Random Person: I'm glad this story's blowing you away. You definitely have a point, Amy does have her shining moments. Anyway, Sonic is just one of those characters who always makes you chuckle when he suffers because he's naturally a funny guy. XD

Musicalocelot: Lancelot's funny face is just priceless. XD Thank you, I hope this ball meets your expectations.

Disclaimer: Sonic and any other characters related belong to Sega. All OCs are mine

Enjoy!

Chapter 17: The Ball

She really hated this.

At first it was all fun and games; the dressing up part, the make-up, even shoe shopping wasn't that horrible. But this, this whole hair thing was beyond horrific.

For the first time, in probably her life, Elizabeth Ann du Lac had allowed someone else style her hair instead of her father. She wasn't so big on the idea but Cream and Vanilla's insistent pleading had gotten her to turn over to the dark side. Elizabeth sat quietly and calmly on the chair in front of the stylist. She was nervous for no real reason except for having this be the first time in her life having someone else do this. Or maybe it was because of all the hair instruments the female skunk had. Seriously, those things looked like items used for torturing victims.

As Elizabeth sat down the skunk took her shoulders and gently pulled them back.

"Relax, my child. By the time I am finished you will look like the grandest maiden in the land," she said winking.

Elizabeth laughed back in response uncertain how to respond with words. She exhaled to calm her nerves. She slightly wondered how Cream was doing with stylist.

The first part wasn't that bad. Her quills were washed with weird smelling products but left them feeling silky and smooth. After it was blow dried and everything something felt funny. Elizabeth felt heat near the back of her neck. From sheer fright she quickly turned around almost giving herself whiplash. Her orbs lightened to a ghostly lavender as she viewed the item behind her. There, the heavy-set skunk lady had a normal roller but for some odd reason it was giving off immense heat.

The ebony teen shook her head. "That's not going on my head, is it?" Was this woman trying to hurt her?

The lady laughed heartily. "Of course not child!It's not going to touch your scalp. This is something I've created. I take these rollers, heat it, and apply it to your quills. Instead of waiting for so long for the curling rollers to curl your quills, this will curl them almost instantly! Isn't this a great idea?" she said cheerfully ecstatic.

Elizabeth's eye twitched a bit. Her breaths started to fasten and her heart rammed against her rib cage. This woman was trying to kill her.

"Now, turn around and relax. This won't hurt if you do not move during the process," the black and white skunk commanded.

In spite of herself Elizabeth did as she was told. Her back landed harshly against the leathered seat and her mouth hung agape with complete shock. How come people put themselves through this type of torture? And just for hair? She felt the heat heighten against her neck and Elizabeth closed her eyes praying to God that she would be alive by the end of this.

"Okay," the skunk said, "Just hold still…"

(0…)

Lancelot twiddled his thumbs idly, something he normally didn't do but he couldn't think of anything else to occupy his mind. Since this morning his daughter had gone to prepare for the king's ball this afternoon. Although he didn't have too big of a problem with her leaving, he was definitely regretting sending her away without any guidelines. The sun was about to set and he hadn't seen or heard anything from Elizabeth for the whole day. To make matters worse he started worrying after three hours after she left. How long did it take to get ready? Really!? All she just had to do was put on a dress, shoes and maybe apply make-up (not that he liked that idea).

He sighed. Lancelot pinched the skin between his eyes and shook his head. Maybe he was worrying a bit too much. It wasn't like Elizabeth couldn't handle herself. She knew how to defend herself when needed. She wasn't helpless. He needed to calm down. He always did this. All day long the crimson marked night would sit there worrying about things that were impossible, and for what? To get himself worked up about nothing? But what else could he do? Elizabeth was his only family left. She was the only thing that mattered in his life. So it wasn't all bad that he worried so much, at least in his mind it wasn't.

The midnight clad messed with his collar and grunted in annoyance. He didn't understand why but Elizabeth had told him he needed to dress formally also. He would've preferred to just go with shoes, gloves and a common shirt but he didn't feel like being chewed out so he obeyed her pleads. He wore a white collared shirt with a black, cotton based, tux-like, jacket over it. He wore that with black dress pants and the same color dress shoes. The fact he had to wear this was annoying by itself but he ignored the itchy feeling. This was for his daughter and he decided he would just stick it out till the end.

