7 Target: Tamer Princess

Days and weeks of training has passed leaving me exhausted and temperamental. It's horrible really. Preparing for the ball last time was not that stressful compared to this. Even Nate and the twins are getting serious during our training. The only one who was a little laid back was Dan. The guy would crack up jokes here and there and would pull pranks on his brother.

The other PRINCE hates my guts so much that he would not allow me to doze off even for a second. He would continue to drill information into my brain even though I was tired, which always result in us bickering and me leaving through the window - once. It didn't happen again since he basically put some sort of magic barriers on the window. Trust me I dislocated my elbow trying to break it.

Yes I am desperate to get away from him and our training. The guy is nuts!

And don't get me started with the final fittings of the dress. It was not as bad as the training but the tailor really pissed me off. You see when they were taking my measurement and handed it to the tailor - I never remembered his name but let us name him Bob - Bob eyed the paper with my measurements. His brows furrowed at something and then says, "With a bust like this it would be hard to design a good enough gown for her." It took all my willpower not to grab his hair are scream, "WITH A F%&KING HAIR LIKE THIS, YOU ARE LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE A FVBKING JOB!!"

"Princess Rose, it's time to get ready." The soft voices of the maids woke me up from my slumber.

I squinted my eyes to see that preparations were being made inside my room. Makeups and sh!ts were being prepared on my dresser. The dress that I'm going to wear at the party was worn by a wired mannequin as the tailors made some few adjustments. I groaned and pulled my blanket over my head as if it was a sacred shield. "Go away. As Princess - whatever - I command zzzz...." Then I dozed off to sleep.

I don't know how long I napped after that but suddenly I wake up dripping wet. "OH MY GOSH!!!" I bolted upright and threw the wet covers off of me. "WHO PUT ICE IN THERE!?" I demanded.

"Good morning, dear." The queen said all smiles while holding the bucket where I assume where the water came from. "They told me that you were being stubborn so I decided to drop by."

Still shivering, I glared at her. "By d-drop by y-you mean drop some ICE!?" The queen did not answer but only gave me a menacing smile.

"Sarah, Gix, Heira please clean up this young lady. Make sure to scrub her form head to toe, brush her hair 100 times-curled and tied, paint her nails, give her a facial, wax her leg and armpit hair, and give her a lovely makeup afterwards. I want her heels to be a bit high since her escort is a bit tall. Oh and can you get the box in my office? Those are her accessories. I believe they would go well with the dress. Oh and about the speech-"

That was when I cut her off. "Woah. What speech?" I stopped shivering and focused my attention to her.

"Your opening speech that is." The queen raised her eyebrow at me. "Didn't PRINCE Ace told you?"

PRINCE Ace. THAT BASTARD!!! I know fully well that it is not like him to forget anything as important as that. This could only mean one thing. HE DID THAT ON PURPOSE!!! THAT JERK!!

"NO HE DIDN'T!!" I screamed and bolted out of the room. I know fully well that I suck at speeches. Heck I can't even imagine speaking in front of a crowd, much less a crowd of magical royals.

Forget the speech, forget the party, I am out of here. I will hide in a bathroom until all this crap is over with. There are at least 100 bathrooms in this castle. I doubt they could find me in one of them. Just where should I hide? I was just giving it a thought when I was picked up from the ground like a sack of potato.

"REN REN REN! I found your runaway bride." Dan screamed excitedly. He then danced happily to where I assume is Ren.

"What the? Why are you carrying Rose? More importantly, why is she still in her pajamas?"

Wow that's all? Not 'why is she soaking wet?'

"I just found her." Dan says like someone saying they found a lost animal.

"Your highnesses." I glanced up and saw that the maids were already here. "Princess Rose is trying to ditch the party."

I couldn't see the twins faces but I can only imagine that it shocked them. "Well because a certain PRINCE purposely forgot to tell me that I was suppose to give a speech of some sort!" Dan put me back on the ground to give me a look. Nope it wasn't sympathy.

It was a mocking look. "AHAHAHAHA YOU GOT PUNKED BY PRINCE ACE!!" Dan started laughing hysterically.

