Prologue *Almost a Dream Come True*
This is it! I’m finally 18 and now I will finally be with Daniel. My parents have been hinting lately that I will soon be wed. The whole kingdom knows I’ve been in love with Daniel since I was about 15 years old. My Mother and Father have watched us grow up together and have a very close relationship with King Quincy and Queen Daphne of the Crestview Kingdom. They have grown to love Daniel almost as much as I have.
Mother and Father have always said he can’t propose to me until my 18th birthday, so I am sure he will propose to me tonight! We have been talking about our future together for years, and it seems everyone in my kingdom of Mayfair have all accepted this without question.
By the looks my subjects keep sending us they seem to be expecting the same thing as I am! I watch as the older couples keep whispering and looking over at us with expectant twinkles in their eyes. I see young single girls who have envy written across their faces as they watch us sweep across the floor with Daniel’s attention fully on me. I’ve even seen young men who are clearly jealous, but I don't pay them any mind. This is the man I want!
I am giddy beyond words! I never knew my heart could beat this fast or feel this joyful! I can’t seem to control my giggles tonight. I know, very un-princess-like of me. I should keep my emotions in check when in the presence of my kingdom, but I just can’t! I am just so happy right now!
I could care less for this stupid ball Mother and Father made me have. They said something along the lines of tradition and coming of age and spreading the joy with Mayfair… I really wasn’t paying attention. I just sighed in resignation because I knew they would make me go through with it either way. I never have a say in anything in my life. So if I have to be at this ball to “share the joy with Mayfair,” then so be it.
Yes the whole kingdom of Mayfair is here, my family and friends, but I only have eyes for Daniel. He is so handsome! His dark hair is perfectly ruffled and his eyes are shining with mischief. He looks so happy. I can’t wait for him to make me his forever…
He has been so sweet to me today! He has been by my side the entire day and hasn’t let me out of his sight, other than to shower and dress, and of course to use the ladies room. And to be honest, it has been the best day of my entire life! If only every day was like this, I would die a happy girl.
He woke me this morning with a bouquet of wildflowers. He knows they are my favorite! And he made me my breakfast of eggs, toast and fruit. It was absolutely delicious and I love that he made it for me!
I know I have been raised as a Princess and have had riches thrust upon me since birth, but that is not me. I love the simple things, which Mother has frowned upon since I could walk and wanted to remove my pretty shoes so I could go play in the rain puddles. She has drilled into me “Princess qualities,” and playing in the rain is definitely not princess-like behavior.
I would have much preferred a small party with only my close family and friends… And of course my love. I would have loved having this party at Crestview Kingdom and had an intimate party on Daniel’s yacht. We could have sailed under the stars, and it would have been perfect. I’m sure his parents would have been more than happy to have me.
Daniel and I have known each other since birth. I know my parents approve of him or they wouldn’t have let me near him. I also know his parents are excited about me joining their family soon. I can see them over with my parents, chatting happily as they watch us dance.
He has been spinning me around for the last hour. I love the feel of being in his arms. I don’t think I ever want to stop dancing tonight. If I could I would dance with him until dawn. I don’t care that my feet are killing me. As a princess, I’ve had to learn that pain is part of my responsibility, (No one will ever know how I truly feel, as appearance is everything to the royal families… Not that I agree! I wish I could be myself.) so I just ignore my tired feet. I will deal with it tomorrow!
But he has finally stopped spinning me right in the center of the room. The lights are lowered as he pulls me into his arms and kisses me gently. I wrap my arms around his neck, enjoying his closeness.
His blue eyes sparkle with love as he looks at me. A shy smile breaks out across his face, and his dimples poke into his cheeks, telling me how happy he is at this moment.
“Lilac, I have loved you for my whole life…” Daniel starts, taking my hands in his.
Oh my goodness! He is gonna propose right now! I can’t seem to stop the tears running down my face. I have waited for this moment for my whole life and now it’s finally here! I am going to remember this to the day I die! A giggle escapes my lips as I smile back to my sweet Prince.
He takes my hands and kisses them softly, while keeping eye contact. His eyes drink in my face, as if he is memorizing this moment just like I am. Daniel takes a deep breath and-
Suddenly my parents are up at the podium and there is a hush falling over the crowd as we all stare at them in confusion. I watch as King Quincy and Queen Daphne look at my parents with questions in their eyes. It doesn’t seem like they understand what is happening either.
What are they doing? Why are they interrupting our moment? Can’t Father wait just a few more minutes for Daniel to finish proposing to me? Why are they stopping this moment? Nothing is as important to me at the moment than for Daniel to finish!
Daniel is confused too, by the furrowed brow and the frown pulling at his lips. He doesn’t look half as happy as he was a moment ago. I would do anything to put that happy smile and sparkle back into his eyes. Something is wrong, and Daniel seems to sense it.
My father steps forward and looks down at me with a bright smile. Well, I guess that’s a good thing… I hope.
However, he doesn’t seem to acknowledge Daniel, who is right beside me. What is going on?
“I have an announcement!” My Father’s voice booms across the room.
What is he doing? Daniel hasn’t even finished asking me yet! He can’t make the announcement until Daniel has finished! That is how it works! You don’t announce our engagement before my almost betrothed can even ask the question! It’s not how it’s done!
“I want to announce the engagement of my daughter Princess Lilac to her betrothed, Prince,” Father’s voice is strong and happy.
I look up at Daniel’s confused face and give him a small shrug, giving him a shy smile. Maybe Father already assumed he asked me? Still, something about this seems off! I have a bad feeling about this, and my tummy that was once filled with butterflies, is now filled with tight knots.
Daniel just smiles and kisses my forehead, trying to reassure me.
“Derek!” My father finishes his announcement with a flourish of his hand as a man I have never seen before makes his way from behind a curtain and joins my Mother and Father. The man looks handsome, true. He has golden locks and dark brown hair. But there is something about him that is unsettling to me. I can’t marry him!
King Quincy and Queen Daphne have a look of pure shock on their faces.
But that is nothing compared to the turmoil roiling in my heart. What does he mean I am betrothed to Prince Derek? I’ve never even heard of him! I don’t love him! They can’t take my choice from me! This is my life and I choose to be with Daniel.
There is not a single noise in the whole ball room. Everyone seems to be frozen from the surprise announcement. No one even seems to be breathing, as each person seems to be holding their breaths in shock.
I look up into Daniel's face and he looks heartbroken. That look just destroyed me.
This can’t be happening to me! No! I won’t let it happen! Not on my special night!
I shake my head in denial. “NO!” I shout. “NO! I want Daniel!” I cry, completely hysterical now.
I hold him tight to me as I sob into his chest and he holds me tighter, trying to control his shaking body. He seems tight with anger and frustration.
“No matter what happens, Lilac, I will always love you,” He promises to me in a whisper for only me to hear.
Suddenly the room starts to spin and all I see is darkness.