Whenever that may be.

"Father?"

Almost instantly Lancelot shot from his sitting position. He hurriedly took large strides towards the voice he recognized as his own daughter's. "My dear?" he called out trying to locate her in the house. He hadn't heard the door open announcing her arrival.

"Where are you? we have to start heading towards the castle," she said.

Lancelot could hear the clicks of her heels. Already frustrated he fastened his pace and turned a corner. Right away he stopped dead in his tracks. Elizabeth's back was faced towards him and as she heard his gasp she turned around. "Oh! There you are," she smiled. As she observed his stare a small blush crept onto her cheeks and she smiled bashfully. "You wouldn't believe the terrors I had to go through to look like this," she giggled trying to lift the heavy air.

She was a spitting image. An absolute spitting image of Lenora. There was no doubt that Elizabeth was the daughter of his wife. In front of him was the most beautiful girl he had ever seen in his life. His daughter, who wore a lengthy purple gown, a lighter purple, elbow length, gloves, and same color heels had left him breathless. Her loosely curled quills hung around her frame, the tips ending at mid-waist. The mascara she had on seemed to multiply her eyelashes by ten, her blush had her cheeks tinted rosy red, and the lip gloss she had on was just perfect, in his opinion. Lancelot absent mindedly shook his head. His mouth hung ajar for several moments. Was this really his daughter? Was the beautiful girl in front of him really Elizabeth?

"F-father," Elizabeth started, feeling a bit uncomfortable, "We shou-"

"You look just like your mother. Just like her. You are just missing something."

Elizabeth hummed in confusion. "What do you mean?" she asked but her father was already out the room. Lancelot reappeared with a clip. It was a black and lavender crystal clip that weaved around itself like a vine. The girl stared in awe. "What's that? It's beautiful," she gasped. Lancelot chuckled while rotating her around so her back was again facing him. He took the front pieces of her quills and pinned them to the back leaving the rest to hang. "This was your mother's favorite pin. It was given to her as a wedding gift by her mother. I don't think she would mind it much if you were to have it."

"Are you sure father? I mean, this seems like a very treasured gift," Elizabeth said. Lancelot shook his head smoothing down her quills. "I am perfectly sure, my dear." Elizabeth faced him and they both stood looking at the other. The teen smiled warmly back at the soft grin the ebony knight gave her. She then embraced him as his bottom lip began to tremble and his eyes watered.

"I miss her so much," Lancelot whispered into her neck. He tightly gripped her as if his life depended on it. Tears stung his eyes as they started to leak and stroll down his burning cheeks.

"I know daddy. I miss her too. But you know what? That's okay because we'll see her one day and then everything will be alright," she soothingly stated. The girl pushed against him even tighter as she rubbed his back. She just continued to smile and whisper words of comfort each time an almost inaudible sniffle came from the dark knight.

Lancelot nodded. He still hugged her not wanting for her to see his tears. He wiped them away before saying, "You even talk like her." He stood back, still having his hands clasped on her shoulders. "I'm sorry for crying."

Elizabeth shook her head. She giggled as she wiped the remaining tears on his cheeks and kissed them. "That's alright. There's nothing to be sorry about."

After composing himself once more Lancelot exhaled. He looked lovingly towards his daughter and held and hand out. "Shall we?" he asked. Elizabeth smiled and took the hand. "We shall."

(0…)

King Arthur could already feel the anxiousness begin to start inside his body. He stood on a stool, in front of the giant mirror, as Vanilla patted down any remaining wrinkles in his suit. He wasn't going to lie; he liked the suit and the way it looked on him. The pure white jacket and golden hems/shoulder plates were a nice fit with the black pants and shoes he wore. It had his shining azure fur stand out brilliantly as did his forest green eyes. He didn't really mind wearing the extra clothing but it definitely took time to get used to after having on only his cape and crown on for so long.

He stared at his reflection with boredom. He could tell this was going to take a very long time, the ball. Arthur didn't mind a party but he never took a particular liking to these kinds. He had once done something like this when he was first starting out as king and after the first hour he called it off. Just by looking at the women in line waiting to dance with him he could tell he wouldn't find the one anytime soon. The azure king sighed and unconsciously tilted his head.

