Cinda stepped out of her carriage, hoping her magic could hold such a grand scale of materials.

I've never made something so...so, grand. Oh, I hope it holds, at least until my twelve o' clock curfew. Now, to enter...drumroll please...the Festival!

Cinda smiled and shook her head at her inner commentary, before walking up the pathway then steps to where two of the Royal Guard stood at the castle doorway. As she approached, they smiled, tipping their heads slightly.

"You look well tonight, miss." The one with brown hair said.

"Yes, you shall surely attract the attention of the Prince." The one with blond hair added, smiling politely.

"Why, thank you. Have an enjoyable night."

"You too, miss." Was the simultaneous reply.

Cinda walked through the elegant gold and cream double doors, to gaze upon a breathtaking setting, fairy lights abound, strung across the ceiling, lit up with an ethereal glow. Golden and cream ribbons hung delicately beside them, sweeping across the walls, one point hung up, and the next length hanging in a upturned arch, attracting attention to the similarly coloured ball room. Couples glided across the floor, and a line forming, where a large amount of mothers and daughters awaited the chance to introduce themselves to the prince.

Cinda looked to her left, as a man asked for her name. She furrowed her brow, confused, before realising he must be the name-caller for the the ball, announcing the name and status - lady, miss and so on - for the other guests to hear.

She was about to say her name when she paused.

Oh dear, I mustn't let Eladorie know that I am here. Especially if I wish to attend for the rest of the Festival's nights.

Cinda smiled. "My name is not needed to be announced. Shall that be acceptable?"

"Of course, miss. Please, continue to our dance floor for an enjoyable night of dancing. And don't forget to introduce yourself to the Prince, would you?"

"Of course I shan't forget. Have a good night, sir."

The name-caller nodded, waving his hand towards the grand bone coloured staircase, and Cinda began her descent, hand delicately placed on the golden handrail.

Halfway down, she had the urge to look up, feeling like she was being watched. She raised her head, only to be welcomed by pairs of eyes. Nearly half of the dancers had slowed their patterns to glance upon her. Cinda turned her head away slightly, uncomfortable with the abundant attention, and met eyes with a dark haired stranger, standing before a line of girls, with tanned skin, a strong jaw, and wide shoulders.

Her breath hitched in her throat. The Prince.

The Prince Is looking at me. Oh, dear Lord, please don't let me trip.

After a fortunately uneventful descent, Cinda reached the bottom of the stairs. Thankfully, the crowds attention had started to diminish. At least until she started to wander through the crowd.

Stop looking at me. Stop looking at me. Oh, hello. You're quite the charmer, aren't you.

"Ma'am?"

Cinda smiled at the man in question and took in his appearance. He was exceedingly handsome, with neat golden hair that shone like that in the castle, dark blue eyes that sparkled more than the night sky, and a smile that made butterflies race through her insides like they had devoured three bags of sugar.

"Why hello, sir."

"Would it be too much to ask if I were to wonder your name?"

"Oh, indeed. Offering my name is such a burden. It is Cinda. Now that I have completed a task through tremendous efforts, would you be so kind to repay the deed?"

He smiled. "For a witty and charming lady such as yourself? No effort at all needed. Prince Alexi, at your service." Prince Alexi executed a low bow, before arising, and holding out a questioning hand.

"May I have this dance?"

"But of course." Cinda smiled and nodded slightly, once, before laying her hand delicately on his.

They danced many a dance, before Alexi received a gentle tap on his shoulder. He turned, to see a giggling brunette, with ringlets abound, giggling and curtsying.

"Prince Alexi. I have heard many a thing about you, and, I am sure you have heard many a thing about me? After all, it was compulsory for me to attend the Festival just for the reason of you being here."

Prince Alexi smiled. "Princess Lori. Of course I recognise your beautiful face and stunning figure. However, most only know you for your wealth, I presume."

"Oh, yes. It's a pleasure to meet such a man that looks deeper than most." Princess Lori giggled again.
"In fact, I'm just wondering why such a gentleman as yourself hasn't asked for my hand to dance. After all," She shot a cursory glance at Cinda, "I'm sure any girl in this room is practically a serving girl compared to my dear fortunes."

Cinda grimaced internally.

How right you are, Princess. How right you are.

What happened next was hardly a surprise, however, it still succeeded in making Cinda's face flush with embarrassed indignation.

"Oh, how true, Princess Lori. So, may I have this dance?"

Cue yet another giggle from the Princess's abundant store of them. "Of course, Prince Alexi."

As the couple waltzed off, Cinda could feel her new and surprising bout of confidence waver.

Of course he would choose her over me. Why would a prince want to dance with a lowly serving girl. Why would he refuse royal riches like his own for a dance with a stupid, unlovable, idiotic, broken- violets and roses and bluebells, oh my.

Cinda had spun around, preparing to leave the ball when she happened to find herself face-to-chest with a cream suit with golden buttons and trimming. The same suit she had seen a certain Prince Chance wearing when she happened to catch his attention during her glide down the flight of stairs.

Prince Chance took a step back and bowed, holding out his hand. "May I have this dance?"

Cinda blushed, frozen on the spot.

Prince. Chance. Just. Asked. Me. To. Dance. With him. At his ball. Oh, my.

She looked up at his hopeful face, and saw a glimmer of something in his grey eyes. She didn't know exactly what it was, except for the fact that it was genuine.

She felt the butterflies arising again, but with less of a frightened flutter, and more of a hoping one.

She took a deep breath and bit her lip. "You may."

The next thing she knew, they were dancing the night away.