We had been given the next day to recover from the night before, and I chose to spend my day touring the palace lawns and gardens with Christine.

"So, the prince chose you for his first dance last night. I would have to say, that is the best possible welcome gift he could've given your sister. Thoughtful!" She jokes the moment we reach the gardens, after breaking away from the pack of ladies in waiting who had followed us there. They're still wandering close behind, deep in conversation, but just far enough away that the pair of us can pretend we are alone. It is just the way we used to spend time together forever ago as girls, adventuring in the gardens of her family's townhouse.

"Heavens, don't remind me." I roll my eyes, smiling at her gaping expression.

"However do you mean?" She persists, her intentions purely curious. I decide quickly that I will confide in her, as there isn't a soul I trust with the information more than her.

"Chrissy, my dance with the prince was indescribable." I admit with a sigh, quickly peeking at her expression to find she is intent on listening closely. "The moment is one I will cherish forever, but I am trying very hard to remember my place." I finish, hoping I was able to convey the finality of it all.

"Just because you are not an Elite, doesn't mean you can't have a little fun! It was only a dance. I fear you're thinking too hard on it." She reasons, to which I shake my head, lightly dragging my hand through the delicate petals of the endless immaculate flower bushes.

"Perhaps I am, Christine, but the way he spoke to me led me to believe in something more." I mumble, hating the feeling of self-pity burrowing its home into my stomach.

"He can be quite the charmer, I've heard." She nods, patting my shoulder sympathetically.

"Oh, I can never speak to him now! One more misstep and my father will have my head! You should have heard Lillibet, Chrissy!" I cry, thinking quickly of the anger in my sister's voice after I had left the dance floor last night. Surely she had informed father of my actions by now, and I am surprised he hasn't personally arrived at the palace just to drag me home to the manor by ear.

"What is the harm in being his friend?" She asks in a small voice, and I take a moment to mull over the question in my head.

She's right!

What is the harm in having the Prince as a friend, despite his royal title?

And with a companion such as Bennett, I should have no qualms in finding a suitable husband this very Season!

"This is why you're my best friend." I gush, unable to hide the huge grin that had already taken over my face. She mirrors my expression, opening her mouth to likely brag, when she is interrupted.

"Pardon me," the words are enough to have my stomach fluttering, my pale cheeks turning pink.

"Your Highness." I curtsy immediately, ignoring the way Chrissy is staring at Prince Bennett, completely gobsmacked, when I turn to face him.

He looks as if he had just stepped outside from the palace to breathe in the fresh air. He is wearing a much more casual outfit compared to the last one I had seen him in, and I admire the way his dark blue suitcoat makes his ocean-colored eyes that much more alluring. Just as the night before, his golden hair is fixed into the style of a boyish, curly mess-yet not a single piece is astray.

"Would you mind walking with me, just for a few moments?" And there is that hopeful smile again, the same as the night before, just after he had asked me to dance. I don't miss the way he looks not only to me, but politely to my companion as well for permission to cut in.

"Very well." I relent teasingly, after pretending to process his request. He offers his arm and I blush deeper, wrapping my own around his.

"I do hope you will forgive me." He says immediately, and I look into his beautiful eyes, a million questions popping into my head.

"For what, your Highness?" I ask.

"It is protocol that I dance with many debutantes at the Inaugural Ball, so I may properly introduce myself. I would have danced with you more, if that had not been the case." He admits, his gaze softening, and though I had not thought it possible, my face grows even warmer.

"Forgive me, your Highness, but I am not sure I would have been a worthy partner." The rose bushes are suddenly extremely interesting then, and I stare at them so I do not have to see his reaction to my words- that is, if he even has one.

"I dare say you were the only worthy partner." I swiftly turn my gaze back to him, unsure of what to say. How could he already think so much of me, after merely one dance?

"I barely know you, your Highness." I say, hoping to steer him from the path he had seemingly already set himself to.

I do not like it, but I know in my heart that it is better that way.

"I never caught your name." He resolves after a long pause, his handsome face remaining indifferent to my words save for a winsome scrunch of his nose that is gone in a blink.

"Adalie." There is no harm in telling him my name.

"Lady Adalie, my darling, please call me Bennett from now on." His tone changes in an instant, sounding bright and assuring once more, which takes me by surprise. He takes my hand and tenderly presses another kiss to it, somehow even softer this time. When he looks up again, his heart-melting cheeky grin has returned, and then he is on his way back towards the palace.

I stand still for what feels like hours or even days, watching his retreating form and trying to calm my heartbeat which pounds against my chest.

"Heavens, Addie!" Chrissy squeals, running to me from where she had definitely been trying to eavesdrop. I break my gaze away from the prince, turning to my best friend with a giggle, when I meet a strong, scrutinizing glare behind her.

Lady Rose Hamilton watches my movements from across the courtyard, narrowing her eyes when our gazes lock. Her usual gorgeous features are tainted by anger, her cherry red lips puckered, and I feel my heart drop into my stomach.

I look back to my friend, hoping desperately that I had not already made a powerful enemy at court.

-

vote and comment, let me know what you think!

-kait