The kingdom sparkled with candles lit in windows of homes, night was upon it. Carriages, for those who had them, passed through the streets, making their way to the castle, which towered in the distance. From the gates to the doors, guards were stood at equal distances either side of the path way, lighting it for both drivers and those on foot. They looked smart and uniform, and there was little to distinguish one from the next, not that many would be looking at them. At the doorway, guests were greeted and announced to the hall, where a dance was already in swing. At the far end from the steps which allowed access to the room, were 2 occupied thrones, which were that of the queen and the king, both smiling kindly as they watched the meriment. If anyone was looking closely, they would have seen Edward, the eldest crowned prince, dancing away with a striking dark beauty, who was obviously pleased to be the current centre of attention. The only other royal child visible was Princess Avril, dressed in a pretty blue dress and talking to several young men. Anyone who knew her could tell she was little interested and looking for a polite way to excuse herself. The last of the royal children, though he was not a child any longer, was not visible. Stephen, quiet and shy, was absent, but there were many places someone like his was likely to seek refuge.

They hadn't really needed to take the carriage to the palace, but her father enjoyed the splendor of it all. The Lord Thomas Beauchamp with his daughter on his arm, both in their finest dress, arriving at the palace steps in their grand carriage, personal guests of the Queen herself. He was a good man, his daughter knew this, as well as a loving father. But sometimes she feared he loved his title and position too much. Ella Beauchamp's fingers fidgeted nervously. She enjoyed attending the balls and the parties at the palace, she truly did, but she was always afraid of something going wrong. Stepping on her dance partner's toe, tripping while descending the stairs after she'd been announced. These were little fears, meaningless ones that never happened. Her father assured her she had too much of her mother in her for that. Her mother... The late Julianna Beauchamp had been a woman of beauty and grace, and Ella often feared she could never live up to that and regretted all of the years they had lost after Julianna's death when she was a child. Perhaps she was nervous every time she attended a ball because her mother was not there to see and guide her. They had been escorted from the carriage to the door to the hall, and she could hear the merriment already in full swing inside. Her father spoke quickly to the announcer, and Ella smoothed the fine red material of the gown her father had bought for her a few months ago, checked to make sure her brown hair was still swept away from her face and secure in it's up do, and touched the beautiful silver necklack around her neck, the one her father had given her before leaving their home that night. The one that had belonged to her mother. "Lord Thomas Beauchamp and his daughter, Lady Ella," she heard the man announce, and her father took her arm as they were ushered through the door. They descended the steps, looking around them at the ongoing ball. The dancing, the splendid decorations, the nobles and royals in their best wear. Ella never tripped once, smiling and nodding politely as she passed. Her father swept her across the hall to were the thrones stood, and she briefly caught the eye of Princess Avril and smiled excitedly. The stopped before the King and Queen, and Thomas bowed while Ella curtsied. "Your Majesties," Thomas addressed them humbly and respectfully. Ella's head rose slightly so she could meet the Queen's gaze, a gaze she had known and loved her entire life, and her smile became softer. "Hello, Godmother."

The Queen seemed to have been waiting for her. With a look of pure pleasure, she rose from her seat and stepped toward her god child. Queen Cassandra was a beautiful woman, whose age hadn't seemed to take away any of her grace or charm. She took her god daughter within her arms, stroking her hair and then holding her at arms length. Her eyes fell upon Julianna's necklace and for a moment her eyes were a little sad, but then she looked into those of, as far as she thought of the girl, her niece. Julianna had been her best friend, practically a sister, and nothing would change that. "You look stunning, my darling," she said, a hand touching the girl's face lightly. She seemed to recall that Thomas was there. "My Lord," said the Queen with due warmth and kindness, inclining a head to him as she released his daughter. "I trust this eve finds you well?" It was a token gesture, but she'd have done anything for Ella. "Enjoy the party," she said to both of them, giving Ella a lingering look. The Queen loved parties, but she knew that she couldn't keep Ella with her any more than stop the tide going out.

