4

Veronica's Pov

Entranced by what just occurred by the balcony, I awaited near the ledge. I took in a deep breath before making my way back inside the palace. The Emperor spotted me once again, taking me by the hand to the throne. He then cleared his throat making an announcement. "A toast to Miss Smith and her debutante for her coming of age!" He raised his glass in the air, while the crowd raised theirs back. I stood there, kinda awkwardly smiling, with my hands place upon one another, maintaining my posture. "As this is her coming of age, who would like to bestow the first dance with this fine lady?" The crowd fell into a hush, as the prince Charles made his way to the front of the ballroom floor. He kneeled downwards, raising his hand upwards asking for permission. "May I have the honour of your first dance milady?" He smiles. I gently placed my hand in his, as the music began playing. His hand was against my waist, as we danced through the ballroom. All eyes were on us, as he twirled and dipped me. From the corner of my eye, I spotted Alexander, where he gave me a quick smile and wink as he knew that the rightful first dance was his. Our eyes met for a split second before I knew it, the dance was over. I thanked Charles quickly before he was swept away by a crowd of young women.

I made my way through the crowd, as everyone else began dancing. I finally caught my breath, reaching the hallway, before somebody grabbed my hand and whisked me away. I turned my head, realizing it was Alexander. We escaped off towards a garden with roses and daffodils. They were gorgeous. A gazebo was placed upon a river stream, and he leads me towards it. It was truly a majestic sight to see. We sat across one another, as I got lost in his eyes, he smiled. Oh, how it was so charming, goofy, silly, and unbelievably adorable. "Your highness, what are we doing out here?" "Well, I thought you could have used some fresh air, and perhaps some company." I gave him a blank stare. "Did you just...read my mind???" He let out a chuckle, "perhaps, or maybe we're more similar than you thought." "He then led me towards the hedges or roses. Fireflies were in the air, lighting the way. Slow music was played, the sounds of violins in the distance could be heard. Alexander brought me towards the middle of the field. He then asked for another dance. "I know earlier wasn't the most usual place or time to dance, so I'd love to make it up to you." I nodded and giggled slightly as I took his hand. He put his arm around my waist and the sparks of electricity lighted up again. With each step, fireflies emerged from the ground like a fantasy. It was a sight to see, the lights, the flowers, the prince. It was so perfect.

Veronica's Pov

Once the song slowly faded out in the distance, my head rested on Alexander's chest, his head rested on mine, the soft touch of his fingers against my waist. He gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. I gently looked into his pale cool gray eyes. He then placed his hand on my face, gently cupping it before he leant in for a kiss. I slowly wrapped my arms around his neck, as our lips touched. The spark was electrifying as if fireworks had exploded through my body. The sensation of his lips against mine lingered, our eyes meeting again. His arms then wrapped around mine as he held me.

Alexander's Pov

There she stood, gorgeous as ever, how her violet eyes flickered with the reflection of the moonlight against the tops of her eyelashes. How her lips were so soft, pink, and kissable. I leant down, moving my hand against her face. Our lips gently touched, then she wrapped her arms around my neck. With that, our kiss was no longer a mere peck, but something passionate in the heat of the night. I then pulled away, placing a kiss on her forehead, before pulling her into a warm embrace in the night.

Veronica's Pov

I gently broke off the hug, placing my fingers on my lips before looking at Alexander. I flashed my eyes in confusion, as I had yet to process the events that had just occurred. I took a curtsy, as I picked up my dress, leaving for my carriage. With that, was the end of the ball and the end of my first encounter with one of the men I thought I loved.

Charlottes Pov

If only she knew. The way she danced that night, how she dazzled in her teal dress. Her ginger hair, how it flowed so beautifully through the air as she danced. The sparkle in her Violet eyes, when she was dipped. Oh, how her lips, were so pink. How she...just she. No, no it was all wrong. I mean, why would she find any interest in me? I sighed, making my way to the Lou. I looked at myself in the mirror. Pale skin, green eyes, platinum blonde hair. I sat down on the stool, looking at myself in the mirror. I mean, why would she want to be with me. She has the looks, the charms, the...men. I looked down at my hands, fiddling with my fingers. I felt trapped. Nobody knew they couldn't know.

I left the Lou, making my way back to the ballroom. She finished her dance, before quickly going against the crowd. I quickly made my way over towards her, but then he came. Alexander. I quickly trailed behind them, trying not to blow my cover. I watched as they danced through the fields, how the fireflies had complimented her structure. How he got to dance with her. How he, took her away. How she would never look at me the same. I stared at the floor, as I gently wept. Looking back up, while drying my tears, there they were. Lip locked. I knew it. I wouldn't have a chance. It was stupid of me to think that she would notice, that she would care, that she would want to be with me, a girl. Oh, how a girl can only dream.