A few days pass, Grace wasn't perfect, she would at least act her best.
Grace: *looks around as she walks down the halls*
Many people inside the castle were setting up decorations. Covering the pillars and walls with strings of crystals a gems. Linda, the Queen, and a few lady servants were setting out colorful flowers around the castle. Jasmine paused in the middle of the hall.
Jasmine: "I found something out in the market, that I think you might like."
Jasmine pulls out a crystal hair clip. It matches Grace's dress.
Grace: *squeals and bounces excitedly* "It's pretty!"
Jasmine: *puts the hair clip in Grace's hair* "No. You look pretty."
Grace: *hugs Jasmine tightly* "Thank you, Princess Jasmine."
Jasmine: *her face scrunches up*
Linda walks past Grace and Jasmine.
Linda: "Hey Jasmine. I was just about to go looking for you."
Grace: *releases Jasmine*
Jasmine: "Why?"
Linda: "I want you to wear these." *she give Jasmine a small box*
Jasmine: *opens the box* "But...Linda...these are your earrings."
Linda: "Yes, they are. I want you to wear them to the ball. They're special to me, and I think they'll look perfect with your dress."
Jasmine: *looking at the earrings* "But, Linda, these are—"
Linda: "I insist. I want you to have them. They've been in the family for generations, and I'd be honored if you wore them."
Jasmine: *glances at Grace, then back at Linda* "Alright, if you insist. I'll wear them."
Linda: *smiling warmly* "Thank you, Jasmine."
Grace: *excitedly* "Wow, Jasmine! You're going to look amazing!"
Jasmine: *smiles softly* "Thank you, Grace. I hope you feel the same way."
Linda: "Let's get ready. The guests are almost here, and we have to look our best."
The three of them continue preparing for the ball, each with their own excitement and nerves as the grand event approaches.
As the guests begin to arrive, the grand hall fills with the soft murmur of conversations and the clinking of glasses. Jasmine stays close to Grace, guiding her through the sea of elegantly dressed nobles and royals.
Jasmine: *whispering to Grace* "Remember, keep your posture straight and smile."
Grace: *nervously* "Okay, I'll do my best."
Jasmine: *giving Grace a reassuring smile* "You look beautiful, Grace. Just be yourself, and you'll do great."
Linda, dressed in a stunning golden gown, mingles with the guests, occasionally glancing over to make sure everything is going smoothly. The atmosphere is filled with music, laughter, and the lively chatter of the royal ball.
A guest walks up to Jasmine. Judging by his attire, he must be royal.
Guest: "Princess Jasmine. What a pleasure it is to meet you in person."
Jasmine: "You must be Flint's little brother, Steven."
Steven: "Yes, I am. And I must say, you look absolutely stunning."
Jasmine: "Thank you. Now I'm sorry but—"
Grace: *gives Jasmine a gentle push* "I'll be fine! You go have fun!"
Jasmine: *hesitates* "Are you sure, Grace?"
Grace: *nods* "Yeah. I'll be okay."
Jasmine: *sighs with a smile* "Alright. Just remember everything we practiced."
Jasmine turns back to Steven and the conversation, while Grace takes a deep breath and begins to navigate the ballroom on her own.
As Grace moves through the crowd, she encounters various guests who compliment her on her dress and appearance. Despite her nervousness, she begins to feel more at ease with each friendly greeting.
Meanwhile, Jasmine and Steven engage in light conversation about the event and upcoming royal duties, while Jasmine keeps a watchful eye on Grace from a distance. Suddenly, Jason approaches Grace with a friendly smile.
Jason: "Good evening, Grace. You look beautiful."
Grace: "Thanks, Jason. You look quite handsome yourself."
Jason: *blushes slightly* "Well, I'm not really special—wearing anything special, like you and Jasmine."
Grace: *playfully pulls Jason's crown slightly down* "You have a crown, compared to my small crystal hair clip."
Jason: *readjusts his crown* "That's true." *offers his hand* "Care to dance with me?"
