Aisling

I sat nervously wringing my hands in the car waiting as it moved slowly through the line of traffic trying to get to the ball. I looked out at the night sky trying to calm myself with the stability of the stars. However, nothing seemed to slow my racing heart as I sat there in Flora's green gown. Looking at it now, I think she may have planned this all along. The gown sat perfectly on me and matched my eyes, bringing out every shade of green. My hair was in loose, golden curls cascading down my bare back. The dress had a high collar that disappeared dipping in a low V down my back, revealing my pale skin. My hair was long enough to cover most of my boney spine only showing minimal skin. The sleeves covered my arms all the way down to my wrists so I didn't need to worry about who was going to see my scars. The skirt was full and covered in a deep green lace with diamonds woven in that sparkled and shone in the moonlight. I wore simple green flats after much protest from Flora who demanded I wear heels but I was going to have enough trouble tonight without trying to walk in heels. I nervously touched my silver bracelet looking to my mother for strength. It was the last thing I had of her and it meant more to me than anything.

Finally, the car came to a stop and someone came to open my door for me, offering me their hand to help me and my gown from the car. I took their offered hand gratefully and thanked them when they let go and I began to make my way up the grand stairs with all the other elegant girls. When I came to the door I nervously handed the invitation over afraid they would question me but the guard simply took it and directed me to the doors of the ballroom where all the girls before me had disappeared through.

I thought after I made it inside my nerves would dissipate but they didn't. Looking around at the ballroom I felt my breath leave my body. It was every little girls dream come true. There were beautiful chandeliers lighting the dance floor and yards of cloth hanging delicately from the ceiling as if they were clouds floating in the blue sky. All of the tables were covered in silver and gold tablecloths and the chairs were intricately carved wooden masterpieces, almost too beautiful to sit on. Candles were scattered around all the tables giving the room a warm glow and flowers of bright blues, yellows and red were exploding from all around the room. I realised I was motionless in the doorway trying to take it all in as all the other guests manoeuvred around me to get inside. The guests who had already arrived were milling around the tables in their finery, a low hum of conversation over the soft music playing in the background.

Slowly, I moved from the doorway still staring around the room in awe of it all. How could something so beautiful exist? It's as if the dreamers of the world came together to create an impossible scene just so these girls could have their one magical night.

After several moments I felt an odd feeling pass over me as if there was someone watching me. Lowering my eyes cautiously from the ceiling of white clouds my eyes instantly found a pair of steel-blue eyes staring at me from across the room. They held me frozen in place, the room disappearing until it was only his eyes gazing back at me. I quickly shook myself afraid of the feelings growing in my heart and instead looked for the nearest exit. Thankfully, there was a set of elegant glass door behind me. I rushed to them and slipped outside letting the crisp night air wash over me, cooling my surprisingly warm cheeks. What was that? Who did those brilliant blue eyes belong to and how did they have such an effect on me? I hadn't been at this ball an hour and already I was running from it. This was going to be a long night, one I wasn't sure Flora would be happy to hear about.

Adam

Where did she go? How could she just disappear? I thought pushing my way through the gathering girls who when realising it was me tried to stop my progression. I shook them off as quickly as possible desperate to find the girl with the captivating green eyes. There was something familiar about them, as if I had seen them somewhere before. I just couldn't remember where.

Finally, I reached the other side of the ballroom but she was nowhere to be seen. I shifted uncomfortably, afraid I wouldn't be able to find her again. Then I saw the glass doors standing ajar and I knew where she had escaped to.

Smiling in relief I walked confidently towards the doors slipping outside before any other girls could try to follow me. The cool air brushed my face when I was outside but my only focus was the girl in the green dress staring up at the night sky, appearing to be lost in her own world. She was completely oblivious to my presence and I took the chance to look at her unabashed.

I had watched her from the moment she entered the room and her green eyes went wide trying to absorb the ballroom decorations. Her mysterious eyes immediately had me entranced. They were so bright and full of wonderment that it was hard to drag my attention away.

