Shining brightly ~James~

I sat outside and watched all the other aristocrats walk in. The breeze felt wonderful on my heated face and gently blew my hair back. I couldn't help thinking of Juliette as I stared up at the clear night sky. The stars were nothing next to Juliette, for she could light up the whole world with her smile. I sighed. How could I let that Eric guy take Juliette away from me. If I had a few more minutes with her... suddenly I feel someone sit next to me. As I look over I see her clear blue eyes first, staring at the same stars I was a moment ago. Then I see her lips pulled back in a soft, content smile. And I fall all over again for this girl that I can't have. "For a second, I thought you ran away." She said. "Who could run away from a princess? I just couldn't stand how stuffy and hot it was in there. Too many people with sticks up their butts." I responded. She laughed, reminding me of a sunny day. "Definitely, I believe Eric's one of them. Sure it's good for face to talk to other people, but at some point I just want to enjoy the party." I laughed with her. "That's true, although I don't think he could ever remove his stick."

"I think you're right." And for a brief moment we stared into each other's eyes in silence. Which spoke more than actual words. I coughed and looked away. "You do look beautiful tonight. That's the one thing Eric did right." I could see her blush in the peripheral of my eye. "Well the same could be said about you-- I mean you're handsome not beautiful!" she said flustered. "Why thank you, that means a lot coming from you." Even through the breeze, I could feel my body heat up again. "Tell me about yourself." Juliette said suddenly. "What's do you want to know? I live a comfortable life. In a few years, I'll take over the family business. I have a younger sister and a little brother." She looked contemplatively, "That's kind of plain. I was hoping to hear some secrets, something you've never told anyone."

"Well okay... I've never told anyone, and you can't repeat this, that I'm an illegitimate child." Juliette eyes looked as if a cloud had covered the sun. "James! I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to tell me something so big. But don't worry no one will hear it from me." She leaned in and hugged me. I couldn't help but breath her in like a drug. The sweet scents of flowers filled my lungs. When she pulled away she said, "Well, if it makes you feel better. I'm terrified of speaking in public." I laughed. "How could you be afraid of speaking in public. You're going to be queen one day! Plus you talked to me pretty easily inside." She gently slapped my arm, "How could you laugh at my secret?! And that was different. I was only talking to one person, and you couldn't tell how nervous I was."

"Well you don't have to be nervous around me. If anything I should be nervous of you. Heck, you are ROYALTY." She shook her head, "No, I'm not that special. I'm just like a regular person. Except that the whole country depends on me. Plus I don't get to decide my own life. So maybe I am a little different." I could listen to her talk all night, forever. When suddenly a man on a horse with a carriage pulled up to the house. A person got out and walked over to Juliette. "Ah, Miss Juliette, I'm glad I found you. Your father is summoning you to head back home soon. Plus finish your conversations and say good bye to anyone else. I'll be waiting in the carriage." I looked over at her, and saw how sad her eyes were. This servant showing up, saying her father wanted her back home, emphasized that she had no control in her own life. "Thank you, Kingsley, I'll be there in a few minutes." Kingsley walked back and got in the carriage. Juliette looked at me, "I'm sorry, James, I wish I could stay longer. Is there a way we could meet and talk again soon?" I smiled, "Of course, Juliette, I wouldn't have it anyway. I'm sure you can find anyone you want, so just send me a letter with a time and place. I will definitely be there." She gleamed her perfect white teeth. "Great, I just have to say bye to Eric, but I will see you soon." She went inside, but came out shortly afterwards. Before she got into the carriage, she looked back and said, "I won't forget you, James Moore!" I waved and said, "Nor will I, Juliette Belmont!" Shortly after she left, I sought out my carriage and left. There was no one else I wanted to talk to than the girl who just left. I got home, took a bath, and laid in bed. I couldn't help but dream of that shining star all night.