Ella had only a few precious memories of her mother. Her mother's soft hair, her kind smile, her gentle touch. And then she had been gone, taken by an illness that had swept through the kingdom one winter. It had devastated her father, who had become withdrawn for a very long time after losing his beloved wife, and Ella had been alone and confused and sad. Luckily for her she had had her godmother, who had always been a loving presence. For years Ella hadn't see a queen when looking at Cassandra, but her mother' best friend, her godmother, a woman who loved her like family and accepted her into her home. She knew that she was special in a way. Ella's godmother was the Queen, after all, and the palace was a second home to her, one which she was able to come and go as she pleased. The royal children had been her playmates and she still had a close relationship with at least one of them. She had never let it get into her head, though. Cassandra's embrace was welcome and warm, and Ella held her godmother's arms and smiled up at her, blushing slightly when the Queen told her she looked stunning. "Thank you, Godmother." Thomas was happy for some attention when Cassandra gave it to him. He had truly loved his wife with all of his heart, but Julianna's, and now Ella's, close relationship with the Queen and the royal family had always been a source of pride for him. "Even more well now that we are here, My Queen," he told her. "As always we were honored to receive your invitation." With one last look between godmother and goddaughter, Cassandra bid them to enjoy the party. Ella gave her godmother's arms a final squeeze before her father swept her away again. They wandered and mingled for a few moments, Thomas proudly reintroducing her to some of his noble friends, when Ella caught sight of Avril again and noticed she was surrounded by several young man. Ella considered the princess to be one of her best friends, and she could see the disinterest in her eyes. She excused herself from her father, and made her way over to where Avril and her admirers were conversing. "Princess Avril," Ella said, curtsying quickly. She looked at her friend and smiled, letting her knew she was intending to rescue her. "You look absolutely breathtaking this evening."

Avril's look was of pure relief and joy. She didn't forget herself, but bobbed a little formal greeting. "Lady Ella." It was for show. Avril never called her friend Lady when they were together, but there were some formalities that had to be seen. "If you'll excuse me, gentlemen," she said, giving them a soft smile before taking Ella's arm and steering her away. "I am in your debt. Why can they not find another girl to talk to?" The difference between Avril and most girls was that they wouldn't mean it. It would be only lip service to receive compliments from their friends. Avril didn't like being cornered by boys, which was why she was so often in the company of her brother Stephen, as he seemed to put them off coming over. Stephen wasn't scary, but when he was near her the rest stayed away. She'd already lost him in the party. Avril's idea of the perfect man, or at least her dream, consisted of masks in ballrooms, a white horse. She wanted to be swept off her feet. She didn't want these boys. "You look wonderful," she said to her friend, giving her a happy smile. "I am so pleased you are here. I was worried I would not see a single friendly face." Around the room, the long doors were open to the warm night, allowing a little cool breeze in. There was only a one balcony, up a set of stairs and around the gallery slightly. People were in the gallery, but the balcony was pleasantly quiet with only 2 figures on it, one leaning on the frame and staring out over the lights of the city, the other against the wall, looking partly at attention. It was a good view to watch the arrival of people, but it was nice just to look out across everything. Both figures wore black, one being the uniform of the guards, and the other a fine set of clothes. "It's a nice night," said the guard, looking at his Prince's back. "It is," said Stephen, with a little warmth to the voice. "Are you and the rest of the men to stand on duty all night?" "Until given leave," said the guard, the looked somewhat more relaxed. "But I'm one of the lucky ones. I might be posted on my own, but it's a good view." He'd known the Prince before today, having met him whilst he was visiting the barracks. They'd formed conversation and he was surprised to find he rather liked him. The Prince didn't except ceremony and seemed more himself when in the barracks. "Well, for now at least, you aren't alone," said Stephen, turning his head to give him a rare smile. The guard, whose name was Hiro, moved to the Prince's side, and there they stood, looking at the lights in the distance.