I had watched the girls enter with my sister with something less than enthusiasm. Then suddenly, there she was demanding all my attention without even realising it. When her eyes met mine as if she knew I had watched I felt something stir deep inside me. I had never experienced it before at any of the previous balls and it both terrified and excited me. Who was this girl who easily held me prisoner in her bright green eyes? Taking a step towards her I realised it was as if something was pulling me to her, as if my only destination was her. Finally, I decided to let her know I was there, desperate to hear her voice and see her eyes again.

'Why are you hiding out here?' I asked the captivating girl with the golden hair, that almost glowed in the moonlight.

'Checking up on things.' She answered strangely. I was surprised she didn't startle at my sudden appearance but instead answered as if she had known I was there all along despite her being completely entranced by the bright stars hanging in the dark, night sky.

'What's your name?' I asked curiously ignoring her odd statement.

'A-Flora, Flora Avery,' she stuttered, turning to face me and I saw the nervousness in her eyes. 'And you?'

'Adam,' I answered with a small smile, bemused that she didn't recognise me. I watched as she seemed to be thinking my name over, looking at me more intently but she shook her head as if trying to dispel a crazy thought.

'So, what are you checking up on, my dear?' It was a habit I had picked up from my father and I knew it irritated my mother when he called her that but it seemed easiest when there were so many girls and their names were easily forgotten. However, I was certain I would never forget this girl.

'The stars,' she answered lightly before turning to face them again. I watched as her face drifted into something so serene, I questioned how the stars could bring such unguarded adoration in her. I found myself wondering how I could get her to look at me like that.

'What's so fascinating about the stars?' I prodded leaning up against the rail beside her watching as the stars reflected in her beautiful green eyes I just couldn't seem to get enough of.

'Did you ever wonder why some shine brighter than others?' She mused as if she was talking to the universe and not me, the boy standing beside her.

'No, but I assume it is because some are closer to us than others and they are all in various stages of their individual life cycles.' I answered logically, trying to remember everything I had learned in my astronomy lessons. There weren't many to recall, it wasn't a topic which needed to be covered by a prince.

'That's very serious of you,' she smiled never turning to face me as I found myself desperately wanting to know what was swirling around in that curious mind of hers.

'Why do you think they are all different?' I asked after she didn't offer up any more answers.

'They are all dreams,' she explained. 'Each star which hangs in the night sky is someone's greatest dream and only the ones who are willing to fight for their dreams have the brightest stars. Many let the light behind their dreams grow dim until they simply disappear all together.' She was so confident in her answer I couldn't help but ponder her response.

'And which star holds your dream?' I asked amused and intrigued by her tale. Above all I was impressed by her passion, finding myself desperate to know more.

'That one there,' she pointed directly toward the moon and I started to chuckle. However, she paid me no attention as she stared up at it longingly.

'That's the moon, my dear.'

'And it's the brightest wish of all. Only those who believe wholeheartedly in their dreams can have the brightest stars.' She answered simply. I was about to ask her what her great dream was when Harmonia walked out onto the balcony.

'Adam?' She asked hesitantly looking between the curious girl and myself.

'Princess Harmonia,' Flora said in surprise dropping into an awkward curtsey in her haste to turn around.

'You recognise her but not me?' I asked in amusement, looking at the tiny girl. Her eyes darted to me in confusion as I made her wait for the answer.

'This ball is for me, after all.' I whispered, arrogantly and was slightly triumphant when recognition and embarrassment crossed her face.

'I'm sorry your highness, I didn't recognise you.' She breathed apologetically, dropping into another curtsey.

'That's perfectly all right as long as you promise me one thing?' She muttered something under her breath before she answered me.

'What would you like?' She asked suspiciously.

'You will find me before the night is through and share at least two dances with me.' I instructed smugly as she looked up at me with confused eyes.

'I don't-'

'That's a royal command, you wouldn't defy your prince would you?' I heard Harmonia scoff beside me and I knew if this girl was anything like the others I had met she wouldn't pass up the opportunity to spend some time with me. 'Now, if you'll excuse me I have some duties I need to go and attend to.' I smiled turning my back before she could respond and walking confidently from the confused girl. Harmonia following close behind me back into the crowded ballroom.

'Smooth Adam.' She mocked from beside me as we crossed the room to the dais at the front. 'You'll be lucky if she stays to be presented to you.'