And just like that I stomped on his foot with my bunny slippers. It seemed like it had no effect. Ren tapped me on the shoulder and offered me a white glove. I smiled and took the glove from him and slapped Dan with it. I was the one who laughed this time. "Always wanted to try that." I grinned.

"Princess, we have to get going." The sound of the maids brought me back to reality.

The speech. Oh crap.

I started to turn around and run but Ren grabbed the collar of my shirt. I choked a bit. "Where do you think you are going?"

"Uhm...somewhere? Just until the party is over."

Ren let out a soft laugh. "And you think I'd let you?" With one swift motion, he threw me on his shoulder like how Dan carried me a while ago. "You are going to the party and that is final."

"You traitor! I will never forgive you."

"Lead the way ladies." Ren says to the maids. We started to move and Dan was moving behind Ren to face me. I raised an eyebrow at him wondering what he wants. Dan gave me a look and stuck his tongue out at me - teasing me from my predicament. "Hey, Dan. Come closer so I can slap you again." Dan sneakily walked away while Ren had to deal with me alone.

We soon reached my room where Ren finally put me down. "Make sure to pamper her well ladies." Ren winked before leaving. The maids were in a daze and snapped back to the present as soon as the door closes behind him. "Prince Ren is so nice." One maid sighs.

"Prince Ren is so nice." I mocked and made a spitting sound as I sneakily made my way to my balcony. Maybe I can somehow escape trough here. I did it before maybe I can do it again. I was just a few steps away when my path was suddenly blocked. I looked up and faced Tanya. She's an elderly woman and is in charge of the maids. Also, she's really scary especially now. Tanya was giving me a sinister smile.

Princess or not, Tanya only follows the queen's orders and have no regard for me. "Where are you going, Princess?"

I let out a nervous laugh. "Um...ahaha....heaven? God is calling me." I offered.

"Ladies! Bring princess Rose to the bathroom and make sure you follow the queen's orders." Tanya screamed snapping the ladies back to their tasks.

And with that my futile attempts to escape ended. I was dragged into the bathroom against my will. Stripped naked and thrown into the bathtub. In the presence of Tanya the maids act like soldiers and made no sound what-so-ever and they clean me up. Tanya was leering at me with her hawk eyes making me want to cover up myself. I mean, dude I am naked!

After the bath I was waxed from head to toe. Got myself a facial while they painted my nails - a color that would match my dress.

"So, Princess Rose. Do you understand the schedules for the ball?" This weird looking vampire butler then asked me.

"I got everything except for the speech part. Can we just skip it?" I suggested.

"I am sorry, Princess, but skipping is not an option."

The queen suddenly burst into the room twirling and dancing in her white dress. "Is my niece ready?" She sang and gasped when she saw me. Her eyes sparkled like a 5 year old seeing a toy that caught her interest. "Oh my, dear. You look lovely!"

"And you look younger despite your age." That earned me a flick on the head, courtesy of the queen. "None of that." She chided.

Finally, I was done with the preparations and ready to head out of the room. A slight whimper to my side caught my attention and I turned to see that Custard has a little bow around his neck. "Awe, aren't you adorable?" I cooed. Despite the fact that my wittle woffy partner looked cute as heck, he didn't like his getup. He kept scratching at his neck turning the bow a complete 360 degrees. I laughed and scooped him up in my arms.

We left my room and I was guided back to the preparation hall where the rest of the princes waited. Upon my arrival, the princes rose to their feet as a form of respect for the 'princess' as they say it. The twins were dressed nicely in white and gold coats with long backs. Their hairs were still spiked but was neatly styled. They really play the role as twins seeing as everything in them is similarly styled. Dan grinned and elbowed a gaping Ren to snap him out of his daydream. I frowned at them.

I should throw them in the dungeon. Do we even have one?

