Chapter 7: One Last Dance

Dido smoothed imaginary wrinkles in the skirt of her gown as she studied herself from various viewpoints in the mirror. Sighing in defeat, she walked over to her dresser and began putting on the jewelry she would wear that night. A knock on her door startled Dido so much that she dropped the bracelet.

“Come in,” she called, scooping down to retrieve the bracelet.

“Dido, you look marvelous,” Scylla said, closing the door behind her.

Dressed in a strapless navy blue gown, Dido was stunning. Her long, wavy blonde hair was curled and pulled back by jeweled combs to hang down her back. The diamond jewelry sparkled, making Dido shine even more.

“Are you sure, Scylla?” Dido asked, fighting with the clasp of her bracelet. “I hate these formal events. I always feel so out of place.”

“Oh, stop that,” Scylla chided, helping her twin with the bracelet. “You have been going to these things for years now. Besides, it is the prince’s birthday party. Even if you weren’t his Guardian, you would be there.”

Dido blushed. “I am surprised that Cassandra allows me to go in formal attire and not my uniform, or battle gear for that matter.”

“If Cassandra thought that anything was going to happen, she would. However, you can transform into your battle gear at a moment’s notice. Have you made sure your communicator is working?”

“Yes, I check it constantly,” Dido replied, gesturing to the miniature communicator. It was disguised as part of her bracelet but was fully functional. Scylla nodded her approval.

“The other Guardians and I will be patrolling. You, Clytie, and Cassandra will be in the ballroom. The royal family is to be protect at all costs.”

“I don’t need you to remind me of that,” Dido said. “Cassandra has been drilling that into my head constantly. I will be ready if something were to happen.”

Dido glanced at her communicator. “It’s almost time. I must escort Prince Adonis to the ballroom now.”

“You look wonderful. Let yourself have a good time, Dido. Okay?”

The Guardian of Compassion nodded. Giving her sister a quick hug, she rushed down the hall toward the wing that the royal family lived in. Scylla watched her sister disappeared, noting the swish of her rustling skirt.

Shaking off a sense of dread, she transformed into her battle gear. Clutching the hilt of the Sword of Sorrows, the Guardian of Mercy was prepared for her patrol. Turning off the light, she closed the door behind her.

* * * * *

Dido knocked on the door of the prince’s chamber. “My lord, it is time,” she called, listening for movements behind the door.

“Come in, Guardian.” Adonis was turned away from the door, trying to tie his bowtie. “My apologies, Guardian, for the delay. I should be ready momentarily.”

Dido crossed the room. “There is no rush, my lord. It is your party,” she quipped.

Adonis smiled and finished with the bowtie. He turned and was stunned. He was used to seeing Dido in her uniform or battle attire. However, in her finery, she was radiant.

“Is there something wrong, my lord?” Dido asked nervous, her hands already smoothing the skirt.

“No, no,” Adonis replied hurriedly, regaining his composure. “The guests are waiting. Shall we, Guardian?” He bowed, offering her his arm.

Dido dipped into a graceful curtsy. “As you wish, my lord.” Accepting his arm, they preceded to the ballroom. Dido felt that she was gliding the entire way.

* * * * *

The receiving line was long as Dido diligently watched Prince Adonis greet each guest. The twenty-first birthday celebration for the crown prince drew more nobles than an ordinary court function would have. The crowd made necessary the extra security precautions.

“Good evening, Prince Adonis,” a sugary voice greeted as a young noblewoman dipped into an elaborate curtsy.

Suppressing a groan, Adonis kissed the back of the proffered hand. “Good evening, Lady Atalia.”

Lady Atalia was the sole child of one of the more powerful dukes of Cignus. It was no secret that the family wanted a match between the young noblewoman and the prince, especially Atalia herself. However, Atalia’s brazen behavior repulsed Adonis.

“Please do me the honor of a dance, Your Highness,” Atalia added, as Adonis dropped her hand.

“My pleasure, Lady Atalia,” Adonis replied emotionlessly.

Atalia smiled broadly and winked before moving forward into the ballroom. Adonis breathed a sigh of relief. Summoning a smile, he turned his attention to his next guest.

