Finley's POV
"What do you think about the ball?" We were lying side by side on the courtyard field. We had just finished sparring. It had become some sort of routine; every morning before breakfast, Edward and I spar, and then I teach him a thing or two.
He turned to look at me curiously. "I don't know. I haven't been in years. I don't really care for it. Why, do you want to attend?" he said jokingly, but I didn't say anything. Going doesn't sound that bad; it could be fun. Not doing anything all day is absolutely killing me.
Understanding crossed his face, and he sat up. "Oh, you want to attend. Um, that's fine. I guess you could just go without me," he said, shifting uncomfortably. Go without him? Why on earth would I do that?
"I can't go without you, Edward." He looked at me at the mention of his name. "Why would I go without you? It's fine if you don't want to go. I just thought it would be fun. I spend most of my time on the battlefield, and I've attended one of these things like once," I explained. I could live without attending, that's for sure.
"Oh, but you really can go without me. It's not like there's a rule that says you can't attend if I don't go. You have your invite; it was in the envelope. You don't need me to attend." Oh, he thought I wanted him to attend because I thought I couldn't attend without him. Oh, my sweet, sweet Edward.
"You've got it all wrong, Edward. I want to attend the ball with you. I'm not going without you, not because I can't or because I think I can't, but because I don't want to. I thought it would be fun for us, but if not, I'd rather just hang out with you." A rosy pink color spread across Edward's cheeks, and he looked away from me. He looked beautiful like that; I had to stop myself from reaching out and pulling his face toward me.
"Really, you want to go to the ball... with me? Are you sure? I'll really be such a bore. I can't provide any entertainment, and I might just be tired the entire time." I didn't know when I reached out to him this time, holding his chin slightly until he faced me.
"There's no one else I'd rather be with than you, Edward. And if you're not willing to attend, we'll find something else to do. Hell, we'll have our own ball if it comes down to it, okay?"
"Okay, and I'd go to the ball with you. It can't be that bad." I broke out into a smile and released his face—it felt like the lack of contact was physically painful—and stood up, pulling him up with me.
"Good. Now, you'll go have your breakfast, and a little birdie told me about a palace seamstress. We'll go visit her. We have a ball to attend."
***
It was the day of the ball, and we agreed that I would meet him in his room when we were both ready. I was already dressed, wearing a silk tunic with beautiful embroidery, beneath a surcoat, with a couple of rings and necklaces. Ditching the coat, I took my sword in hand and headed to the prince's room.
I arrived at Edward's room and saw Annabella already there with his food, one hand about to knock with the other. The ball was taking place in the castle. There was to be a feast, but Edward had to eat and use his medication first, earlier than usual. Something about him needing to take it before the day ended.
"Hey," I greeted, relieving her of the tray in her hand. "How are you doing today? Don't bother yourself; I'll take this to the prince." I smiled at her, and she curtsied, smiling back at me.
"Thank you so much, sir. You look dashing," she blushed lightly. One thing about Annabella—she was always blushing.
"Why, thank you. Also, please call me Finley." I was getting a bit tired of the title. I entered Edward's chamber, and he was in the living area. He peered behind him, and Annabella greeted him hastily before leaving.
"Is there a problem?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. "She brought your meal," I explained.
"I see." He sees? What does that even mean? I could see that he wasn't going to answer even if I asked, so I let it go. If there's one thing I'm used to, it's Edward's constant mood swings. Sometimes I feel they're a bit extreme, but I don't mind them that much.
I dropped the tray and could finally take in what he was wearing. The prince wore a finely tailored tunic and hose, a mantle lined with fur and fastened with a decorative clasp over it. His hands and neck were adorned in silver jewelry. His ceremonial sword was in hand. He looked truly royal. The seamstress did an amazing job, but the aura and charisma were all him.
"You look magnificent, Edward." He looked away. Now, this was someone I wouldn't mind seeing blush every day of my life.
"Thank you, so do you," he answered shyly, his sour mood lifting. I thanked him and went to take a seat beside him. Edward looked at the tray before him and sighed, lifting the goblet from the tray. "I won't even enjoy the ball properly after taking these stupid herbs."
I probably shouldn't be doing this, but we can pull this off. I took the goblet from his hand. He turned to me in confusion. "What's the problem?"
"How about this: we go to the ball, and you have maximum fun for the best part of it, and we get back, and you take it before midnight. What do you think?" What could really go wrong? Nothing, that's what, and he gets to enjoy the ball.
His eyes lit up in excitement. "Wait, really? You're not joking? You'll do that for me? Really?"
"Really, I'm serious." I set down the goblet and looked at him.
"But what... what if I collapse again? I'm sure it won't be a big deal, but it'll be embarrassing, and they'll know something is wrong."
"Nothing will go wrong, okay? And if you fall, I'll be there to catch you," I assured him.
"Okay, okay, I can do this. Let's go."
"You ready?"
He shrugged. "I don't know, but we're about to find out."