JUST ONE LAST TASTE PART 8

ONE LAST TASTE PART 8

Dear Readers, It has been awhile since I have posted a chapter for this mini series. I do apologize for not keeping it up as fast as I did in the begining. I have come to realilze that I do not control my muse and everytime I sat down to finish this chapter nothing would come. I am glad to say my muse is no longer angry  with me and has allowed me to write this chapter and get started on chapter 9. I want to thank you all for bearing with me and I promise if you keep on following me, you will not be disappointed in the end.  Also, I am writing this with no one to edit it so if you see any mistakes that I have missed please charge is to my mind and not to my heart.  I hope you enjoy and also note that all constructive feedback is accepted! -DPR

The crowd burst into cheers and the resonating sound of the trumpets blared into the air, while small flakes of gold and red speckles started to float to the ground. Maya watched as the crowed parted ways to let the King and Queen through with the young girl trailing behind them. Not wanting to miss anything she made sure that she kept very close to the royal family. Every person who the family came in contact with was greeted with warm smiles and some were even greeted with big hugs. Maya observed that the people were generally happy with the royal family, they seemed to be respected and loved, which pleased her greatly. The family made their way from the great hall into the dinning hall, which was equally impressive. It was decorated with exotic flowers that had every shade of color from the rainbow. The royal table was out fitted with white linens and gold tableware. Smaller tables that were decorated similar were positioned in a square like fashion around the walls, allowing the area in between them to be used as a dance floor. Maya stood beside the royal family as they took to their seats. Somewhere in the distance a gong stuck and about 30 people dressed in white carrying huge platters of food, flooded the hall.

 When all the food was set before the people, a loud gong was sounded in the background and everyone in the hall started to eat. Maya watched the festivities with great interest and a feeling of complete peace swept over her as she remembered the feelings that she had on that day. She also noticed how Shagaar and his father, Lord Raymore would slyly whisper to each other then look back up at the royal family. They were taking a particular interest in staring down at the young princess.  Another thing she noticed was how Armand would also still glances towards the young princess way. He would look at her but would turn his head whenever she faced him. When everyone seemed to have finished eating the King stood up in front of the table and said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, Now that you have all feasted and greeted one another lets continue on with the celebration by starting the dance. May all the single gentlemen come forth.”   As in unison all the young males who were seated at the table came forth and kneeled before the king. “Now, Princess Maya please come and choose who you will dance with first.”  Maya watched as she saw the young princess walk around the table to face the young men who were still kneeling down. As soon as she stood before them Maya could tell that the young princess was hesitant for she watched her eyes move from Armand to Shagaar.  No doubt in her mind that the Princess was remembering the promise that she made to Lord Shagaar early that evening.  Before the Princess could speak Lord Shagaar stood half way up and said, “Princess it would do me with great honor that you would allow me to have the first dance, in doing such will allow you to keep your most gracious promise.”  Stunned by Shagaar’s forwardness the Princess looked to her father the king and he nodded at her. She then said, “Shagaar, your forwardness has served you well. I will give you the first dance in honoring my promise to you this evening. ”Shagaar lifted all the way and extended his hand to the Princess. Maya caught as she saw the Princess steal a glance at Armand who was still kneeling on the ground, but was looking boldly at her as she took Lord Shagaar’s hand. 

The crowd watched in complete silence as they walked hand in hand to the middle of the floor.  As soon as they were in position the music started and the dance was on its way. The guys who were not picked by the Princess all lifted up and went to ask the other young ladies to dance with them. Before you knew it the whole dance floor was covered with people dancing close to the Princess and Shagaar, except for one person and that was Armand who stood in the distance keeping his eyes fixed on Princess Maya.  Maya could see how uneasy the Princess was dancing with Shagaar.  Even though she couldn’t hear what he was saying she could tell by the Princess facial expression that she did not like what he was saying. 