As the last guest was greeted properly, Adonis turned to Dido. The Guardian had watched the arriving guests vigilantly, using what empathetic powers she had to detect any hostility or aggression. However, Dido’s expression brightened when she realized that the prince was looking in her direction. She returned his smile.

“Guardian, shall we?” Adonis asked, once more offering his arm.

Accepting hesitantly, Dido asked, “Shall we what, my lord?”

The prince’s smile broadened as he lead Dido to the main floor of the ballroom. The guests parted like a sea as the future monarch approached. Suddenly, Dido realized that they were in the center of the room.

“Begin this dance properly,” Adonis replied, sweeping Dido into a waltz before she could protest.

Dido tried to ignore the sensation of stares poking into her back as the prince expertly maneuvered her around the dance floor. She lost herself in the beauty of the music and the graceful rhythm of the dance. However, her mind vividly record the warm touch of the prince’s arm around her waist.

With each successive turn and dip, Adonis seemed to pull Dido closer and closer to him. Abruptly noticing the narrowing distance between them, her mind struggled for some way out of the situation. Swallowing hard, Dido forced herself to resume her Guardian persona.

“My lord, there are numerous young noblewomen who are more worthy of this honor than I am.”

Adonis studied her with a critical eye. “I differ greatly in opinion, Guardian. However, if you wish, I will find another partner for the next dance.”

“I would not be fair for me to monopolize your time, my lord. I do believe you promised Lady Atalia and others dances as well.”

“So I did.” Adonis paused, now noticing the complete grace with which Dido danced. ‘It must be a result of her intense training,’ he thought absently.

He cleared his throat. “However, Guardian, I do request some more dances with you this evening.”

Dido felt her cheeks reddened slightly. “As you wish, my lord.”

The music quickly ended. The two bowed, and Dido retreated to a nearby table. After watching the Guardian’s rather hurried departure, Adonis asked the nearest noblewoman to dance.

* * * * *

Atalia’s eyes narrowed in annoyance as she noticed the prince’s distant gaze. Looking in that direction, Atalia realized that the prince was staring at the Guardian of Compassion. Seething with anger, Atalia tried to think of some conversation that would focus on her.

“My lord, I was wondering what your thoughts are on marriage,” she said, batting her eyelashes prettily.

“What?” Adonis asked, turning his attention to Atalia. “Marriage? The subject as a whole, Lady Atalia?”

“Well, your personal marriage, Your Highness. You have reached your twenty-first birthday. Surely the subject has crossed your mind. It would be unfair to keep the young ladies of nobility in suspense forever.”

“Indeed,” Adonis replied, trying to keep his tone civil. “I will consider marriage when I have encounter the right woman, Lady Atalia.”

“And have you found her yet, Your Majesty?” Again, Atalia’s eyelashes fluttered.

Adonis glanced over at Dido. “I am not sure, but I will found out soon.”

Before Atalia could respond, the music faded. Bowing to her, Adonis excused himself. Atalia’s temper flared when she saw that the Guardian would once again be the prince’s dancing partner.

The young aristocrat stormed to the nearest refreshment table. As she sipped her punch, she watched the pair circle the dance floor once more. In frustration, Atalia slammed the cup back on the table.

‘Who does she thinks she is?!’ Atalia fumed. ‘The Guardians have overstepped themselves if they think they are the equals of the nobility of Cignus. She and the others should be subservient, not parading themselves as royalty.’

Atalia thought of the events that would transpire later that evening. ‘Enjoy these last few moments, Guardian. If I have my way, they will indeed be your last.’ Her smile broadened. ‘And Prince Adonis will be mine.’

* * * * *

“I think I need some fresh air,” Adonis announced, as that dance was ending. He bowed and then offered his arm to the Guardian. Ignoring the entreats for a dance, Adonis walked to a nearby balcony.

The night air was refreshing, the cool air contrasting to the warmer, perfumed air of the ballroom. The stars and the triple moons illuminated the sky, inspiring a sense of wonder in both the prince and the Guardian.

“A beautiful night,” Adonis sighed, leaning against the rail of the balcony. “Don’t you agree, Guardian?”

Dido stood at the opposite end of the balcony, studying the sky. “Truly, it is, my lord.”

The two stood in silence for several moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Dido moved closer to the prince, the soft rustle of her skirts indicating her movement. She bowed her head.