Ella's mouth spread into a smile at Avril's words. "Unfortunately no other girl at this party tonight is a princess, Avril." She looked over at her friend, eyes warm and genuine. She had known the princess for what seemed like her whole life due to her mother's and now her own close relationship with the queen, and she had spent many days playing and wandering with the princess, riding horses and taking lessons in dance and sewing. She had also spent many nights at the castle, sharing secrets and late night treats with Avril. She knew the sort of man Avril dreamed of, and knew that it was more than likely none of the young men here were what she wanted. "I am sure a hero will come to sweep you away someday soon, Avril." She genuinely meant it. When Avril mentioned that she had feared she wouldn't see a friendly face Ella laughed a little. "You know I would never miss one of your parents' parties. I have to admit it, but I think this one is even grander than the last, if that is even possible." Her head turned to look at the dancers, catching a glimpse of Avril's oldest brother, Edward, sweeping a beautiful girls around the room. "I see Edward is having a good time," she said conversationally. As small children Ella and all three of the royal children had been close friends and playmates. In many ways Ella had almost thought of herself as a fourth sibling, or at least a close cousin. The two boys grew and drifted, though. Edward had probably changed the most. He had grown into a handsome young man, the kind of handsome that made people's heads turn. He was very aware of it, though. As for the middle child, Stephen... "Where is Stephen?" Ella asked Avril, glancing around the ballroom and not spotting the second prince. "He's usually the one who chases the boys away from you, not that I mind doing his job for him." She smiled a little at her own jest. "Hiding away again?"

"Exactly," she said with annoyance. "They see the title. They don't see me." She looked at the ceiling, then seemed to remember this was a party. "Anyway...,"she said, blushing a little. "I lost Stephen. I don't know where he ended up." It was true, Stephen had been a little distant and had vanished the moment her back was turned. He always was good at hide and seek as a kid. She could remember the 3 of them, Edward, her and Ella spending ages finding him. Sometimes they never did. But as they'd gotten older, Edward had found an interest in hunting and girls. Stephen had become quiet, preferring books. She adored both her brothers, but they were so different, in appearance and in interest. Both boys were, in her opinion handsome, but Edward was a dark blonde and well built, Stephen's hair was a dark brown and slight. They were of a similar height now. "Shall we go find him?" she asked brightly. "Or would you like to find a partner to dance?" "Should you not go back to the party?" Hiro asked Stephen. "It's okay," Stephen replied, his gaze back at the view. "I like the peace." "Isn't there someone you'd like to see?" Hiro asked, with mock teasing, but was a little surprised when Stephen's cheeks grew a little pink. "I'm sorry, my...." "You know I don't like you to call me that," said Stephen. "And you have no need to make apologies to me. You say what you think and I wish I could be more like you." Hiro ran a hand through his hair, a common habit when he was nervous or embarrassed. "I'm glad you've joined the guard," said Stephen. "But if you start acting like I'm royalty, I will...." But the threat was not even meant, anyone could see that. Hiro hadn't met any of the other royals, other than the King and Prince Stephen. They'd known each other for a while now, and sometimes he got the feeling that the boy was lonely, and would have traded situations in a heart beat.

Stephen had always had a talent for slipping away and hiding. He had always been the quietest of the siblings, her friends, but over the years he had grown quieter, more distant. There were many times when she had visited the castle and hadn't seen him once. He seemed to have changed, like Edward had, only Ella had never been able to think of an explanation for Stephen. One day he was there, the next he wasn't. And when she did actually get to see and speak with him he was oddly stiffer and more formal than he used to be. It had pained her at first, because they had been so close. And for years she feared that it had been because of her. That she had done something to cause him to act this way. Sometimes she still wondered if that were true, but Ella was just happy whenever she did get to see and speak with Stephen. She still considered him a friend, despite it all. Edward, as well, even if their interactions were almost as brief. Still she longed to ask Stephen why. Why had he started to act so distant and strange? She looked at Avril, brows furrowed in consideration. Her brown eyes flickered to the dance floor, catching sight of Edward twirling his partner. She did so love to dance... But exploring the castle in search of her friend, something she hadn't had a chance to do in what felt like an age... Smiling, Ella's eyes met Avril's again. "The night is young, and there will be more dances and more partners later. Let's go look for Stephen."

Avril gave a grin, and off they went, Avril giggling occasionally and talking of times gone by, as well as admiring clothes. She was more relaxed when she was with Ella, that was for sure. But in Avril's head there was a plan that she hadn't shared with her friend. Over time she'd noticed Stephen seemingly drift away from Ella. He was sometimes in the room, but he would be quiet and say little, or make an excuse to go. There was no single moment where this had occurred, but it was as gradual as a stone being worn away by the sea into sand. The worst thing was that she knew that Stephen didn't dislike Ella. She didn't know any more than that, but when they were young it was always Stephen who would play with them, even when Edward was too mature to keep playing kids games. She didn't like the idea that she might have to choose between them. When they reached the doors of the balcony, there was not 1 but two figures with their backs to them. They were similar in build and in the light it was hard to tell the difference. "Stephen?" she called with some confusion, which caused both young men to turn around, revealing her brother and a young man she'd never met. He was wearing the uniform of the guard she could now see. H blushed somewhat and mumbled something that was most likely "your highness," as he gave a quick bow and hastily returned to his post. Avril couldn't help but watch him, then realized she was doing so when he looked at her and quickly looked away.

