Ever since you were little you’ve always loved garden parties. The tea, the flowers, the colorful clothes, the wonderful cakes, and delicious music; everything was always perfect. It was at these parties you had the most fun. Sometimes, you’d be asked to show off your dance skills, knife skills, or both at the same time. Each time, you were proud to show off your progress to the guests and always graciously received their praise with a bright smile.

It was at this party in particular, that you had caught the eye of a rather dashing gentleman. You had just finished showing off your latest knife dance when you noticed him. As soon as you both locked eyes, he made his way over to you with a bright yet flirty smile.

“You were amazing.” He mused. “Where did you learn such an intricate skill?”

“I learned how to use a knife from the Captain of the Royal Guard himself and I learned to dance from my mother.” You explained. “It seemed natural to me to combine the two, don’t you agree?”

“Yes, it was quite a spectacle to behold.” He admitted with a nod. “But I’m getting ahead of myself. My name is Silver, Prince of Bladevale. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance.”

You nodded as you took his hand. Your breath slightly hitched when he pressed a feather soft kiss to your knuckles. Clearing your throat, you took the cup of tea a servant handed you and took a sip. “So, you’re my betrothed, Prince Silver?”

He gave another small nod as he averted his eyes. “It appears as though I am, Your Highness.”

“Now don’t get  all nervous on me now. Just because I mentioned our engagement doesn’t mean I want to follow the strict and preposterous rules of courtship.” You lightly teased. “I’m glad you’re here, actually. I’ve always wanted to meet you and a garden party is the perfect place to meet.”

“I’ve wanted to meet you as well.” He returned his gaze to you and gave a small smile. “You’re much lovelier in person. Ah, I mean-”

“I know what you mean.” You nodded with a meaningful smile. “You’re quite dashing yourself. But please, regale me with tales from Bladevale.”

He shrugged, turning to his own tea cup. “There’s not much to tell. It’s not as charming as your kingdom is. If anything, Bladevale is much smaller.”

“Oh, well, I hope the sheer size of my kingdom isn’t too intimidating for you.”

Silver shook his head. “No! I didn’t mean it like that. I meant it as a compliment. I’m so sorry if I offended you. Your kingdom really is wonderful, I promise.”

You gently took his hand in yours, stopping his rambling. “It’s fine, Silver. I know what you meant.”

“Oh. Okay, good.”

Still holding his hands, you sighed. “I’d like to visit Bladevale someday. I’m afraid I haven’t been anywhere outside of my own kingdom.”

“I see…” He trailed off before squeezing your hands. “How about this: for my wedding gift to you, we go and see the world. How does that sound?”

You couldn’t believe it. Silver's proposal sounded almost too good to be true. And yet he said it with such conviction that it just had to be true. Before your brain could catch up with your actions, you pressed a quick kiss to the corner of his mouth. Realizing what you did, you blushed as his mouth popped open.

“I do apologize for overstepping my boundaries.” You mumbled.

Silver shook his head before kissing your hands again, letting his lips linger longer this time. “You have no idea how much I wanted to do that as soon as I laid eyes on you.”

“Your Highness!” A miffed voice trilled.

Turning around in your seat, you saw your stuffy aunt with her pointed nose in the air. She did not look too happy to be witnessing your public display of affection with your betrothed. You couldn’t help but giggle, while Silver looked positively mortified at being caught.

Standing up, you gave him a polite courtesy and said, “Forgive me, but I must attend to the other guests. Thank you for indulging me in such sparkling conversation.”

He nodded, giving you a respectful bow. “Of course, Your Highness.”

Quickly, when no one was looking, you grabbed his hands again and whispered in his ear, “Wait for me.”