Princess Augustina of The Gilded Empire is dreading attending this annual ball that celebrates the strong country and its exponential growth. Her precious parents insisted that she'd attend for the benefit of the kingdom, and of course to broaden her horizons and meet potential love interests. "You're getting older," her mother had said in that sweet, coaxing tone, "it's important to serve your people as they serve you so diligently." And of course, King Demetrius agreed wholeheartedly, "Your mother is right. There is no reason to be dilly-dallying and spending your valuable time engaging in mischief." Her father's voice had been gruff and much more scrutinizing.

To be honest, Augustina has grown quite tired of their overbearingness. Let a maiden live, for sorcerer's sake! Why in the weather would she want to spend a single second gallivanting with nobles and royalty when she could be going on adventures of rebellion or playing with her darling pet ferret? Ugh, the ridiculousness, she huffed inwardly. Augustina didn't remember to check the invitation lists but she wasn't holding onto any hope that an interesting person would come along. The nobles and royals are so bland and bleak. They have no depth to them whatsoever!

As her most trusted maid, Liraeth, finishes tying the pink bodice around Augustina's slender waist, she examines her appearance in the mirror. Her crystal blue eyes are instantly drawn to the dainty ringlets of spun gold falling in wisps over her back, the intricacy of the blush gown and the spectacular chemise's sparkling iridescence that could beckon anyone's attention. Her eyes trace the line of her hip, the cutest little hearts embroidered into the dress. And then the irreplaceable sparkling jewels adorning her neck and wrists, along with her most favored tiara crowned on the top of her head.

Moments later, the melodious bells chime and royal trumpets blow. She saunters down marble staircases, fingers grazing gilded railings. Stepping into Sunstone Hall's bountiful ballroom, a slight smile graces her lips, bangles of pure gold clanking together on small wrists. The light reflects on all of her diamonds and pink sapphires, and of course the beaming chandeliers are shining down on her too. They know their mistress. Her eyes linger on the intricacies of the abstract artwork on the tall walls instead of the endless crowds of dazzling people.

Until a beautiful angel steps through the entrance. This is her new favorite. Nobles back away, huddling together as if they're undeserving of breathing the same air as the newcomer. Is she really an angel? Augustina wondered foolishly, in utter awe of the stunning lady before her. The Princess' attention is fully glued on the newcomer as she walks in, hips swaying enticingly. And there's a tiara on her head? This girl is royalty? How come Augustina had never heard of her arrival? Why was she not notified? But most importantly..is that gorgeous girl even real? The other girl's beauty is so surreal that Augustina considers writing poetry as a new hobby. She grins wickedly as the throngs of people return to normal, then she waltzes over to the newcomer. I want her all to myself. Not just for tonight. Forever. I don't care what I need to do, she thinks impulsively. Her eyelashes flutter and she nips at her lip as she looks down at the beautiful stranger, "Who might you be, my dear?"