BamBam was depressed when he returned from the test. “How did you do?” Mark asked. 

“Fine I suppose, I could tell which rings were the real gold.” BamBam sighed as he fell back on his seat.

Mark’s heart fell, but forced a fake smile on his face, “Then why aren’t you happy?” 

“Someday I’ll be king of my own country or another and there are some things I’m not looking forward to in that regard. I’m sad that I’ll never get to do anything I have dreamed to do and some of the responsibilities of being king, though, I don’t want.” 

“I’m sorry.” Mark apologized. He had no ideas of what life a prince must go through especially one that is able to have a child. 

BamBam shrugged. “Let’s talk about something happy.” 

“Like what?” Mark asked as he couldn’t think of a single thing.

“Like how we’re going to fix your hair for dinner tonight and maybe you could tell me a little more about Yugyeom.” BamBam smiled shyly

Mark laughed, “Well that last part I don’t mind but I don’t know how fixing my hair would be a happy subject.” 

BamBam grinned from ear to ear, “Are you serious? This could be great. No one ever lets me fix my own hair, so I can at least do yours.” 

Mark couldn’t help but smile at BamBam enthusiasm. While BamBam was fixing his hair, he asked so many questions about Yugyeom that Mark couldn’t keep up, however when he saw the smile on BamBam face when he answered he made sure to leave nothing out. The problem nagged at him at the back of his mind is that BamBam problem was similar to one he had when he first fell for Jinyoung. The two of them were from different social classes, and most likely BamBam’s parents won’t take too kindly to having a farm-boy as son-in-law. 

Half an hour later the smile had turned into a grimace as BamBam put the finishing touches on his hair. “Ouch,” Mark frowned. 

“Sorry. Your hair was really tangled,” BamBam apologized. “But not anymore, though. I think you’ll like it.” 

BamBam handed Mark a mirror. “It’s amazing,” Mark said in awe. 

“I’m glad you like it,” BamBam said, pride in his voice. There was a knock at the door, and once again the steward appeared. “My Lords, there will be a ball tonight following dinner.” BamBam squealed in excitement, and the man backed out of the room. “Perfect, your hair is already done.” 

“Do you want me to hold your maids at bay so you can fix your own?” Mark asked, standing up. 

BamBam gasped, “Could you? That would be wonderful!” 

Mark reached the doorway just in time to intercept the maids. “His Highness does not require your services,” Mark told them. 

“We’re here to take care of her and to make sure he shines,” the one in charge said, her jaw set stubbornly. 

Mark smiled and straightened his posture, and since he was at least three inches taller than the maid he took advantage of the height difference. “The prince needs no help shining. When he has need of your services, he will call for you.” The maid looked like she was about to argue with him. 

“Please make them go away,” Mark heard BamBam whisper. 

Mark took a deep breath. “You will go now or suffer my wrath.” He put as much authority into his voice as possible. He was a prince, and even if he wasn’t, they didn’t know that. The maids might be used to pushing BamBam around, confident that they had his parents’ backing. But if they were smart, they would know better than to defy a prince they were not responsible for readying. It worked. Grudgingly, all three women dropped their eyes and took several steps back. “Prince BamBam will send for you when he has need of you,” Mark said. “You may go now.” 

The three maids turned and walked down the hall. Mark watched them until they were out of sight and then sagged against the door frame. “You were magnificent!” BamBam said in awe. “Thank you so much.” 

“You’re welcome. If you don’t look your best tonight, though, I’m sure the tall one is going to have my head.” While BamBam began to work on his hair, Mark looked through the armoire which held the clothes that had been sent for him. There were half a dozen suits ranging from a simple blue outfit to a stunning black one that looked fit for a king. “Do we wear different outfits to the ball than to dinner?” Mark asked. 

“That depends entirely on our choosing. Most will probably change between dinner and the ball. However I think I’ll only change once.” 

“I guess I will too then.” Mark shrugged.

“So let’s wear the suits we want to wear to the ball and pledge to each other that we won’t spill food on them.” BamBam asked he held his hand out towards Mark.

“Done,” Mark smiled as he shook BamBam’s hands. “I think I’ve found the best suit.” She pulled out a red suit as that was his favorite color. 

“Perfect,” BamBam grinned as he continued to fix his hair. 