Nate went all out and wore a maroon colored coat design with complicated beadworks. His cuffs were ringed with gold silver details that neatly contrasts the color of his coat. He didn't wore a cape this time, probably because he doesn't want me to step on it on purpose incase he tries something funny. He didn't cut his hair for a very long time that he had to tie it back into a pony hair. He said that he wanted a change of looks for this ball and would only cut his hair after. "The star of the night finally arrived." He says eyeing me up and down in approval.

"You clean up well too, Nate." I said making him blush and look away while grinning. Then I leaned in and whispered to him. "Get me out of here."

"No." He whispered back.

Finally, ladies and gentlemen, my escort of the night: PRINCE Ace, the lord of darkness, king of bookworms, god of bad attitude, and son of demons. He was the only one glaring at me like I was a pest of some sort that needed to be killed. His coat was black design with white lines that followed his body. It made him look muscular and strong. His hair was combed back to showcase his frowning eyes. Yes, I know. Not a great look for somehow who frowns a lot.

"What kind of garbage are you wearing?" Was the first thing that he said to me.

I gasped. "Garbage!?" I was wearing a turquoise off shoulder dress that tightly hugged my waist. It was designed with pink flowers and beads. The skirt was cut high at the front and low at the back to show my legs and shoes. My hair was in a braided bun with bits of hair curled at my sides to showcase my face. I looked in the mirror earlier and thought that I looked good - kind of like a real princess - which I am - I keep forgetting.

And then this thug right here thinks that he can just bad mouth my dress like that? "This is not garbage, you fool!"

"Yes. Sorry my mistake. Why is a garbage wearing that dress?"

A vein popped in my head and right then I just wanted to scream at him. How dare he say something like that to me? For once I was feeling pretty and with just words like that I now lost my confidence. I opened my mouth to scream something back at him but someone already went to my defense.

"Why don't you just shut up for once, PRINCE Ace? I think that Rose really looks beautiful and no amount of criticism of yours is going to change that." Ren snapped at him with a glare. It was the first time that anyone besides me snapped at Ace. Dan, Nate, and I were shocked to see him stood up to Ace for me. I'm guessing that Ace was taken a back too but he didn't show it. Instead he let out a 'tch' and looked away.

I was too shock to speak, but I could feel that I was blushing at Ren's words when he called me beautiful. In an instant, my confidence slowly grew back and I turned to Ren and thanked him.

Don't ever let that jerk make you think twice about being beautiful. Remember, my brother likes you. He's really picky with girls but he chooses you. Ren whispered in my mind giving me a small smile like he was not happy about the fact that he has a rival for his brothers affection.

I just nodded since I do not know what to say to him.

"It's about to begin. Rose, are you ready?" Nate asks. I answered him with a shrug. Taking that as a yes, Nate took my hand and lead me to Ace's side before heading to the twins.

A butler suddenly enters the room. "Ready." And that was our cue. Nate, Ren, and Dan walked out together to the parting curtains before us. As soon as the curtains parted, a gush of wind greeted us along with crystalline white lights highlighting the party before us. Below us were the guests invited for the ball. There were so many faces and flashy gowns and tuxedos that I felt dizzy all of a sudden.

"Don't go fainting on me. I don't like to carry pigs." Ace whispered. I glared and was about to say something back when he offered me his arm. "Just stay calm and hold my arm. It's just like how we practiced. Don't make a mistake." It may sound like a threat but his voice says otherwise. I looped my arm on his arm and took deep breaths to calm myself. For a few moments, I was actually glad that I have Ace at my side. It means that I don't have to walk this whole mess alone.

Ren, Nate, and Dan started to move. The three are in sync as they descended the stairs looking fierce and regal. All the while giving flashy smiles to the guests. They all looked really good that I couldn't blame a few princess, duchess, and ladies starring at them as if they were trying to memorize their features. When they reached the end, it was our cue to follow. I gripped tightly on Ace's shoulder while the other was on my dress. Custard was pacing on my other side, looking eager to follow the other princes, but knew that he had to stay put.

I can do this. No big of a deal, right?

