*Eva*

I am standing and watching an unhappy Alexia, who is busy dancing with princes I know she'd rather not dance with, at her birthday ball, I know she'd rather not have. My observation is drawn away as I feel two arms wrap around my legs. I look down, "Milo!"

I see his mom trying to be inconspicuous as she looks for her son, flustered.

I hoist him up and walk over to her.

"Eva." She smiles.

"Hi. So nice to see you again." I squeeze Milo and he laughs. "I got him."

"You sure?"

"Positive."

"Thank you. You're the best."

As Beatrice walks away I tell Milo, "You are getting so big I can barely carry you."

Milo isn't paying much attention, his eyes fixed on something behind me. I turn around and see Kent.

"Hi, Eva." He flashes his white teeth and bends down a little to look Milo in the eye, "Hi Milo." He extends a greeting hand and takes Milo's in his, shaking it.

I fall for him a little more at that moment.

Milo looks intently at Kent then turns his head to face mine. "Is this the boy we hid from?"

I hesitate before saying, "Yeah, Milo, it is. You're smart as always."

Kent looks confused and I debate whether or not to enlighten him. I mean it's not like it's a big deal.

"What does he mean that you hid from me?" he asks, the curiosity evident in his voice.

"I was outside with Milo when you and Alexia came out to the gardens and we ducked behind a bush."

He brings his hand up to his face in a thoughtful sort of way. "Was that the scream I heard?"

I feel my face burns as I say, "That was me." Leave it to him to remember that.

"She got hurt. There was a thorn," Milo adds.

"That's right Milo."

Milo then moves to look behind my shoulder and states, "That's mommy"

"It turns out I'm off for the rest of the night," Beatrice tells me when she gets closer, "So you're free." She takes Milo from my arms.

"Have a good night." I wave them off.

***

*Kent*

I watch Eva. She looks amazing in the deep sea-colored dress that complements her hair, which she has tied up, showing off her features more than when she wears it down.

When she turns to face me, I bow dramatically and ask, "Will you do me the honor of dancing with me?"

"Of course."

I take her hand in mine and lead her onto the dance floor. Then I pull her close and we move seamlessly along to the band's music.

"This is very different than the experience dancing at the club."

She laughs. "Very." She then takes me by surprise when she says, "and that reminds me that you still owe me a favor."

"Is that so?"

"It is."

"And how would you like me to repay you?"

"I actually didn't think of a way yet," she discloses, "but I will keep you updated."

"I have an idea."

"Do share."

"I can show you my amazing dancing skills."

"Do you not call this dancing?" She gestures to us with one of the hands she had around my neck.

"Yes, I do consider it dancing but there is more than one way to dance."

"That is true. And which way did you have in mind?"

"The dance that our people used to do at events such as these."

When she isn't sure what I am talking about, I take her hand in mine once more, then place her palm against mine, beginning to circle.

"I think I may like this better than waltzing," she says.

We dance on as if in our own bubble. I'm enjoying myself and I hope Eva is too.

We are interrupted when someone drawls, "Hello Eva."

"James," she says with narrowed eyes.

"You both thought you can get rid of me— yet here I am," he says arrogantly, "Funny how things work."

"Just because you are here," she reasons, "Doesn't mean Alexia will choose you. There are other princes here." She gestures around the room.

"And there's also the prince you stole," he points at me.

I don't know who this guy thinks he is, but he has a lot of nerve. "She stole no one," I manage to get out through gritted teeth.

"Whatever," James says as he stalks off.

"Sorry about that," Eva says to me.

"Why are you apologizing?"

She shrugs.

"Who is he?"

"He was the first prince to be set up with Alexia and as you can tell he is entirely obnoxious, so their betrothal was decided against. I am unsurprised he isn't married. It also shows just how desperate the king is."

Eva's attention is suddenly turned toward the double doors that crash open with a loud bang.

"He's here," she gasps, referring to Ricky. I am just as shocked as she is that he had the gumption to show up here, and timely at that.

Behind me I hear the king mutter, "He's here."

Here he certainly is, and I can feel the stir in the air.