The Final Ball

I twirled in the mirror, the dress was simple but the purple made my skin look milky and I loved the mystery behind the gold mask. Isabella was so nervous she hadn't stopped talking and planning her reception since I returned from her mother's chambers.

"Where do you think we should hold the reception? I would obviously know more people if we were to hold it here. Although, I would assume more of my servants would wish to attend which would bring down the atmosphere. I do not want a commoner's reception."

"Isabella, take a breath. Don't you think Christian will have some thoughts about where to hold the reception? You know since it would be his party as well?"

She scoffed, "Uh no, I am the bride and while he may run a kingdom this is something that I will have everything just the way I want it to be."

I held up my hands in defeat, "Sorry I said anything. You are right it will be a very special moment for you. It should be exactly what you deserve." I smirked knowing the double meaning behind my comment was lost on her.

"We have no time to argue, it is time to go! Eek! I am so excited, by this evening I will be the future Queen of Saldonia." She clapped her hands repeatedly her smile plastered over her entire face.

I had to look away so she didn't see my eye roll. "Let's not waste another second." I held out my arm and we walked to the hall together. It was a glorious thing to witness. The nerves about tonight's surprise had everyone anxious. As well as, being the final night everyone was dressed in their finest clothes.

Well, maybe not everyone, but I preferred my simple dress and I knew Christian would be dressed down as well playing the role of a steward. He found us quickly as we walked in the door of the hall.

"Milady," He bowed and extended his hand towards me. "Would you care to join me for a dance?"

Isabella nudged me, "Ooh, so polite, Christian must have taught him well!" As she held her own hand out expecting a similar greeting from the faux Christian.

Christian cleared his throat getting his attention and he too bowed and took Isabella's hand. "See you later, Emma!" She giggled as she went off to dance with who she thought was Christian.

"You look absolutely stunning tonight!" Christian smiled as he pulled me in to dance.

"And you sir, still need to stop calling me milady!" I giggled as we moved with the music.

"Hmm, well perhaps, you will have to get used to me calling you my queen?"

I rolled my eyes and shook my head, "You think you are so charming I would fall for that line?"

"I think, my future queen, you have already fallen for my charms. Although, I don't ever intend to stop charming you. I will spoil you and only you until I take my last breath."

Blushing I looked away, "Perhaps, you are correct. However, we need to focus on our plan if we want to have that chance. When should my Aunt and Uncle arrive?"

"I would guess they should be arriving near the end of the evening. They are to stay in the background until I give the signal."

"So tell me, what exactly is our plan if Isabella doesn't marry your steward?" I was beginning to get slightly nervous that things may not pan out exactly as planned. I mean the King was always skeptical and protective over his daughter.

Although, looking back maybe he was just always more cautious with me around and someone putting the connection together. It is hard to go back and analyze every interaction.

He spun me as we dance and then brought me close. "Either way, when we reveal your true identity no one will be able to stop our union. Even my advisors wouldn't have any reason to object. As the rightful heir, you would be entitled to reclaim all your stolen land."

I looked at him and smiled, "Essentially bankrupting Cameron and forcing the King and Queen to scramble at scraps."

He chuckled, "Quite the vengeful side. I wasn't aware you could be so vindictive. Remind me to never get on your bad side."

I poked a finger into his chest still smiling, "You would be best not to forget it either! Now, back to the plan. So they will arrive near the end of the evening. Is your steward going to follow through with the proposal? You did give him the ring with the royal crest correct?"

"Yes, he is reluctant, but I promised he would be well compensated for his troubles. I would surmise the king wouldn't allow the marriage to last very long anyway. Even if the divorce would ruin Isabella's name. He does have a duplicate of the ring with the crest.

It is nearly a perfect match and very few know the slight differences and they are all members of my council. I don't want to risk the official ring, that my queen," He raised my hand to kiss it, "belongs to you and only you."

We danced the evening away until it was close to the evening's mystery event. We moved closer to where Isabella was dancing, we wanted a front-row view. I couldn't wait to see her jaw-dropping reaction followed by an epic tantrum!

"Attention honored guests," an announcement was being made from a balcony over the dance floor. "We are so grateful that so many of you have traveled from near and far to attend the Royal Match Ball. Looking at all of you couples out there it appears that this year has been quite a success.

This year we have decided to do things a little differently. The entire weekend the masquerade has been kept in full effect. Many of you are still unaware of whom you are partnered with. Isn't it all so very exciting?

What is even more exciting is the choice you couples get to make right here and now. We are going to perform a group wedding for any interested couple. However, you may not remove your masks if you would like to participate.

It is a test of how well you were able to get to know your match because these weddings are legally binding. No matter who it is revealed that you willingly chose to marry. Think carefully, if you intend to marry your partner I will need everyone to form a line down the center of the dance hall.

Ladies, you will be on the left, gentleman to the right. Now make your decisions quickly the ceremony will begin in ten minutes."

I could see the King huffing and puffing in his balcony as the Queen tried to subdue him. I knew that he was watching Isabella rush to line up with some of the other couples. Dragging Christians steward alongside her.

Christian looked at me, "It appears your aunt and uncle are running behind. The choice is yours, would you like to wait or proceed with the backup plan and get married along with the others?"

"Forgive me if this is wrong to say, but I would love to marry you now if only to see the reaction on Isabella's face when she realizes you chose me not her."

"Truly vicious my queen, and I am happy to oblige. Just remind me to never get on your bad side. " He winked at me as we made our way to the lineup of couples.

"Well alright ladies and gentlemen, it looks like we have quite a few eager couples ready to begin their lives together. Before the ceremony begins, I will give you one last chance to back out. Anybody, last chance? OK, here goes, Dearly Beloved we are gathered here today...."