The Contest

The Royal Diversity Performance is a glittering, well publicized, annual event which I usually end up attending. If I am being honest, I always find it too long and boring. Year after year it’s the same format - a few really enjoyable new acts, a lot of corny comedians, a variety of acrobatic dance troupes, and lots of ageing former pop stars who can no longer sing and should have retired years ago!

Hugh was already waiting in the Grand Hall, as I made my way down the staircase to meet him.

I wore a shimmering black off the shoulder evening dress for the occasion, courtesy of Vanessa Vandetta, who apparently thought it an ideal opportunity to promote one of her latest designs. In my hair, the tiara Mum gave me for my birthday, sparkled.

He watched me intently as I swished down the stairway in my beautiful evening gown, his dark eyes burning into me. He looked devastatingly handsome, and the hypnotic effect he had on me made me feel light headed and dizzy, causing me to lose my footing and stumble.

He bounded up the stairs like a knight in shining armour, catching me in his powerful arms, just in time.

“Are you hurt?” He asked, with a worried frown.

“Only my pride.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes Hugh, really I’m fine. You’re my hero.”

He then presented me with a single red rose with a note that said . . .

To Princess Eemay,

The most beautiful and special young lady in the Kingdom of Cyberia.

From your most devoted admirer,

Hugh

I have to say that I am not used to such over-the-top gestures, and was both charmed and embarrassed by his compliments, but accepted it with gratitude.

Our footsteps crunched on the gravel as we made our way to the waiting taxi. “I hope you’ll let me help you get in, we don’t want any more accidents.”

He took my hand while I carefully manoeuvred myself into the cab. After helping me to gather in the folds of my luxurious gown, he jumped in, and we were soon on our way to the Outlook Theatre in Cyber City.

On our arrival, cameras began to flash manically, lighting up the evening sky like a firework display.

As we patiently posed and smiled for the paparazzi, Hugh put a protective arm around me, his touch sending tremors through my body.

When the photographers had finished, we made our way up the gilt stairway to the royal box, where we stood side by side, waving royally at everyone seated below.

“You look absolutely stunning tonight,” he whispered.

I took his hand. Our eyes met and locked, the attraction between us electric.