Ace started so I followed, carefully descending the stairs and forcing my chin to look up and not down. Just like we practiced. We were almost halfway down when I suddenly felt sick. Ace noticed my distress and tightened his hold. It calmed me down a little. We were not halfway through when I felt a slight cold on the tips of my toes and I slipped. The first thing that came into my mind was to cling to Ace.

I mean, if I am going down I might as well take someone with me.

At first, I thought that Ace would swat or push me, but he actually did the opposite. I was far too gone to be pulled back. Ace realized it too and acted quicker than I could have imagined. Once I was making a dive, Ace grabbed me by the waist and jumped all the way down to the bottom. He was able to chance his grip on me into a princess carry in mid air so we were able to land smoothly.

I closed my eyes while we were in mid air. By the time I opened my eyes everyone was staring at us. Nate, Dan, and Ren all looked nervous as they switched their attention from the crowd and to us. I also looked for Custard only to spot him running back to our room. TRAITOR!

"U-um.....it's a traditional Earthling greeting...?" I suggested with a smile. It was the only excuse I could come up from my embarrassing fall. Beside me I could just feel PRINCE Ace warming up to slap me when we heard the crowd cheering.

Huh. I guess the people from this dimension are gullible.

The crowd were still watching us and I just realized something very important. The speech. "U-uh I-I am Princess Rosalie. 19 years old and single. My dog just ran away upstairs." I gestured behind me. Silnce.

"While I was...uh.....making my traditional Earthling greeting and such. He did not abandon me. You see I am a tamer." I laughed nervously. "I honestly know what I am doing with my spirit and he respects me for that. I purposely told him to go back to our room." Again I laughed nervously and saw the princes doing subtle face slaps and hiding their faces in embarrassment. "And uh....this here is my slav - I mean escort - PRINCE Ace. He is a nice dance partner and nice person in an alternate universe." I took a glance at Ace and saw him breathing deeply.

Well it's not my fault that I delivered a speech unprepared. Serves him right.

"And uh. Have a good evening and enjoy the ball?"

The crowd seemed to be satisfied with my speech as he started to applaud me. I let out a sigh of relief. Ace sighed beside me. "If you do that again I will make sure to push you to increase the impact of your fall."

"Aww what a gentleman." I faked a swoon.

We headed towards the others as the party officially started. Now I am suppose to go and 'mingle' with the guest, which is my least favorite part.

"Nice save, Rose." Ren leaned in an whispered beside me.

"Please keep your voice low. We wouldn't want anyone to hear that." Nate butted in as we headed for the group of girls gathered in one place - as per Nate's request.

As we were approaching the group I fixed my posture and dress to make me look presentable - and more princess-like. One of the girls saw us coming and alerted the others that we were approaching.

"Princess." A vampire lady curtsied as she greeted me. The other girls followed her gesture. As a princess I can only nod in acknowledgement.

"Good evening, Lady Jhosel." I greeted her first before the others. "And to you, Lady Rica, Lady Eileen, Lady Savi, Lady Maria, Lady Tasche, and Lady Stacey." I recalled their names from my lessons with Ace.

But just to make sure I took a glance at Ace. Sure enough he doesn't want to kill me, which means I got the names right. Finally!

The girls seemed dumbfounded as well and looked please afterwards. "Wow, your majesty. We did not expect that you would know our names. Not that it is meant to offend you or anything." Lady Savi says.

"We didn't expect her to know your names either." Ren says.

"I actually expected her to give you guys made up names." Dan joked and gasped when I stepped on his foot as I fanned myself. Lady-like.

For once I actually accomplished something and instead of praising me, they prefer to joke about it. Twins.

I looked at Lady Maria, since I was so curious of her. She must have noticed my stare because she was studying me with her silver eyes. "Lady Maria, I heard that you're a fallen angel?" I stared at her simple white dress. There was no bead works or anything. It was just a plain white tubed dress. I guess angels don't really care about appearances, not when they have a pretty face.

Nate whistled. "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?" I hit my fan at the back of Nate's head.

Lady Maria shallowed her food and tucked her blonde hair out of her face before smiling at me. "Yes, your highness. I was far too good to be in heaven anyway." Then she glanced at Nate. "Yeah it hurts. What about you? How did you got away from hell?"