Mark picked at his food, too nervous to eat, he noticed that around him most of the others were doing the same. BamBam and a boy with silvery white hair seemed to be the only ones with an appetite. Mark kept stealing glances at Jinyoung. He didn’t seem to be eating either and seemed uncomfortable. Was it possible that even he didn’t know the results? Or did he perhaps know that he had failed?

At last the king’s called them all to attention. Mark could feel fear and excitement filling the room. “As you know, the first test was given today. Seventeen of you passed.” Mark’s jaw dropped. BamBam was right. Mark wondered about the three who had failed and was worried that he was one of them. “Prince and Princesses Sehun, Joy, and Irene, you are free to go, or to stay, if you like, to enjoy the festivities.” The three young royals rose from the table, curtsied/bowed, and left the room. 

Mark sat very still, he had passed the first test, and he was still in the competition! Part of him, though, felt horrible that he had only passed because Jinyoung and Coco had helped him. But if he had been raised as a prince, he would probably have been able to tell the difference. 

“Congratulations,” BamBam whispered. 

“Thanks you and congratulation to you too as well.” Mark said him and he glanced up to the head of the table and saw Jinyoung smiling at him, a look of relief on his face. So he hadn’t known in advance who had passed either.

Mark surveyed the rest of the competitors, relief and excitement were the dominant emotions on people’s faces. Everyone who had been too nervous to touch their food at dinner now ate the dessert set before them. Dinner ended, and all of the guests left the table, having been informed that the ball would commence in an hour. Most of the competitors headed for their rooms. Mark and BamBam decided to pass the time outside instead. 

The night was beautiful, the sky was clear, and millions of stars shone brightly above. They strolled through the garden. Even though it was nighttime, many torches were lit along the pathway, and Mark marveled at everything around him. There were statues that towered over him, fountains that fed tiny ponds, and an endless variety of flowers. Everything was beautiful, and it took Marks breath away. 

BamBam noticed. “You act like you’ve never seen a garden before.” 

“I’ve seen plenty of fields of wildflowers and crops, but none that were for decoration instead of food.” Mark replied and BamBam gave him a strange look, but before she could say anything, they spied a boy sitting alone on one of the benches. He had golden blonde hair and his eyes were casted up towards the sky but even Mark could see he was sad. “Who is that?” Mark whispered, he knew it wasn’t one of the three had failed the test. 

“That’s Jackson, I feel sorry for him.” 

“Why?” Mark wondered. 

“His parents died a couple of years ago and he’s set to become king when he turns nineteen. His uncle is currently acting as regent.” BamBam said sadly

“Nineteen?” Mark asked, “Isn’t normally eighteen?”

“Yes but because he’s able to have children, it was changed to his nineteenth birthday.” BamBam sighed

It amazed Mark how much men like him were treated differently in other kingdoms than those who couldn’t reproduce, “So what’s the matter?”

BamBam frowned, “It’s his uncle. No one trusts him, he’s a foul man, and I would be surprised if Jackson lives to see that birthday.” 

Mark gasped, “That’s terrible!” His heart immediately went out to the other prince. 

“I think he suspects so too. That’s one of the reasons he’s so eager to marry Prince Jinyoung. His uncle wouldn’t dare try anything then.” BamBam explained

“But wouldn’t Jackson and Jinyoung rule both kingdoms then?” Mark asked. 

BamBam shrugged, “They would probably rule Jackson’s kingdom until either Jinyoung’s parents die or abdicate the throne’s to the two kingdoms. Then, who knows? Maybe a lost heir of Cordinia will appear. You know, there have been rumors that a baby escaped the massacre here.” 

“So I’ve heard,” Mark said, hastily averting his eyes. 

“You know, you’ve never said which kingdom you’re from,” BamBam said suddenly. 

He could lie but most likely BamBam would know. He shouldn’t say anything though especially since he hasn’t even told Jinyoung and he’s sure his parents hadn’t even told him. However BamBam has been so helpful to him and practically been his friend, “From Cordinia,” Mark whispered. 

BamBam gasped as he put a hand on Mark’s shoulder, and Mark turned to face him. “You? You’re the lost heir of Cordinia?” He whispered.

“Yes I am,” Mark confessed. “But please don’t say anything and please whisper when you speak about this.” 

“Yes of course but this is incredible.” BamBam whispered, “This means that you are the rightful king of Cordinia.” 

Mark shook his head. “That’s not what I want.” 

