Back at the palace Draco told his Father all about you while he was getting a check up.

'You sound as if you’re the first fella ever to meet a pretty girl!' Lucius sighed.

'She wasn’t a pretty girl! She was a pretty girl, but there was so much more to her.'

Draco was completely blown away by you. Your kindness, your sweet voice..

'How much more? You’ve only met her once! How could you know anything about her?'

'You told me you knew right away when you met mother.'

'That’s different. Your mother was a princess.'

Draco hated that about his family. He was only allowed to marry a princess because of money and power. It disgusted him.

'You would have loved her anyway.' Draco sighed.

'I would never have seen her because it wouldn’t have been appropriate. And my father would’ve told me what I’m telling you, and I would’ve listened.'

Draco sat down besides his father and sighed.

'No, you wouldn’t.' He said.

'Yes, I would.' Lucius followed.

'No, you wouldn’t.'

'I would.'

'You wouldn’t.'

'You’re right.' Lucius sighed.

The doctor stopped checking up on Lucius. Draco looked at him.

'Well, how is he?'

The doctor seemed nervous. Unsure on what to say.

'Your Majesty…never mind.' He said.

'If it takes that long to work out a way to say it, I already know.'

Draco became very upset. He reached over to his father.

'Father..'

'Way of all flesh, boy.' Lucius said while getting up. 'Come, we shall be late. And punctuality is the…'

Draco smiled.

'…politeness of princes.' They spoke un unison.

Draco got up and left with his father into the corridor. He had to pose for his painting.

'I’m sure your father spoke to you of your behavior in the forest.' The grand Duke asked.

'Is it any business of yours, Grand Duke?' Draco sighed.

'Your business is my business, Your Royal Highness. It will not do to let the stag go free.'

Draco smiled and remembered what you said.

'Just because it’s what’s done doesn’t mean it’s what should be done, something like that.'

They entered the room. Draco stopped and allowed his servants to give him a jacket.

'Master Phineus. Master of the paint brush, patiently awaits.' The painter announced themselves.

'Make him look marriageable, Master Phineus. We must attract a suitable bride. Even if he won’t listen to a word I say.' Lucius sighed.

'I shall endeavor to please, Your Majesty. But I can’t work miracles.' The painer sighed.

'A splendid canvas, Master Phineus.' The captain spoke.

Draco stared at the large painting of himself. He hated it. He hated that he had to marry dor power. But he was used to it. Power was everything to his family.

'Thank you.' He said.  'As if he knows anything about art.' He said quietly to himself.

Draco climbed onto a fake wooden horse so he could be painted.

'So these portraits will really be sent abroad to induce the high and mighty to attend this ball you insist upon?' Draco asked.

'It is a tradition which is beloved.' The grand Duke said.

Draco grew up with dancing. He did like the ball idea but he also knew you would never attend. You.. the girl that couldn't leave his mind. You werent royalty.

'At which you will choose a bride.' Lucius said.

'If I must marry, could I not wed say, a good honest country girl?' Draco asked with a wide smile.

'How many divisions will this good honest country girl provide us? And will she make the kingdom stronger? We are a small kingdom amongst great states, Your Royal Highness. And it’s a dangerous world.'

Of course it was all about that. Divisions, a stronger kingdom. What about love? He was never this blown away by anyone.

'Listen, boy, I want to see you and the kingdom safe.' Lucius sighed.

There must be a way around this. A way to hopefully see you at the ball. He suddenly had a plan.

'Alright, father. On one condition. Let the invitations go to everyone, not just the nobility. The wars have brought sorrow on us all.'

Lucius looked at the Captain.

'What do you think? Will that please the people?'

'It’s beyond my wit, Your Majesty, but I wouldn’t mind a bit of a jolly.'

The captain finished with a laugh. Draco smiled. Luckily he agreed.

'I think we might have made a bargain. A ball for the people, and a princess for the prince.' Grand Duke followed.

'Sounds like a step in the right direction, if you ask me…' Phineus said.

'We didn’t ask you!' Lucius sighed.

'I’m so sorry. Naughty paint, naughty brush. Haven’t even got a cushion.'

Draco grinned a little.

'Down, please, Samson.' He spoke to his assistant.

Samson started moving the painting chair down. Lower.. and lower.. and even lower.

'I haven’t even got a cushion. Right down. Down…not that down!'

Phineus hit the floor. Draco tried to stay professional and hold his laughter back.

'I’m on the ground. I am literally on the ground.' He laughed. 'Sorry.'

He looked at Draco.

'Actually, this is a very good angle for you. Great nostrils.'