'What?' I asked, alarmed.

'You're so ignorant. She's probably fuming right now.' She shook her head disapprovingly. I didn't believe her, I couldn't believe her. How could I have messed this up before it had even begun? I thought, standing up on the dais staring out at the crowd of excited girls but the only eyes I was interested in were the green ones which sparkled with the light of all the stars in the night sky.

Aisling

After the initial shock wore off I felt my blood begin to boil. Who was he to order me around? Then I remembered he was the prince, he had every right to order anyone around. He was right, this was his ball I was attending so I should have wanted to dance with him but I didn't enjoy being spoken to in such a manner. Well, if he thought I was going to seek him out he would be disappointed.

I was fuming when I returned to the ballroom, intent on leaving when I heard Flora's name announced and heads started to turn looking for Flora Avery. I stood frozen as murmurs went around the room and I contemplated running for the door but then I felt his eyes on me and I knew I wouldn't be able to escape. Slowly, I turned to face him and saw amusement dancing in his eyes. What an arrogant, conceited prince. I thought, angrily.

I couldn't believe he had all these girls swooning over him. That was when I realised all the girls were looking at me with annoyed faces as if I had stolen something from them. I just couldn't figure out what it was.

Deciding it would be easier just to go to him now and run later I made my way slowly to the stage almost dragging my feet the entire way. The girls parted reluctantly muttering as I passed by but I ignored them, instead opting to glare at the smug looking prince who was enjoying every second of this.

'Hello again Flora,' he smiled taking my hand and placing a light kiss on it. However, instead of letting it go like I knew he should have, he held it even tighter. 'Harmonia thought you would run.'

'I considered it.' I admitted looking away.

'What changed your mind?'

'I wasn't going to let a self-important prince ruin my night. It's not often I get to do something like this.' I answered offhandedly, wishing he would release my hand so I could escape.

'Don't forget you need to dance with me tonight.' He reminded me finally letting my hand go and I took a few hasty steps back from him incase he wanted to say anything else. He smiled triumphantly before the next girl's name was announced and I quickly melted into the crowd.

Despite the people I put between us I could still feel his eyes on my back and all I wanted to do was get out of here. He was drawing too much attention to me. I already feared that display would get me on the highlights of the night and then Malvolia would know. I shuddered just thinking about what would happen if she found out.

I stopped at the doors considering my options. There was no doubt the camera's had already captured what had transpired between myself and the prince so I was already in trouble. The least I could do was enjoy myself before this magical night came to an end. If I was going to be hurt by Malvolia I was going to make it worth it. Although I didn't want to spend my time with the prince I wanted to experience this beauty even if it was only for one night.

Turning back to face the dance floor I saw all the other girls getting introduced and I ignored the prince's gaze standing at the back waiting for the true festivities to begin. He could dance with whomever he wanted but he was not going to dance with me. I was going to enjoy myself and tell the tales to Flora, maybe leaving out my first meeting with the prince. She didn't need to know I shared my theory about the stars with him, she might have a heart attack from my crazy behaviour. For now Flora and the stories I would tell her were all I would think about because the consequences of this one freedom would weigh me down until all that was left in my heart was terror.

When there was only an hour left of the ball, I felt I had danced enough to satisfy Flora's need for details. I was elated with my night, deeply enjoying all of my dance partners despite knowing in the back of my mind that the prince's eyes would often find me. However, after the first few dances I began to ignore his gaze and lose myself in the music and magic of the evening. If I died tomorrow I would know this was one of the happiest moments of my life. The only thing which could have made it better would have been if Flora could have been here to enjoy it with me.

I had danced with so many partners my feet felt as if they would drop off in protest and my cheeks hurt from all the smiling. An action I wasn't accustom to unless I was with Flora. However, now I needed to get home. If there was even the slightest chance that Malvolia wouldn't find out about this I was going to make sure that I was home before she was.

The guards at the main entrance were about to open the door when a hand wrapped gently around my wrist stopping my exit.

'I believe you owe me at least two dances.' His deep voice filled my ears and I quickly spun to face him.

