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“Kirana, wake up! The masquerade is today!” Julene, one of the princess’ handmaidens, was very excited.
The beautiful Omwati princess Kirana (or Jedi Princess Kirana of Omwat, her full title) sat up in her luxurious bed. She had very long pearlescent hair, and her skin was the most beautiful shade of light blue. “The masquerade! Now I remember!” she cried. Her mother, Queen Clovetra, had been planning this for weeks.
“This is going to be so fun,” Julene said, her brown eyes shimmering. “I can’t wait...”
“You sound more anxious than me.” Kirana laughed. “Almost as if... I don’t know... you’re expecting to see someone there.”
“All right, all right,” Julene admitted, blushing. “But Jasal is so cute! When I look into those big, blue eyes I just melt...”
Kirana laughed. Julene was always known to be boy-crazy.
“Is it like that with Andrien?” Julene asked.
Now it was Kirana’s turn to blush. “I’ve loved him ever since I first laid eyes on him, when I was thirteen. It was five years ago. I was just a child then.”
“But you knew he was right for you?” Julene hugged her knees to her chest.
Kirana nodded. “I can’t explain it,” she said. “But I knew he was my soulmate. He was the first boy I ever loved - and the only.” There were tears of happiness in her indigo eyes.
“That’s so romantic...” Julene sighed, a somewhat wistful expression on her face.
“But, anyway,” Kirana said. “About the masquerade...”
Julene jumped up. “I almost forgot! The tailor finished your dress.”
She opened the closet and pulled out a dress. It was lilac satin, and the skirts reached the floor. It shimmered with life, vibrance, and energy.
Kirana gasped. “Julene... it’s beautiful,” she whispered.
“It will look PERFECT on you,” Julene said.
Kirana had never been a spoiled brat, despite her royal upbringings. She appreciated anything anyone ever gave to her, even the simplest of gifts. She marveled at the dress.
“And the accessories to match!” cried Julene, holding up a purple mask and shoes. The shoes were adorned with rare and expensive rainbow gems from Gallinore.
“This is all so beautiful,” Kirana breathed. “And I know exactly what jewelry to wear.” She picked up a necklace, a simple silver chain. The chain was a gift to her from a peasant she had helped. She did not want to offend him so she accepted the offering.
“You are so kindhearted, Kirana,” Julene said. “Not like that stuck-up princess from Ord Mantell. By the way, she’s coming tonight.”
“I’m sure she’s not that bad,” Kirana said.
“You don’t know her.” Julene sighed. “But, anyway, I’m sure it’ll be fun.”
“Where is Kirana?” Clovetra asked. She was very beautiful and wore a silver gown with a matching mask.
“She’s not here yet, Your Majesty,” said her best friend, Leela. “But I’m sure she will be soon.”
The masquerade had begun, and Kirana had not yet shown up. Suddenly, the door opened and she walked out. Kirana was so stunningly beautiful that she dazzled the entire crowd. Everyone stopped dancing, and every eye looked at her.
Then the moment was over and things returned to normal.
“Kirana, I was waiting for you,” said Clovetra as her daughter joined her.
“Sorry I’m late,” Kirana said. “I couldn’t really fit into these shoes...” She pointed at her high-heeled, pointy-toed, bejeweled slippers.
Clovetra laughed. “But you managed. Now, come meet Princess Geneveive of Ord Mantell.” Julene elbowed Kirana, and they exchanged looks. But Kirana would still give the girl a chance. Geneveive was a cute, petite girl. She had short platinum blond hair and pale blue eyes. But something about her bothered Kirana...
Kirana and Julene walked over to Geneveive and her friend and handmaiden, Persephone.
“Nice to meet you, your highness,” Kirana said politely. It was obvious she’d been taught proper manners - a queen was referred to as “majesty” while a princess was “highness.”
“Charmed,” the princess said, almost sarcastic. She had a high-pitched, cute-sounding voice.
