"Juliana," Prince said as they strolled back toward the dining hall, "I have something that I would like to give you. So you will always think of me." He smiled, and dipped into his pants' pocket for a moment. He pulled out a necklace with a black chain and a pendant that shone like fire. It looked like there might have been something blazing behind the smooth, stony surface.
Juliana's mouth popped open, and she took the necklace carefully in her fingers. "Prince! It's gorgeous!" she breathed, turning it over every which way to get a good look at it. She turned her face up to him, grinning. "Thank you so much! I'll wear it always!"
"Let me help you," he said, taking it back, and looping it over her head so that the pendant settled into the ruffles of her shirt. He kissed her delicately on her lips, and they continued on.
"I'd like to give you something to remind you of me...." Juliana murmured, looking around and rifling through her pockets. She came up empty, but, overcome with inspiration, she plucked the purple flower from her hair and handed it to him. "Here! You said you liked it. Keep it, will you?" she asked, smiling shyly.
He nodded, rubbing the petals gently with his thumb. "I will, and I will never be able to look at it without thinking of you." He hugged her, and soon they had parted to return to their respective tables.
Marlo was practically falling out of her seat with excitement at Juliana's approach. "Well!" she insisted, beaming. "What happened? I see he gave you something!"
"Yeah, isn't it beautiful?" she asked, holding the ruby jewel up for Marlo to see.
"It's stunning!" she gasped, tracing the edges with her finger. "I can't believe he gave you something so... fancy! You are so incredibly lucky!"
"I'd be cautious," Diana said from just a few seats away. "Everyone's luck runs out eventually, and the prince is known for his forgetfulness."
"What are you going on about?" Marlo inquired testily.
"All I'm saying is that he might get bored, and forget about you," she said with a shrug. "It's only the beginning of the year."
"Well, I don't think Juli's gonna have any problems holding on to Prince," Marlo said, her frown deepening.
"She should probably get some velcro then," Diana said, examing her nails with the utmost interest. "Or at least some tape."
"I'll tell you what you can do with that tape...." Marlo growled, making a move like she was about to tackle the older girl.
"Down, Marlo," Juliana said, pressing a warning hand onto her friend's shoulder. "Let it go." She looked at Diana. "I hope you aren't threatening me, Diana," she said, her confidence growing with Marlo's earlier defense, and her building agitation. "Because if you are then I would have no choice but defend myself and my friends. All of them," she said, glancing at Prince for a brief second.
Diana scoffed, and stood from her seat. "Whatever you say, newbie. But I'd keep an eye on your guy there. After all, the year is far from over."
When she had left Juliana could not help but mutter, "It looks like a new rivalry is growing."
"And this is just the beginning," Marlo added, glaring at the retreating form of Diana, a dark splotch in the sea of white ruffles and silk.