"Perfect! You are all you're your majesty," Vanilla chirped. Her giddy tone brought him out of his thoughts. Arthur met eyes with the older women and sighed once again and turned to look away. The rabbit lightly frowned with worry. "Is everything okay my king? You shouldn't be sulking but joyful!"

He couldn't tell her. Arthur couldn't tell the woman that he was afraid he would come out with blistered feet and no one to wed. He couldn't say he was afraid to come out disappointed and somewhat rejected. Yes he was the one choosing the girl to marry but each time he danced he couldn't feel anything special about it. This always left him wondering if he really did have another half out there.

The king shook his head and out on his charming smile. "Yes everything is quite alright Vanilla. I'm just nervous but the feeling will pass soon. I should take my leave. The ball will start any moment."

Without any room for a response he left the building at faster pace than what he would've preferred. He couldn't help it though. When he was anxious he starts to move and when he moves he moves fast. Arthur walked to the double doors that separated him from a room full of possible brides. He patiently waited for the maids and servants to stop behind them so they could walk in. the blue hedgehog could feel his heart pound against his chest as he was told he could proceed. With a heavy exhale he nodded and the doors were opened. The two guards beside him walked with him to his throne. As he walked he kept his head up high and looked straight forward though, he did stretch his most handsome smile across his face. His ears pounded as every being clapped and cheered for his appearance. He waved back at all of them and smiled bashfully as a couple of ladies, in a group, swooned over him.

Right foot left foot, right foot left foot. That's what he kept repeating in his head so he wouldn't trip. For some odd reason he started to feel queasy. He was sure it from the amount of people in this room. More specifically the amount of females in this room. Finally, the cerulean hedgehog has made it to the front of his throne. He didn't sit in it but stood a few feet away with his hands behind his back, posture correct. Throughout one of his henchmen's opening speeches he managed to block it out. His eyes scanned the huge room filled to the brim with females of every kind of species. As he looked he couldn't help but to notice the ones that attracted his eye. There were many beautiful, curvy, women there and then there were the less curvy but still attractive ones. He personally was more attracted to women with curves but it wasn't the only thing he was going for. He kind of also liked blue eyes. They were interesting to look at. And-

"Now the king will begin his dances with each woman here. I ask that everyone makes a single line about twenty feet away from the throne so there is room to dance. Feel free to join in the line whenever you may wish to do so." Arthur heard this part and sub-consciously fixed the ends of his jacket. "I introduce your king, King Arthur!" The azure hedgehog bowed kindly and closed his eyes trying to steady his rapidly beating heart. He looked back up kind eyes gleaming with brilliance as the ladies of the ball screamed and cheered for him.

Step by step he went over to the head of the line, taking his time. The hedgehog king was already beyond nervous. As he arrived he observed a fine looking squirrel, probably in her early twenties. Her sky blue dress sparkled along with her sea-blue eyes and her, wavy, long, auburn hair cascaded down to her hips framing her alluring figure. Arthur caught himself in a trance in her sapphire orbs and put on an attractive smile.

"Good evening miss," he greeted bowing.

"Why good evening my king," she responded taking the ends of her glimmering dress and bowing respectfully.

The music started and before he even knew it they started to dance. Others around them stared hatefully at the squirrel but just stuck their noses in the air thinking they were obviously better. King Arthur chuckled nervously at the girls and then casted his gaze back on the lovely lady only to be greeted with a disapproving glare. Did he already mess up? What did he do?

Arthur's brows twitched with worry. "E-excuse me," he stuttered, "Is there something-"

"Why were you looking at them instead of me?" she roughly stated.

The blue hedgehog almost gaped. "I-I was-"

"Am I not good enough for you? Do you prefer them instead of me? What manners!" she scoffed.

Was she serious? I mean, was she really serious? He did as much as glance in the other's direction and she was already tempered. Arthur wasn't going to lie, she was beautiful and very pleasing to look at but this jealousy thing wasn't going to work out. He could basically see his future if he were to marry her: all day he would have to keep his head down in the presence of another woman. If he even glanced at them he would be chewed out. Throughout the rest of the dance the two stayed silent. When the dreadfully mute dance ended Arthur was very happy to go over to the next one.