Ella's arm was still looped through Avril as they moved across the hall, weaving through couples and groups of conversing nobles. They giggled and whispered to one another, just like they always did, and admired the lord's fine coats and the ladies's sweeping gowns. Avril seemed to know her brother's favorite hiding spots because it didn't take them long to find themselves at a doorway leading out to a balcony. There was a magnificent view of the kingdom and beyond from up there, the golden lights from the village windows illuminating the ground while the stars and moon twinkles and glowed in the night sky above. Admiring the view was two figures, young men in black, and it was only when Avril spoke that they turned and they were able to distinguish them. One was garbed in the uniform of the guard, the other in finer cloth. Edward was the prince who made heads turn, the handsome one who the girls downstairs were waiting to dance with. That was a bit unfair for Stephen, and seemed to insinuate that he was not handsome. That wasn't the case at all. His hair was very dark and he had intelligent eyes, and it was a different kind of handsome. A softer kind. Ella smiled at him, inclining her head and giving him a short curtsy of respect. "Prince Stephen. It's been too long. I hope you're well?"

"I'm sorry," Avril said. "We didn't mean to interrupt." Stephen wasn't looking at her. His eyes had been on Ella, but he seemed to stiffen at the sight of her and then bowed quite low. "Lady Beauchamp," he said, causing Avril to give him a shake of the head. "You two are as bad as each other," she said teasingly. "You've known each other too long to bother with titles." When Stephen straightened, his cheeks looked a little flushed, but he quickly turned his head. "We came to find you," she said, purposely not looking at he guard behind her. "You shouldn't be hiding up here." She gave a little grin and guestured to Ella, "you should be asking her to dance." Stephen looked slightly alarmed but managed, "I beg your pardon, Lady... Ella. Forgive my rudeness. Please allow me to escort you to the ballroom floor." He offered her his arm. Avril, who now was out of his line of sight, nodded furiously at her friend, gesturing for her to take the hint.

ooc; it's Lady Beauchamp :p There it was. The stiffness and formality that had never been in Stephen when they had been young, but had started happening more and more when they had reached adolescence. When he had changed. Perhaps he thought she had changed, as well. But couldn't he see she hadn't? That she was the same Ella she always had been? The one he had played with, the one who loved reading stories and singing songs and exploring the secrets of the palace? She had grown older of course, more mature as well, but Ella hadn't changed that much, had she? Avril proposed that he asked her to dance, and Ella looked over at her in surprise. Where had that come from? She looked back at Stephen, who was offering her his arm, and noticed Avril gesturing for her to accept. For a moment she looked at her friend, surprised and confused over why Avril was being so insistent and enthusiastic about this. But then her brown eyes met Stephen's and she let herself smile. "I would be honored, Stephen," she replied as she took his arm. Quickly shooting Avril a quizzical smile over her shoulder, Ella allowed Stephen to escort her from the balcony back to the hall. As she walked arm and arm with him Ella looked over at Stephen and felt herself smile. "This should be interesting," she said, "I think the last time we danced I was twelve and you were thirteen? I stepped on your toes." She smiled a littler wider, hoping the statement would get a smile out of him, as well.