“Then what do you want?” BamBam wondered 

“Jinyoung,” he said with a sigh. 

“Uh you do realize that you’re in a competition for the marriage of said man, right?” BamBam snorted. 

Mark nodded and then he looked over his shoulder. “Do you think we should go talk to Jackson?” 

BamBam shook his head. “I think he wants to be alone.” 

“Maybe that’s just because he feels alone.” Mark said

BamBam sighed. “You have a point.” 

Together they retraced their steps and approached Jackson. The other boy looked up, startled, at their approach. Mark and BamBam sat down on either side of him. “Is there something wrong?” Mark asked. 

Jackson nodded, “No reason to lie about it since everyone knows my situation.” 

“Is there anything we can do to help?” Mark asked. 

“Yes.” Jackson replied.

Mark was surprised, but he reached out and took Jackson’s hand. “What is it?” 

“Promise me that if one of you wins this challenge, you will help me with my uncle.” Jackson asked

“I do not know how I can help, but I will certainly try,” Mark promised. 

“As will I,” BamBam said.

“Thank you,” Jackson smiled and he looked so handsome when he smiled genuinely. Jackson squeezed Mark’s hand, then stood abruptly and wiped away her tears still held in his eyes. “Come on now. We have a ball to attend.” 

The three walked along the garden pathway toward the castle. Mark heard a noise behind her and turned in time to glimpse a woman disappearing around a hedge. Mark thought he might follow the woman to see who it was, but he had a ball to attend to. He could only hope that he didn’t endanger his life or the lives of others.

Inside the castle the table in the great hall had been cleared away to make room for dancing, and several musicians were tuning their instruments. A number of young nobles gathered in the elegant space, and Mark was relieved, he had envisioned each royal trying to dance with Jinyoung while everyone else just stood and watched. With more people dancing, Mark hoped he would be able to disguise the fact that he couldn’t dance. 

None of the other royals were present yet, and a steward bustled up to the three of them and directed them to wait in another room. Mark took a seat in the drawing room as the steward had instructed, and he turned to ask the other princes a question about this, “Why do we have to wait here?” 

“So that they can properly introduce us,” Jackson replied. A few minutes later more of the competitors joined them. They sat and talked together, laughing and comparing stories about their home lives. It was fascinating to listen to, and Mark felt even more that theirs were lives were something he would never understand. They all seemed to sparkle in their outfits, each more spectacular than the next. 

Baekhyun was the last to arrive, and his black suit, which was shot through with silver threads, was breathtaking. At last the steward returned, and all seventeen of them followed him to the entrance of the ballroom. Mark strained to see into the room. And when he finally glimpsed Jinyoung, wearing his crown, his blue suit emblazoned with gold, and his heart skipped a beat. 

“Majesties, ladies and gentlemen, I would like to present the prince and princess,” the steward announced. The room quieted, and all eyes turned toward them. “Prince Baekhyun of Ixania,” he said in a booming, authoritative voice, and Baekhyun sailed into the room, bowed, and then walked slowly down the length of the room before turning at the end. 

He called a few other royals Mark didn’t yet know, who mimicked what Baekhyun had done. “Prince BamBam of Thai.” BamBam walked in, bowed, and joined the others at the far end. “Prince Jackson of Eastland.” Jackson walked gracefully through into the room and Mark marveled at his posture. If he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes, he would never have believed the prince had been sad just a few minutes before. 

One by one the others entered, until only Mark was left waiting in the drawing room. She stepped forward, and the steward announced, “Prince Mark.” Mark did his best to bow gracefully and glide to the far end of the room without tripping over himself. He noted the omission of a kingdom following his name, and he knew the others had too. The question of his lineage hung in the air around him and made him uncomfortable. Still, he couldn’t have expected the steward would announce him as Prince Mark of Cordinia. 

Mark knew he should just be grateful he had called him a prince at all. A moment later the king’s moved toward the center of the room. They were magnificent together, moving with a grace and ease that Mark could never hope to achieve. The musicians began to play. King Nickhun and King Wooyoung danced, spinning together around and around on the floor until Mark felt dizzy just watching them. The dance ended, and then the king’s invited others to join them as the music started for a new dance. Mark took a step back toward the wall as a wave of young royals descended upon the group. 

“What’s wrong?” BamBam asked as he noticed Mark slowly step away from everyone.