“My lord, I have cherished the attention I have received from you tonight. Dancing with you as been a joy and a honor. However, I feel you have been neglecting the noble ladies.”

“Guardian, you are the best dancer at this ball. And you alone are not trying to trick me into some vow of love or commitment to marriage. I enjoy your company.”

“But, my lord, I am a Guardian. I have sworn to protect the throne of Cignus with my life. You should enjoy the company of a lady far more than mine.”

“There is no lady in that ballroom that ballroom who can rival you in my esteem, Guardian.”

“Oh, Your Highness,” Dido cried, turning away from the prince in frustration. “Do you not realize what my duty to Cignus is, my duty to the other Guardians? Do you not see the obstacles to this farfetched fantasy? My lord, I am nearly three years your senior!”

“Have you no feelings for me at all?”

Dido swallowed hard, cursing fate for its cruelty. Not trusting herself to look back at the prince she continued to study the sky. Giving up, she closed her eyes and bowed her head.

“My lord, I do care greater for you than I should. My feelings have been jeopardizing my place as your Guardians for years now. However, you are the heir, the Crown Prince of Cignus. I am a Guardian, my lord. You are required to marry a woman of noble blood.

“Do you not realize that there can never be anything between us? No matter how much we wish there could be?”

Tears streamed down her face, as Dido struggled to choke down the sobs that threatened to overwhelm her. She waited for some answer from the prince, some reply to her questions. Suddenly, she felt him turn her around and encase her against his chest.

Calling herself all kinds of fools, Dido laid her head against his shirt front, marveling at the sound of his heartbeat. He softly stroked her hair, murmuring softly. “Dido, don’t you realize that I truly don’t care about your nobility or lack thereof. You are much nobler in spirit and in strength than all of those women of noble birth.”

Dido lifted her head, unsure of how to react to the prince’s statement. Wiping her tearstained cheeks with his thumbs, he gazed into her eyes, drowning in the navy depths. Hers, in turn, searched for some answer in his.

The moment was shattered by the chime of Dido’s communicator. Jerking away from Adonis, she listened to the unit. Surprised by the static, she turned up the volume.

“We are under attack!” Scylla yelled, the background noise deafening. “Dido, get the royal family out now!”