'I-'

'No, this is my ball and you are my guest.' He said smugly pulling me towards the dance floor.

'Yes your highness,' I grumbled, dreading dancing with him in front of all these people. I knew all their eyes would be on me, all the camera's would be on who the prince was dancing with now. I froze just thinking about the camera's. There was still a chance I wasn't interesting enough to make the report for tonight. I wasn't going to risk it by dancing with him.

'What's the matter?' He asked looking back at me in confusion.

'I-I…there's so many people.' I muttered, trying to keep my face hidden from the invisible camera's.

'I've seen you dancing most of the night. It's never phased you before.' He queried, confused by my sudden shyness.

'Yes, but no one was watching me then.'

'I was.' Instantly, my cheeks flushed red and my eyes went wide. I knew he had watched me but from his tone I could only assume he hadn't taken his eyes from me once.

'How about we dance out on the balcony?' He offered, my mind too scrambled to function.

'You would do that?' I asked in disbelief.

'I would do anything as long as I get to dance with the most beautiful girl in the room.' He answered in a low voice, tucking my arm in his and leading me towards the balcony he had found me hiding on earlier. I peeked up at him subtly, afraid his words were too charming to be real but he was looking down at me with an intensity in his eyes that unnerved me. I quickly looked away afraid of what I found in his eyes.

Once we were on the balcony, the music from inside a distant hum against the night sky, he gently pulled me into his arms. Immediately, I felt warmth fill my body and an odd feeling of security settle over me. Something I had never felt before in my life. I looked up at him in alarm. Where were these feelings coming from and more importantly, how do I make them go away? I can't be having these feelings for a prince, I'm a maid and after tonight I would just disappear into the background, worthless.

I quickly ducked my head when he looked down at me afraid of the stirrings his smile was creating in my heart. Suddenly, his hand was beneath my chin pulling my eyes back to him and strangely I could feel myself returning his smile.

'You have the most intriguing eyes Flora,' he mused as if it were a mystery he needed to solve. 'They're almost as bright as those dreams you claim to light up the night sky.' I found that all I was able to do was stare at him, completely enchanted but his beautiful words.

'How old are you Flora?' He asked curiously.

'Sixteen,' I replied in a daze, how could this arrogant prince have charmed me so quickly?

'And what do you do with your time?' He inquired, swaying the two of us to the gentle breeze and the distant music that was drifting from the ballroom.

'I-I…' My mind started to whirl with what I do everyday but I couldn't tell him that. Flora was a rich man's daughter, living a life of tutor's and endless doctor's visiting her.

'I'm in school,' I threw at him, causing him to look at me with an amused smile.

'Are you sure?' He asked around a poorly hidden chuckle.

'Yes, I'm at school.' I repeated in a slightly more rational tone.

'Okay,' he laughed and I felt him pull me a little closer. Despite everything I found myself welcoming the gesture and not even putting up a fight. My mind and my heart were so confused. What was happening?

'What about your parents?' Instantly I felt sadness and despair wash over me. I hated talking about my parents or more accurately their absence but he didn't want to hear about my parents he wanted to hear about Flora's.

'My father is a successful businessman and travels a lot. However, it meant that my mother was able to stay home with me without needing to worry about working herself.' I lied confidently, pushing thoughts of my real parents to the furthest reaches of my mind.

'You're an only child then?' He prodded, keeping us constantly moving.

'Yeah.'

'That must get lonely. I can't imagine life without my four siblings, especially Amberly. As embarrassing as it is to admit she's my best friend.' He replied shyly and I saw the kind and sensitive prince he kept hidden behind his arrogant exterior.

'It's not embarrassing. I wish I had siblings.' I answered wistfully but what I truly wished for was a family, for parents who loved me. A mother who held me when the world got too hard and a father who protected me from those who tried to hurt me, but that dream would never come true. It was just another dull star fading in the night sky.

'Flora?' Prince Adam's voice broke into my inner musings and I shook myself trying to reorganise my thoughts.

'Am I boring you?'

'No, it's not that, I was just lost in thought I guess.' I answered apologetically.

'I'm fascinated by your mind. You're the first person who I have ever encountered to interpret the stars in such a way.' He smiled, moving a loose curl from my face tenderly.

