The Last Dance (3)

Chapter 3 - Party Crashers

I headed back to the castle in the late afternoon, not looking forward to the big party I'd had to arrange. What was the big deal anyway? But of course it was a big deal, to everyone else. I sighed and headed into the stable; no one was around. I smiled, grateful for another few minutes of silence before I got caught up in the preparations for the party.

Well, at least I managed to convince everyone that it was only a casual party, meaning that I wouldn't have to wear anything special for the occasion. A small blessing I guess. I rubbed down Coriolis taking more time than was needed before reluctantly headed in. It was silly really, I used to love getting all dressed up. I remember when I was younger always begging to wear my sister's gowns, borrowing my mothers jewels, asking to wear those pretty shades of rouge, and shoes that I couldn't even stand up in. And now I couldn't be bothered, it seemed so pointless, so superficial. But then again, I suppose it did have its merits, I mean look what happened in the clearing, and I hadn't even been dressed up. Still, my lack of femininity never stopped the palace boys from their teasing, I smiled thinking back to this morning.

"Miss Celia is that you?"

Drat, spotted.

"There you are! Lady Mira and Lily have been looking all over for you."

I sighed, "I suppose they have, where shall I meet them?"

"In the east wing they said."

"Alright, thanks Jonna."

She smiled at me. "My Lady, no need to be so glum, and on your birthday too!"

"It's all just a big bother Jonna."

"Oh, what a thing to say, hush now and put on a smile, this has been the talk of the castle for weeks. And between you and me, these girls need something to look forward to."

I sighed and headed down the hallway. I'd invited all the girls staying at court, most of whom I'd hardly exchanged two words with. It was going to be a long, and dull night.

"Cee! There you are, where have you been."

I plastered on a smile and ran to meet Lily.

"Sorry! I completely lost track of the time!" Not a complete lie...

"Oh, you must be so excited."

"Er, sure, can't wait." She grabbed my hand and started pulling me reluctantly down the hall.

"Ok, so, everything is set for a girl's night in! We've got music and food, and they dragged piles of pillows and comfy chairs into the east ballroom."

"That sounds nice"

"Plus Mira and I got some of the girls together early and covered the room in silky drapes and streamers, really Cee it's gorgeous, even YOU won't be able to stay depressed!"

"What? I'm not depressed, I told you I can't wait, it's going to be so much fun."

She looked back to roll her eyes at me. "Please Celia, like we don't know you'd rather stay out all night in the stocks than attend your own party."

"That's not true, I'd end up with a sore neck for a week!"

"Oh, you know what I mean, but just you wait, we're determined to make sure you have a good time."

"Why doesn't that sound reassuring?"

She laughed and continued pulling me along. "Ok, we're here, let the pampering begin."

"This is a casual party Lil, no way am I going to be the only one dressed up!"

"I didn't SAY dressed up, but you still have to look nice, come on Cee, humour us please?"

I sighed, "Alright but you better not go overboard."

"Well duh, there would just be no living with you if you weren't comfortable, honestly you're more high maintenance then the Prince sometimes."

"Lily!"

She smiled "Don't worry we still love you" We finally reached where ever we were going and Lily pushed me into a small room where Mira was standing in front of a mirror with all kinds of... was it make-up?... lined up.

"Oh come on guys, do I really look that bad?"

"Course not Cee," Mira piped in "We just want you to look special on your Birthday, you know you're gorgeous without it."

I looked at the products suspiciously. "If I look fine then I'd rather not put all that junk on my face."

"Oh relax," Mira said before pushing me down into a chair "I'll only put a little on, I swear, you won't even know its there."

"Then why put it on?"

"Cause WE'LL know its on."

"And for your outfit..." Lily moved aside to let me see the clothes laid out on the bed. "Oh, wow"

I got up to take a closer look. There was a pair of three quarter length pants in a soft blue color and silk instead of the cotton I usually wore. The top was a darker silk blue than the pants with a pale silvery-grey lace trim. And finally, there was a tunic that pulled the outfit together that looked fitted and long, almost like a dress. I smiled, it was beautiful.

"It was a gift from your parents."

I hadn't heard Mira come up behind me. "They got it made especially for you, it's a dress and pants all in one, brilliant huh?"

"Its perfect."

She grinned "Excellent, and now that you're in a good mood, on to the makeup" I groaned and sat down resigned.

Lily pulled out my messy bun and started fussing with my hair while Mira started applying things to my face.

"Quit scrunching your face up Cee or I'll end up poking you in the eye."

With great effort I stayed still until they were done. After what seemed like a million years they stepped back to look at their work. I fidgeted, nervous under their scrutiny.

"Well? does it look alright?"

They smiled in unison "You tell us" Mira said.

I took a deep breath and turned to face the mirror. Oh. Oh my. Wow.