I had to slap a hand over my mouth at that comment, but it was too late. Lady Stacey and I laughed at the same time. "Damn, Prince Nate got burned!" That wasn't me but Lady Stacey who said it. Her curly red hair slightly covering her face as she hollered.

"The Prince, still a womanizer as ever." Lady Eileen sighed. The ornaments on top of her black hair, that was styled into a bun, twinkled as they captured light.

"Anyone want a muffin?" Lady Jhosel said in a mouthful. Her freckles flashing up as her cheeks puffed. "Oops...sorry. I love food." She admitted. Lady Jhosel, from what I heard is a free spirited lady. I heard that she is an expert in horse riding and that she rarely attends any social gatherings unless it is important. Maybe that's why her brown hair was cut short so she could ride without her face slapping her face.

"Ohh. Give me some of those cakes from heaven!" Lady Maria exclaimed and took a muffin offered by Lady Jhosel.

"Dibs on meats!" Lady Savi, Ren, and Dan all said at the same time. Ren and Dan starred at Lady Savi. "What?" She asked. I almost laughed. Despite being an elf, her brown hair, that was tied into a pony tail, and her brown eyes made her look like she's a sibling of the twins.

"I thought Elves like veggies." Dan asked.

Lady Savi simply shrugged and said, "I like veggies but it doesn't mean I have to love them."

Ren laughed. "Ahh I see. Well meat sister, would you care to join us?"

"Would I?" Lady Savi says and joined the twins to eat the meats on the buffet table.

Seeing the others eat made my stomach grumble. I looked at PRINCE Ace. He glared back at me. "I want the meat rolls." I told him. I mean, he is my escort, right? And it is his job to make his partner as comfortable as possible.

"So? Go get it yourself." He said.

"I thought PRINCE Ace was suppose to be the escort." PRINCE Ace and I both stared at Lady Rica, who opened her fan and slowly fanned herself. Her green eyes met my gaze and winked at me. I laughed and looked at Ace smugly. I guess werewolves like Rica have guts!

"Whatever." He says and marched to the buffet table.

"Oh and don't forget to bring Lady Rica and I a drink too." I added.

"Is he always like that?" Asked Lady Tache. For all I remember that she is a werewolf like the twins. Her voice was so low as her height, I'm sorry but she really is short, that with her brown hair and eyes, she actually resembles a teddy bear instead of a wolf.

Again, I am sorry. She's short. I am not making fun of her.

"Pretty much." I answered.

"Princess, if you don't mind me asking, why did you take PRINCE Ace as your escort?" Lady Jhoshel asked.

"Slavery." I coughed. The girls understood me immediately and each gave me an approving grin. I have no idea if I was suppose to be doing that, but from what I learned, since PRINCE Ace and I basically have equal title, we can pretty much disrespect each other. From what I understand at least.

A sudden bell brought us all in attention. "Evening dance is about to begin." A butler announced. In that moment PRINCE Ace arrived with our drinks and food. I gave him a sheepish smile as I said, "Yay food!"

Just as I was about to grab the meat roll, PRINCE Ace blocked me and placed the foods on a nearby table. "Sorry, PRINCESS, but the dance is about to start." He said, seemingly enjoying the look of horror on my face. Before I could protest he already dragged me to the dance floor.

I want to sit down and throw a tantrum...

I glanced back at the group only to see the others pairing up. Ren gave PRINCE Ace a seemingly annoyed look before pairing up with Lady Rica. Dan was also glaring at us as he took Lady Tasche to the dance. Nate went to the other group of girls and asked a witch named Lady Caroline, a witch, to be his partner.

Maybe I should ask Lady Caroline about Prince Fred? I haven't seen the guy at all!

My eyes were still wandering trying to search the familiar figure I was dying to meet all night. "Prince Fred is discussing some matter with the queen right now. He will appear sooner or later." PRINCE Ace said.

"How did you-"

"You're too obvious."

