Hey, I screamed, what the...? What’s going on here? It’s like a party on my paper, and no one’s actually invited! No one replied. This was not really surprising, considering the fact that no one was there. I had a ball on my own!

My dancing slippers were exquisite. They were of the finest black satin, trimmed with red felt and small brocade flowers. A rosy pearl shone on each toe.

However, I was not pleased. “Reginald, what were you thinking?! How is Prince Wonderful going to see my just-manicured nails if these...clogs...are covering my feet?”

Reginald looked chagrined. “Princess Butterfly! Madam! I apologize! Poor Reginald was not thinking. Reginald will go to the chambermaid and borrow her sandals.”

I sniffed. “Very well, Reginald. I shall wear the chambermaid’s shoes. But see that this does not happen again.”

Reginald bowed nervously. “No, Princess, of course not.” He turned swiftly and left my bedchamber.

I began to daydream of Prince Wonderful. He was wonderful, all right. I had met him quite by accident at my latest soiree. He was the guest of Princess Nothinghammer.

Not only was Prince Wonderful an adept swordsman, he also had grammar of which an English teacher would be proud. He was slightly taller than me and had beautiful purple hair. I longed to run my fingers through it, longed to feel the silky purple strands slip over my hands. He was more than just looks, of course; he also had a kind heart. Many a time had I seen him donate generously (albeit inconspicuously) to this nature conservancy or that. I loved him for supporting the fine work of the environmental activists and admired him for his diligence in separating plastic from glass in his weekly recycling bin. For someone who resides in a castle with 77 other people, that is no easy feat.

Oh yes, Prince Wonderful had been aptly named.

“Your Highness?” came a voice, interrupting my reverie.

“Wha? Huh?” I said in a rather unprincess-like manner.

“Here are the chambermaid’s sandals. I cleaned them off as well as I could and also embroidered them with golden thread.” Reginald lowered his eyes and presented me with the sandals.

“Oh Reginald, what is the chambermaid going to do with embroidered sandals? Never mind, I’ll allow her to purchase some new sandals.” I thought for a moment. There were a few more errands run before the ball tonight.

I looked around. “Reginald, have the atmosphere creators been assembled and set up in their positions?”

Reginald smiled excitedly. “Yes, Madam, we have set the creators for a 1950's sock hop, just as you asked. I believe the correct period clothing and music are currently being collected.” He seemed to bounce a little. “This will be a night to remember!”

My thoughts wandered again to Prince Wonderful. “Yes, Reginald, I believe it will be.”

Next: Prince Wonderful...arrives!

Except that he doesn't...apparently I never wrote that part.