The music soon started to fade and Maya watched as she saw Armand go right up to the Princess and extend his hand to her. Looking like he was taken back Shagaar says something to Armand who only seemed to ignore whatever was being said.  The Princess bows to Shagaar, say a few words and then she takes Armand’s hand. Maya could see that Armand did not a intend to keep the Princess there on the floor, but determined to take her to somewhere private. Just as soon as the Princess took Armand’s hand he quickly started leading her towards the balcony off to the right the room. Maya, not wanting to miss anything that was going to be said between the Princess and Armand, quickly followed behind the couple out onto the balcony.

When Maya reached the balcony she noticed the Princess and Armand were standing close to the rail holding hands and both looking up at the night sky.

“Beautiful isn’t it?” said the Princess.

“Not at beautiful as you." replied Armand. Maya could see the Princess smiling as she turned to her side to face Armand.

“Armand such things you say and yet, you barely know me.”

“I don’t have to know you to speak the truth my princess. Come let us dance under the stars.”

Armand pulled the Princess into his arms and Maya watched as they both danced to the music that was floating in from the dining room.

“I have always dreamed of doing this with you.” Whispered Armand.

“You have?”, said the Princess

“Yes, you have been in many of mine dreams, which started that day I met you and even until now.”

“But Armand we barely know each other”.

“My Princess I know enough. Even though we have never gotten a chance to be around each other, but since that day I met you in your father's chambers. I have heard word of your charity and your kindness towards your people. Word has traveled that you are as smart as some of your father’s council which means you are smarter than most of them, but the word did fail to do you justice in how beautiful you are.”

Blushing the Princess said, “Armand I too have kept up with you. I must admit I was sad that I didn’t get to spend time with you and your father those many years ago, but I have heard that you were ranked one of the top students in your class and that your father has high plans for you to join the army.”

“Well Princess, it looks like we have kept up with each other.”, laughing Armand.

“Yes, it does seem as such.”, said Maya also laughing.

Armand then stopped laughing and lifted his hand to touch the Princess’s face and gently moved his thumb across her cheek.

“My Princess…”, whispered Armand

Maya held her  breath as she watched Armand bend his head down to kiss the Princess lips when all of a sudden out no where she saw Shagaar run up to them and punch Armand in the face. He hit Armand so hard that the force of the impact almost sent Armand over the railing.

Maya could see that the sudden rage come over the Princess face as she pushed Shagaar back and yelled, “What in the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“My Princess forgive me. I was only doing what I thought was right. No man and I mean No man below your majesty’s station should even try to kiss her highness in such a manner.”

“And you?” said Armand.  Aren’t you below her majesty’s station to try anything with her?”

“I am higher than you are or will ever be. You insulin dog!”

With a low growl and heavy voice, Armand said, “I would watch what you say because unlike most dogs, this one has fangs.”

“Then bare you fangs dog and I will show you how a real Master whips dogs like you back in to shape.” sneered Shagaar.

In a flash Armand and Shagaar with both on each other. The Princess screamed as she watched both young men deliver blows to the other.

Maya saw that the Princess’s screams must have gotten someone’s attention in the dining room because the next thing she knew she saw the King, General Terminar and Lord Raymore come rushing through the door. General Terminar quickly ran over and grabbed Armand off Shagaar and Lord moved beside Shagaar holding him back from jumping back on Armand.

“What is this!”, yelled Lord Raymore.  Why is this boy attacking my son?”

Armand yelled, “I am not attacking him, but merely defending myself.”

“Enough”, said Lord Raymore  “King I would have this young man punished for attacking my son”

“NO! screamed the Princess. “Father please listen! Shagaar hit Armand first!”

“Is this true?”, said the King to Shagaar

“Yes, it’s true, but I only hit him to keep this man from defiling the Princess with his kiss. No one your highness below her station should ever assume that they have the right to kiss the Princess in such a perverse manner. “

Maya noticed that the King and the General Terminar both stared at each other and nodded to one another.