Ooc: sorry. Changed it. I’ve got 2 similar threads going. :S He looked over her head at his sister, who was smiling and following behind, though at a little distance. Did he imagine her looking at something, pausing just before she left the balcony? He was brought back by Ella's words. "You always did like to dance," he said, looking at her and then flushing slightly but seeming to relax. The descended the stairs that led to the main floor, where the dance was ending. This could be.... The crowd parted as they reached the foot of the stairs and for a second, Stephen was puzzled. He may have been a Prince, but no one ever seemed to notice him. But it became clear as a figure, beaming and wearing finery in red and gold walked over to them. Stephen seemed to freeze. "Stephen," he said with great enthusiasm. "You found my partner. Thank you so much." Edward turned a dazzling smile on Ella, behind him several girls looked extremely unhappy. "Ella," he said with charm, holding out a hand, "my mother has expressed a great wish to see you dance with me. Will you do me the honor?" Without waiting for a response, he bowed and took her hand, pulling her away from Stephen and sweeping her onto the floor before a protest could be made. Then the dance had begun and he was swirling her around the floor. Stephen stood very still, not moving until the crowd closed once more and Ella and Edward were lost to the couples. "Stephen?" said Avril's voice behind him. It was quiet and concerned. He blinked hard and turned to her. "Excuse me," he said, as formally to his sister had she been a stranger. Then he was gone and she knew she wouldn't be able to find him this time. On the dance floor, Edward was looking very pleased with himself. "You look so very beautiful tonight," he said charmingly, gazing down at her like she was the most important creature in the world. "It's hard to believe when I remember you playing in the gardens with mud up to your ankles." He gave a hearty laugh, swirling her around and around. He was strong, but his grip was gentle.

Ella smiled a little more, seeing a bit of the old Stephen breaking through the surface. She though she might have seen a bit of color rush through his cheeks when they met gazes, but it may also have been a trick of the dim lighting. Yes...that was what she had seen. It had to be. She was in high spirits when they entered the hall that she did not notice at first that the crowd had parted upon them entering. Then Ella's brown eyes blinked and they turned to see the parted crowd and Edward approaching them, a perfect and dazzling smile worn on his face. And directed right at her. Confusion filled her when Edward stopped before them, and it took her a moment to realize that he said his "partner" he was talking about her. And then he was looking at her, and she was taken aback by just how handsome Edward was. It was intimidating and enthrall inc to have all of his attention on her, and when he asked for a dance she was speechless. "I'm sorry Edward, but Stephen asked for a dance first. Perhaps after." That was what she wanted to say, what she should have said, but Edward didn't give her a chance. He took her hand, the one that wasn't holding Stephen's arm, and before she knew what was happening Ella felt herself being pulled forward. Stephen's arm was wrenched from her grasp as Edward spirited her away to the dance floor, and Ella's head turned to get one last glimpse of Stephen. Her mouth was parted in an unspoken protest, her expression surprised and her eyes filled with regret. Seeing Stephen there left alone seemed to break her heart for an inexplicable reason. Then she was in Edward's arms and he began to dance, Ella instinctively falling into step with him. They swept across the floor with perfect grace, and she was somehow certain that they were now the center of attention. Her head turned, catching a glimpse of her godmother watching them, but Edward swept her away before she could clearly see the queen's expression. Ella's head turned again and she tried to find Stephen in the crowd, but that was an impossible task. Edward spoke, complimenting her beauty, and Ella looked up at the eldest prince as he gazed at her in a way he had never looked at her before. The words and his gaze made her cheeks go warm as she blushed. "Thank you," was all she was able to get out. His next words caught her by surprise, and she looked up at him with a small but genuine smile across her lips. "I distinctly remember you throwing some of that mud at me, Edward." She joined in on his laughter, she couldn't help it really. He had an infectious laugh. She couldn't remember the last time Edward had made her laugh. Or that last time he had paid this much attention to her. Edward twirled her around and around the dance floor, the skirt of her red gown swirling around them and Ella thought that some strands of her brown hair must have surely come loose. She leaned into him and clutched his hand and shoulder a bit more tightly. "Sorry," she breathed, looking up at him with slight embarrassment. "I got a little bit dizzy. You are very good at this. Dancing, I mean."

