Chapter 4 - The Christmas Ball

"You look nervous, my son. What are you thinking about?" Amelissa came closer and touched her son's shoulder who looked tense.

"Am I handsome, mother?" asked Theodoric.

"Have you assigned someone a princess?" asked Amelissa, smiling.

Theodoric just smiled without answering. He looked at all the guests who had come and enjoyed this historic event. His eyes were on every woman. He hasn't found what he's looking for. But he knew he had to dance with some women.

"What are you waiting for, Theo?" asked her mother who had not left his side.

"In a moment, mother. I need to calm down first," he lied a little.

Theodoric didn't know whether the woman he was expecting would come or not. For when he saw that some women from other palaces had come, he did not see the woman who made his heart flutter.

"Ladies and gentlemen," King Thomas's voice filled the room. He started the event without asking his son first.

"With all due respect, I'm, as usual, holding this Christmas Ball event to welcome Christmas Day. Well, without losing my respect ... This event is supplemented by the selection of the woman my son, Prince Theodoric, will marry!" added Thomas.

Theodoric was forced to put on a smiling face that seemed forced. His body stiffened and looked straight ahead.

"He will dance with you, randomly, and will decide who will be his wife in the future," added King Thomas.

The boisterous guests both men and women, were really happy with the Christmas Ball event tonight.

"Enjoy and Merry Christmas!" said King Thomas ending.

Thomas nodded at his son to do what he was supposed to do. Until finally Theodoric came down from the pulpit and walked slowly, choosing the woman he was going to dance with.

"Your Majesty, it's nice to have the opportunity to dance with you," said one of the Princesses named Alsie that he chose.

"Show me your dancing talent as best you can. Don't expect more."

Princess Alsie just nodded and smiled. She followed Theodoric's movements. Trying to be as elegant as possible, but he is not very attractive in the eyes and in his heart.

Theodoric then turned to take Barbara's hand. He smiled at her while Barbara tried to tease him.

"Choose me, Your Majesty. You know how I can satisfy you in bed," said Barbara.

Theodoric smiled. "Marriage isn't all about sex, Barbara. You're attractive, but not attractive enough to me. Don't be offended, you know how I am."

Then Theodoric came to Princess Jesslyn. She looked attractive in his eyes, but his heart only had a bias for Jesslyn.

"I hope you choose me, Your Majesty. You know, I've admired you for a long time. Even some princes dared me to turn down just because of you," Jesslyn told him.

"You'll regret it if you turn down any of them, Princess Jesslyn."

"I will regret not being touched like this by you."

Theodoric's eyes fell on all the guests who were watching him dancing with some of the princesses.  Instrumental music played beautifully and suddenly he looked towards the entrance. A horse carriage stopped there. Theodoric stopped and just let Jesslyn go.

His heart pounded when he saw and knew who was coming. A red dress with a flared bottom. The hair is in a bun with the right and left hanging hair in beautiful curls. Don't forget a shiny crown on top of the woman's fist. She entered with graceful steps, making all eyes look at her and be amazed.

***

When all eyes were on her, she felt as if they were mocking her. Stabbing her with a sharp gaze as if she didn't deserve to be in this Palace.

But Ivy ventured into the Palace halls with steady and graceful strides. She was not alone. Her father, Lily and Luis are here. She just deliberately came at a late time and made attention only focused on her.

As Ivy drew near to Theodoric who was standing still staring at her, she bowed to him.

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry I'm late. I hope you're not mad at me," Ivy said politely.

"Please, Princess Ivy ... dance with me," Theodoric said, immediately inviting her. He knelt before Ivy, one hand waiting for her to be held and to the astonishment of all the guests.

Ivy put one hand to her lips feeling surprised. She was surprised and looked at all the guests. Then her eyes met her father who nodded at her.

With a smile, Ivy placed her hand on Theodoric's palm.

"With pleasure, Your Majesty, Prince Theodoric," said Ivy.

"You're so beautiful, Princess Ivy. You're the only one wearing a red dress. How can you be this brave?" praised Theodoric.

"Is the Prince scolding me or asking seriously?" Ivy asked.

"I can't possibly scold a woman as beautiful as you. Tell me ... how can you wear this fiery red dress."

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. For now, we should keep a secret that shouldn't be said. Time will tell," Ivy said politely.

Theodoric smiled and nodded. "If that's what you want, Princess Ivy. Come on, let's enjoy the show."

Ivy fell silent with a smile.  It wasn't that she didn't want to tell Theodoric, but she felt that, for her mother's safety, she would keep it a secret until she felt she could trust Theodoric.

"Actually, I was nervous, Prince. I ... I mean, I've never been to an event like this. The big event," Ivy said honestly.

"Even at Christmas Ball in previous years? How could that be?" asked Theodoric.

Ivy nodded. "As I said, let time tell. However, I beg your help, Prince. You must have felt my hands shaking."

Theodoric did feel it. They were even dancing and Ivy was still nervous.

"I'll be here for you, Princess Ivy. Don't worry, just follow my lead."

They then followed the strains of instrumental music that filled the hall. They stare at each other and touch each other intensely. Theodoric's eyes were piercing, sharp and so handsome to Ivy. As for Theodoric himself, he felt he had found what he was looking for.