Parker sits on the Gustan palace roof to look at the stars.
"here's your crown darling... It's nice a polished for the ball tonight." His mother said from the window.
*He takes it and looks at his mom. "It's beautiful," he replies with a soft smile before setting it aside and going back to staring up at the stars. He thinks of how lucky he was to have such a wonderful family, even if they did live in danger from Tasmania. He wonders what his life would be like without them, but quickly pushes those thoughts away. Tonight was supposed to be about celebrating and enjoying himself. As long as he had his people and their loyalty, nothing could go wrong.
"tonight is about you and our kingdom.. everyone will be looking to you. Wondering what kind of king you'll be." His mother spoke softly.
"I'll be the best one they could ever hope for," he assured her with confidence. "You raised me to know right from wrong and I won't let you down." He grinned up at her before leaning in to kiss her hand, his blue eyes twinkling with determination. "Now, go inside and enjoy the ball. I'll be there soon enough."
His mother smiled lovingly before disappearing from the window, leaving him alone once more with the stars and his thoughts.
he went inside his room to get into his royal attire.
As he dressed in his finest suit and cloak, adjusting the gold emblem on his breastplate, Parker couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety building within him. Tonight was the night that everyone would judge him; they would decide whether or not he deserved to rule over Gusta. He knew what was expected of him, and he was prepared to meet every challenge head-on.
as he was about to leave the room he noticed he forgot to put on his crown and it was still out of the roof. When he peaked out the window it wasn't sitting there. It must have slid off to the ground below.
He swore under his breath as he realized what had happened and hurried over to the window. His heart raced as he searched the ground below, desperate to find the crown before someone else did. It was only a matter of time before one of his guards spotted it missing and came rushing up here to investigate.
A glint of metal caught his eye near a bush, and with a sigh of relief, he climbed down.
"how did you manage to drop your crown out the window?" I softly asked with a smile from the shadows as I bent down to pick it up for him. "Scared me half to death. I was walking and it almost hit me." I added as I stepped out of the shadows and he could see me more clearly. I was gorgeous. I was wearing a black elaborate ball gown that sparkled like the night sky. I was clearly a princess.
"You startled me," he admitted with a smile as he took the crown from her outstretched hand. "Thank you." He couldn't help but notice how beautiful she was. Her dress suited her perfectly, making her look like an angel fallen from heaven. "And you are?" he asked, curiosity getting the better of him.
Her smile grew wider as he looked at her.
"The successor of the tasmanian throne.. but you may call me Analese.." I told him with an even deeper curtsey.
He blinked in surprise at her words before regaining his composure and bowing slightly in return. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Princess Analese," he said politely. There was something about her that intrigued him, even though she came from the enemy kingdom. He wondered what sort of person she was beneath all the royalty and politics.
"You look absolutely stunning tonight," he added with a genuine smile. "The ball will be lucky to have you."
"I won't be staying long. One dance and then I'll be on my way." I told him as we walked inside.
He nodded understandingly, leading her through the crowd towards the dance floor. "Will you allow me the honor of dancing with you then?" he asked as they stopped in front of a group of musicians. She looked up at him, her eyes sparkling like sapphires, and he held his breath, hoping she'd say yes.
Her lips curved into a smile, and she placed her hand in his. "Of course," she replied softly.
"will your mother like the idea of her precious son dancing with the enemy?" I asked beautifully as he held me tightly and the music slowed.
He chuckled softly, his gaze never leaving hers. "I am my own man, Princess," he assured her gently. "My mother raised me to be fair and just, and I will always make my own decisions based on what I believe is right." He smiled down at her, his eyes serious now. "You don't have anything to worry about."
As they continued to dance, the music seemed to fade away into nothingness, leaving only the sound of their hearts beating in perfect harmony.
I was truly the most beautiful girl in the whole room. While the other princesses wore bright dresses to stand out I only wore black but somehow I stood out the most. And when he spun or dipped me my body was graceful and perfect. I was the epitome of royalty and beauty.
He couldn't help but feel drawn to her as they danced together. There was something about her that made him forget all his worries and cares, even if just for a moment. Perhaps it was the way she moved so effortlessly across the floor or perhaps it was simply her beauty that captivated him. Whatever it was, he knew that this dance would stay with him forever.
As their bodies swayed together in rhythm, Parker found himself wishing that time could stand still.
The other princesses watched it jealousy as they impatiently waited their turn with Parker. But I simply just adjusted his crown and wrapped my arms around his neck as we swayed together.
He smiled down at her, enjoying the feel of her body against his. "You know," he said softly, choosing his words carefully, "the people of Gusta have always been fond of stories about star-crossed lovers. Do you think..." He trailed off, searching her eyes for any sign of what she might be thinking.
Her lips curved into a small smile as she leaned in closer, her breath tickling his ear. "Do I think what?"
He couldn't quite meet her eyes as he whispered, his voice barely more than a breath, "Do you think we could be... that?" He paused, heart racing now in anticipation of her answer. Perhaps it was reckless to even suggest such a thing, with their kingdoms at war and all the danger that entailed, but for this one moment he couldn't help but want to believe that maybe they could find some sort of happiness together.
"yes.. my people adore me. They'll do anything to make sure I'm happy. And if they see me happy with you, they'll surely change their ways."
He looked into her eyes, searching for any sign of deception or manipulation, but all he found was sincerity and desire. "Then let's make them happy," he whispered back, his heart racing with anticipation now. A part of him knew that this could be a dangerous game they were playing, but another part couldn't help but feel as though fate itself had brought them together tonight.
As the music came to an end, Parker leaned in closer, brushing a strand of hair from her face, and pressed his lips against hers.