At her rebuke that her muddy child hood was due to him, he gave a good natured laugh. “Well, we were children,” he said with obviously pleasure at their past, not seeming to notice the way his words caused her to colour. When she seemed to need more support, his grip became more firm, not in a hard way, but in a way that said whilst she was his partner, she wouldn’t need to worry. Reassuring. “I’m sorry,” he said, though he was still smiling. “I do get a little enthusiastic.” It was true. Most balls Edward spent in high spirits, for they were something he loved. He loved the social aspect. He must have danced with a different girl every dance. “You are a wonderful dancer,” he complimented her, just as the song began to draw to a close. “I’m so pleased that you allowed me the pleasure of partnering you.” He held her whilst other couples clapped, making sure she wasn't going to fall. “Take it easy,” he said, as he escorted her from the floor. “Sit for a bit. I hope I wasn't too rough with you.” Behind them, there seemed to be a press of bodies, but he was only looking at her for the moment. “I’ll get you some water, Ella,” he said, gesturing to a chair for her to take and striding off, the crowd opening and closing as he moved within it. Avril had retreated to the landing upstairs again, looking over it into the dance. She saw the clear pleasure on her friend’s face as she and her elder brother turned around and round. She turned her back to where they swirled and stepped out onto the balcony for the second time that night, but Stephen wasn’t there. She’d persuaded him, practically forced him to ask Ella to dance. “Are you alright, your highness?” She jumped at the voice, forgetting that Hiro was posted out there, his dark uniform allowing him to blend so well with the shadow of the wall. “I apologise,” he said, giving a quick bow, though his head was raised again before his body could catch up. “I didn’t mean to startle you.” She caught her breath and then gestured around, saying by explanation, “I thought Stephen would be here.” The guard looked puzzled. “I’m sorry, your highness, but didn’t he just leave in your company?” She felt her cheeks flush. “Never mind,” she said quickly, leaving Hiro to stand there watching her go. Back inside, she heard the beat of feet as the dance progressed but she had no time to look. “Your majesty,” came a voice, which belonged to one of the boys who had been talking to her before. He was flanked by 2 others, all of them smiling in a friendly way, and seemed to think this the time to speak with her. “Will you attend the hunt tomorrow?” the one on the left asked, which was quickly answered, not by Avril, but by his friend. “Don’t be stupid,” his friend said with obvious annoyance. “She’s a lady. Ladies don’t do anything like that.” There was no need for her to speak, for the 3rd interjected, saying that ladies could hunt if they liked. It was the problem with groups of boys like these. They heard each other but never noticed that the female had not uttered a word. “Princess Avril does not hunt,” said a voice from behind her. “She doesn’t enjoy the sport as she thinks it cruel.” Avril, and the 3 boys, all sons of lords or gentry, turned to see Hiro, who was now stood in the balcony door frame, silhouetted by the moon outside. “And who are you?” said one of the boys snottily, looking him up and down like he was filth. Avril realised that in this light, like on the balcony, it was difficult to see the guard uniform. “He’s exactly who I was supposed to be meeting,” she said bravely, causing the boys to look shamefaced, but none more than the one who had spoken. “Good evening, gentlemen.” He looked shocked as she took his arm and led him back outside. She waited until they were beyond the ears of the boys and said, "do you know how much trouble you could have been in?" Hiro gave a silly grin and shrugged. "My lady was in trouble so I had to intercede. It's part of the job." She turned away so he didn't see her flush. She knew he'd said "my lady" like he would say "your majesty" but it had made butterflies move in her stomach. Also it was rare to find someone who would use a word like intercede. She looked to him and gave a curtsy, which she had the mild satisfaction to seeing caused him to redden and look panicked. "Thank you," she said as she straightened. "Please excuse me, but I believe my friend, by now should have finished dancing. She didn't wait for him to say anything, but headed back to the landing and down the stairs to where Ella was, feeling her own cheeks were heavily flushed. The clapping of the couples as the music had ceased died away again had already finished when she found her friend. "You've finished now," she said to her friend, sitting beside her. "Where's Edward?"

