First off, the "disclaimer". This is a fic based entirely on my own material. Because I hold the copyrights, I guess this can be considered an official story by me, and not a fanfic. Also, I don't take too kindly to plagiarism...

A Kiss Before Marriage
by Sun Wolf

Cindy was miserable. After three months of protesting, the big day was tomorrow. Tomorrow, Cynthia Danusty would be exchanging wedding vows with a man she didn't love, and would be Mrs. Surpine. She didn't care that Nyxator Surpine was a king, and that it was her duty as a princess to marry royalty. She was in love, but she was in love with someone else. Someone her parents would never consent to.

Fabul and Eleanor had stepped out for a while, and Rubicant was away on business until tomorrow, so Cindy had the palace all to herself. Cindy was spending this time alone, thinking about her true love, and silently hoping she would be forgiven for marrying Nyxator. She was staring at herself in the mirror wearing her wedding dress, when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"Wow, that looks good on you," Melissa complimented Cindy. Cindy jumped.

"You scared me," Cindy told her beloved, "I thought nobody was here."

"I met your parents outside. They said it would be all right for me to come inside and visit with you."

"Well, I'm glad you're here," Cindy said while fighting back the tears. "I don't want to be without you."

"I know, Dream," Melissa said as she took Cindy into her arms. "I don't want to lose you, either. I love you so much it hurts."

Cindy and Melissa walked over to Cindy's bed, and sat down. Melissa began massaging Cindy's neck and shoulders. "You are so tense, Dream," she said. "What's wrong?"

Melissa was the only one Cindy allowed to call her "Dream", even though Rubicant would sometimes call her it, anyway. Cindy relaxed as Melissa worked at her tension. "I'm scared," Cindy told her. "I don't want to marry Nyxator. I don't love him. I love you !"

"I know," Melissa told her. "If your parents would only allow it, I'd marry you right now."

Cindy turned, and snuggled into Melissa's arms. "Hold me?" Cindy asked.

"I have a better idea," Melissa suggested as she helped Cindy to her feet. "Would you honor me with a dance?"

Cindy nodded. After winding up her music box, she stepped into Melissa's arms. Melissa proceeded to lead Cindy in a slow waltz. Cindy felt so happy as she danced with Melissa. Everything in the room seemed to vanish except for Melissa. Cindy wished the dance could last forever, but as all good things do, the dance eventually ended.

As the music stopped, Melissa drew Cindy close. Cindy's breath faltered as she felt her body press against Melissa's. "Always remember that I love you," Melissa whispered as she kissed Cindy goodbye.

"And I'll always love you too," Cindy answered as they separated, "but goodbye for now."

THE END