-Prior-
When everyone had finished dessert, soft music began to play. String instruments and flutes filled the hall. A melody and a sound Prior had never heard before. She felt deeply moved, and at certain notes she even got a slight shiver down her spine. It sounded sad, yet somehow subtly full of hope.
-Kashion-
The music had begun, and Kashion grew more nervous. It was an old song he had known for a long time, one that always touched him. It was about the first space explorers who sometimes had to leave their families behind forever—and about the waiting for them. The music was deeply sorrowful and hopeful at the same time. After this, the musicians would play two more songs, and then it would be time for him to dance with the princess.
He looked at the musicians. Then his gaze fell on Evlina. She was talking to his mother about the latest fashion trends on Saturn. Then, unwillingly, his gaze drifted back to Prior and lingered. She was looking at the musicians, one hand resting over her heart. A faint smile was on her lips; she seemed deeply moved, completely absorbed in the music.
Kashion noticed his own hand moving nervously. It was almost as if her emotional reaction had affected him too. Prior was a true paradox to him—like a riddle or a Cheqi move he could not decipher or solve.
Suddenly, he felt a pressure on his upper arm. He turned to Evlina.
"Prince Kashion, when does our dance begin again?" she asked.
He swallowed briefly, took a subtle deep breath, and replied, "Two more songs. Then it will be time."
Her smile widened. "I'm already so excited. I've heard you are an exceptionally good dancer. Please forgive me if I can't keep up."
He laughed softly. "From what I've heard, you are an excellent dancer as well. I think you need not worry."
"We are all eager to see you both," Queen Ada added. "You fit together so well—it will surely be a fairy-tale sight."
Evlina laughed happily. But Kashion felt a brief sting in his heart, as if something tightened inside him. It was so difficult when everything revolved around how well he matched with the princess. And even now, when her beauty and gentle manner exceeded all expectations, he still felt as if something was missing. Perhaps he simply needed to get to know her better in the coming days and weeks to find it.
Prior had enjoyed the music immensely. She was still deeply moved inside. After three songs, the instruments fell silent, and suddenly she heard applause.
-Prior-
Someone at the large central table stood up. Prior saw that it was Prince Kashion. Everyone else in the hall rose as well. Prince Kashion offered Evlina his hand, and once again the hall filled with applause.
He led her onto the dance floor. Like something out of an old fairy tale, Prior thought.
Then a gentle melody began to play, and the two started to dance.
-Kashion-
Princess Evlina was an excellent dancer. Kashion did not particularly enjoy dancing alone before so many people, but Evlina lent him some of her confidence. She moved across the floor so gracefully and lightly, and now and then he could hear approving murmurs in the room. Evlina smiled at him constantly and seemed to enjoy the dance very much. Kashion tried to focus only on the moment and thought that if he could manage the dance, perhaps everything else would fall perfectly into place as well.
-Prior-
Prior held her messenger in her hand. They were dancing so beautifully—she had to capture it in a video or photo. There was nothing wrong with that, and she noticed others holding their messengers too. The two royals danced with such ease; Prior was amazed. She sent a short video to Yin.
Then she wrote: "Honestly, the perfect couple, don't you think?"
She quickly sent the video to her two closest friends as well—Nari and Eynara—who were still on Saturn. Prior missed them dearly, but at least they kept in touch regularly through the messenger.
Her device vibrated. Yin had replied.
"Oh wow! They really dance perfectly together! Thanks for sharing. Do you also have a picture of yourself in your banquet outfit? You're not there in your lab coat, are you?"
Prior laughed quietly. Fine, she would send her a selfie—just not right away. It felt awkward to take one in front of the others at her table.
Suddenly the music stopped, and everyone applauded again.
"Now we can all dance or move around the hall," Oren said.
She saw Professor Wan and his wife heading toward the dance floor. Tin walked to another table, probably to greet a friend.
"Would you like to dance?" Oren asked Prior.
She shook her head. "No, I'd rather not."
"I love dancing!" Talina said. Oren then led Talina to the dance floor.
At last, Prior was a little alone. She didn't want to approach anyone—she wouldn't know what to say anyway. Of course, it was also her task to gather as much information as possible, but she preferred doing that in the laboratory or on other occasions.
She remembered Yin's message again.
-Kashion-
Kashion felt relieved. The dance was over. Evlina was now dancing with his father, and others had joined the floor. People were scattered around the hall, chatting.
His gaze wandered across the room and stopped at Prior. She stood alone near the edge, holding her messenger as if she were about to take a selfie. Kashion had to admit that there was something slightly amusing about her manner. He wondered why she was doing it and who she might be sending it to. Did she not want to dance? He had seen Oren dancing with Talina, which had surprised him a little. But Oren was always dutiful and gallant. Why was Prior standing alone instead of striking up a conversation?
Kashion eventually walked over to his sister, who was standing near the large table with her husband and daughter. He knew his sister loved to dance, though her husband did not. Kashion smiled—he would make his sister happy and dance with her.
-Prior-
Prior had finally managed to take a selfie in which she didn't look completely awkward. She sent it to Yin. She wore subtle makeup and had left her hair down.
Yin replied immediately: "You look chic."
Prior smiled. She didn't particularly like the green dress, but she appreciated the compliment. Then another message followed.
"Color-wise, you would match him better."
Hm? What did she mean by that? Prior felt her heart start beating faster. She looked into the crowd until she spotted someone in green on the dance floor. Prince Kashion was dancing with a beautiful woman she couldn't quite remember. She was surely part of the family, since she had been sitting at his table—perhaps his sister.
Prior looked at Kashion's suit and then at her own dress. It was almost exactly the same shade.
She shook her head. Why did Yin have to write something so foolish? Now she felt embarrassed—almost as if she had chosen the dress on purpose.
She looked down at her messenger.
"Color-wise. That's all there is to it," she finally replied.
Then, wanting to distract herself, she began to walk slowly around the hall.