Chapter 1
It all started one beautiful, summer night at the biggest event of the year. We were at King Antonio’s castle. The ball room had columns that were at least twenty feet high, lighting throughout every inch, and the biggest chandelier anyone had ever seen. Everyone was at the event, but no one really knew what it was for. Even though they didn’t know what it was for that didn’t stop them from dancing and drinking all night long.
I was dancing with my friend when I saw a familiar face. The guy had gorgeous caramel eyes that sparkled under the chandelier light, light brown hair that just kind of swooped up a little, and a classic black tuxedo on. I tried getting up the courage to go talk to him, but I just couldn’t do it. He was standing over there talking to another attractive guy.
“Are you okay?” Rossa asked. I stopped staring at him and focused on my friend. Rossa was my best friend and she was the sweetest person. She had long, dark brown hair and bright blue eyes, which just popped by the color of her coral, mermaid dress.
“Yes, why?” I responded still not fully paying attention to her.
“Who are you staring at?” Rossa kept questioning me. I didn’t want to answer, but I didn’t have to. She had followed where my eyes were staring and saw him. She turned to my face and waited for some kind of response.
“You obviously know who I am staring at?” I finally answered.
“Who is he?” She asked as we just starred at him.
“I have no idea.”
“Sorry for interrupting, but I was wondering if you would dance with me?” This strange man asked. I wasn’t quiet sure who he was, but he wasn’t bad looking. After a moment I realized it was the man standing next to the guy.
“Do you mind?” Rossa asked me. I didn’t want her to ditch me, but I didn’t want her to not have fun.
“Of course not!” I responded. He grabbed her by the hand and swooped her off to the dance floor and I was left by myself. Everyone was dancing with someone and I felt left out so I decided to head to the balcony. I stood at the edge of the balcony and just stared at the night sky.
“Hello.” A voice said behind me. I turned around to see the guy.
“Hi.” I said.
“Would you like to dance?” He asked putting his hand out.
“Out here?” I questioned.
“Why not?” He had a good point. You could hear he music and it wasn’t crowded out here. So I said yes and trapped his hand. He pulled me into him. His hand went around my waist and the other one in my hand. My hand went on his shoulder. He honestly had a really nice body based off of what I could feel.
“What is your name séniorita?” He asked staring into my eyes.
“Emmaline, but most people just call me Em. How about you?”
“Ash.” We danced for a few songs than suddenly he stopped.
“Could I possibly kiss you?” He asked.
“I would really like that.” I responded blushing a little bit. He pulled me close into him. One hand went around my waist and the other one on my face pulling my face into his. Our lips touched and it felt beyond amazing. There was a spark here that I had never felt. Than all of a sudden the clock struck midnight and he stopped,
“I’m sorry. I have to go.” He randomly stated. It felt like a Cinderella moment to be honest.
“Why?” I asked. He just grabbed my hand and looked in my eyes.
“I can’t tell. Bye Emmaline.” He said. He kissed my forehead and headed out the door.
“Bye Ash.” I said, but he didn’t hear. He was already gone. I just stood there staring at the sky.
“Why did your date leave so soon?” A voice said. I turned around to see a guy. He was familiar, I had definitely seen him somewhere.
“He wasn’t my date.” I answered.
“That’s good.” He said excited. I was shocked by his answer.
“Why is that good?” I questioned. He looked at me and starred at me.
“Because I really wanted a dance.” He finally said.
“I will dance with you if you can answer my question.” I said. I honestly didn’t know if I wanted to dance with him. He was attractive, but all I could think about was Ash. So I asked him something no one knew the answer to.
“What is your question?”
“What is this party for?” I asked.
“The prince has come of age to take over the throne, but he needs to be married for the king to let him take the throne. So, the king threw this party for the prince to see if he can find someone.” The guy answered. I was not expecting him to honestly know the answer to that.
“Why does this night keep screaming Cinderella to me?” I asked laughing. He started laughing to. We were standing next to the edge of the balcony. My hand was on the railing and so was his.
“What is your name?” He put his hand over mine and it felt really nice.
“Emmaline, but most people call me Em.” I looked up at him.
“I’m Elio, but I usually just go by Eli.”
“Well, it’s nice to meet you Eli.”
“Can I have the dance now, Emmaline?” He put his hand out and I took it.
“Yes.” We danced for what seemed forever we didn’t really talk much we just were in the moment. I could here his heart beating really fast and mine was too. I was nervous.
“Will you hangout with me tomorrow?” I’m going into town tomorrow and I would love it if you would join me.” He asked. We had stopped dancing now. I didn’t know what to say. I wanted to, but than there was Ash. But I didn’t know if I would ever talk to him first.
“Yes.” I finally made up my mind and told him. He smiled and it mad butterflies explode in my stomach, his smile was just breath taking.
“Meet me in front of Volcano’s Restaurant around noon.” I wasn’t quiet sure where that place was, but Rossa probably knows.
“I will be there.” I said.
“I should probably go.” He said. He leaned in and hugged me. His arms were wrapped around me and mine around his waist. I could hear his heart beating again and he kissed my forehead. The hug eventually stopped and he walked me back in. We said bye and I went looking for Rossa.
“Em over here!” I hear Rossa exclaim. I headed over to her.
“Are you ready to leave?”
“Yes I am.” We left the castle and headed home. The drive home was pretty much just Rossa talking about her guy and them dancing. I had no time to tell her about Ash or Eli, because when she was done talking she was already in our apartment and heading to bed. I went to my room and changed out of my dress and into comfy pajamas. I laid in bed and fell right to sleep.
