Beloved "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine"

At The Ball

         The roar of applause surrounded the great hall, I looked into the crowd taking in every smiling face. Feeling the determination to make my parents and kingdom proud filled my spirit. I tried to see if I could see Nick and his smile that made me feel like everything was going to be alright, but I couldn't see him. I wonder where he went. Never mind I'll find him later, I have to focus now. The music began to play and it looked like everyone was ready to have a good time. I saw Alexis practically run towards her group of friends...at least I know she will have fun tonight. I bow to my parents and prepare myself to talk business.

As I approach a huddle of kings, kings that although I grew up with them; they were also very powerful and wealthy. Each one of them loveable but very powerful. I remember them laughing and talking about trades with my father. They are like uncles to me but when it comes to business they take things very seriously. As I got closer to them I felt my heart accelerate... come on focus Esperanza...you can do this!

"King Juan, King Edwardo, King Alberto; I am delighted to have you here today". I gave a deep bow to show my respect and they bowed back to me.

"Princessa Esperanza thank you for having us here, you know that I would never miss a ball especially one held in Quisqueya" King Alberto replied.

"Princessa Esperanza you know that were there is food and drink I will be there" King Juan replied.

"Especially the food" King Edwardo said laughing rubbing his belly.

"Well, I would like to talk business with you all if that's alright".

"Well, look who's grown up and wants to talk business," said King Edwardo.

"Yes, shall we begin?" They nodded and smiled. Everything is going to be fine; I know it will be.

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"How do you think it's going for Esperanza? Do you think that she is negotiating well?"

"Roselia please, Esperanza knows what she is doing, Alfredo assured me that she was ready. Besides she got her extraordinary negotiating skills from me".

"Really Francisco? Coming from the Rey that almost lost a piece of his land because he couldn't reason with his own mother".

"My mother was being difficult and would not see reason ...besides....we made a deal not to talk about that" Rey Francisco said with a scowl on his face.

"I apologize mi amor if you give me a smile I promise to never speak about it again". Unable to resist his wife's charms Rey Francisco gave his wife a smile and kissed her.

"I knew that I was the better negotiator". Reina Roselia smiled cleverly.

"I'm sorry mi amor what was that you said"? Rey Francisco asked confusedly.

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all". Reina Roselia said knowing well that if her husband heard her he would get worked up again.

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Looking at Esperanza now she reminds me so much of both of her parents, the grace and cleverness of her mother; the formidable and just attitude of her father. I know that she is going to make an amazing Reina, if only her grandparents were here to see her shine so brightly. I am so proud of her, of all of her siblings I can easily say that she is my favorite, of course, she will never know that. I cannot have Princessa Alexis badgering me about why she is not my favorite. Speaking of Princessa Alexis where is the little devil.... Oh, there she is drinking wine and talking to a young man...DRINKING WINE!!! TALKING TO A YOUNG MAN!!! NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!!!