Once Upon a Dream

Violet smiled happily as she stepped out of the coach. The castle courtyard was deserted save for a few guards. She knew she was quite a bit late, but she didn't care. She was just so happy to be there at all.

She picked up the skirt of the gorgeous violet ball gown her fairy godmother had conjured for her and ascended the castle's front steps. Inside, the halls were empty, but she could hear the faint sound of music. She followed the sound to a set of doors thrown wide open. Walking into the room, she stared around in awe. The ball was in full swing. Women in beautiful gowns and men in distinguished suits were dancing on the dance floor, having refreshments at tables, or talking in small groups.

Not quite knowing what to do with herself, Violet stood near the dance floor and simply watched as couples danced. Everyone looked so graceful, and she found herself wishing she had someone to dance with…

"May I have this dance?"

She gasped and turned, her eyes widening when she saw the man standing beside her. He was tall with silver hair, and he wore a dark suit with a gold sash. She recognized him immediately. It was the king himself. "Y–Your Majesty," she stuttered, dropping into a deep curtsy. "Forgive me, sire. I didn't realize you were right beside me."

"Think nothing of it," he chuckled, motioning for her to straighten up, which she did. "I'm afraid I was so eager to meet the lovely lady whom I observed entering the ballroom that I forgot my manners." He smiled sheepishly. "I hope you'll forgive me."

She blushed lightly. "Well, of course, Your Majesty."

"Good. Then allow me to do this properly." He bowed, holding out a hand. "May I have this dance?"

Violet giggled and accepted his hand. "How can I say no to the king?"

He smiled and led her to the dance floor and began to lead her in a waltz. After dancing for a few minutes, he said, "You are a delightful dancer."

"Thank you, sire," she said, her cheeks warming. "You're not so bad yourself."

"Well, I certainly hope I don't step on your feet," he joked before twirling her.

She laughed. "I wouldn't worry about it," She looked up at him curiously as they swayed to the music. "If you don't mind me askin', what's the occasion of this ball? It's not your birthday, is it?"

He shook his head. "It's all my brother's doing." He sighed. "He seems to think throwing a ball will help me fall in love."

She couldn't help laughing. "Has it worked?"

"Oh…" He hummed thoughtfully. "Well, I did meet a lovely lady whom I would like to get to know." He gave her a warm smile.

Violet flushed. "Sire…"

"Call me Baileywick." He frowned as the music ended. He led her off the dance floor, eying her curiously. "What's your name?"

"Oh, it's…"

…

"Come on, Violet. Wake up."

The maid groaned and opened her eyes. She blinked away the blurriness, realizing she was lying in her bed and not dancing with someone who looked very much like her boss. She turned her head to the side and saw her twin sister standing beside her bed, fully dressed and looking quite impatient. "Suzette," she said, yawning. "I was havin' a lovely dream."

Suzette snorted, folding her arms. "Well, get your snoozin' behind out of bed before Mr. Baileywick comes askin' where you are. We have work to do, you know? The ballroom won't clean itself." She turned and headed for the bedroom door.

Left alone, Violet lay there for a minute more. A smile crossed her lips as her thoughts went back to that beautiful dream she had been having. Imagine that. I danced with him once upon a dream. With a light giggle, she got up and started getting ready for the day.

A/N: So many ships would work with Ball. I had quite a few ideas for this prompt. I finally chose Viowick with a Cinderella/Sleeping Beauty scenario.