Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

“Princess Valentina of Lakestone!” Maddox exclaimed suddenly, making
my sister stop and look up in surprise. When she saw who was talking and
took in his costume, her eyes widened. People around us quietened and
stared in curiosity.
“Would you do me the immense honor of coming with me to the Father-
Daughter dance here in this castle of a school, in two weeks time?” My lips
pinched with emotions and I could feel my heart beat faster in anticipation.
At first she didn't say anything, simply stared at him with wide eyes and
an open mouth. For a second I was scared she’d be embarrassed or say this
wasn’t her age anymore. But then she started running towards Maddox,
launching herself into his arms and he caught her easily, making her spin.
The sight made me feel so many things at the same time that tears were
brimming in my eyes.
Valentina had her little arms around his neck and she hugged him tight.
Breaking my gaze away from them, because I was seriously scared I’d start
bawling if I looked again, I took in the people surrounding us.
Parents looked with small smiles on their faces, some mothers seemed to
be swooning at the pretty picture they both made. Adam and Selena smiled
quietly, the older man with a look of longing in his eyes.
“Yes! I’ll go to the ball with you, Prince Mads!” My gaze was brought
back to my sister and I felt myself grinning as I watched her pull away and
grip Maddox’ cheeks in each hand.
“It’s Naveen.” He corrected
“No, I love Prince Maddox more!” Chuckles could be heard among the
parents and Maddox smiled proudly.
“Good. Actually, Ray said he liked me better than Naveen, too.”
Valentina’s head drooped to the side as she looked at him questioningly. I,