“Very well.”, said the King. “General Terminar escort your son Armand home and I will contact you soon with the detail of his punishment.”

“I understand your highness.”, said General Terminar “Armand come, but first apologize to Lord and Shagaar.”

“But father.”, said Armand

“No butts... Do as you are told.”

“Yes Father.”

With a loud sigh Armand turned and faced Lord Raymore and Shagaar.

“My Lord I apologize for my conduct and my behavior towards your son.”  He then turned to the Princess and said, “Princess… I”

But before he could get out what he was going to say Shagaar yelled “Away with him.”

Maya could see that Armand’s body became very still even though he had his back towards Shagaar, but then without warning a low growl started to radiate from him.

The General Terminar grabbed Armand’s arm and said, “Enough!” Armand’s body went limp and he bowed his head down to his father. The General Terminar turned to the King. “My apologizes your majesty he will be punished for his behavior.  “My apologizes again Lord Raymore ” and with that the General Terminar and Armand both walked back towards the dining room and out the front door.

The King turns towards Lord Raymore and Shagaar and said, “Thank you Shagaar for watching out for the Princess and having her best interest at heart.”

“It was the least I could do.”, Said Shagaar” as he bowed down to the king

Stunned by this interaction all Maya saw the Princess could do was stand there with her mouth wide open.

“Your highness I think it’s time for me and my son to leave. Thank you for inviting us to the Princess’s celebration and we look forward to many visits to your kingdom and you to ours.”

With that said Lord Raymore and Shagaar both turned their backs to King and the Princess and walked to the dining room and out the door.

Maya could see the anger and saddens play across the Princess’s face as she said, “Father why do you not believe?  I promise you Armand did nothing wrong!  It was all Shagaar fault, he hit Armand first!”

The King looked at the Princess and said, “I know my child, but Armand still should not have acted the way he did. Things are really delicate between Lord Raymore's world and ours. I being the king of this realm is charged to protect it at all cost. What Armand did could have started a war between our worlds and that is something that we do not need at this time.  Do you understand me?”

“Yes, Father,” stammered the Princess.  But there please tell the Captain to not punish Armand so harshly.

At that moment the king just stood there and looked upon his child.  He then said, to himself. “I see it has begun. I must tell the Queen.”

“What do you mean Father?”, said the Princess

“Nothing my child. Come let’s go back to your celebration”

Maya watched as the Princess wrapped her arms around the king’s and they walked back into the dining hall to finish the celebration.

Maya didn’t follow them in, but continued standing out on the baloney.

I remember this.

The scene then started to fade in front of Maya’s eyes and before she knew it, she was back in the Princess’s room. The Princess was sitting by her bed looking out the window.  From the corner of her room she saw Alice walk in with a silver tray in her hand and on the silver tray laid an envelope.

“Princess.”, said Alice. “I have something here that may cheer you up.” Alice hurried herself towards the princess and took the letter off the tray and laid it down on the bed beside the Princess. 

“Thank you Alice”, said the Princess.  Alice bowed her head and walked back out of the room.  The Princess picked up the envelope from the side of the bed and gently opened it.   She removed a letter and a silver chain attached to a silver ring with little moons on it.  Maya curious of what the letter said moved close to the Princess on the bed.  The Princess opened letter and it said,

