A Dream-like Dance, and

Mia went right to Sion after leaving Abel. Like shethought, he was surrounded by a huge group of young women. When she saw him, she frowned. He was an island in a sea of damsels.

Moons, I have to swim through that to get to him? Ugh

It made her tired just to think about it. But as she got closer, the sea split open in front of her like she was a prophet. After the girls all moved out of the way, she walked down the newly parted path. Sion smiled at her as he turned to face her.

Greetings, Princess Mia.

Greetings, Prince Sion. May I have the honor of your first dance tonight? She asked with a lovely smile.

Oh? You are welcome to, and the honor is mine. To be honest, I didnt think youd ask.

My, but how would we start if I didnt ask? Youve never been one to give your attention without being asked, have you?

Huh? Sion raised an eyebrow at the remark, which made Mia laugh, and she then carefully put out her hand.

Mia knew something very important about life. To wait is to waste time; one has to act, so that one can acquire. Dont look at someone over and over and hope they see you. People will not pay attention to you unless you go get it! So, she put out her hand. Tonight, there wont be any ambushes here. That was her going on the attack.

Sion carefully picked her hand and led her with ease to the dance area.

Okay, Princess Mia. Should we start? He stood up straight, put his hand on his chest, and bowed.

In answer, Mia curtsied and gently pulled on her skirt. Yes, Prince Sion. Lets enjoy this dance.

The musicians in the hall knew they were there. The current piece went away quickly. A short break was followed by a new tune that was just the right speed for dancing.

Wow, this is

Mia knew this number. It was often used to work on basic skills. To put it another way, it was a simple piece for newbies.

Wow, theyre really being careful, arent they? I dont blame them. The princess of Tearmoon and their crown prince are dancing. Someone making them look bad is the last thing theyd want.

She took a quick look at Sion. He smiled slightly, showing that he was well aware of the unexpected kindness.

Mia has recently had flings with swimming, horseback riding, and cooking (with mixed results with the last one), so its not hard to forget that she does have a real hobby. But lets remember that her real talent was dancing! It was one of her strong points. No matter the style or rhythm of the song, she could dance to it with ease!

I appreciate their consideration, but its really not necessary. I think that point needs to be made clear. Sion, what do you say?

Hehe, its a very bad thing to think too little of the Tearmoon princess. Okay, then. I will do everything you ask of me.

They looked at each other, took a quick breath together, and then started moving in steps that were the exact same length and time. The whole hall was naturally interested in the dance between Sunklands crown prince and Tearmoons princess. The people in the room looked at first with mostly curious eyes. Pretty soon, they turned into admiration and surprise.

The lords of Sunkland knew how good Sion was at dancing, but they were completely shocked by how good Mia was. Some of them were still angry about what happened earlier that night and were planning to scoff at her. These would-be bad guys were forced to keep their mouths shut.

The way Mia moved was perfect. They knew all of Sions moves inside and out and matched them. Every move she made, with her arm or wrist, was exact and planned. It seemed like she had control over every nerve and muscle, which had all been used to make her act more beautiful. When people saw her, they let out long, awed sighs that left them gasping for air.

Thats Princess Mia then

Magnificent just magnificent.

As the music stopped, Sion looked at the musicians in a meaningful gaze. The conductor nodded and sped up the beat of the baton.

Wow, this is

So, you have a point to make, right? I thought that one piece wouldnt be enough to make you famous. Lets show them something with a little moreoomph now that were warmed up.

Mia laughed. Okay, go ahead. I will dance either allegro or andante if you want.

Hes very kind to keep dancing, which is very helpful. Ill just need a few more girls to keep him busy after this. It will be a success if they keep him busy for the rest of the night!

Mia finally got tired after a few more numbers, so she took a break from Sion. She thought the other girls would step in right away to fill the void, but

Sion, are you thirsty? You can have this drink if youd like.

Echard was the one who came up. He held a glass of juice made from late-harvest grapes.

Whoa! Its hard for me to believe that wasnt planned!

She quickly turned back to him and asked, Uh, Sion, how about one more? Im still not ready to stop dancing.

Really? Sion gave her a frown. I dont mind, but what about Abel?

He looked around for Abel but stopped to bite his lip first. He let out a breath, as if he had reached a decision inside himself.

Hey, you know what? He looked thoughtfully out into the crowd and said, Im not quite ready to hand you over either. In the end, giving up all the time doesnt help anyone.

He then looked at Echard.

Excuse me, Echard. Could you hold that for me? Ill drink it after Im done dancing.

Huh? But its really cold now. If you wait

The glass was taken away from him before he could finish.

Come on, Echard. You should never stand between a young man and a young woman who need to do business together. With a glass in his hand, King Abram smiled at his son. When hes done, you can get him another glass. Ill enjoy this one by myself.

Ah

King Abram drank the juice before Mia could say anything. After a few seconds

Ugh

A grunt came out of his mouth. His royal shape began to move. A few shaky steps brought him to the balcony. He reached out for the bars and grabbed one, but missed. He was about to fall when his body bent over the banister.

Your Majesty!

The sound of a girl screaming broke the silence. Mia was shocked and couldnt do anything but watch as a woman ran toward the ailing king.