“I don’t know how to dance,” Mark whispered. 

“That’s okay; neither do I,” a smiling man said from behind, offering him his hand. “I am Count Taehyung.” 

“Prince Mark,” he replied. Mark took his hand, and Taehyung led him onto the dance floor. He lost track of how many times he stepped on his foot, but he was quick to notice that he was very kind and a much better dancer than he had let on. He just kept smiling and talking, never starting or making a comment that he was tripping all over him. 

The next two men Mark danced with weren’t as gracious, grimacing every time he stepped on one of their feet, but at least they didn’t say a word about it either. “You are going to leave some of them intact for the rest of us, aren’t you?” BamBam joked as they both sat out a dance.

“I don’t know. Depends on whether or not they get the warning and stay away.” Mark smiled

“Just do us all a favor and wait to dance with Jinyoung until the rest of us have had a turn,” BamBam said. 

Mark looked at him suspiciously, and BamBam just shrugged. “It isn’t every day a guy gets to dance with a prince, even if he is a prince as well.” 

Mark rolled his eyes at BamBam comment and decided to move the conversation along, “Who is that guy?” he asked, pointing to the one dancing with Jinyoung. He had skin so pale it almost seemed to glow, and his lovely face was crowned by silver white hair. 

“That’s Youngjae; he’s from Ars. They say his mother is a mermaid.” BamBam added conspiratorially. 

Mark couldn’t help but laugh. “A mermaid, seriously?” 

BamBam raised an eyebrow at him, “Seers and witches exist but mermaids don’t?”

Mark shrugged, BamBam had a point. “But you wanna know the something else?” Mark leaned to forward to hear more. “I hear Youngjae’s in love with a Lord from this kingdom.” 

“No way.” Mark gasped. 

“That’s what I heard.” BamBam shrugged

“If he’s in love with another man, then why is he here?” Mark asked.

“What are any of us doing here?” BamBam asked. “Maybe his parents forced him to join the competition to strengthen his kingdom’s alliances, or maybe Youngjae is trying to make his lover jealous.” 

“Isn’t anyone here for love?” Mark sighed under his breath. 

“Only you.” BamBam smiled.

“How do you know that?” Mark gasped. Was he that obvious?

BamBam rolled his eyes. “Please, it is so obvious, I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone knew. Plus you practically confessed to me back at the garden.” He smirked

“If everyone knows then why don’t they all leave?” he asked while crossing his arms. 

BamBam patted Mark on the shoulder. “Like I said, some of us aren’t here by choice. Even still, though, Jinyoung is an excellent catch. He’s strong, kind, and handsome. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t love him, but I’m sure I could learn to love him. Anyone could with a guy like him. Now smile—your prince is headed this way.” 

Like BamBam Jinyoung was walking towards him while Youngjae seemed to be going towards Jaebum. Odd. Mark looked back at Jinyoung as he held out his hand to Mark. He took it and followed him onto the dance floor. “I don’t know how to dance,” he admitted. 

“That’s okay—just move with me,” Jinyoung said, one hand holding his and the other on his waist. Mark looked down at his feet. “No,” he said. 

Mark looked back up at him. “What?” 

“Don’t look at our feet; look right here, in my eyes,” he said. 

“But how will I know which way to move?” Mark protested. 

Jinyoung smiled as his hand tightened around Mark waist, and his fingers pressed into his back until he stepped closer to him. “You’ll just know,” Jinyoung whispered in Mark’s ear. Mark gazed deep into his eyes, and when he began to move, he moved with him. Mark didn’t know if it was the subtle pressure changes in his fingers, or the movements of his eyes, but somehow Mark knew just which way to move while he was dancing with Jinyoung. 

They started slowly and then began to pick up speed until they were twirling around the room. Mark kept his eyes locked on Jinyoung’s, afraid that if he looked away, the moment would end, and the magic would be lost. “You have bewitched me,” Jinyoung whispered. 

Mark shook his head. “I’m afraid I’m the one under your spell.” 

“Then I hope it lasts forever,” Jinyoung replied. 

“Me too,” Mark breathed. The music stopped, and after a moment so did they. 

“I’ll send Coco to visit you again once I know what the next challenge is,” Jinyoung whispered

Mark leaned close to murmur. “I wish you would send yourself instead,” he sighed. 

Jinyoung smiled, “One day I just might.”