Dear Princess Maya,

I write so that I may ask for you for your forgiveness for my conduct on your celebration night.  I should not have acted as such in front of a lady and for that I pray that you have not charged that against me.  Over the past few years I have thought of you many times and wondered how our next meeting would be. I wondered if you would still look as pretty as you did the day I met you in your father’s chambers. Would your skin still feel as soft as it did when I first kissed your hand those many years ago? I thank the Gods for allowing me to come to your celebration and show me that you are not just the pretty little girl who enchanted me when I was a little boy, but a beautiful young woman whose eyes captured my heart the moment I beheld them again and when you smiled I knew there was nothing I could do to defend myself against you. For your smile has awakened a desire in me that I have not had for any other. Even now, I think about what would have happened if we kissed that moment I had you in my arms. I think my soul would have been no longer mines, but completely yours.  I only say this boldly to you because I know you feel the same way.  There is a connection between us that cannot be denied and it cannot be broken unless you desire for it to be. I thank you for sending word to my father that the fight between Lord Shagaar and I was not my fault.  Alas, my father is sending me off to the cold lands for training and I do not know when I will see you again.  In the letter I have enclosed a silver ring on a silver chain and on the ring you should see small crescent moons engraved on it. This ring use to belong to my mother and before she died she told me to make sure that I give it to someone special and now I am giving it to you. Please wear this as a token of my heart and know that I will see you again one day soon.

Always and Forever,

Armand.

The Princess wiped away the tears as she folded the letter gently and placed it back in the envelope, and then she laid it down on the side of her bed. She then took the silver chain and fastened it around her neck.  This allowed the ring to hoover just above her chest and close to her heart. Holding the ring close to her, Maya heard the young Princess whisper, “I pray to you God, that you may keep Armand safe for I fear he now owns my heart as well!”

Hey Everyone!

LOL again, this is not up in place for part 8. I promise you it is coming. My muse and I are fighting right now, but I will win her over soon because she love me =) Anyways, this week I was featured as a guest Artist on the Good Ole Boy Radio Network. Many of you may not know, but I started writing as poet and then it turned into stories. I had sooooo much fun in the studio and the guy loved the track that they asked me to be a rotating in house artist, meaning I will be doing some more poetry again every few weeks.

I am very excited about this and very blessed to featured and have m work out there. I have posted a link for you to listen to the show.  The show is about "When do you tell the person your dating/interested in that you want to take it to another level"  I was not in the discussion, but I wish I was lol to give it a female point of view. So check them out, but if you interested in getting straight to me scroll the bar over the 51:42 and I will be on in a few seconds.  I hope you all enjoy. Again, feedback is always welcomed. Stay blessed everyone and again PART 8 is coming in a few days. Thank you!  =)

OKAY SO AGAIN THIS HAS NOTHING TO WITH MY WRITING AND YES PART 8 IS COMING IT IS TAKING LONGER THER EXPECTED BECAUSE MY MUSE AND I HAVE BEEN FIGHTING ON WHAT DIRECTION GO IN, BUT HAVE FAITH IT IS COMING.

Back to Adele, OMG I love her! I've heard this before,but never really paid attention until now. I know I am late ,but goodness she is awesome.

Can stand on my own, I'm magnificent. I'm the Queen on the throne, I'm magnificient. It's a shame, you are missing out on me. - Jill Scott, Shame


THIS HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MINISERIES.. IT JUST A FEEL GOOD SONG!! I LOVE JILL SCOTT AND CAN'T WAIT TO BUY HER ALBUM!



JUST ONE LAST TASTE PART 7



While Maya watched the little girl run out the door, the room started to turn into a blur and spin. When everything cleared she found herself in a large room that was covered with almost all things pink. It looked as if a bottle pepto bismo spilled and wasted all over the room. Maya looked in the corner of the room and saw the little girl sitting on her bed, holding the black knight in her hand playing with it. While Maya continued to watch the little girl she, saw the figure of the king slowly walking towards the little girl on the bed.

"Maya my princess.", said the King.

"Yes father.", said the little girl looking up at him.

"I know you were suppose to leave and visit Armand and General Terminar tomorrow, but there has been some change in plans."

"A change in plans father?... I promised Armand that I would return his knight to him."

"I know you did my child, but something has happened and you will not be able to do it now, but I promise one day you will be able to return the black knight to Armand."

The little girl dropped her face from the king and toyed with the knight in her fingers. She then looked up at her father and when she looked upon him, she had tears streaming down her cheeks.