“I love your dress,” Kirana said sincerely. The blonde’s dress was made of sparkly, gold fabric.
“Thanks,” the princess said flatly.
Kirana stood there uncomfortably. The other princess didn’t seem like she wanted to talk. “So... is Ord Mantell interesting?” Kirana asked.
Geneveive shrugged. “I guess you could say that.” Then she added, “I like your shoes.”
Kirana smiled. “You have no idea how uncomfortable these are,” she said.
Geneveive yawned. “I only have five pair at home,” she bragged.
Kirana managed a weak smile. Julene was right, she thought. She IS a spoiled brat! Even her friend Persephone looked snooty. Her red, flowing hair was half in odango and half down, like Clovetra wore hers. Her nose was stuck in the air, and her green eyes shimmered with pure snootiness.
“Excuse me,” said Kirana, “I saw a friend come in. I’ll be back later.” Kirana, who was telling the truth, fled quickly.
“Hi, Kirana,” said the young man who she ran to. He was about twenty years old, two years older than her. He had dark hair with blond streaks and grey eyes.
“Andrien!” Kirana cried, taking off her mask. “I’m so glad you made it!”
Andrien smiled. “Me, too,” he said. Then he added, “Oh, Kirana - I have something to tell you. Come out to the courtyard with me.” She followed him obediently.
The courtyards were beautiful, full of fountains and flowers and mists. The azure palace shone in the moonlight. Andrien sat on the edge of a fountain. It was their special fountain, the one with the carving - a heart with the message “A + K = LOVE” on it.
“Yes?” Kirana asked, sitting beside him.
He smiled at her. “My dear,” he began, then stared into her pretty eyes. “I love you more than anything in the whole galaxy. I want you - I want you to be my wife.”
Kirana gasped. “Of course!” she cried, throwing her arms around him.
He held her and they kissed passionately. Kirana had never felt happier in her life!
“I’ve got to go tell Mother!” Kirana cried. “Come on!” They ran into the palace, breathless. “Mother!” Kirana shouted, unable to keep her voice down. “Andrien proposed to me! I said yes! We’re getting married!”
Clovetra was not shocked at this news. She just smiled and announced it to the whole party. They cheered wildly.
Kirana loved the way her mother accepted Andrien, even though her wasn’t of royal or noble heritage. She was just that kind of person.
“Kirana,” breathed one of her handmaidens, Eiila, “you are the most beautiful bride I’ve ever seen. The most beautiful.”
“Thank you,” Kirana said. Her gown was white, with a tight-fitting bodice and flowing, trailing skirt. She wore a sheer, pink veil trimmed with flowers. Her earrings and necklaces were made of diamonds straight from Arkania.
“I can’t wait to marry Andrien,” Kirana said.
“I know how you feel,” Eiila said, tears forming in her eyes. “I had a true love, too - but he... is no longer with us.”
Kirana knew when to be quiet. She changed the subject. “You make such a pretty bridesmaid,” she said to Eiila. Eiila smiled. She had long, black hair and orange eyes. She was very beautiful and exotic-looking.
“Kirana! The wedding is about to start!” cried Julene, who was her maid of honor.
Kirana ran to the main hall, where the wedding was going to take place. She heard the music start and began walking down the aisle. She looked at all the smiling, happy faces. One face was Xura, who had always told Kirana to stand up for herself and her dreams. She walked gracefully down the aisle, and it was hard to believe that she was only eighteen. She looked just like her mother, floating gracefully along. She could see Andrien, and a smile lit up his handsome face. There was no denying they were perfect for each other...
“You may kiss the bride,” the priest said finally, after they said their vows and exchanged rings. Kirana wrapped her arms around Andrien and kissed him for a very long time, while the crowd cheered and threw confetti. Then Kirana threw her bouquet. She smiled as Eiila caught it. Let her be able to love again, she thought.
Then Andrien, without warning, picked Kirana up. She shouted in happiness as both of their rings shone, symbolizing their lifelong commitment...