'I suppose imagination is hard to come by in the life of a prince.'

'I daresay you're right. All my lessons are in etiquette, politics and other serious matters.'

'Dreaming is a very serious matter,' I said gravely.

'Unfortunately, the only dreaming I have time for is the ones I have when I'm sleeping and sadly I barely have time for that either.' He chuckled, squeezing my hand a little tighter as we continued to sway to music of our own rhythm, the ball completely forgotten.

'You shouldn't neglect your dreams, otherwise they'll blink out leaving only darkness.' I answered staring up at the night sky wishing I was among the dazzling stars. I didn't notice the silence until my eyes fell back on him and I found he was gazing back at me with a strange expression.

'Where did you come from Flora?' He asked in unmasked awe and I realised we were no longer moving. I didn't have a chance to answer because something else had captured my attention. The watch on the wrist of his hand which was holding mine tightly struck fear in my heart.

'Is that the time?' I asked dumbly.

'Yes, eleven-thrity. I guess we lost track of it. This might be the first ball I don't want to see end.' He laughed as terror ripped through my body.

'I need to go.' I blurted out, trying to pull myself from his hold.

'What? The ball isn't over yet?'

'I really need to go.' I repeated, finally getting him to release me.

'No Flora, wait.' He begged and I could hear his footsteps running after me.

'I can't,' I answered running through the balcony door. All of a sudden his hand was wrapped tightly around my wrist.

'I don't want you to leave yet, please don't go.' He implored but I couldn't be late. Even the prince's sad blue eyes couldn't make me stay when I knew the price of being found out.

'I need to,' I shot back, desperately tugging my hand free and running for the doors which would lead me from the ballroom. I didn't stop running until I was safely in the car which had brought me here and would take me back to Avery Manor, back to reality. No more prince's, no more ball gowns, no more enchanting words casting spells over my heart.

Yet, despite it all I couldn't wipe the smile from my face as I watched the streets pass by rapidly through the backseat window. I knew I would remember this night forever but even I wasn't foolish enough to dream of a life with a prince. Though the memories would remain and I could bring them out to warm my heart even on the coldest days. Reminding me that even a lowly maid could capture the attention of a prince, if only for a night.

Adam

Why did she run? I thought, looking down at the silver bracelet which had fallen from her wrist when I tried to stop her. I knew this wouldn't be the last time I saw her because there was no doubt she would be my choice to stay at the palace. Logically I knew this, but in my heart I felt uneasy. Something about this was wrong. I felt as if letting her go would take a piece of my heart, leaving me with an empty hole. How was this possible?

Everything she told me about herself tonight she did reluctantly and uncertainly as if it wasn't her past, wasn't her life. Something just wasn't sitting right but I didn't have the chance to examine my unease thoroughly before Harmonia came up beside me.

'Who was that Adam?' She asked curiously, obviously forgetting her from the start of the night. I couldn't forget her if I tried.

'Flora Avery,' I answered distractedly.

'Why was she running?'

'She needed to leave.'

'Is she the one you're going to invite back to the palace?' I nodded in reply, staring at the empty doorway she had just passed through, bewildered by her abrupt exit.

'Do you like her more than the rest?' Harmonia questioned quietly as most of the guests began to leave, the final ball drawing to a close.

'I don't even remember the others.' I admitted unable to draw a single name or face of the previous girls I had chosen. The only face that filled my mind was Flora's, her green eyes shimmering up at me in the starlight.

'Let's go Adam,' my sister encouraged, grabbing my hand. 'I want to go home.' I nodded again and let her lead me from the ballroom. I wanted to get home too. However, instead of dreading the arrival of the girls at the palace, I could barely contain my excitement. The sooner I got home the faster they arrived and the faster I got to see Flora again. How could she completely eclipse my heart in one night? How could she make me want to find my dream among the stars?

Thank you to everyone who has been reading, reviewing, favouriting and following. I hope you're enjoying the story so far. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the character's you have met so far and maybe who you would like to see more of. However, there are still a few you haven't met yet but I hope to introduce them to you soon. Thank you again for reading :)