Prince Edrahil offered her his hand, and she followed him inside.
The prince announced, “Orchestra, play our best music. Odette and I wish to dance until our feet forget what it means to walk.”
Once the music started, Edrahil twirled Odette around, and they opened the dance floor. They danced, laughed, and talked. Edrahil taught her many dances and elvish terms as they glided across the floor. Having someone to talk to felt nice and made her forget her problems, anxieties, and insecurities. She lost track of time and relaxed, enjoying her time with the handsome elf.
When she was too tired to continue, he had her sit down and have some refreshments.
He promised that eating Elven food wouldn’t prevent her from going back to her world because she was special. After hesitating, he reminded her that she had drunk water the last time she had been there. To further convince her, he reminded her that elves couldn't lie.
After eating the delicacies and gaining some strength, she received compliments from some of the guests before the prince led her to the gardens. They sat on a bench under the black sky with tingling diamonds.
Breathing in the aroma of the flowers made Odette sigh in delight. Edrahil’s kingdom was amazing. Her ancestors’ shoes were priceless if they led anyone to such a fantastic world to explore.
“I’m glad you returned to me, little fairy,” Prince Edrahil said. “I couldn’t stop thinking about you after you left.”
“Why?”
A smile tugged at his lips. “Do you think that many other people arrive here like you did?”
“I have no idea.”
“How much do you know about magic? Does your family know about the existence of this world? How many years have been in your world since—” He leaned closer. “You have no idea of what I’m talking about, haven’t you?”
Odette shook her head. Bouncing her feet, she wondered if he knew more about her magic slippers.
“We still have a bit of time before you leave, but I was wondering if I could convince you to come here more often, so we could get to know each other.”
Odette puckered her lips.
His face turned gloomy. “Doesn’t my company please you?”
“Am I some kind of entertainment for your boring existence?”
The prince didn’t seem to be offended by her remark. “What about your life?”
“My life is pretty boring, too. Apart from my books and hobbies, strolling and dancing in a magical kingdom is rather exciting.”
“You looked like you were having fun while dancing with me.”
“I was. Yet, I’m afraid that I might get bored if there are always parties going on.” She stretched her neck and tried to look past the plants. “I wonder how big your world is and how many different species of animal it has. You said you had pets. What kind of pets? For us, humans, pets are cats, dogs, birds, and some reptiles.”
“We have dogs and cats, but they are genetically different. I have a nine-tailed fox called Saraph, a winged horse called Darkness, and a lynx called Tamara. They are docile and love to play. Do you have pets?”
“No. I was allergic when I was a kid. I’m cured, but I don’t have time to take care of another living creature. Everybody in my family likes books more than people. We are afraid that we’ll forget to feed our pets. Mom often forgets to water the plants, and she has her mini-garden to distract her.”
“I love how sweet your voice sounds when you talk about your parents. You must love them dearly.”
“I do. Are your parents—”
“Gone? My father still lives.”
“I’m sorry about your mother’s death.”
He waved his hand in dismissal. “It’s been a while now. You don’t need to feel sad for me.”
“Don’t you have any siblings?”
“I’m an only child.”
“Me too. It gets lonely, right?”
“More than I can explain.” Edrahil looked away.
“Don’t you have any friends?”
“Some are gone. Others have their own lives to worry about.” He shrugged. “What about you? You must have plenty of friends.”
“I have a few. I’m not really popular. I guess it’s because I’m quiet and don’t like crowds. I can talk with a small group of people that I know and trust, but bigger crowds scare me.”
“You dealt with attention well in the ballroom.”
She inched closer to him and lowered her voice. “I was frightened, but the torpor of being here and seeing you … I can’t explain it. Back on Eart, we believe that you’re a product of people’s imagination. Not real.”
“Do you still think I’m not real?”
“Sometimes.” She grinned. “You’re far more complex than anything I could imagine.”
Edrahil raised an eyebrow. “What does that mean?”
“You’re probably real.”
“I know I’m real. Sometimes, I wonder if you are. It’s been so long.” He sighed and folded his hands on his lap. “I wonder if I’m imagining this.”
“Why would you imagine me? I’m nothing special and clearly not as interesting as the females of your race. They look so tall, slim, and radiant.” She gazed into his eyes. “You’re all so beautiful.”
“Thank you.”
Odette felt her cheeks warm up. “Can I ask you something?”
The prince nodded.
Her eyebrows knitted together as she gained the courage to question him. “You said you ruled the dark elves. What does that even mean? Does it mean your kind is dangerous?”
The corner of his right lip curled up. “Not if we aren’t threatened.”
Odette fluttered her eyelashes.
He chuckled and waved his hands in denial. “Have no fear. We are not harmful to other creatures without provocation. These are titles that go with our powers and elven lineage, nothing more.”
“That’s good. I don’t like violence.”
“Few people do.”
“I don’t know about that. Some people like to cause chaos and make fun of others.”
The prince's hand touched her shoulder. “Did someone hurt you?”
