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Eventually, the last course was served, a dessert consisting of some kind of creamy pudding studded with fruit and cinnamon that Niko told her was popular in Aenicea. It was the star of the meal, and Maisy would have happily eaten a second serving, but it was time for the next portion of the evening: dancing.
The families and the room of dinner guests moved to the adjacent ballroom, where a string quartet was already playing. As planned, Niko offered Maisy his hand, and she accepted. Together, they walked into the center of the dance floor to open the dancing.
Maisy had taken several years of ballroom dance classes in preparation for Aenicea’s obsession with royal balls and was ready for this moment — and all the balls to follow. Dancing was one of Aenicea’s old-fashioned traditions that Maisy enjoyed, although she wasn’t exactly a star dancer. She curtseyed to Niko as he bowed, then he took her hand and waist and they began to dance. The steps, from the waltz to the turns to the promenade, were so familiar that Maisy barely had to think about them.
Niko didn’t seem to be focused on the dancing, either. He had a faraway look in his eyes as they swayed and stepped together. Maisy, eager for a moment of connection with her soon-to-be husband, searched for a topic of conversation.
“That pudding was delicious, wasn’t it?” she said as Niko raised his left hand to hers and they circled each other in a series of quick steps.
“It’s not really my favorite.” Niko paused. “But I know it’s very popular. I’ll make sure to get you some more.”
“Thanks.” It was kind of Niko; really, it was. But Maisy would have preferred a joke or a debate — or any moment of real connection — over the gesture. Maybe she was just being too picky.
Niko spun her under his arm, and they resumed the starting position. Over Niko’s shoulder, Maisy caught sight of Xander standing with Lily. As she watched, Xander strutted a few steps across the floor with the shuffle of a penguin, and Lily burst into laughter. Maisy was pretty sure he was making fun of them, but she found herself smiling anyway.
“Are you looking forward to the trip tomorrow?” Maisy asked. “The trip” was their honeymoon, but it felt easier to refer to it vaguely.
“Yes, of course. Kanalea is beautiful this time of year.” They stepped apart, then together, then apart again. “I’ve reserved us a tennis court. I remember you said you like tennis.”
“Oh, right. Thank you.” In one of their early conversations, Maisy had perhaps overstated her interest in sports — any sports — to try to connect with Niko. When he’d asked about her favorite, she’d said she enjoyed tennis, which was technically true. She had played a few games and had found them amusing, although she’d spent most of her time chasing the ball across the court. It was sweet that Niko had remembered, but Maisy was now worried about her tennis skills as well as everything else.
The dance came to an end. Niko bowed once again, and Maisy curtseyed. Then they exited the dance floor as the other guests paired up and prepared for the next dance.
“If you’ll excuse me for just one moment.” Niko smiled at Maisy.
“Yes, of course.” She gestured for him to go, then found herself standing alone beside a table of little cakes. Maisy sighed. She should probably mingle, but she craved a moment alone with her thoughts. After a quick glance around, she slipped out through a small set of doors onto a balcony. The last time she’d visited the palace, a few months ago, she’d spent a lot of time out here, looking out over Aenicea’s capital city or watching the stars. It was incredibly peaceful.
As Maisy stood, her hands resting on the railing, her gaze directed up at the night sky, she heard the doors behind her open and close. When she turned, Niko was approaching her. He looked as dashing as ever in the standard royal ceremonial outfit.
“You were hoping for a moment alone too, huh?” Maisy asked, turning to lean her elbows against the railing.
“Always.” Niko came to lean beside her. His smile was a little wider than normal, which made his eyes crinkle. It was endearing. “It’s a beautiful night, isn’t it?”
“Gorgeous.” Maisy looked up at the stars again. “I love spotting constellations out here. Do you know any?”
“Sure. There’s the deer with the flower crown,” Niko pointed up at a cluster of stars, “And there’s the bowl of corn.”
Maisy frowned. “I think you might have some different constellations here in Aenicea.”
“We do. There’s the boat full of sheep, and there’s the future princess on the balcony, and there’s the Swiss cheese.”
Maisy hesitated, then burst into laughter. “You’re messing with me, aren’t you?” Her heart warmed at the simple moment and the teasing. It gave her hope for a marriage with this prince that could be more than just a business arrangement. Where had Niko been hiding his playful side all this time?
Niko bowed with a flourish. When he straightened up, he flashed a teasing grin and Maisy did a double take. The dark brown hair, the deep brown eyes, the athletic build — that was Niko all the way. But the wide smile, the twinkle in those eyes, the teasing — that was classic Xander. This wasn’t Niko at all. It was his twin.
Maisy felt a blush creep into her cheeks. She knew that everyone struggled to tell the brothers apart — Queen Karina had once admitted that she wished she could still tie a red string to Xander’s wrist, as she’d done when they were babies, because otherwise she could hardly tell them apart until they opened their mouths. But Maisy still felt she should be able to recognize her future husband.
Xander seemed to notice her expression, because he gave a sheepish grin. “You thought I was Niko, right?”
Maisy put her face in her hands. “Yes. Does that make me a terrible person?”
Xander chuckled. “Not at all. Don’t worry about it. But I did come out here to check on you, even if I’m not the brother you expected. You look a little worried.”
“Just butterflies.” Maisy waved her hand dismissively. “You know, like all brides have. Will my dress fit tomorrow? Will I trip in front of a thousand Aeniceans? That kind of thing.”
“I’m sure you’ll do great tomorrow. And you don’t have to worry about tripping — you’re doing that American tradition where your father walks you down the aisle, right? He seems steady. You can lean on him.” Xander mimed tripping and catching himself on the railing.
“That’s true.” Maisy smiled. “Thanks, Xander. How are you feeling about the wedding?”
