As night fell over the tops of the academy Juliana was approached by Prince, looking dashing in a suit made of rose red silk. He was smiling, and she had to fight to keep from blushing. "Don't you look handsome," she said, tucking a strand of hair behind one ear. "What's the occasion?""I am talking to you," he said. "That is occasion enough." He took her hand, kissed it, and began to lead her down a cobbled walkway. "Come with me. I want to show you something."
She nodded mutely, and followed him into a warmly lit courtyard. There were candles everywhere, mingling with the naturally bright starlight. Juliana had to breath in deeply to keep from staggering at the beauty.
"Do you like it?" he whispered in her ear.
"Do you like it?" he whispered in her ear.
"It's... amazing!" she gasped.
"Well, let's not let it waste away," he said, pulling her up against him.
"Prince?" she breathed, surprised.
"Dance with me," he insisted.
She took a minute, then smiled and nodded. "Okay."
Then, they were spinning, slowly, but surely, across the stone ground. He held her firmly, gently, and kissed her every now and then. It was a few minutes before a low humming sound interrupted the silence.
"Did you hear that?" she asked, as they slowed to a oceanic sway.
"Did you hear that?" she asked, as they slowed to a oceanic sway.
"Hear what?" he asked, staring fixedly at her face.
"N-nothing," she said, and smiled it away.
But the humming grew louder until it was unbearable, and suddenly cut off. When, Juliana looked up at Prince she could see nothing but a blank look in his eyes. "P-Prince?" she asked.
"Who are you?" he asked, backing away. "What's going on?"
"Prince, what's wrong? Why are you acting like this?" A cold chill was wafting through the night, scraping her cheek.
"I'm sorry," he said, stepping away. "I have to go."
"Prince, no!" she whispered. "Don't leave. Don't."
"I'm sorry. Goodbye." Then, he was hurrying off, while Juliana tried to find the strength to simply stand.