He next one to the stand was petite cherry blossom hedgehog. Her fluffy, bright pink, dress expanded outwards almost forcing anyone around her refrain from properly stand next to the hedgehog. Arthur thought she would do better without the dress but she was very cute indeed. Her three bangs covered her left eye as her remaining quills were cut shy of her shoulders framing her youthful face. She looked very young compared to the squirrel and her cheery smile seemed contagious as he too put on a smile almost instantly.

The azure king bowed as the girl bowed with him. He held a hand out and she gladly accepted it. On they danced in the middle of the floor. Others were around them, some girls danced with each other, having fun, while some preferred to just stand and talk with one another. Arthur glanced at a random person and glanced back at the hedgehog to see if she was the same as the squirrel, jealous. Luckily she just displayed a cute grin and he exhaled in relief. Now that was out of the way he decided to start conversation.

"Good evening miss. May I have to the pleasure of learning your name?" he charmingly asked.

Her giggle was similar to the ones of a child. "Amelia Rose your majesty."

His smile only widened. "Hmm, Amelia Rose. A very beautiful name for a very beautiful girl like yourself," he flirted. This wasn't so hard. Her emerald eyes were sparkling with innocence and youth. Although there was this kind of spark in them he saw.

"Well only the most beautiful can be your majesty's wife."

Okay, she caught him a little off guard there, but it was no big deal. He chuckled it off. "Why thank you. I suppose you've-"

"And if I'm not beautiful you wouldn't have picked me to be your spouse and the bearer of your children," she added happily.

He blinked. "W-what?" he stuttered taken back from the comment. "Wouldn't have picked you….what do you mean by that. I haven't-"

"Well you're going to pick me right? Of course you are. I'm too beautiful to refuse. I knew from the first day I was born we would be each other's halves. It is so obvious I am perfect for you!" she exclaimed, giddily.

The cerulean king wore a greatly confused and slightly terrified expression. He backed a centimeter away unconsciously only to have the petite girl step a full five inches closer to him. She was literally on top of his chest. Her eyes glimmered with this look she didn't have before and he wasn't comfortable with it. Arthur looked around trying to find a reason to go on to the next person. Unfortunately he didn't find one and he had to be subjected into her rambling.

"The wedding will be huge with white daisies and my wedding gown will be made out of diamonds. I'll wear a beautiful veil and I'll curl my quills too. Our honeymoon would be exactly how I imagined it. So many roses, a huge bed just for us while being served only the most exquisite foods. Oh, I can just see our beautiful children! They'll be the most adorable pups in the entire land. All the other girls would be jealous of our perfect 'll especially be jealous of the passionate love we'll make every single night!" Amelia chirped.

He almost fell over. Arthur choked on the invisible lump in his throat as he blushed furiously. How long did it take this girl to plan everything? She looked only about fifteen and she was already talking about that kind of stuff. How was she not ashamed of her words? Amelia Rose was talking to a king about love making and such while he was still caught up in the fact of why he even had to be here. He'd only met her two minutes ago. Arthur stared at the girl with beady eyes and beads of sweat rolling down his temple. This was all too much for the king. If he thought about any wedding he was sure to have a panic attack. His mouth opened to say something so he could transition into the next, hopefully more sensible, dance but was interrupted, again.

"Do you love me?" she asked with so much confidence Arthur questioned her ability to think.

"Uhh…" he trailed of, speechless. He wasn't. It was so simple to think it but he didn't like the slightly crazed look in her eyes. How could he phrase this so it wouldn't leave the young damsel in tears?

You know what, screw it.

"I think it's time for me to go to the next person. I'll see you around, yes?" he quickly said speeding off to the next woman. He heard her scoff with annoyance but he didn't care. Arthur had only danced with two beings and he could already tell this was going to be a long night.

(0…)

Elizabeth held a glass of iced punch and laughed as Cream explained her experience meeting with her crush, that two tailed fox. She apparently had bumped into him knocking them both down. She, "unfortunately" fell on top of him. The brown-eyed doe claimed it was the most embarrassing thing she'd ever done in her life and how she cursed her clumsiness but Elizabeth knew she secretly liked the situation. She wasn't going to be dishonest with herself. If she had fallen on top of Tyrone she wouldn't mind much.