ooc; if you ever want me to take on a character so you're not just talking to yourself all of the time, I'm more than happy to. At this point I'm only playing two characters and I feel a bit guilty ha, although I am planning on making more. Perhaps a rival for Edward's attention? By the time the dance was beginning to draw to a close Ella's head was spinning. It wasn't just because of all the times Edward had twirled her around and around, either. It was also because of the way Edward was gazing at her, how it seemed to make her heart race and flutter all at once. Or how he was holding her, firm enough to secure her yet gentle enough to reassure her. Her skin seemed to tingle beneath his touch. She honestly hadn't expected the attention from the eldest prince to affect her in this way. And yet she remembered looking back at Stephen as she was pulled away from him, seeing him there alone with his expression frozen upon his face. And she felt the guilt and regret making her stomach ache. Then the dance was over, and Edward was gently leading her off of the dance floor. Ella's head still whirled, not just due to dizziness, and her hand gripped his arm. "It wasn't you," she reassured him truthfully. "You were wonderful. I should be thanking you for asking me to join you." He hadn't really asked, though, she reminded herself. He had all but stolen her away from Stephen, although that had probably not been his motivation. Her eyes darted around the hall but she could not spot the darker haired prince anywhere. He had probably hidden away again, and it was her fault. Why couldn't she had protested when Edward had swept her away? Why had she enjoyed dancing with Edward so much? What if Stephen had seen and he really did hate her now? Why did she care so much? Dancing with Edward had been so wonderful and exciting and he had held her with such firm and gentle hands? Her head was spinning again, now with a confusion that Ella did not comprehend. Edward indicated she could sit, and she sank into the velvety cushion with a grateful expression on her face. He said he was going to get her some water and she managed to smile up at him. "Thank you for being so gentlemanly, Edward." Then he was gone in the crowd, and she was left alone with her uneasy thoughts and confusion. Until Avril reappeared. Ella was so happy to see her, and she reached out and gripped her friend's hand. "Getting me some water," she told her after Avril asked where Edward had gone. "I got a bit lightheaded. Have you seen Stephen? I'm so embarrassed, Edward came out of no where and didn't even give me a chance to respond. Before I knew it he had pulled me away and we were dancing." Her cheeks went a bit pink, simultaneously feeling pleasure over the wonderful dance and shame over abandoning her original partner. "Avril I just left him there! I feel awful." If he didn't hate me before, he does now. Words she almost said but Ella stopped herself before she had a chance to form the first word.

ooc; make as many as you like. It was only because last time I played this, Avril was more of a “filler” character, so I thought I’d have a go at giving her someone to work against, for good or bad. I find sometimes you need to put in some action for a character so they’re not “in the wings” when they’re not interacting. NPC’s are okay but sometimes they need a name and a purpose. Kind of like in a story. A rival for Edward’s attention would be interesting, especially because you have not seen what he’s like… yet. ;) Avril listened to her friend’s explanation, nodding with sympathy. It was clear, as it had been from the start, that Ella had never meant to hurt Stephen. Edward was smooth and, though Avril didn't say, used to getting what he wanted. Stephen was used to playing second fiddle, so having his partner taken by Edward would have felt a lot like history repeating itself. She just smiled at her friend. Ella had been close to the boys when they’d been young, but they’d changed. Avril was glad, in some ways, that Ella hadn't been there for some of the things. Avril hadn't always been either. She wanted to reassure her friend. “You know what he’s like,” she said, patting her friend’s hand. “I bet he’s gone to read a book. These events never really were his thing.” That was true. Stephen came and found somewhere else to be. Stephen wasn't Edward. “You looked like you had fun,” she added, trying to move her friend’s thoughts away. Edward returned with a fine wine glass, which he offered her. It contained water, but at a party drinking water would have seemed odd, so it was like it was camouflaged. Edward, smiling, said, “sorry ladies, but I will need to leave you to it. Can’t be seen to show favorites. Ella, a pleasure.” With a smile and a bow, he was gone, another girl already jumping at the chance to dance with him. Edward was always popular at these things, and not only because he was the heir to the throne. He seemed genuinely liked by many. He was personable and charming. Avril sat looking forward. “Want another partner?” she said brightly. “I’m sure there are plenty of boys willing to dance still.”

Ella nodded her head at Avril's words, feeling some reassurance from them. "Yes," she said in agreement. "He was never very fond a large gatherings." She smiled a little. "I guess I just feel ashamed. I meant to dance with him, and I didn't mean to disappoint him." She looked at Avril and her smile softened. "Yes, I did. It was fun, though. Edward is quite graceful. For a young man, of course." Edward returned, striding towards them carrying a glass of liquid that looked suspiciously not like water, and Ella hid her amused smile for one of politeness. He presented it to her and after a moment of hesitation she took it and nodded her head graciously. "Thank you, Edward. And thank you again for the dance. It was wonderful." She watched him go back out to the floor. There seemed to be a line of ladies lined up, all ready for him to pick them as his next dance partner. A young woman with pale gold hair falling in perfect soft curls and an elaborate jade green gown that matched her eyes seemed to materialize out the crowd and edged another girl out of the way in order to secure her spot as Edward's next partner. Lady Theresa Du Locke smiled angelically at him as the music began She was also a regular at palace events, her father a local lord like Ella's was, but her popularity and favor at the court was something she'd worked for years on her own. "Prince Edward," she said as she curtsied respectfully. "A dance with you would be an honor, as it always is. If you'll have me. That last dance went so long I was afraid we wouldn't have an opportunity to speak at all tonight." Meanwhile Ella had sniffed the contents of the glass and after discovering it contained water that had been disguised took a sip. At Avril's suggestion of finding a new partner, she nodded. "In a moment, perhaps. I'd like to weigh in my partner options first. There are quite a few here tonight." She looked over at Avril and smiled mischievously. "What about you? Have there been any other young men that have actually caught your eye tonight?"