The king looking very concerned sat down on the edge of the bed and told the little girl to come sit on his lap. The little girl left her side of the bed and crawled over to where the King was sitting and sat on his lap with her arms around his neck. The king hugged the little girl tightly and laid a kiss on her head and with a small sigh said to the little girl.

"Maya, life is very unpredictable, sometimes we make plans to do things and then they get interrupted suddenly and we can't do anything, but to adjust our lives accordingly.

"Yes, father." Whimpered the little girl.

"What I am trying to say my love, is that the reason why you cannot go visit Armand and the General is because a war has broken out with one of our settlements and it is my duty as the king to protect all those who are under my realm. Therefore, the General and his army, with the aid of the Shadows will be leaving today."

Maya lifted her head off the King's shoulders and looked at him and said.

"What are the Shadows? I have heard you talk of them before father, but I do not know what they are."

The king smiled down at the little girl and gently started stroking her hair with his hand.

"Child, by the way you talk to me, sometimes I forget that your only ten years old. You're mom would be upset with me for telling you this, but you do need to know.  The shadows are a group of men and women who will stop at nothing to protect you and the realm we live in. They are part of something special and one day when you're grown up enough to rule, I will tell you about them and all they have done to protect us"

"Why don't we see the shadows?", asked the little girl.

Laughing the king said," Well, then they wouldn't be true to their name would they?"

Laughing herself the little girl then asked.

"What is going to happen to Armand now that his father is away?"

"Armand has been sent to live with a distant relative until the General returns"

"Will I ever get to see him again Father?"

"I am sure you will my child.", said the King as he continued holding the little girl in his lap.

            As Maya looked upon the pair the room again started to change, this time splashes of colors started bursting everywhere around her and after they had burst they then dissolved into the air.

This time when Maya looked around the room, she saw that she was still in the little girl's room, but things had changed. The bed that was sitting in the corner of the room was no longer a child's bed, but a queen size bed and the room didn't look like it had been attacked by a pink monster. On the contrary, the room was decorated with dark wooden furniture and splashes of teal blue and chocolate brown covered the room. Across the room Maya saw a young girl staring at herself in the mirror. She had on a beautiful purple dress that was simply made. There were white flowers around the boarder of it. The length of her dress came just above her knee and the way it shimmered brought great contrast to her chocolate skin. Maya watched the young girl in the mirror fuss with her curly hair that hung loosely around her shoulders. On top of her head she wore a mini crown that was encrusted with diamonds and it shimmered bright in the light as the young girl continued to fuss with her hair. A few moments later, a small petite woman came in to the room.

"Your majesty, must you fuss with your hair so? You look beautiful and I am sure everyone there will think so too!", said the petite woman

"I know Alice!", said the young girl. "I am not worried about what everyone else thinks. I am just you know… nervous…"

"Nervous my lady?"

"Yeah Alice... I haven't seen Armand in over eight years and I wonder what he looks like now. I wonder if he will recognize me?"

"My Lady I am sure that even though it has been eight years and you're now a full grown woman of eighteen, I do believe that Armand well remember you."

"Thanks Alice, you always know how to cheer me up."

"You're welcome my lady. Anything for my future Queen."

As Maya continued to watch the pair in the mirror, an overwhelming feeling of joy spread through here.

I totally forgot that Alice has been with me all my life. No wonder she was nervous when she saw me in that dark room. I am going to have to apologize to her next time I see her.

The room started to change again and this time Maya was standing in the middle of a big throne room. There were party decorations all around the room and streamers of purple and gold were entwined with each other as they decorated the ceiling and walls. In the room there were a multitude of people. Men were shaking hands and discussing business  and about the world's trade. While women were politely greeting each other and admiring each other's dresses. There was a great band of musicians playing in the corner of the room, eloquently dressed, with hats that had feathers sticking out of them and black frocks with black pants. She continued looking about the room and suddenly saw a cascade of stairs that were covered in plush red velvet and lined with gold on the seams. Above the stairs on the platform sat three gold thrones, all three sat side by side each other, while the one in the middle was slightly ahead of the other two and was much larger. The one on the right was slightly smaller than the middle chair, but bigger than the one on the left.  The throne on the left was smaller, but equal to the other two in beauty.