"Oh, I see my mother calling for me. I'll be right back Elizabeth," Cream said.

The ebon teen nodded and watched the girl head off. Elizabeth looked around the large room watching the other females talk amongst themselves. She looked down at her empty glass and shrugged. She was all out of punch. She would have to get more later. Her upper half swung side to side and eventually her eyes landed on her father who sat at a table with some of the few males that were here either because of their daughters or to keep watch of the ball. Elizabeth let out a breath of laughter as she watched her anti-social father stare icily at the floor. If there was one thing she knew about Lancelot it was that he absolutely despised crowds. She never knew why but he always said something about having to always hear or join ridiculous gossip. Deciding to wait for Cream elsewhere she joined her father's side at the table.

Lancelot's ruby orbs stayed staring glumly at the tile. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he mumbled.

Elizabeth chuckled, "Yes sir. I would ask you the same thing but I would have to be blind if I didn't know the answer to that question." Lancelot only replied with a grunt. He put his elbow on the table and firmly placed his chin in the palm of his hand. Elizabeth rolled her eyes. She pushed his shoulder playfully and leaned in close to his face. "You are such a grumpy hog, you know that? Why don't you just get up and converse with the people around you. It'll keep you busy from sulking," she teased.

The dark knight narrowed his eyes and snorted, "Why does everyone keep saying that? I'm not grumpy. I'm just irritated with the fact I have to subdue myself to such loud noises. And I do not sulk, and even if I did I'd rather do that instead of talk to these fools."

"Daddy!" she exclaimed, smiling in spite of herself, "that's not very polite."

"Daddy, that's not very polite," he mocked with a higher octave. He smirked as he was punched in the shoulder and he couldn't help but to laugh when Elizabeth pouted and whispered curses. She definitely got that from him. "I'm just teasing, my dear. Do not start crying in front of your future husband." The smirk grew biggeras his daughter grew flustered and only glared at him, eyes growing a fuchsia color.

"I really don't like you."

"I absolutely love you too my love."

He chuckled and Elizabeth couldn't help but laugh quietly. She then started to look at her high-heeled shoes and frowned. Lancelot raised a brow. Maybe she took his teasing seriously. "Elizabeth I was just-"

"Can I ask you something?" she sputtered out.

Taken aback Lancelot blinked but nodded. "You can ask me anything my dear." Her eyes turned returned to her neutral color and she met her gaze with her father's. Her serious attitude filled his head with question.

"Do you promise not to get angry with me?" she asked.

The wondering father nodded.

Elizabeth exhaled deeply. "Okay. Father, when do you know you're in love?"

She watched carefully for his reaction. Her eyes widened as his narrowed dangerously. Elizabeth could see his lips curl in a tiny snarl and she was sure he heard a growl or two. His fist clenched the ends of his chair.

"Why ask that question? Is there something I should know about Elizabeth? Tell me, now," he sneered.

"You promised you wouldn't get upset," she responded, trying to match his demeanor.

He sent a warning glance in her direction and Elizabeth sighed harshly. "Elizabeth, watch yourself. I have a right to know what's going on. I hope this isn't about that green hedgehog."

He cursed when she blushed and looked away."So what if it is? You know what, never mind," she stood up, hands firmly placed at her sides, "I shouldn't have said anything. It was pointless." Elizabeth started to walk off but was stopped by Lancelot who grabbed her wrist. She looked back and he sighed. "Sit," he ordered. She calmly took her seat and glared at their covered feet. His feet were so big compared to hers.

She looked at him as Lancelot gritted his teeth and ran a hand through his quills. The ebony knight sat up straight up and began. "I'm sorry. I-you're right. I promised not to be angry but you understand this is very hard for me, correct?"

Elizabeth shrugged. "I guess. I mean, you wedded mother and she must've had a father who hadn't approved either or at least wasn't in for it. It's just a process all fathers go through, so yeah. I guess I do understand." Lancelot nodded and looked straight ahead of himself. After a few minutes of silence she opened her mouth to remind him of her question but he beat her to it.

