Hey everyone! I know, I know, it's been awhile, so finally a new chapter. There's at least one more after this one, yay! Please read and review!

After a day spent reading through Danric's notes about what was going on in Petitioner's Court, and who was doing what where in the kingdom, Mel felt somewhat ready to see everyone tonight. But first she went down to bathe, which meant soaking in the hot water and washing her now shoulder-length hair. Mora was waiting for her when she returned to her rooms. The first thing she did was help Mel dress. Mel had yet to see the gown she would be wearing tonight, but she found that she immediately liked it. The gown was a silvery-blue color with silver beading sewn all over the bodice. The entire gown had these tiny blue glass beads sewn all over it, which made it look like she had just stepped out of water. The theme of tonight's ball was couples throughout history, and while Mel knew that most would go back in their family trees to find suitable people to play, Danric had chosen water nymphs. Mel had a feeling he'd made the choice because it allowed him to wear blue, his favorite color as well as being a Renselaeus color, but she didn't mind. Next Mora began to style Mel's hair, pulling half back and pinning it, then curling the half that was still down. When she was done, Mel had to admit it looked amazing. Just then, Danric came hurrying in to get himself ready, finding that his manservant, Harlan, was already awaiting him. The two went into another room, and in a few minutes Danric came back wearing tall black boots, white breeches, and a blue doublet that was the same shade as Mel's dress and sewn all over with the same glass beads.

After coming from their rooms, Danric let Mel take his arm before they went into the ballroom. The ballroom itself looked spectacular, decorated in browns and golds. It took only a few moments, but as soon as people realized she was there, Mel was quickly surrounded by friends and acquaintances all asking after her, saying they'd missed her, and so on. Mel thanked them all, and answered their questions as well as she could. She was relieved that she didn't have to tell anyone what had happened. Of course, they all knew. After quite some time, her well-wishers began to trickle away, and Danric was about to ask if Mel wished to dance when he saw Russav and Tamara making their way towards them. When Mel turned towards them, she immediately noticed Tamara's dark hair was cut short, to just above her shoulders.

"Tamara?" She asked. Tamara grinned, running her fingers through the ends of her hair.

"Never let it be said that our Queen began a new fashion and I wasn't in on it. Besides, it's just hair." Mel smiled, but was actually quite moved by what Tamara had done. Mel leaned forward and hugged her. "Thank you." She whispered.

"You're welcome." Tamara also whispered, while hugging her back

"Never thought I'd see that." Russav muttered as the two girls hugged. Danric smiled, poking him in the ribs. "Shows how little you know."

Once Russav and Tamara had wandered off, Danric finally got to ask Mel for a dance, which she gladly accepted.

Hours later, the two were getting into bed.

"Well, what did you think? Not so bad?" Danric wondered.

"Not at all. I will say, I'm quite surprised everyone was so worried." Mel told him

"Why? You were kidnapped and then never returned to Court. Why shouldn't they be worried?" Danric asked.

"Just a nice surprise. As was Tamara's new haircut." Mel said, smiling.

Danric laughed. "You know she can't let you have all the compassion." He pointed out.

"Well, that's true. Still, I didn't see anyone else doing that."

"Oh, they will now." Danric said.

"Only because they've now seen both of us with short hair." Mel answered, rolling her eyes before climbing into their bed and snuggling close to her husband.

"Goodnight." Danric said, as he wound his arm around her and pulled her close.

"Goodnight Love." She whispered, tucking her head onto his chest.