In the middle chair sat the King, he was dressed in his purple cloak that was outlined with white fur and he wore black pants with a black shirt. He also was holding his golden scepter in his right and his head was adorned with his golden crown.  To the right of him sat the Queen, she was very pretty with long black hair that hung just above her shoulders. She had a kind face and a warm smile. She wore a black dress that went just below her knees and also had on a red cloak that was outlined in white fur and wore a golden crown on top of her head.
As soon as Maya looked upon the Queen,  tears started to leave her eyes. She realized how much she missed her mom and she wish that she could just go up there and put her arms around her.

To the left of the king sat the young girl and Maya watched the young as she seemed to be scanning the room anxiously.

"Be still my child said the King."You shall look upon your young friend soon enough"

"Yes, father," said the young girl sullenly,

Maya noticed that the crowd started to split in two, letting these two male figures walk through them to the thrones. Not wanting to miss who these people were, Maya ran through the crowd, up the steps and stood beside the young girl; just so that she could get a better look at the these two people that he crowd parted ways for.  As she watched them approach, she noticed that one of the men looked much older than the other, he had long grey hair and he wore a red shirt with black pants that had cuffs at the end of them. His face looked like it was sunken in and he eyes were beaded and small and his skin had a reddish tent to it, like he had been in the tanning bed to long. On top of his head he wore a crown that looked like it had been made of bones or something similar to bones. The other male beside him was younger and handsome. He had long golden hair with piercing blue eyes. He too wore a red shirt with black pants that were cuffed at the bottom of them. Confidence radiated from this man and you could see a hint of glimmer from his eyes.

They made their way to the top of the steps and kneeled down before the King and his family.

"Rise", said the King. "King Raymore, it is indeed a honor to have you here for my daughter's birthday"

Lord Raymore lifted himself up and said to the King," The honor is all ours mine your Kingship and may I present to you and your family my son, Prince Shagaar  the future ruler of the realm of Venior.

"It is our honor to greet you on this joyous occasion King Raymore. Please feel free to enjoy yourself. We have food, wine and great music. The festivities will take place soon."

"Thank you, your Kingship my son and I will be delighted! Also, my Lord we have heard many rumors of your daughters beauty, no doubt they come from her Queen. In token of that, we have bought Princess Maya a gift."

Prince Shagaar put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small box. He then went and stood in front of the young girl and kneeled before her, holding the box, he stretched out his arm with the small box in the palm of his hand. The young girl looked down at the Prince Shagaar and took the box. Shargaar lifted his head and gave her a wink with a sly smile and then dropped his head again.  The box was covered with red like foil and there was a pink ribbon on top. The young girl carefully untied the ribbon and unwrapped the foil. She then opened the box and saw a small red ruby bracelet that had diamonds nestled in between each stone.

Prince Shagaar then lifted himself up from his knees and took the bracelet from the box and gently fastened the bracelet around the young girl's arm. Prince Shagaar then took the young girl's hand and kissed it. Flabbergasted by the sudden gesture, the young girl just stood there and stared at Prince Shaggar for a few seconds.
Then she said in a shaky voice, " You do me honor Princess Shagaar with this beautiful gift."

"The honor is all mine Princess Maya. If you would permit me I would ask you a favor?"

"Such as?"

"I would be most honored if you would allow me to have the first dance with you tonight?
Maya still stunned by the gifted, looked at Prince Shagaar and said, "Yes… I mean it would be a pleasure to dance with you this evening."

Prince Shagaar bowed to Maya and went back to stand beside his father. King Raymore turned to the young girl and said, "Princes Maya, my heart swells with pride and I look forward to seeing you and Prince Shagaar dance later on this evening."

King Raymore then bowed to the royal family and turned around walked away. Prince Shaagar mimicked his father's movements and followed after him.