"When you are in love," he started with a sigh that sounded tired, "you can't help but want to always be around that significant other. Every single moment you are away from them, they are all you can think about. Each imperfection they had only enhances their perfection in your eyes. It doesn't matter how many fights or disagreements you've gotten yourselves in, you still love that person with a whole heart. When the two of you touch it's a feeling you've never felt before. Even when in the other's presence it seems as if little butterflies have taken place in your stomach."

As the young girl listened she also watched her father carefully. His rosy red eyes had this distant look to them, glazed over even. His uptight, strict, posture softened along with his facial features having his body take a calm appearance. Elizabeth watched as her father unclenched his fists folding them, lightly, together. He continued.

"But to love someone, to really love someone, you can communicate without words; almost as if you two were telepathic. The only thing needed between the two of you is undeniable love. Your eyes will connect instantly receiving each other's thoughts. That, that is how you know when you love someone. That is what love is," he finished.

"That's how you felt with mother isn't it?"

The crimson marked male grunted in response. His head slowly turned in her direction his eyes steadily gazing over to her. The unbelievable heart ache he felt was undeniably painful. It stung his chest to the point to where he thought he would break down right here, but he wouldn't. There were too many people here. Just too many. Lancelot clenched his teeth together holding back tears. Life just wasn't fair. It really wasn't.

The surrounding music was tuned out by the knight as warm arms encircled his neck. His muzzle found its way to a comforting shoulder. The familiar scent filled his nostrils instantly calming his nerves. His own hands wrapped around his daughter's waist. Lancelot knew he couldn't fall apart, for his and her sake. He was supposed to be the strong one. He was supposed to be the one that comforted not the one receiving it.

"I know you hate showing affection in public but I just thought you would need it," Elizabeth whispered in his neck.

He shook his head. "It is fine. I think you're right anyway."

Elizabeth pulled back with a huge grin. "Hey, I was right two times in a row! This never happens."

Lancelot chuckled wholly and shook his head. With a kiss on her cheek he shoved her away to meet her cream colored friend who had returned. Elizabeth stuck her tongue out at him but obliged to his commands.

(0…)

"Explain why we are in line again, Cream?" Elizabeth huffed with her arms crossed.

The warm light brown bunny nervously smiled at her fiery friend. "Like I told you before, my mother wanted to see us dance."

"With the blasted king!?" the older one exclaimed.

Cream quickly hushed her feeling unwanted attention on them. "Not so loud Elizabeth," she whispered harshly. She swore that her best friend was becoming more and more like her father by the day.

"Don't hush me," she grumbled, "Why don't we just dance with my father and she can see all the dancing we want. Won't that be a whole lot better?" She really didn't feel like dancing in front of people she didn't know, especially when just started learning. Elizabeth's nerves were already starting to jump all over the place. If she were to dance with the king, she would have to be good. Not that it really mattered to him, but she didn't want to embarrass herself in front of everyone.

"Believe me, I wish I didn't have to do this. Even though I know the king won't wed me it's still embarrassing. But you have to remember my mother was the one who helped us to prepare, we do owe it to her."

"Yeah, yeah, you're right," Elizabeth pouted.

She turned around and went completely pale. In front of her was a waiting azure hedgehog who raised a brow at her and held out a hand. Elizabeth immediately blushed in embarrassment. She really hoped he hadn't heard her rant. She openly implied that she would rather dance with her father then with the king.

Damn her big mouth.

Arthur laughed at the girls flushed cheeks. This was a huge surprise though. Never in a million years would he ever have thought that Elizabeth du Lac, the daughter of Lancelot du Lac, would be here, at a ball, where he was supposed to choose his future spouse. For some reason he always imagined Lancelot scoffing at the idea of Elizabeth ever marrying anyone. It wasn't a secret he was very protective. The cerulean hedgehog shook his head. Well if she was here then all his thoughts were rubbish. Giving the ebon teen an encouraging look he softly clutched her hand that was in her palm and brought her to the middle of the floor. As they walked he could hear whispers of about how Lancelot's daughter was dancing with the king. He shrugged. What was the big deal?

