As Aniko danced with the prince she felt more and more at ease with his arms around her. While dancing she looked deeply into his face. ‘I guess he is rather handsome.’ She thought to herself. ‘Wait a minute! Did I just think what I thought I thought!’
She stepped away from him. “I’m sorry, I really must be going.” She said quietly as she walked back towards Aileron.
The young prince looked at her puzzled. “As you wish, my lady.” He said as he walked her back to her seat. Once she had sat he said, “Perhaps we could meet again sometime.”
“Perhaps.” She replied.
He bent down and kissed her hand. “Until then, my lady.”
Once he had gone Aileron turned to her. “What’s wrong Aniko?”
“Nothing.” She replied distantly. “Could we go? I’m getting tired.”
“Ok.” Aileron said with a concerned look. After a few goodbyes they headed back to the hotel. The ride back was quiet and uneventful.
Aniko retreated to her room when they returned. After she had removed the dress she sat in front of her mirror and brushed her long hair. She had gotten use to the feelings and sensations of this new female body but these latest feelings scared her. She had actually found a man handsome. The more she thought of it, handsome wasn’t what she though of him. She thought he was cute. The thought sent shivers up her spine.
She pushed the thoughts out of her mind and slipped on her nightgown. As she stepped out onto the balcony she saw Miksa perched on the railing.
“What are you doing out here Miksa?” She asked.
“I am making sure you are safe, my lady.” The gargoyle replied.
“Are you going to stay out her all night?”
“Yes, my lady. That is my job. To watch and protect over you.”
“But when do you sleep?” She asked. She knew that he had been up all day long.
“I do not sleep, my lady. I do not need to sleep.” He told her.
As Aniko stood there looking up at the bright stars she thought she saw the dragon Tarton fly past the full moon. “You know Miksa, I don’t think this is going to be as easy as I thought it was going to be.”
“Nothing ever is, my lady.” The gargoyle told her. “Nothing ever is.”
She leaned over and kissed the gargoyle softly on the head. “Goodnight Miksa.”
“Goodnight, my lady.” He replied. “And pleasant dreams.”
Aniko went back inside and slipped into the large four-poster bed. Soon she was fast asleep dreaming of magic, dragons, and handsome princes on white stallions.
The next day…
Wed Mar 28 20:27:03 2001