princesses and princes she was told to help fall in love, but in reality, she was never really such a cupid. Instead, she gave the young children the one thing she knew would be treasured the most, her wisdom and knowledge of reality itself. She had never made any of those young children fall in love, instead, the children fell in love after being themselves - the one she always made sure was made a point of during her speeches.

In her room, the princess smiled dryly as a maid arrived to escort her downstairs to the ballroom, where the staff were hurriedly getting everything ready for the ball scheduled for the day after the next. Stepping into the large, open windowed room, she smiled kindly at the maids and butlers as they hurried by; desperate to get everything done to perfection for the event of the century - it had been rumored the next king would be attending the ball, and the whole kingdom of Lucem was riled up and ready to honor and bow down to their new leader.

At the same time, the same young white haired man stood in his bedroom, staring outside the window longingly as his two large hands wrapped around a black mask. He would be attending the ball; by orders of his brother, but although it could be mistaken for good reason in uniting the kingdoms, the elder brother was only ordering this of his younger brother for his own amusement, loving the idea of his brother getting criticized for being from the "worst" kingdom known to man.

So as a secret alternative, the prince had had a special mask made for himself to hide his identity - and he could sweep the princess off her feet and entrance the whole kingdom in such a mysterious way too. Smirking, he found himself enjoying the idea of attending the ball more than he should of. Perhaps this was just his chance to finally meet with Lucem's princess and get her name.

Chuckling, he slipped the mask on his face, moving on to look out the window again. Would anyone recognize him? Well, there was always that old hag - what was she called again? Oh yes, the matchmaker. The old woman was his grandmother, and one of the strangest people he had honestly ever met before. Not only that, but she was known across the land for her "match making" - this time travelling to their next door neighbors to "help" the princess find a husband and future king of the beautiful kingdom.

"Oh granny, what have you gotten yourself into this time?" He chuckled, walking towards his bed and flopping down upon it with a loud sigh.

In the kingdom of Lucem, Maka stood in the ballroom, her emerald eyes flicking from on bouquet of flowers to the next; it was her decision on what main flowers would be used for the decorations. Biting her lip, she finally made her decision, one that would make the ball just as magical as everyone seemed to think it would be; well at least she hoped so.

"The Roses, maybe?" She mumbled, the two maids nodding swiftly before hurrying to place the roses in their designated places. Looking around, she approached two different maids, who were currently lazying around. "Shouldn't you be helping?" She asked kindly, a soft smile pulling at her pink lips as she kneeled down a bit as to see their faces better - due to the fact they were both sitting down.

The taller one looked up first, her straight honey blond hair framing her face, along with a menacing look that made Maka stumble back a bit. Realizing who it was, the taller maid relaxed, a small smile twisting her lips.

"My sister isn't feeling too well, so I thought she might want to sit down for a moment," she nodded, "Ah, I'm Liz and this is my sister Patty, your highness."

"Ah, please call me Maka, I've never really enjoyed all these titles," she chuckled, waving it off before kneeling down even more so she could see Patty's face. "What's wrong? Does your stomach hurt?" she smiled. Looking up, Patty's puppy eyes glistened with tears as she pouted with all her might. Taken aback, the princess stood up, looking down at her feet sheepishly.

"I-I wanna go to the ball, too!" she cried, tears rolling down her her own lip, Maka thought carefully. It couldn't hurt, right? No one would notice if they both borrowed one of her dresses, besides, they seemed nice enough.

"How about this, the night of the ball you come up to my room with some hot milk, and I'll help you get ready and lend you one of my dresses. Would that make you feel better?" the princess smiling softly, reached out a hand and softly patted Patty on the head. The young blond grinned in response, hugging the life out of the formally dressed young lady and then skipping off happily. Sighing, Liz quickly apologized, thanking her and running off to find her sister. Catching up with her younger sister, Liz rubbed the bridge of her nose, picking at the itchy maid's uniform.

"I feel kindof bad for playing her like this, but we really need to get into that ball..." she muttered, crossing her arms comfortably across her chest as Patty giggled happily.

"Giraffes! Giraffes!~" she grinned, playing with a stuffed giraffe she seemed to grab out of no where. Chuckling, her elder sister leaned against the tall walls, watching her play happily.