One Last Dance Dido smoothed imaginary wrinkles in the skirt of her gown as she studied herself from various viewpoints in the mirror. Sighing in defeat, she walked over to her dresser and began putting on the jewelry she would wear that night. A knock on her door startled Dido so much that she dropped the bracelet. “Come in,” she called, scooping down to retrieve the bracelet. “Dido, you look marvelous,” Scylla said, closing the door behind her. Dressed in a strapless navy blue gown, Dido was stunning. Her long, wavy blonde hair was curled and pulled back by jeweled combs to hang down her back. The diamond jewelry sparkled, making Dido shine even more. “Are you sure, Scylla?” Dido asked, fighting with the clasp of her bracelet. “I hate these formal events. I always feel so out of place.” “Oh, stop that,” Scylla chided, helping her twin with the bracelet. “You have been going to these things for years now. Besides, it is the prince’s birthday party. Even if you weren’t his Guardian, you would be there.” Dido blushed. “I am surprised that Cassandra allows me to go in formal attire and not my uniform, or battle gear for that matter.” “If Cassandra thought that anything was going to happen, she would. However, you can transform into your battle gear at a moment’s notice. Have you made sure your communicator is working?” “Yes, I check it constantly,” Dido replied, gesturing to the miniature communicator. It was disguised as part of her bracelet but was fully functional. Scylla nodded her approval. “The other Guardians and I will be patrolling. You, Clytie, and Cassandra will be in the ballroom. The royal family is to be protect at all costs.” “I don’t need you to remind me of that,” Dido said. “Cassandra has been drilling that into my head constantly. I will be ready if something were to happen.” Dido glanced at her communicator. “It’s almost time. I must escort Prince Adonis to the ballroom now.” “You look wonderful. Let yourself have a good time, Dido. Okay?” The Guardian of Compassion nodded. Giving her sister a quick hug, she rushed down the hall toward the wing that the royal family lived in. Scylla watched her sister disappeared, noting the swish of her rustling skirt. Shaking off a sense of dread, she transformed into her battle gear. Clutching the hilt of the Sword of Sorrows, the Guardian of Mercy was prepared for her patrol. Turning off the light, she closed the door behind her. * * * * * Dido knocked on the door of the prince’s chamber. “My lord, it is time,” she called, listening for movements behind the door. “Come in, Guardian.” Adonis was turned away from the door, trying to tie his bowtie. “My apologies, Guardian, for the delay. I should be ready momentarily.” Dido crossed the room. “There is no rush, my lord. It is your party,” she quipped. Adonis smiled and finished with the bowtie. He turned and was stunned. He was used to seeing Dido in her uniform or battle attire. However, in her finery, she was radiant. “Is there something wrong, my lord?” Dido asked nervous, her hands already smoothing the skirt. “No, no,” Adonis replied hurriedly, regaining his composure. “The guests are waiting. Shall we, Guardian?” He bowed, offering her his arm. Dido dipped into a graceful curtsy. “As you wish, my lord.” Accepting his arm, they preceded to the ballroom. Dido felt that she was gliding the entire way. * * * * * The receiving line was long as Dido diligently watched Prince Adonis greet each guest. The twenty-first birthday celebration for the crown prince drew more nobles than an ordinary court function would have. The crowd made necessary the extra security precautions. “Good evening, Prince Adonis,” a sugary voice greeted as a young noblewoman dipped into an elaborate curtsy. Suppressing a groan, Adonis kissed the back of the proffered hand. “Good evening, Lady Atalia.” Lady Atalia was the sole child of one of the more powerful dukes of Cignus. It was no secret that the family wanted a match between the young noblewoman and the prince, especially Atalia herself. However, Atalia’s brazen behavior repulsed Adonis. “Please do me the honor of a dance, Your Highness,” Atalia added, as Adonis dropped her hand. “My pleasure, Lady Atalia,” Adonis replied emotionlessly. Atalia smiled broadly and winked before moving forward into the ballroom. Adonis breathed a sigh of relief. Summoning a smile, he turned his attention to his next guest. As the last guest was greeted properly, Adonis turned to Dido. The Guardian had watched the arriving guests vigilantly, using what empathetic powers she had to detect any hostility or aggression. However, Dido’s expression brightened when she realized that the prince was looking in her direction. She returned his smile. “Guardian, shall we?” Adonis asked, once more offering his arm. Accepting hesitantly, Dido asked, “Shall we what, my lord?” The prince’s smile broadened as he lead Dido to the main floor of the ballroom. The guests parted like a sea as the future monarch approached. Suddenly, Dido realized that they were in the center of the room. “Begin this dance properly,” Adonis replied, sweeping Dido into a waltz before she could protest. Dido tried to ignore the sensation of stares poking into her back as the prince expertly maneuvered her around the dance floor. She lost herself in the beauty of the music and the graceful rhythm of the dance. However, her mind vividly record the warm touch of the prince’s arm around her waist. With each successive turn and dip, Adonis seemed to pull Dido closer and closer to him. Abruptly noticing the narrowing distance between them, her mind struggled for some way out of the situation. Swallowing hard, Dido forced herself to resume her Guardian persona. “My lord, there are numerous young noblewomen who are more worthy of this honor than I am.” Adonis studied her with a critical eye. “I differ greatly in