Getting to know him

"I love this food," Alibaba says, smiling broadly. "My royal advisor won't let me eat like this."

"Mine too," I reply, glancing in a particular direction. "Speak of the devil."

Alibaba follows my gaze and sees Miss Motan approaching. She gracefully introduces herself, taking a bow. I know what's coming next: she's about to try to sail a ship that isn't even built.

"Your Majesty," she says, addressing Alibaba with a courteous nod. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I trust you're enjoying our hospitality?"

"Indeed, I am," Alibaba replies, his tone polite but guarded. "Princess Daniella has been an excellent guide through the culinary delights of the evening."

Miss Motan smiles, her eyes twinkling with a calculated charm. "Princess Daniella is known for her impeccable taste and grace. We are fortunate to have such a discerning princess among us."

I can sense the direction of the conversation and decide to steer it away from any matchmaking attempts. "Miss Motan, have you tried the bison? It's exceptional tonight."

She raises an eyebrow, slightly thrown off by my abrupt change of topic. "I haven't yet had the pleasure, but I shall certainly make a point to do so."

Alibaba chuckles, catching on to my tactic. "You should. It's quite the experience."

Miss Motan recovers quickly, her smile unwavering. "I will take your recommendation to heart. But before I do, I wanted to discuss some arrangements for the upcoming days, Princess Daniella. We have many dignitaries to meet, and I want to ensure everything goes smoothly."

I nod, understanding that she won't be easily diverted. "Of course. We can discuss the details later this evening."

Miss Motan inclines her head. "Very well. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Your Majesty, Princess Daniella." With that, she takes her leave, her presence lingering like a shadow.

Alibaba watches her go, then turns to me with a wry smile. "She seems determined."

"She always is," I reply with a sigh. "Matchmaking is one of her favorite pastimes."

"Well, I can hope on the idea," says Alibaba.

I'm so shocked I almost choke on a piece of meat. Coughing slightly, I reach for a nearby glass of water and take a sip, composing myself. Alibaba watches with an amused expression, clearly enjoying my reaction.

"Hope on the idea?" I manage to say after a moment, my voice a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

He grins, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Why not? You seem like someone worth getting to know better."

I can feel a blush creeping up my cheeks. "You certainly don't waste any time, do you, Your Majesty?"

"Life is too short for wasting time," he replies smoothly. "And am just being clear if you didn't get my earlier hint."

I take a sip of the wine, trying to compose myself. "Your Majesty..."

Before I can continue my response, Sinbad appears, a knowing smile on his face as he glances between Alibaba and me. "Am I interrupting something?"

"Just enjoying the festivities," Alibaba says, not missing a beat. "Care to join us?"

Sinbad chuckles. "I'd love to, but am currently hiding from some bachelorettes, and you guys have already made your beautiful pair."

"You may join," I say, "we can help fend off any persistent bachelorettes."

"Your Majesty!" calls out a young lady from the back, the third princess of Can.

"You've got company," I say as I look up at Sinbad's distressed face.

"Care to take me to the dance floor?" she says, grabbing Sinbad's hand without waiting for a response.

"Care to dance, Princess?" says Alibaba, standing next to me and stretching out his arms.

"The pleasure is all mine," I say as we start heading to the fireplace to dance around it.

The warmth of the fire casts a soft glow on our faces as we move in rhythm with the music. Alibaba's hand is firm and steady, guiding me gracefully through the steps. The night's earlier tension melts away, replaced by a lighthearted joy that makes me forget about everything else.

"You're a wonderful dancer," Alibaba remarks, his voice soft yet clear over the music.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I respond, feeling the heat of a blush yet again. "You're not too bad yourself."

He laughs, a sound rich and genuine. "I try. It's easy when you have a good partner."

We twirl and glide around the fire, the world narrowing down to just the two of us. The laughter, the music, and the glowing fire create an enchanting atmosphere. 

As the dance ends, he gently pulls me close for a moment, his eyes locking onto mine. "Thank you for this dance, Princess. It was truly a highlight of my evening."

"The pleasure was mine, Your Majesty," I reply, my voice barely above a whisper. We stand next to the fire for a moment.

"It's not a must if you don't," says Alibaba, his gaze drifting towards Sinbad. "Unless you've got your eyes set on someone else."

"Goodness no," I reply quickly, trying to maintain a professional demeanor. "Sinbad and I are simply acquaintances. I met him a few days ago."

Alibaba raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Just acquaintances? You say that a bit too defensively."

I feel the heat rise to my cheeks again. "I assure you, there's nothing more to it."

He chuckles softly. "Alright, alright. I believe you." He leans in slightly, lowering his voice. "But if there's ever a chance, I'd like to get to know you better."

His words catch me off guard, but I manage a nod, my heart beating a little faster. "I'll keep that in mind."

Before our conversation can go any deeper, the sound of trumpets announces the start of the official welcoming ceremony. The crowd begins to gather, and Alibaba offers me his arm. "Shall we?"

As we approach the main area, I spot Flora and Prince Maxim, already standing near the stage where the ceremony will take place. They look radiant together, their smiles bright and genuine. The sight brings a smile to my face, despite the undercurrent of nerves I feel.

King Mako steps forward, his presence commanding as he raises his hands to quiet the crowd. "Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, welcome! Tonight, we celebrate the union of two great families, and the beginning of a new chapter for our kingdoms."

Cheers and applause fill the air, and I can see my father beaming with pride. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of the evening's significance. Alibaba gives my arm a reassuring squeeze, and I find comfort in his presence.

As the ceremony proceeds, I catch glimpses of Sinbad and Vider in the crowd, their expressions unreadable. The night is filled with speeches, toasts, and performances, each moment meticulously planned to honor Flora and Prince Maxim.

After the formalities, the festivities resume with renewed vigor. The music picks up, and the dance floor becomes the center of attention. Alibaba turns to me, his eyes twinkling. "Care to dance again?"

We join the dancers, and I find myself laughing and twirling in Alibaba's arms. The weight of my responsibilities and the earlier tension melts away, replaced by the simple joy of the moment.

As the night deepens, I realize that this unexpected connection with Alibaba has made the evening more memorable than I could have imagined. Despite the uncertainty of the future, for now, I'm content to let the music and laughter carry me through.

The rhythm of the music, the warmth of the fire, and the glow of the evening lights create an enchanting atmosphere. We dance as if the world outside the celebration doesn't exist. Alibaba's easygoing nature makes me feel at ease, and I find myself opening up more with each step.