The Fire Under the Stars: Chapter 10

A party for the kingdom is being held in honor of Cepheus' brave actions. Cepheus' feelings for Stardust grow, and King Jupiter does something that no one expected...
==Included Characters==
Stardust the Cat
Cepheus the Cat
King Jupiter the Cat
Citizens of the Starshine Kingdom
==Story==
Cepheus stared into the mirror. When did he say he was up for a party? Oh, wait. Never. Parties just weren't his thing. He saved the castle because he didn't want anyone to get hurt. He wasn't a hero or anything. Even though he wasn't into having an award ceremony, he had to admit that he looked pretty good. The pale blue suit he was wearing fit pretty well; apparently, it belonged to the king when he was his age. He never thought he'd ever find himself wearing such fancy pieces of clothing.
When he stepped outside, he looked around for some sort of direction he should go in. He heard voices downstairs, and headed towards the staircase. He almost tripped down the stairs when he saw Stardust at the bottom floor. She was gorgeous. Her hair was up and braided ever so slightly, with little gems stuck in her hair here and there. Her dress was a sparkling navy blue and it barely touched the floor. She was looking around also, seemingly a little anxious and confused. 
Cepheus gulped and headed down the stairs to greet Stardust. When the female cat saw Cepheus, she gasped in shock and delight. She had never seen Cepheus in a suit before, and she had to admit: he looked great! They walked towards each other, and smiled as calmly as they could. 
"... Hey Stardust."
She did a small but perfect curtsey, which made Cepheus' heart explode. They were about to talk some more when a steward walked in and called for their attention.
"Ahem, it is time to eat."
Cepheus walked over to the room, but the king grabbed Stardust's arm and pulled her into a nearby room. She realized that her father wanted to talk to her. 
"Stardust. Sit."
She did so as politely as she could, although she desperately wanted to get back to the ballroom and talk to Cepheus.
"... You cannot leave this kingdom again."
She was suddenly snapped out of her thoughts at the words that came out of her father's mouth.
"... I--?"
Jupiter continued, albeit sadly, which was highly unusual for him.
"I know... I can tell, Stardust. You have feelings for that boy. Am I correct?"
Stardust slowly nodded. It was true. She hadn't realized it, but... she loved Cepheus. 
The king sighed.
"He cannot stay here. He is not from this kingdom, and he is not a royal. You must stay so you can find a husband and assume the throne with a king by your side."
Stardust looked away sadly. 
"I know, father... but--"
Jupiter stood up.
"So I am granting him permission to propose to you, should he decide that he loves you the same way."
Stardust was at a loss for words. She looked up at her father, shocked. This had to be the nicest thing that her father had ever done for her. With tears in her eyes, she jumped up and hugged her father tightly. Jupiter stiffened, but then returned the hug, glad to see his daughter so happy.
"Thank-you, father!"
Before she could dash out the door, he called her back.
"Stardust! ... I will be the one to tell the boy that he may propose to you."
Nodding, she dashed out and towards the ballroom. 
__________________________________________________________________________
Later on that night, a guard came over to Cepheus and tapped him on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, but the king would like to speak to you privately."
Nodding, and a little confused, he stood up and walked with the guard over to a nearby room. Walking inside, he saw the king sitting on his throne. Cepheus recognized this room as the throne room, and, as protocol dictates, kneeled down before the king.
Jupiter stood up, letting Cepheus do the same.
"My boy... I would like to discuss with you the matter of my daughter having a friendship with you."
Cepheus was offended. Couldn't he be friends with Stardust, even if she was a princess? He caught himself jumping to conclusions, and decided to wait until the king finished to tell what he thought of the situation.
"Yes?"
Jupiter stepped down from his throne.
"You have feelings for my daughter. I can see it in your eyes and your actions. Am I correct?"
Cepheus nodded. 
Jupiter continued.
"Therefore, I am giving you the permission to propose to my daughter, if you decide that you love her the same. If you decide to marry her, you must propose by sunrise tomorrow."
He pointed to a nearby table with a small box on it.
"If you propose, there is a ring inside that box there. Take it if you wish to propose... Of course, should you propose, there would be some complications; you would be required to learn and understand the history of the kingdom, as well as meet the council... But that can all be worked out at a later date."
Cepheus questioned him.
"And if I decide not to?"
The king looked away at something far off.
"Then you must leave by sunrise tomorrow, and never return. Either way, my daughter stays here, whether you are by her side or not."
Cepheus gulped, and was about to speak when he felt the king's hand on his shoulder.
"... My boy... I believe that you will choose what you know is correct. My daughter needs someone strong and powerful to protect her from thieves who wish to use her Star powers. This is why I am giving you the permission to propose to my daughter."
Cepheus nodded, and bowed again.
"Thank-you, your Majesty."
The king nodded, and watched as Cepheus stared long and hard at the box on the table...
Next: Chapter Eleven 
Category:Fanfiction
Category:Future Kings
Category:Cats
Category:Kingdoms
Category:Characters