opinion, Guardian. However, if you wish, I will find another partner for the next dance.” “I would not be fair for me to monopolize your time, my lord. I do believe you promised Lady Atalia and others dances as well.” “So I did.” Adonis paused, now noticing the complete grace with which Dido danced. ‘It must be a result of her intense training,’ he thought absently. He cleared his throat. “However, Guardian, I do request some more dances with you this evening.” Dido felt her cheeks reddened slightly. “As you wish, my lord.” The music quickly ended. The two bowed, and Dido retreated to a nearby table. After watching the Guardian’s rather hurried departure, Adonis asked the nearest noblewoman to dance. * * * * * Atalia’s eyes narrowed in annoyance as she noticed the prince’s distant gaze. Looking in that direction, Atalia realized that the prince was staring at the Guardian of Compassion. Seething with anger, Atalia tried to think of some conversation that would focus on her. “My lord, I was wondering what your thoughts are on marriage,” she said, batting her eyelashes prettily. “What?” Adonis asked, turning his attention to Atalia. “Marriage? The subject as a whole, Lady Atalia?” “Well, your personal marriage, Your Highness. You have reached your twenty-first birthday. Surely the subject has crossed your mind. It would be unfair to keep the young ladies of nobility in suspense forever.” “Indeed,” Adonis replied, trying to keep his tone civil. “I will consider marriage when I have encounter the right woman, Lady Atalia.” “And have you found her yet, Your Majesty?” Again, Atalia’s eyelashes fluttered. Adonis glanced over at Dido. “I am not sure, but I will found out soon.” Before Atalia could respond, the music faded. Bowing to her, Adonis excused himself. Atalia’s temper flared when she saw that the Guardian would once again be the prince’s dancing partner. The young aristocrat stormed to the nearest refreshment table. As she sipped her punch, she watched the pair circle the dance floor once more. In frustration, Atalia slammed the cup back on the table. ‘Who does she thinks she is?!’ Atalia fumed. ‘The Guardians have overstepped themselves if they think they are the equals of the nobility of Cignus. She and the others should be subservient, not parading themselves as royalty.’ Atalia thought of the events that would transpire later that evening. ‘Enjoy these last few moments, Guardian. If I have my way, they will indeed be your last.’ Her smile broadened. ‘And Prince Adonis will be mine.’ * * * * * “I think I need some fresh air,” Adonis announced, as that dance was ending. He bowed and then offered his arm to the Guardian. Ignoring the entreats for a dance, Adonis walked to a nearby balcony. The night air was refreshing, the cool air contrasting to the warmer, perfumed air of the ballroom. The stars and the triple moons illuminated the sky, inspiring a sense of wonder in both the prince and the Guardian. “A beautiful night,” Adonis sighed, leaning against the rail of the balcony. “Don’t you agree, Guardian?” Dido stood at the opposite end of the balcony, studying the sky. “Truly, it is, my lord.” The two stood in silence for several moments, each lost in their own thoughts. Dido moved closer to the prince, the soft rustle of her skirts indicating her movement. She bowed her head. “My lord, I have cherished the attention I have received from you tonight. Dancing with you as been a joy and a honor. However, I feel you have been neglecting the noble ladies.” “Guardian, you are the best dancer at this ball. And you alone are not trying to trick me into some vow of love or commitment to marriage. I enjoy your company.” “But, my lord, I am a Guardian. I have sworn to protect the throne of Cignus with my life. You should enjoy the company of a lady far more than mine.” “There is no lady in that ballroom that ballroom who can rival you in my esteem, Guardian.” “Oh, Your Highness,” Dido cried, turning away from the prince in frustration. “Do you not realize what my duty to Cignus is, my duty to the other Guardians? Do you not see the obstacles to this farfetched fantasy? My lord, I am nearly three years your senior!” “Have you no feelings for me at all?” Dido swallowed hard, cursing fate for its cruelty. Not trusting herself to look back at the prince she continued to study the sky. Giving up, she closed her eyes and bowed her head. “My lord, I do care greater for you than I should. My feelings have been jeopardizing my place as your Guardians for years now. However, you are the heir, the Crown Prince of Cignus. I am a Guardian, my lord. You are required to marry a woman of noble blood. “Do you not realize that there can never be anything between us? No matter how much we wish there could be?” Tears streamed down her face, as Dido struggled to choke down the sobs that threatened to overwhelm her. She waited for some answer from the prince, some reply to her questions. Suddenly, she felt him turn her around and encase her against his chest. Calling herself all kinds of fools, Dido laid her head against his shirt front, marveling at the sound of his heartbeat. He softly stroked her hair, murmuring softly. “Dido, don’t you realize that I truly don’t care about your nobility or lack thereof. You are much nobler in spirit and in strength than all of those women of noble birth.” Dido lifted her head, unsure of how to react to the prince’s statement. Wiping her tearstained cheeks with his thumbs, he gazed into her eyes, drowning in the navy depths. Hers, in turn, searched for some answer in his. The moment was shattered by the chime of Dido’s communicator. Jerking away from Adonis, she listened to the unit. Surprised by the static, she turned up the volume. “We are under attack!” Scylla yelled, the background noise deafening. “Dido, get the royal family out now!”


Chapter 8: Betrayal Jupiter's Gone