The Stars and the Sun

Emma

Emma found herself dancing with the crown prince of the continent. He was no longer the boy in her classes with his school uniform or tourney jersey.

Prince Michael was dressed in a dark blue suit with gold trim. The country's emblem was embroidered into the suit jacket and on the handkerchief in his jacket pocket. His usually casual mousy brown hair had been brushed and washed to make it look like burnished bronze. On top, a heavy crown studded with sapphires had been placed.

Emma saw a few members of the press snapping photos from the side. She tried to look pleasant as she danced with Michael. This would be good publicity for him to be seen dancing with a girl from the island. To top it off, it was also good for her because she was dressed in the United Continent blue. She was dusted in silver like the stars and Michael in gold like the sun. They made quite the pair.

"I was surprised to see you here," Michael said to Emma as they flitted around the room.

"Sean invited me; I hope that's alright," Emma said, keeping a smile on her face.

"No, it's more than alright. I'm thrilled to see you here. I just wanted to make sure you were doing alright. I know the nobility can be a bit much at times."

Emma's fake smile turned into a real one as she looked at Michael. Truly looked. There was kindness in those brown eyes of his. It sparkled prettier than the crown on his head. She could see the slight stress he held in his jaw and forehead. He was worried. He wasn't putting up a front like everyone else at court. Perhaps that was why people didn't think he was fit for the throne. He was too genuine.

"I'm doing well. But I do appreciate you asking. They were too much when I first got here, but I'm learning their games." Emma said, her eyes glancing over the crowded dance floor, the refreshment tables, those just milling around, and finally, the king sitting on a dias looking directly at the two. Emma turned her eyes back to Michael.

"You fit in as if you were born here." Michael chuckled a little. Almost bitterly. "I wish it came to me that naturally."

Emma sensed the vulnerability that Michael was offering to her. "I think the United Continent needs someone like you. You'll be a good king because you are different."

"I wish my father thought that way."

Emma pursed her lips a little in thought. How much could she reveal to Michael without compromising her mission? "If the nobility isn't careful, they will succumb to their wealth. They won't be prepared to face the threats of the future."

"The threats?"

The dance ended, and Emma saw Sean practically running to her.

"You can't tell anyone I told you this, Michael. Prepare yourself. War is not far off."

She left Michael's side and walked over to Sean with an apologetic smile.

"Did you survive Prince woe-is-me while you were gone?" Sean asked with a sarcastic grin.

Emma nodded absently, her eyes returning to the king, still looking in her direction.

"Come, let me get you a drink. My mother important these certain wildflowers from across the world for this drink. You will never look at soda the same, I promise."

Emma looked at Sean, grinning at her as if she were the only one in the room. When was the last time they had honestly had fun together? Lately, it had been all arguments, tug-of-war, and discontentment. She should enjoy this while it lasted. "Lead the way." She said, flashing her most dazzling smile at him.

He took her arm and gently led her across the ballroom.