“I’m not always this talkative and dress this impressively. Back home, I’m just average looking. Here I’m that, too.” She scratched her nose and blinked the emotion away from her eyes. Looking at her hands, she shared, “Humans can be cruel, especially when they are growing up and need to establish their dominance. Looks play a significant role in how people treat you. I’m smart. I have that in my favor. I try to be the best I can be without falling for trends and material consummation. I still get teased because I like to dress differently, and I’d rather read than go to parties and date guys.”
Adrahil’s hand patted her shoulder. “Appearance plays a significant role in every society, not just on your planet. Elves are also judged based on their looks. Yet, that’s not enough. We also need to cultivate ourselves in the art of magic and knowledge. We dedicate a lot of our existence to studying and exercising.”
“Seems like hardships are everywhere,” Odette commented. “You’re a prince. I’m sure you have it as hard as anyone else. I can only imagine the responsibility that you have on your shoulders.”
“It’s hard,” Edrahil confirmed. “I’m impressed with your maturity. Many believe they can decide the fate of others because they have a fancy title and live in a rich castle.”
“Many people judge me, too. They think I don’t need to study hard to have my grades, make my parents proud, and be the best version of myself. I was lucky. My parents are good people who love me dearly. My mother is kind-hearted, and my father is wise and extremely intelligent. Still, the more perfect our parents are, the more we need to prove ourselves. Not just to them but to the rest of the family. I often come across as arrogant because I’m shy.” She paused and looked at him. “It’s strange, but I feel at ease with you. I don't often share this much with people that I barely know.”
“I feel at ease with you as well.”
Sighing, she lifted her gaze. The skies above had as many stars as the ones on Earth. “May I ask why you look so sad on your throne, as if you are waiting for something?”
“I am waiting for something.”
“For what?” She turned to watch him.
“The love of my life. I must find her soon.”
She frowned. “The love of your life? Do you expect her to walk into your palace and make herself known?”
He smiled. “Something like that, beautiful one.”
She giggled. “Shouldn’t you be searching for her instead of keeping me company?”
He tilted his head to the right. “You’re an outsider, even if you have pointy ears and a beautiful figure like an elf. Still, you are unaware of all the magic that rules this world and the promises that were made in the past and are now ready to be collected.”
“Yes, on Earth, we don’t have magic. Life is simpler, I guess.”
“Yet, you don’t seem happy.”
“Sometimes, I feel as if I don’t belong there.”
He lifted her hand and kissed it. “Maybe you belong here.”
“Don’t be silly, prince. I could never stay here.” She looked at the magical slippers and wiggled her feet around. “Plus, the magic in these won’t let me stay.”
He gave her a lopsided grin. “Not yet. Would you want to stay?”
“My family is there, and I need to face the problems in my life. As much as I enjoy it here, it’s not my place.” She got up. “But we can be friends, and I can help you find your lover. Do you know what she looks like?”
“I have an idea.”
“She must be the most beautiful elf in this world. Maybe you should invite other elven princesses to keep you company.”
He shook his head. “It doesn’t work like that, kind princess.”
“What will happen if you don’t find your princess soon?”
“My heart will wither away from the unhappiness, and I’ll die a sad, lonesome death.”
Her hands folded against her chest. “That’s terrible. Why are you just sitting there, on your throne, instead of looking for love?”
He gave her the same sad smile that he had when she first saw him.
Odette grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet. “I don’t want my new friend to die. Maybe you could travel to other worlds to find out if your promised one is there. I don’t know about this world, but in my world, many girls dream of having a charming prince on their arm.”
“Alas, the prophecy assured that my promised one would come to my kingdom and would fall in love with me.”
“Did it say when?”
“No. Just that I had to throw a party every night when I was old enough to rule. My father will proclaim me king next year. The clock is ticking, and if I don’t find her before I’m king, then I’ll eventually die of unhappiness.”
“That’s not a nice prophecy. Can’t you have another one done? Do you have seers to help you? There must be a way to change your fate.”
Stepping closer to her, he said, “Do you worry about me, Odette?”
“Of course, you are my friend and have been nothing but kind to me.”
“Then …”
She put her hand on his chest. “This is so sad. We are both cursed to be rejected by the ones we love. Your princess isn’t showing up, and the love of my life doesn’t realize I exist.”
“T-the l-love of your life?”
Turning around, she sauntered down the path. “I’ve loved Carl from the moment I first saw him. I thought it was meant to be. You know? Love at first sight. He’s my Prince Charming, but I don’t know how to make myself seen.”
His hand touched her shoulder, and she stopped. “How can someone not notice your existence?”
“I’m not pretty enough for him.”
“That’s nonsense.”
She turned to look at him. “In my world, I’m weird and don’t know how to talk to people.”
“Odette …”
She sighed, and the first stroke of midnight sounded.
She saw the portal appearing not far from them. Of all the rotten luck, the moment she was pouring out her heart, the night was over for her.
The prince looked from the portal to her. “I understand. You need to leave now, right?”
She nodded. “I’ll be back soon.”
He smiled. “I would like that.”
She waved goodbye. “Have a great night, Prince Edrahil, and don’t give up. Your beloved will show up.”
He waved back when she stepped into the portal and was taken back to her home.