"Well, there are many factors," he started. "Firstly, if you must know, I wanted to annoy Prince Coleman. It is, of course rather childish of me, but I do so greatly enjoy antagonizing him. However, that is the lesser of my reasoning. I also thought that asking you would promote healthy relations between Aregano and Nikoto. I could not ask Princess Calista yet, as she is not of age, but I could ask Queen Klara's maiden. While you are not Areganan yourself, the Queen has clearly taken a liking to you. While you were talking with Coleman last night, I explained that reasoning to Queen Klara. She seemed satisfied with my answer. Furthermore, I did need to ask someone soon, and I did not really have anyone in mind. Well, there was perhaps Princess Esmerelda of New Spain, but I don't really know yet if I want to enter into relations with that country. Besides, as you had asked me to be your prince for the day, it seemed appropriate to return a favor."

               His answer was very true to his character—straightforward, logical.

               "Well, that makes sense," I said, surprised at the blip of disappointment I felt at his answer.

               Neither of us said anything for a couple of seconds, but Nikolas broke the silence first. "One day," he began. "Most likely one day in the near future, I will wed a Princess, or someone with the money and status to be the near equivalent." His eyes were unfocused, pointing just to the side of my face, lost in thought. "I do not expect to marry for love or anything of the sort. As long I can respect her, or at least tolerate her, that will be enough. Hopefully love will come in time, but it is more important that I marry someone for the good of my country." He laughed a little sadly and looked down at the table. "Who knows? Maybe I will really marry Calista one day. She may be annoying and stupid, but I must admit she would be a good match, no, a great match politically speaking."

               How sad his plight seemed to me. Yes, he'd get to rule a kingdom, but what was that really worth without love? Though, then again, maybe it was just the hopeless romantic in me clouding my judgment. Afterall, didn't feelings just lead to heartache and sorrow?

               "And so," he continued. "Before I take on this important duty as the King of Nikoto..." he paused, and then looked up at me, his sharp blue eyes piercing mine. "I want to spend one Winter Ball, just one, with a beautiful woman whose company I enjoy. Not because it makes sense politically or in any other sort of way, but because I want to."

               His words made my heart patter, and I couldn't help but smile bashfully. "Well, then, in that case, I'm happy to...I'm glad to be there."

               "Now," he said, matter-of-factly. "I really do need to get your contact information."

               "Oh, right, of course!" I gave him my telephone number, and Prince Nikolas explained that the Winter Ball would take place on the 14th of February. He would send a plane to pick me up two weeks early, and I would spend those two weeks in the Nikotan palace and would take dance lessons during my time there leading up to the ball. He said that Chloé Dubois would be designing my dress for the ball, as she also worked with Nikotan royalty.

               Looks like I haven't seen the last of her.

               "Well," he said at last. "It looks like our time together has come to an end. In good conscience, I cannot allow you to stay any longer as my maid. That being said, I do not want to immediately throw you back into the jaws of Prince Coleman."

               "Right," I said. "Well, I normally don't work on weekends, so as it is a Saturday, I'll probably just go to my room. Maybe I'll go out, I don't know."

               "I see. In that case, let me walk you out," he answered, walking over to the door and holding it open for me. I turned back to Ivan and smiled.

               "Goodbye!" I called with a wave. "Proshchay!" I had looked up that word on Google Translate before going to Prince Nikolas's room.

               Ivan smiled and waved back. "Goodbye," he said in his heavily accented English.

               Prince Nikolas and I stepped out into the empty hall, and he shut the door behind us.

               "I should see you in a couple of months," Prince Nikolas said. "I have already been invited to Princess Calista's sixteenth birthday."

               "I'll look forward to it," I smiled.

               He passed me a notecard with a phone-number written in his elegant script. "This is my personal cellphone number. Feel free to contact me at any time."

               I looked down at the notecard fondly. "Thank you." I met his eyes. "And of course, my offer from dinner still stands. I'm always there if you ever want to chit chat or anything."

               He smiled. "Alright, I am sure I will take you up on that offer. And, of course, if you need someone to discuss Prince Coleman with, I am very interested in that subject."

               I fiddled with the card. "I'm afraid that saga has come to an end," I told him. "It's, well, he told me that he likes me but he won't date me. And it's not even because of my station—it's because he doesn't want to be in a relationship or something."

               Prince Nikolas sighed. "I suppose he has always been an idiot. I'm sorry."

               "It's alright," I lied.

               "Despite his impressive social status, he is ultimately horrible, so if it is any consolation, I am sure a woman such as yourself can easily find a better man than Coleman."

               "Maybe," I shrugged, chuckling slightly. "I'll get over it, eventually."

               "I have complete faith that you shall," he nodded resolutely.

               A few beats of silence.

"I suppose I must say goodbye, now, before Ivan wonders what is going on. Cassie, I thank you very much for your company," he said. "I very much enjoyed our time together." He then took my hand with his cool fingers, leaned over and planted a sweet kiss on the back of my hand.

               "Thank you!" I cried through my blush. "I had a really good time too. But, before I go, I suppose I ought to give you a good old American goodbye."

               "An American goodbye?" He rose an eyebrow.

               I smiled and wrapped my arms around his chest to pull him into a firm hug. When I pulled away, I saw a pink stain on his cheeks that his pale skin did nothing to hide.

               "Thank you for everything, Prince Nikolas."

               He smiled a bit awkwardly, a bit nervously. "Please," he said. "As I said before, call me Nikolas."