A/N: Welcome to the final edition to "The Gala"! I hope you've enjoyed reading this series, and I hope you enjoy even more the last chapter of it!

Aru had to say, the lasagna had been delicious. Had it been a bit awkward? Yes. Why? Because Aiden was there, and they hadn't talked since the dance. But lasagna makes everything better.

But alas, the lasagna had to end. It was so sad. Aru had almost cried.

"Aru, are you crying over the lasagna?"

"Shut up Brynne,"

And after that conversation, they had to split ways. Brynne snuck back off to the meeting but Aiden wanted to talk to Aru.

"So, about the dance..." Aru started "Why me?".

"I wanted to have the first dance with you. I know that you probably know about the tradition and everything, but my gut just told me to dance with you. And I think it means... What I'm trying to say, I don't regret dancing with you. Shah, I like you. I like the way you laugh, the way you smile, the way your nose flares when you're annoyed, I-" Aiden way cut off mid-confession....

Because Aru had kissed him.

He was shocked, like really shocked. Aru pulled back. "I'll see you you at the choosing ceremony," She said, and walked away.

Brynne caught up with her mid-walk. "Don't think I didn't see that," She said, smirking. Aru sighed. "And you said I was a stalker,".

~~~~~~~~~

The choosing ceremony was an hour later. Aiden was on the stage, Malini behind him. He tried to spot Aru in the crowd. All the princesses were separated by their kingdom. The north princesses were in the one part, the south in another, same thing with west and east. Aru was in the back of all the Northern princess, and was most likely pushed back there by all the other princesses.

Malini stepped forward. "Today is my son's Gala, where he is to choose his bride. It will be a special day in this kingdom. It is symbol of togetherness, and the kingdoms that come together in these occasions. Aiden will now choose his bride, and I will support his every decision in it,".

Claps sounded throughout the hall. Aiden stepped forward. Silence fell.

"The princess I choose today is of the north. She is.... Arundhati Shah of the Kingdom of the Sky!" He called out. Malini smiled behind him.

More clapping came as space was given for Aru to come up to the stage.

Malini faced her to-be-daughter-in-law. "Take care of him," She whispered to Aru. Aru nodded. The queen took off her crown. Aru kneeled down before her. Malini gently placed the crown on Aru's head.

The weight of the crown was sudden but comforting feeling. A connection between Aru and the Kingdom now. Aru curtsied to her to-be-mother-in-law, and turned to face Aiden. Aiden cupped her face with his hand. "You look beautiful," He whispered. Aru smiled up at him, not trusting her voice enough to speak.

To Aiden, Aru was practically an angel from the heavens. The crown sat perfectly on her head, complimenting her dark hair. It was like it was made for her. He kissed her. A whoop was heard from the crowd, and Aiden was almost completely sure it was Brynne who did it.

Maybe this Gala wasn't so ridiculous after all.

A/N: And that is the end of "The Gala" Series! What did you think of it? Leave some reviews and good bye!

~V