It was a week before the ball, and things felt a bit quiet—Renan had to pack for a long journey. He didn't say where, only that he'd be leaving before dusk.
I had to try on my dress again today. I've gained some weight lately. Everything should go smoothly!
🙍♀️ "Ugh, hold your breath again, sweetheart."
☄️ "I–I am!"
🙍♀️ "Goodness! I give up."
☄️ "It doesn't fit. It's always been too tight. They gave me a dress fit for a twig."
🙍♀️ "Watch your mouth."
🙍♀️ "Huff… we don't have another dress..."
☄️ "Maybe… I just won't go?"
🙍♀️ ".... No one ever refuses a royal ball invitation. We don't know what could happen..."
🙍♀️ "Huhhh... I'm getting a headache."
🙎♂️ "I'm home!"
🙍♀️ "Oh! Your father!"
🙎♂️ "Look what I got!"
I froze. A new dress. It felt like that nightmare was skipping right over me this time.
🙍♀️ "Oh my goodness, what luck!"
🙍♀️ "It's a bigger size!"
🙍♀️ "Sarena!"
I was silent while trying it on, until I noticed a small letter tucked inside the dress box. I read it:
"Wear this, Sarena. You look beautiful."
That handwriting… so familiar. What a jerk.
I knew that writing all too well. I rushed straight to his house. What was he thinking? I was furious… disappointed. How cruel—why would he do this when he knew I didn't want to go to the ball?
I saw him. He was just about to mount his horse. He saw me coming and waited. Before he could call my name, I—
SLAP!
I hit him and walked away. There was nothing I could do. The dress fit perfectly. I would accept my fate, even if I was afraid.
---
Today is the day of the ball. There's no use crying, even though I really want to. Suddenly I'm at the palace. It's magnificent, awe-inspiring... but I'm scared. I miss Ranen. I haven't seen him since he left at dusk. I still remember what he murmured as I walked away after slapping him...
My mother's advice was:
"I know you're scared, but don't show it. Everything will be fine. Build connections."
And her last words:
"I love you, Sarena."
Maybe I'll never see her again, but at least she smiled as I left.
Alright, here it is: the dance music. Classic. Cinderella arrives late and captures everyone's attention. The prince notices her and offers a dance. Then—
They're all staring at me. My skin prickles with goosebumps. Tense. Like they're about to eat me alive. I… I'm scared!
⚔️ "ANNOUNCEMENT, ANNOUNCEMENT—PRINCE RANEN OF KING NOVERRA IS ENTERING THE ROOM"
!!! That saved me... Wait, Ranen?
He approached me... It really was Ranen.
🪐 "Sarena"
☄️ "..."
🪐 "You look stunning."
☄️ "Ranen?"
🪐 "Yes?"
☄️ "It's really you."
🪐 "Yes, it's me." (kisses back of hand)
🪐 "Would you honor me with a dance?"
☄️ "I can't dance."
🪐 "Of course you can. I was your childhood practice partner— you were great."
☄️ "I–I..."
🪐 "Come on."
We danced. I stepped on his feet several times. But he said it was fine—no one noticed.
After the dance, we went to the balcony. I needed answers… but I guess it was already clear, wasn't it?
☄️ "So... you're a prince?"
🪐 "Yep. When I was little, I ran away from the palace, and then you invited me to play. I decided to stay in the village with you."
☄️ "That makes no sense. Why?"
🪐 "Isn't it obvious?"
🪐 "I love you."
🪐 "Ever since the first time you reached out your hand."
🪐 "I love you."
Oh my god. My heart nearly stopped. My whole body burned. What did he just say?
☄️ "You… love me?"
🪐 "Yes. I want to marry you. But my father didn't want a foolish daughter-in-law. So I taught you many things."
🪐 "I've been trying to convince him all this time, and he finally agreed a month ago, Sarena."
☄️ "But… I'm just a village girl."
🪐 "So? My father used to be a village boy too."
He said that with a grin. Did he not know how terrified I was earlier? Why didn't he tell me sooner? I… I love him too! That's so obvious, right!!
🪐 "I know what you're thinking."
🪐 "You must have been really scared earlier."
He gently touched my face...
🪐 "I'm sorry."
Wiping my tears with a soft touch.
I hugged him.
And, like always, he gently patted my back until I calmed down.
And that was the beginning of our story.
Thank you, for coming into my life, Ranen.