Grace: *hesitates for a moment, then takes his hand, smiling* "Sure. Just don't let Jasmine catch you getting close to me. You know how protective she gets when she sees you close to me!"
Jason: "Trust me. I know. And she won't. I had a friend steal her away."
Jason smiles as he looks at Jasmine who was smiling as she danced with Steven. Grace squeals and giggles as Jason suddenly spins her around.
Jason: "Come on, Grace! You can't miss this one!"
Grace: "Okay okay! I'm coming!"
Grace and Jason twirl gracefully across the dance floor, laughing and enjoying the lively music. As Grace and Jason dance, they become immersed in the joy of the moment. The swirling lights and vibrant colors of the ballroom create a magical atmosphere, making the dance even more exhilarating.
Jason, still spinning Grace, takes a moment to lean in close.
Jason: *whispering* "Are you having fun yet?"
Grace: "A lot of fun!"
The music shifts to a slow, romantic tune.
Jason: *blushes* "Grace, there's something I need to tell you."
Grace: *looking at him curiously* "What is it?"
Jason: *taking a deep breath* "I—"
Before he can finish, Jasmine's sharp eyes catch sight of them. She starts making her way towards them, a look of concern on her face.
Jason: *seeing Jasmine approach* "I enjoy dancing with you."
Grace: *unaware of Jasmine's approach* "I enjoy dancing with you too."
Jasmine: "Everything alright here?"
Grace: "Everything is amazing!"
Jason: *with a casual grin* "I'm just having a great time dancing with Grace."
Jasmine: *sensing nothing amiss* "Well, I'm glad to hear that."
With the potential awkward moment passed, Jasmine and Grace continue enjoying the ball. Jason steps back, relieved that he managed to keep things smooth.
Suddenly one of the guards came up to Jason and whispered something in his ear.
Jason: *nods* "I'll be right there."
Grace: "What's going on?"
Jason: "Just something important. But I'll be back...I think." *quickly pulls Grace into a kiss*
Grace: *tilts her head in confusion*
Grace watches as Jason hurries off with Henry, with Flint following after. Jasmine notices Grace's distracted expression and approaches her.
Jasmine: "Are you okay?"
Grace: "Jason had to leave."
Jasmine: "Cheer up, child. That's a good thing!"
Grace: *taps her fingers together* "Well, he was dancing with me..."
Jasmine: *sighs* "That doesn't mean anything. I told that idiot to stay away from you and he didn't listen!"
Clamoring rose among the guests as they heard explosions outside.
Steven: "Are we under attack?"
Jasmine: "Only one way to find out."
Linda rushes out of the Ballroom. Jasmine, Steven, and Grace follow behind her. As the group exits the Ballroom, the explosions continue, creating a chaotic and alarming scene outside. Jasmine, Grace, and Steven catch up to Linda, who is leading the way toward the source of the commotion.
Linda: *shouts over the noise* "Flint! Jason! Henry! What is going on?"
Flint, Jason, and Henry are frantically trying to control a malfunctioning display of fireworks. The fireworks are exploding erratically, creating a dazzling but dangerous spectacle.
Grace: *stares in awe with wide eyes*
Jason: "We're sorry! It was supposed to be a surprise for Linda, but something went wrong!"
Flint: *trying to calm the situation* "We didn't mean...you weren't supposed to see this, babe."
Linda: *pinches the bridge of her nose*
Henry: "We're going to fix it! Just a minor issue!"
Linda: *sighs* "I appreciate the effort, but this isn't exactly how I imagined the evening."
Grace: *still mesmerized by the fireworks* "It's actually kind of amazing."
Jasmine: "Let's hope they can fix it soon."
As the fireworks continue to light up the sky, Jasmine and Linda exchange a look of exasperation but also amusement. Grace, caught between awe and the unfolding chaos, watches the spectacle with a sense of wonder.
Eventually, Flint, Jason and Henry manage to bring the situation under control, and the remaining fireworks begin to fire off in a more controlled manner, though the surprise is somewhat spoiled.
Linda: *takes Flint's hand* "Thank you for the effort. Maybe next time, plan a little better."