While Maya watched King Raymore and Prince Shagaar descend down the steps back to the throne room floor, she couldn't help but notice an older General Terminar come up after them. He was still very physically fit for a man of his age and you could see gray patches starting to form in his beard. Beside him was a younger man who was the same height as he, but he was skinnier, with long arms and legs. He had a strong chin with brown and eyes and short black hair that was cut in a low fade. As they approached the thrones, Maya noticed the excitement in the younger males' eyes as they were locked on the young girl. Maya looked between the two and realized that the young man beside General Terminar was Armand.  No sooner did they reach the throne's landing when the King got off his throne and walked up to General Termniar shook his hand and gave him a big hug.

"Aye, General Termniar! How good it is to see you! , "exclaimed the King."And this must be young Armand!"

Armand stood before the king and bowed to him. "It is a pleasure to see you again your Majesty", said Armand.

"The pleasure is all mine.", said the King "Let me introduce to you her royal highness and of course I know you remember Princess Maya."

Armand bowed before the Queen and she smiled and nodded at him, he then turned to face the young girl. When he looked upon her, Maya could see something striking in  Armand's eyes.  He walked boldly to the young girl's throne and kneeled before her.

"Princess Maya, It's been long, since I've last seen you, but please allow me to give you this token of our friendship for your birthday.", said Armand in a rich masculine voice.

Maya and the young girl watched as Armand pulled out of his pocket a small white box that had a purple ribbon tied around it. Armand got off his knees and handed the young girl the box and as he did so, he also grabbed her hand, bowed down and kissed it, then looked back up at the girl smiled and walked away.  Shaking nervously, the young girl opened the box and found a small silver necklace and on the necklace was silver rose pendent.

"Beautiful." Whispered the young girl.

She slowly stood up from her throne and walked over to Armand. As Maya watched her walk over him, she noticed how Armand's eyes would travel up and down her body. She could also see a slight shiver move through the young girl as she got closer to Armand. When they were face to face, the girl smiled at Armand and said,

"Armand my friend, I have longed to see you and keep my promise to you."
She then put her hand in a pocket on her dress and pulled out the miniature black knight. "I have kept this for you, these many years and now I am able to return it to its rightful owner."

Laughing Armand took the miniature knight in his hand and said, "Thank you for keeping this for me. It means a lot to me that you have kept my mother's gift, but I would ask that you would keep it a little while longer and allow me to return to you, to retrieve it another day."

Smiling the girl said, "I would be honored to continue holding on to your precious gift on one condition."

"And that is…", said Armand huskily

"That is if you will so kindly put this necklace around my next and dance with me at least once tonight."

"That my princess.", said Armand "I can most gladly do"

The young girl handed Armand back the box and he took out the necklace. The young girl then turned her back to him and waited for Armand to put the necklace around her neck.  Suddenly, she felt warm fingers trail down her shoulders to her neck and her collar bone. The cool sensation of the necklace mixed with the warmth of Armand's fingers, were almost intoxicating for the young girl.

When Armand had finished fastening the necklace upon the young girl's neck, Maya watched him as he whispered into the young girl's ear," How beautiful you are my Princess and thank you for wearing this." then he dropped his hands from her shoulders and walked away.

The girl turned around and faced him and said, "Thank you Armand and General Terminar for this lovely gift."

General Terminar said, "All thanks should go to Armand your highness. He had that specially made just for you."

The young girl turned back to Armand and said, "Armand, above all gifts, this is one I will cherish the most."

"Thank you, your highness, I am well pleased", said Armand.

Armand then left and went to stand beside his father once again.

Maya noticed that the King and General Terminar gave each other a sly nod and smile and then the King went and stood on the edge of the platform and said,

"Thank you all for coming out to celebrate Princess Maya's eighteenth birthday! I trust you will enjoy the food, music and games that we have to offer. Now, without any delay let the celebration dance begin!"