Edward seemed not to mind his next partner and bowed to her with a smile. "Always a pleasure, Lady Theresa," he said with a grin. "So you'd like a dance? Well I'm always happy to accommodate a beautiful woman." It didn't matter how long a woman knew Edward. Unlike Stephen with his stiff formal manners, Edward was casual when it came to names. He always called them by their first names, unless there was a chaperon or parent within ear shot. He offered his arm, completely different to how he'd been with Ella. "Shall we, my lady?" he asked as the band struck up. Avril had to admit, only to herself though, that Stephen had looked so... she couldn't think of the words. He was so gentle, and though she'd pushed him, it would have cost him a lot to agree to dance with her. Then Edward had swooped in, and Ella obviously was sorry, but also happy. Edward, she said, was already engaging a new partner. She looked to her friend in time to catch the last part and found her cheeks flush. "Please," she said, rolling her eyes and quickly looking away. "The boys here are just that. They think because they have a title they are entitled." She didn't want to think of the incident upstairs. Nor of that strange guard. "I think my mother will end up arranging my marriage," she added. "She may even just make me a dance card and force me to dance with all the eligible gentlemen." The Queen was protective of her daughter, but it was also clear that she wanted Avril to marry well. Avril's greatest fear was that she'd be sent to another kingdom as the bride of some ogre. Her parents wouldn't do that to her, but it was something she sometimes worried about. Maybe she'd never be married. She knew she wanted to make Stephen happy first. She could wait until then. "What are the village boys like?" she asked in a nonchalant way, wondering for the first time if they would have betters manner and be more interesting than those that attended court. She felt her cheeks get hot and laughed a little. "I bet they're all the same," she added, though she secretly found herself hoping they weren't.

Ella was sympathetic to Avril's dilemma. She knew what her friend really wanted in his future husband and marriage: someone exciting who could sweep her off of her feet. Someone who didn't just see her for her royalty, someone whose title didn't give them a feeling of superiority or entitlement. A man she'd never met, and would likely never meet at an event such as this. Ella figured Avril was probably right when she said that Cassandra would end up arranging her marriage, and she winced a little at the idea. Avril wouldn't be happy marrying a man she didn't know, and Ella feared that her godmother would marry Avril off to some lord or prince or king in some far off land and she never see her best friend again. It was a childish fear, something that would likely never happen. But it was still there. Her friend asked about the village boys, and Ella looked over at her in slight surprise. When Avril lamented that they were probably the same, Ella smiled and shook her head slightly. "Not exactly. I mean, it's difficult to say, really. The boys in the village have always been polite and respectful when I've spent time there, but they are also not trying to impress you with possessions or titles or power. Whenever I take walks through the village and visit the shops I have a wonderful time." She looked over to where the king and queen were sitting, still far enough away that they couldn't overhear. Then she looked at Avril with a smile. "Why don't you see for yourself? Tomorrow when everyone is preoccupied with the hunt you could come to my father's house to visit. And we could...well...slip away? Take a walk and explore the village?" Theresa gladly accepted the prince's arm. "You honor me, Prince Edward," she said charmingly, and they gracefully moved to the dance floor. She glanced over her shoulder at the disappointed girls left behind in their wake and smirked. Her expression was composed and lovely again by the time she face Edward, then the music began and they started to dance. "You were dancing so beautifully with Lady Ella," Theresa commented, "I'd almost forgotten that you two were old friends. When my father used to bring me to the palace as a child I remember watching you and your siblings and Lady Ella playing together...you looked inseparable." She blushed a perfect blush. "Truth be told I was a little envious of her. It was almost like she was a fourth royal child."