The person staring back looked like a stranger, but still me. Does that make sense? I tilted my head to the side and the mirror girl did too. Yes, definitely me. I leaned in closer. My light grey eyes had a thin line of dark blue kohl framing the upper lid and a dusting of silver shadow that you only noticed when the light hit it just right making it shimmer. My pale face looked the same with a dash of rouge that made it look like I was faintly blushing. Mira had also put something on my lips to make them look a slightly darker shade of their natural pink. Lily had put my hair back up in a bun but left a few curls lose to frame my face. Not bad, not bad at all. I still looked like myself, but I felt different. I turned around and threw myself at my friends. We all fell back on the bed laughing.

"Stop it Cee... you're going to mess everything up" Mira said between laughs.

"That's right, now go put on that great outfit, people will be here any second."

I rushed and hugged the outfit to my chest dancing around the room. Lily laughed and ushered me into a closet to change. Alright, I was officially excited. The suit fit like a glove, I opened the closet and stepped out with a flourish. "Ta da! What do you think?"

"Aww Cee it's beautiful."

"It's not to much though?"

"Not a chance."

I rushed up to the mirror and gave a little sigh. It really was perfect, a dressed up version of what I usually wore. I gave an experimental twirl and the tunic floated out with me. Pretty, I thought, just like Anna.

The room was stunning, it was all dark and romantic. I thought with a pang that I was all dressed up and had no one to impress. With a sigh I walked in to greet everyone. Things were going good, people were in small groups around the room laughing and talking, lounging in the chairs when there was a sudden commotion from outside. I looked toward the doors just as they burst open and a huge group of boys, led by the Prince, burst in with wooden practice swords out and shouted "Huzzaahh!"

David stepped up beside John and grinned out at us all. "Don't worry ladies, we come in peace." That got a laugh out of everyone and before I knew it, everyone was mingling and flirting. David stood at the doors looking around and when he saw me, waved and came over.

"Hello Cee! Looking good, hope you don't mind the company." He said with a wink.

"You know I never mind your company David, and how could I be upset when you brought all these fine young men with you?" I replied back glancing around at my new guests.

His smile widened into a cheeky grin. "Just consider it my Birthday present to you."

"Hey, it was my idea," John said from behind. I turned around to face him, and his eyes widened after taking me in. What was he doing staring at me anyway? He finally looked up as if remembering I was there.

"Is that you Cece? You look... different"

I rolled my eyes at him. Really, I didn't look that different, as if he hadn't known it was me the whole time. "I see those English tutors did their job" I said sarcastically "And don't call me Cece"

I waited for some snarky comeback but it never came, he just went back to staring at me oddly enough. I ignored him and turned back to talk to David.

John's POV

I stood by the doors looking for Celia; I wanted to see her expression when we all burst in here, but couldn't see her anywhere. I was still looking around when I saw David talking to a pretty girl in blue I'd never seen before. I walked over to hear him say "...Birthday present to you."

Wait, that's Celia?

"Hey, it was my idea" I said from behind.

She turned around and I took a surprised step back. She looked more girly then usual in clothes that were suprisingly flattering, when did she get a body like that? She was looking at me funny, and I realized I'd been staring, so I said the first thing that came to mind.

"Is that you Cece? You look... different"

She rolled her eyes at me "I see those English tutors did their job" she said sarcastically "And don't call me Cece."

Why did she always get mad at me for calling her that? Everyone else called her Cee, my nickname was not that different, in fact, I thought it was cute, she doesn't need to be so damn sensitive. Well, ok I always called her that because I knew she didn't like it, but I can't figure out why. Really, she should be flattered I even have a nickname for her.

She'd gone back to talking to David when I hadn't come up with a reply and I heard the end of their conversation

"...actually enjoying your party? Because that would be a first," David was saying.

She laughed, and I couldn't help but think that if I'd said that she would have glared at me.

"I know, I thought it would be torture but Lily and Mira were so excited, and my parents got me this beautiful outfit, I couldn't help but get caught up in it all." She twirled around and smiled at him. Wait a minute, was she FLIRTING with him?

David grinned and bowed. "A Lady shouldn't dance alone."

She laughed and took the hand he offered. I stood there annoyed at being forgotten. As if it wasn't bad enough that she was throwing herself at MY friend, but he was actually flirting back! I crossed my arms, most girls would kill for my attention, it's like she doesn't even CARE that I'm the Prince. I stormed off to find Luke, no way was I standing here watching my best friend and HER laughing and dancing together all night.

Celia's POV

The song David and I had been dancing to had just ended when Millie rushed up to me.

"My Lady, so sorry to bother you, but the King and Queen requested you to meet them in the small room outside if you please."

"I'll be right there Millie."

I turned back to David who gave me a silly bow. "Thanks, for the dance Cee, enjoy your party."

I smiled as he turned away to join his other friends. I looked around and was glad to see everyone enjoying themselves, well almost everyone.

