There was a strange peace that came over the kingdom of Anerathia. Every man, woman, child, and beast felt it. No one understood what it came from. Nor did they stop to wonder what it meant. The people accepted it as a blessing from their ancestors and went on with their day. All but Auro and his companions.

"Do you sense that?" he asked, staring at nothing as he flexed the fingers of his left hand.

"Something's happened," Lumen observed, closing his eyes as he felt the air blowing around them.

"Something big," Ronell added, glancing to his brother.

"I honestly don't feel anything," Ruperto deadpanned. "What am I supposed to be feeling?"

Glint appeared in their midst, her dark eyes wide in excitement.

"M'lord," she said, smiling at Auro. "Not to get you anxious, or anything . . . But your parents are on their way here. I heard them talking in the hallway."

Auro gave her a look, but he couldn't question her because his parents entered the courtyard. They weren't looking where they were walking. Nor could anyone understand what they were saying. It was as if they spoke in some foreign language. But then they faced Auro and offered him a smile.

"We have a proposition for you," said his mother as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "Are you opposed to a ball?"

"A ball? At a time like this?" the prince asked.

"What better time than after this battle we've had?" the king countered, placing his hand on his son's other shoulder. "We can rejoice and be merry."

"But Aleia isn't with us," Auro sighed, shaking his head. "And how rude would it of me to not dance with any of the girls that attend, when I do not have a partner?"

"You can dance with Glint," his mother smiled and looked to the young girl. "I'm sure Aleia wouldn't mind."

Not giving Auro another chance to protest, his parents nodded their heads and returned the way they'd come. He grumbled, but then turned to Glint.

"It's not that I wouldn't enjoy dancing with you," he began.

"Oh, believe me, I know!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms in the air. "I'm utterly confused right now."

"What exactly did you hear them talking about before coming here?" Auro asked.

"Their conversation was quite indistinct. The most I heard were the words 'ball', 'Aleia', and your name. Either they were talking about the impossibilities of your wedding plans and want to make up for it, or . . . You know, maybe they want to distract everyone from the loss."

"The only loss I feel is that I couldn't keep Aleia from falling into the hands of Anaemis. It's my only regret."

"I am more than certain that she will come out of this unscathed," Millie said; she'd been sitting beneath a nearby tree in silence. "Because I think that whatever we just felt had to do with Aleia."

"We don't know that for certain," Adum said, shaking his at her.

"I do," she enunciated as she turned a stern gaze to her lover. "Am I not gifted with foresight? Have I not had dreams which prophesied the coming future? Why are you so doubtful, adopted son of my uncle?"

Tears had begun running down her cheeks.

"Why does it feel as though you do not believe?" she whispered this and ran away. Adum ran after her. Auro glanced at those who remained. His gaze questioning their thoughts on the matter.

"It certainly seems as though we would know if Aleia were truly gone forever," Kinasha said, shaking her head. "I know I have not known her for long, but she has strong determination. She took a chance us, didn't she? When the time comes, the best we can do is take a chance on her."

"I wish I were as confident," the prince sighed. "Despite all the advice and comfort I've received these last several days, my hopes of seeing Aleia again are trampled in the dirt."

Then perhaps the distraction of a ball is necessary.

A ball would be really cool, Auro.

Auro's mind was filled with the voice of his ancestor. But also the voice of someone else. A voice he knew well.

"Please excuse me," he said before leaving his companions with rather puzzled expressions.

***

"That's the end of it all?" Aleia asked, glancing at Alessa from the empty cage.

"Yes," the queen replied, placing a gentle hand on the girl's shoulder. "It's all over. And now that that's been handled, I believe I have one final piece of advice for you."

"What's that?"

"You and Auro are not only bonded by betrothal. Because you both took part in the ritual for the possession of souls, your souls are linked the way mine is to yours. Utilize this gift. Communicate with him."

Aleia hesitated, "But what if it doesn't work? What if he doesn't hear me?"

"How will you know if you do not at least try?"

She was still uncertain, but she was willing to give it a try.

Taking a deep breath, Aleia closed her eyes. She had hardly thought of her next action when her mind went soaring through all time and space. She felt as if she was floating high above the world. And then, just as quickly as she'd flown upwards, her mind was now falling. Her vision became a tunnel of swirling colors as everything flew past her.

And then she saw him. She saw them. Her prince and her friends. They couldn't see her. She understood this. So she listened to the conversation until she heard what they were speaking about. And she smiled as there a newcomer joined her.

Aleia bowed her head in respects for the spirit king. He was handsome and smiled fondly at her. And then his attention turned to the boy before them.

"Then perhaps the distraction of a ball is necessary," the king said, directly to Auro.

"A ball would be really cool, Auro," she added; the prince's attention was drawn away and her heart skipped as he excused himself from the group.

He'd heard her.