Before I could talk more it was already time to switch partners. Soon I was dancing with Dan. "Well hello there, princess. You are up for a dance with my brother next."

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Yeah. I kind of know that so it defeats the purpose of you telling me."

"I know!" He grinned. "I am just excited."

I looked back to see PRINCE ACE now dancing with Lady Jhoshel. For some reason Lady Jhoshel doesn't want to look at Ace's face. I guess PRINCE Ace scares vampires too.

To our other side Ren danced with Lady Amara and twirled her like a ballerina. Nate offered a flower to Lady Evyta, a werewolf which surprised me, as he dragged her to the dance floor before she could even say 'yes'.

"Wow everyone is so live-"

"OKAY I DEMAND A SWITCH." Dan yelled and immediately threw me to the side as he ran over to Lady Faeya and carried her to the dance floor.

Yes. He carried a lady. To. The. Dance. Floor.

I bumped into Lady Amara when Dan pushed me. I was stunned at this Fairy lady. Her blue hair and blue eyes her electrifying. I wanna touch her hair. "I-I-I'm sorry." I stuttered and glared at Dan. He and Lady both gave me a glance and they chuckled together as if having a secret conversation.

Luckily Lady Amara was nice. "Oh, princess Rose!" She curtsied and looked back to prince Ren and smirked before looking back at me. "Please dance. My feet hurts and I can barely walk." She says. I looked at her. She's lying. She seems fine!

"Er....okay?" I said and watch her fake limp out of the dance floor. I could have imagined it but I saw her and Dan exchanging a thumbs up.

Ren sighed. "Is it me or are people in this party weird?"

"I agree."

"Would you like to dance?" Ren smiled and offered me his hand. As soon as our hands touched, I heard Dan and Lady Faeya, a unique albino witch, squealed. But as soon as I looked back to them they seem busy dancing. Must be my imagination.

PRINCE Ace was now dancing with Lady Savi and from the looks of it, they were glaring at each other. Lady Savi must be trying to copy Ace's expression, which was hilarious to look at. Nate was dancing with Lady Angel, another fairy with a unique black hair and silver eyes, and the two seems to be having fun as they both twirled one another.

Just as the switching of partners were about to commence I saw Dan, Lady Faeya and Lady Tasche pushing Lady Eileen towards Ace instead of Ren. Poor Lady Eileen had to endure Prince Ace's killer looks.

What the heck are they doing? I swear nothing ever goes right with these social gatherings.

"Is it me or are Dan and his new gang preventing other girls from dancing with you?" I whispered to Ren.

"Oh good you also noticed. I thought I was getting crazy."

"Excuse me. Mind if I cut in?" Lady Maria said. She really is an angel!

Before Ren and I could say yes, Dan cut in and said. "Oh look. PRINCE Ace is available! Come right this way, pretty lady." Dan took her hand and literally pushed her to Ace. Ace, who was never a gentleman, surprisingly caught her. Lady Maria flushed a little before fixing herself. Without a word, Ace asked her for a dance.

"What is with up with you, brother?"

"Why are u asking me? I'm just as confused as you." Ren shrugged. Not a moment too soon two figures appeared beside us. Prince Darem's long golden brown hair was tied into a ponytail by a golden cuff. Beside him was his older brother Prince Eltur, who's silver hair flowing neatly at his back. The two are Elven royalty and also Ace's older siblings.

"Oh hello, Prince Renevier and Princess Rosalie." Darem greeted. Beside him Prince Eltur brought a petite lady. "Lady Amara here wants to have a dance with Prince Ren. Mind if she cuts in?" Prince Eltur said.

"But I-" Lady Amara, who looked troubled, started to protest before she was shoved into Ren's arms. Out of nowhere, Dan suddenly appeared looking displeased with the arrangement. Prince Darem saw him coming and grabbed his hands and plastered on a fake smile. "Ahhh Prince Daniel. MIND IF WE HAVE A DANCE?"

"F**** N-" Dan's cursing was cut off when Prince Darem lead him away in a waltz. How he managed that throughout Dan's protest is beyond me. I also saw Lady Tasche trying to rescue poor prince Dan, but Prince Eltur took her by surprise and dance with her.