The blue king turned on his heels facing Elizabeth who appeared nervous. He smirked and bowed, she copying his movements. He placed his hand in between her hip and waist and the other was holding hers. Her feeble fingers cautiously placed themselves on his padded shoulder. The two were ready for the music to begin, patiently. Arthur took this little time they had to look at the girl he had watched grown up before his eyes. His emerald orbs were blanketed in awe. He thought she was absolutely beautiful. The lavender dress that hugged her waist and flowed gently to the floor brought the color of her eyes out. Her curves were definitely there and very attractive, but he would admit she wasn't the curviest woman he had seen this night. The top of the dress was almost cut to the start of her actual chest, not really showing anything and for some odd reason he kind of liked that. Usually, no matter how ravish it sounded, he liked to see that teasing amount of cleavage women always displayed but right now he didn't care. The gentle curls that cascaded down to the small of her back framed her body and the beautiful pin that held some of it back somehow accented her gentle facial features. Arthur didn't know why but he found his eyes directed to her thin lips that were covered with lip gloss.

The strings of the violin began and the azure hedgehog was snapped out of his thoughts. Slowly they began to step, Arthur taking the lead. He watched her, her steps unsteady and her breathing ragged. He bit his lip each time she stepped on his foot and cursed. Not too long after Arthur could hear the chatters and laughter from the other women surrounding them. His chest burned with anger as Elizabeth bowed her head, tears pooling in her eyes. Her ears were pinned to her head and he could hear her trying to hold back a sob. His hand went up and the music stopped.

Elizabeth's head popped up in wonder. She shook her head, salty liquid threatening to escape the bounds of her lids. "Oh! W-what are you-" She instantly when Arthur's finger tilted her head. She was forced to look in his eyes which were swirling with reassurance.

"Elizabeth," he whispered for her ears only. She gasped at how close they were to each other. The purple streaked girl could feel his breath on her cheek and she could make out each detail on his smooth face. "Relax," he breathed, "Just focus on me not them. Let the music flow through you. Do what feels right."

Do what feels right?

She inhaled and exhaled silently. Arthur smiled at her and took her hand. He nodded and the music began to play. Slowly they danced getting used to the other's movements and the rhythm itself. Elizabeth closed her eyes, just like she did with her father. She centered her focus on the king's foot patterns, tuning it with the soft melodies. Her head swayed as she adapted to the smooth pattern and opened her eyes. An expression of happiness filled her face exposing an ear-splitting grin on her muzzle.

Arthur's anger floated away when her joy replaced her sadness. He nodded encouragingly. A look of mischief snaked its way on his face as he decided to take things up a notch. With swift movements he sped up taking Elizabeth with him. She laughed with excitement as they twirled about the room gracefully like two flowers in the wind. Their attention was only on the other's eyes the entire time. Even when Arthur lifted her in the air or dipped her their attention never strayed towards anything or anyone else. It was as if they were the only people in the world.

This feeling was definitely strange but it was positively familiar. Arthur always had this particular feeling around Elizabeth. It was as if he had to make sure she was happy. If she was anywhere near upset, he was upset. His day just couldn't go on if she wasn't smiling. And when they were having fun he felt, well, light. He didn't feel like King Arthur anymore, he felt like Sonic, Sonic the Hedgehog. She brought out someone who was carefree and playful, something he enjoyed.

Right before his eyes, the dance ended. He blinked unsure where he exactly was right now. He could hear their heavy breathes, bodies exhausted from the dancing. Elizabeth's steps that came closer to him snapped him back into reality. His eyes traveled to her blushing face and he raised a brow. Why was she blushing? She did fantastic.

One by one the sounds of clapping hands sounded the room. Soon a thunder of claps banged against their eardrums. Arthur peered through the crowds that surrounded them and a smirk of cockiness spread across his lips. He always knew they made a good team. His forest green irises traveled down to the woman in his arms. He had somehow wrapped his arms around her back, firmly pushing her against his body. Once he realized the position and place they were in he jumped back and cleared his throat, a tint of shade forming on his cheeks. Elizabeth bit her lips and bowed. He returned the bow and they both stood there awkwardly. Elizabeth pointed to the back. "I-I'm gonna…." She jerked her thumb back hoping he had gotten the message. Arthur nodded, stuttering, "Uh, yes! You may go."

Although, he really didn't like seeing her leave.

All I'm going to say is that this will not go the way it's supposed to for Elizabeth.
Feedback, feedback and even more feedback!

Thank you. R&R

~God Bless You~