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The carriage pulls up in front of the milky castle around eight. The two footmen come to the door. One holds the door while the other helpsed me down. My glass slippers tap quietly on the cobblestones. I glide toward the stairs.

"Remember your mother's words," the coachman reminds me. "You must leave before midnight."

I pause, one foot on the first low stair. "What if I lose track of time?"

"You must remember!" he reiterates, avoiding my question.

"I won't," I assure him before he rolls away. I mount the stairs.

As I walk by the guards, I begin to feel uncomfortable. I can feel the guards following me with their eyes, taking in my figure. I move a little faster. That's when I see it.

The room is enormous. The high rounded ceiling is decorated with cherubic angels. The columns on either side of me are the rich hue of mahogany and are large enough to hide behind even with wide skirts. On the opposite wall, there are scarlet draperies which brush the floor even when tied back as they are now. To my right is a short but wide velvet carpet the same shade as the draperies that leads to the dais where the royal family is. A long line of maidens stretches toward the the dance floor where a dozen couples are gliding to the the music. Across the hall from the dais is a pair of windows that reach the base of the domed ceiling. Or are those doors? Either way, the bottom is a pale blue stained glass which slowly darkens to a royal blue. Amid the royal blue glass is the royal seal.

I look back at the dais where I can see the prince standing.

"The Lady Deleque and her two daughters, Jemma and Pearl."

I watch with interest as my step-sisters try to be closer to the prince. I can see what they are doing despite the distance. Pearl is batting her eyelashes while Jemma is simpering behind a fan. They drop a curtsy.

"Miss," a voice interrupts my watch.

I turn to see an middle-aged servant in the royal livery by my elbow.

"Do you require assistance?"

I realize that I have not moved since I entered the ballroom. "No, thank you for the offer though," I reply and move toward the dance floor.

My heart begins to pound. Is he looking for me? I told him I would be here at this time. I press my lips together for a moment. I glance around, trying to decide what to do. The music stops, having reached the end of the song.

I hear the murmur then. I realize everyone is looking to my right. I breathe deeply and turn.

He's there. The prince is smiling, relief evident on his face. He's in all white tonight, with gold trim on his coat.

"You came," he breathes.

A smile pulls at my lips. "Of course. I gave you my word."

"Why did you have to to go?" Prince Gregory asks.

I remember what happened after I had returned to the house that day. "It's nothing," I answer, avoiding his eyes.

He makes a move to pursue the conversation but decides against it.

"May I have this dance?" he asks, bowing.

"You may," I reply.

He leads me onto the dance floor as everyone watches. He takes my hand in his and puts the other at my waist. I use my free hand to lift my skirts. I look into those grey eyes and lose myself in them. I feel a smile spread across my face. The orchestra begins a new song, and we are off.

We move smoothly. Despite never having been taught dance, my feet know what to do. We are flying, and yet I feel safer than I ever have in years.

"I looked for you every day after that kiss," he informs me as we dance.

"You did?"

"Yes. But you never showed."

I feel a rush of remorse. "I'm sorry. I was busy."

"Making that dress?" he asks with a grin.

"Perhaps," I answer cheekily.

"It matches your eyes. I like it."

As the dance ends, we come to a slow stop.

"Would you care to walk with me?" He offers me his elbow, and I accept. He leads me out the glass doors and into the palace garden.

We talk and dance through the night. He leaves to take care of other guests every so often, but most of the night I am his partner.

At eleven, I reluctantly leave. After I arrive at the house and leave the coach, the vehicle disappears. I hear Phantom whinny from the stable. I numbly head to my room. I collapse in the bed after undressing and stare at ceiling for hours, giggling and sighing.