And I actually like to see the image of Prince Darem and Prince Dan dancing together.....Damn it....

Weird party. Weird people.

By now Ace has a new partner named Lady Flower, a vampire, and the two don't seem to be enjoying much. Lady Amara, who was previously hesitant to dance with Ren, now seemed to be enjoying herself and engaging a conversation with Ren.

"My beautiful, Princess Rose." I jump in surprise when Nate whispered in my ear. Nate chuckled at my reaction. "Easy there. I don't bite. I just want a dance." He said as he offered me his hand. I grinned seeing a familiar face after being left alone with no dance partner. "Well don't mind if I do."

Nate and I started to dance as the music change to a more subtle tune. "It's nice for you to pick me up from that chaos over there." I started. Nate laughed and glance at Prince Darem and Prince Dan still stuck in a waltz. "What can I say. When a lady is in distress, Nate is there to impress." He winked.

This time I laughed. "How times have you repeated those lines this evening?"

"Only once for my pretty price. And by price that means you. You're beautiful tonight, Princess." His stare suddenly softened and his goofy grin is now gone. His mouth started to move as if he wants to say something. "If only the girl I kissed in the lake was really you it would have been worth a drown." He said dramatically.

"Are you uttering a curse or something?" I joked. Nate looked like he woke up from a trance. For a few seconds his eyes darted towards Prince Ace, who was now dancing with another lady.

"Of course not. I am serious when I say you are the most beautiful creature I ever laid my eyes upon." He said dramatically and smirked. I started to laugh after that. "Hey why is Prince Ren dancing with Prince Darem?" He suddenly asked.

"Oh that's not Ren. It's Dan. Ren is currently Dancing with Lady Rizzi now."

"The black haired werewolf girl?"

"Yeah. That's the one."

"Ace looks busy." Nate says taking a glance at Ace, who is now partnered up with another poor lady. From the movement of Ace's lips I would read his words saying. 'Try to speak and I will trip you so hard you will put your shoes on your hands to walk.'

"I don't understand why many girls want to dance with him this evening." I said.

"Maybe they were curious and wanted to see why you chose PRINCE Ace to be your escort." Prince Fred suddenly said appearing at our side. As always, the warlock prince was dressed to impress in a nice you suit. There were no beads but his suit seamed to glitter in just the right spots. His blonde hair was pulled back on one side and the other was left in a semi mess kind of style.

I couldn't contain my joy upon seeing him that I grinned from ear to ear. "Prince Fred!" I said in glee. Fred chuckled and gestured at Prince Ren and PRINCE Ace having new partners. "They already changed partners. Mind if I cut in?" He asked.

Nate let out a loud sigh. "Great timing, Fred. Really great timing." By his tone, Nate seemed annoyed. I don't know if he was faking it or not, but Fred simply laughed. "Sorry, my friend. I got really busy and only have a few minutes before the queen calls me for her decision."

"I see." Nate grumbled. "Well I guess I leave her in your care for now." He says as he kissed my hand and winked. "Until the next ball, princess. I'll take a break from dancing for a while. I'm satisfied with my dance with Rose." He told us and went to get himself a drink.

There will be no next ball if I can help it.

"You really have a huge impact on people. Do you know that?" Fred suddenly said as he lead us in a waltz. The feeling on being able to dance with him again felt so amazing. Our last dance in the maze was actually heart breaking that I never thought I would be able to waltz with him again. But look at us now. Doing a waltz as if everything was fine. For a moment I don't even care about anything else. Even when I saw Lady Flower teaching Prince Ace a new waltz and PRINCE Ace looking like he is ready to kill the girl.

"What kind of impact?" I asked.

Fred laughed. "Nothing. Hey, you are getting good at dancing. Did you practice while I'm gone?"

I shrugged. "Nah. I just had this really amazing dance teacher." I said.

"Oh really?" Fred faked a shock. "Was he handsome?"

"No. He's ugly." I said bluntly. "Not only was he ugly but he left without saying a proper goodbye. I say good riddance."