John was standing in a corner scowling to Luke. What now? I thought he was so proud of having the boys storm my party.

I breathed out a sigh and rushed to find his parents.

"Ah, Celia, there you are," The Queen said with a smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"Not at all my dear," The King replied. "I'm sure you had your hands full, what with my son causing trouble," he said with a friendly grin.

"Oh, it's no trouble, I'm used to it, almost immune," I stated proudly. The King and Queen glanced at each other with a knowing smile. Was I missing something?

"Anyway dear, we just wanted to give you your birthday present."

"My.. oh! you didn't have to get me anything" I said blushing.

"Nonsense, you're nineteen now, it's a big day for you."

Without saying anything else they stepped aside and I let out a gasp.

The most beautiful gown was laying on the bed, a real gown this time. The top was a pale gold in color, and shaped like a corset with delicate gold beading along the top. There was a long flowing skirt with a layer of gold lace overtop. Starting from the waist, and covering the entire skirt of the dress was gold beading shaped liked flowers.

My eyes filled with tears, I didn't even know what to say so I turned around and hugged the King who just patted my back.

"There there my dear, we're glad you like it."

The Queen smiled as I turned to give her a hug. "We thought you could use something of your own since the last dress you wore was one of Anna's."

I laughed through my tears remembering that nightmare experience.

"I can't thank you enough."

"Who needs thanks when we're as close as family?" The Queen said with a smile.

I smiled back up at her. She shared another knowing look with her husband who then put his arm around her and lead her from the room.

"We'll leave you to get back to your party."

I nodded at them, still choked up and turned back to the dress. It was beautiful, and I really hadn't worn a dress in ages...

"Don't tell me you're trying that again."

I turned around to see John standing in the doorway. He smirked and walked passed me to the dress.

"It's too nice a dress to be wasted on you."

I crossed my arms feeling annoyed. "Well, that's not what your parents seemed to think."

"You do know why girls go through all the trouble of dressing up don't you?" He said, completely ignoring what I'd said. "It's so that they can find some poor innocent bastard and trick him into marriage."

"It's hardly a trick John, if the men are too busy looking down your dress to pay attention to what's going on."

"Exactly! You take advantage of us in a moment of weakness, what man wouldn't look at what's being handed right to him? That doesn't mean we LIKE the person, much less want to be stuck with them for the rest of our lives."

I tried not to laugh, knowing where this attitude was coming from. Being a Prince, and twenty-one, John was probably expected to get married soon, or at least choose his bride, and every girl knew it even if he didn't. They craved his attention, practically throwing themselves at him, but for some reason he hated it. We both knew all they were after was his position. "My, you are a cynic."

He whipped his head around and caught my smile. "Well, I guess it makes no difference for you anyway," He said with a smirk.

I raised my eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Only that no guy would be distracted enough to marry YOU, no one wants a girl who runs around playing with swords and acting more like a boy than a girl." He said with a shudder.

Oh, he did not just say that.

"Excuse me?" I said icily.

John's POV

"Only that no guy would be distracted enough to marry YOU, no one wants a girl who runs around playing with swords and acting more like a boy than a girl" I said with a shudder.

Her eyes flashed in anger. "Excuse me?" she said icily. Whoa, I'd expected her to yell at me or something, but that calm voice was even worse. I gulped, maybe, just maybe I'd gone a little too far. She stepped forward looking furious and I took an unconscious step back. I flinched when my elbow hit the door closed.

Not good.

"You want to say that again?" She said in that scary calm voice.

"Um.. uh.. n-no, I'm good" Oh shoot, did I just stutter? Annoyed, I said the first thing that came to mind.

"You don't have to be so touchy, I was only trying to be honest."

Before I knew what was happening she'd flashed to my side, whipped my wooden practice sword from my belt and had it pointing right between my eyes. Right, obviously not the right thing to say.

She smirked at me. "So easily disarmed, my prince, and by a girl no less." Every word was dripping with sarcasm and disdain. This was ridiculous, I wasn't going to be intimidated by her. I stood up straight and crossed my arms over my chest scowling at her.

"You're all talk, you wouldn't be so brave in a fair duel" I smirked at her and she smiled back with an angry glint in her eyes. I sensed I'd taken it too far yet again.

"Fine, if a fair duel's what you want--"

She tossed the sword up in the air, caught it by the tip and offered it to me by the hilt. I looked up at her dubiously, expecting a trick, and slowly reached my hand out to take it. She didn't do anything. I let out a breath I didn't know I'd been holding.

"Tomorrow at the practice courts."

Pardon? "What are you talking about Cece" I said with a sneer.

"Our duel of course, you insulted me and I accept your challenge, so I'll see you at dawn, and if you're not there I'll assume you concede."

My face turned hot with rage, she actually dared to fight me? Did she really think she would win? I glared at her but she'd already walked past me to the door. She opened it and gave me one last smirk before slamming the door shut in my face.