"Ouch." Fred flinched. "You know I also have a dance student, who really sucks at dancing and calls me ugly when I am clearly not." After his comment I stepped on his foot - intentionally. It didn't seem to bother him and he only laughed it off.

"Careful, Fred. You are starting to sound like Nate." I warned.

"Well in the least. My student, who really sucks at dancing, is my little sunshine. So bright and full of joy. I miss her dearly when I am away." I smiled at his words. "I miss you too, Fred. We all do." Fred smiled and pulled me to a hug. He stood hugging each other for a few seconds before he pulled away.

"I think it is time for you to go back to your escort before he scares any more of our female visitors." He said looking at Ace glaring at every female who seemed interested in dancing with him. "You really did a big mess here. You made him popular with the ladies by making him your escort. Now every female wants to dance with him for good fortune."

"Is that how it works?" I asked.

"You didn't know?"

"I only made him my escort for slavery." I said bluntly. Fred threw his head back and laughed.

"You little sunshine. Go back to your escort and help him." He kissed my forehead before leading me to Ace. Meanwhile I was too dazed by the kiss to argue. Oh, I see the sparkles around Fred again!

Before I knew it I was already with Ace looking so enraged at me I am surprised he hasn't thrown me out of the window. Yet.

"Well nice to see you having a good time." He mocked.

"Well of course. I am a PRINCESS." I said smugly.

"Enjoy it while you think it's fun." He says. "You know, we should stop dancing and meet the leader from other kingdoms to formally introduce you."

"Is that your excuse of wanting to take a break from dancing?" I joked. PRINCE Ace gave me a silent look. One where I question my time of death. I swallowed. "U-um..yeah." I laughed nervously. "S-Sounds like a-a p-plan. It's not like I am agreeing with you because I am scared of you or anything. Don't get the wrong idea." Ace's only response was rolling his eyes. He offered me his arm and lead me to where the Queen was - talking to the leaders of the other kingdom.

Just as we were approaching, Ace's head suddenly turned to my left. His eyes registered a look of horror as he pulled me close to him.

"Get down!" He yelled and moved me away to use his body as a shield as an ear piercing crash occurred.

One of the windows from the ballroom was shattered when a badly beaten tiger was thrown in. "Sives!" Dan yelled in horror as he approached the Tiger, who was now starting to morph back into human form. He was so badly hurt that he could make it full human form and retained his stripped and fangs when Dan got to him. "Sives, what happened to you?" By now almost all of the people in the ballroom were so quiet that we could hear Sives talking even from afar.

I haven't even realized it but the other princes now stood beside me except for Dan. Sives's eyes scanned the room until his eyes found mind. "It's you." He said and everyone started to look at me as well. "King Ferius wants you." He whispered. I felt chills running up and down my body at his words.

"Just they try." I heard Nate whispered with a hiss. By the sound of it his fangs were exposed.

Sives looked desperate and looked to Dan. "King Ferius wants h-her, my prince. Don't let the rogue king have her..-" Sives whispered as he lost consciousness.

"Guards! Secure perimeters. Make sure whoever did this will pay!" Dan ordered looking really enraged. "Go find the bastard who did this!" There was a roar in his voice. He was using his alpha blood to command.

"Get her out of here!" The queen ordered from the other side of the room. I did not realize the queen was referring to me until Ren nudged me.

"Come, Rose." He says. "Rose?" I couldn't move. I was frozen on the spot. I was being targeted by the rogue king for reason I don't know. My eyes suddenly felt wet and I was so cold and I felt exposed. Unsafe. I don't want this. I don't want to be here. I want to go home to my own world. It's safer there.

I am not safe here. I will die.

"No one is going to hurt you as long as we are here. Come on." Ace promised as Nate covered me with his coat. Ren even took my hand to reassure me of their promise. They have fought and endured a lot with me. Seeing their faces gave me comfort and fear. Comfort that they will protect me and fear that they might end up getting hurt in the process.

Trust them. It's all I can do.

"Let's go."