“I look forward to it, my lady. I await tomorrow evening.” He turned smartly. As he did, he looked beyond Catrin. A wide smile spread across his face, and then he left the hall.
Catrin turned her head slightly and found that Aland was next to her. Finally.
“My lord, I am sorry that we’ve had no time to converse this evening, and now I have to join my parents.” Catrin said. She saw that her plans to speak with Ceridwen on the way out were thwarted as well. As Bryce had walked away from Ceridwen, her parents joined her and moved her towards the door.
Aland looked at her. Catrin could tell his mind was intent on something else, that he didn’t initially see her. At her words, however, he started, and bowed to her.
“Of course, my lady. But before you go, may I ask for the honor of partnering you for the first dance tomorrow night?”
Catrin felt the bloom of heat rush up her neck and into her cheeks. “Of course. I shall be delighted.”
He bowed, very formally. “I look forward to it.”
She smiled, and having no more reason to be in the hall, hurried to catch up to her parents who were walking with her aunt.
“I was beginning to wonder where you were,” her mother said.
“I’m sorry, Mother. Aland asked me to dance at the start of the ball tomorrow.”
Her father turned. “Did he? Well, good man, Aland. You have my permission to do so.”
“I didn’t realize I was to request it,” Catrin said.
“If we’d not shut ourselves up like hermits, you’d know,” grumbled Grizelle.
Catrin refrained from rolling her eyes. At least this was not directed at her.
“’Zelle,” her father said.
“I’m delighted for you, Catrin. He is a fine young man.”
“Time for the really big pieces,” Grizelle said, tapping Roslyn on the arm.
“I think that we shall leave the gardens early tomorrow,” said Roslyn, walking on and taking her father’s arm. “I want to leave nothing to chance.”
For the first time, Catrin let her emotions loose. She’d been holding them in all week, as she’d been instructed. She’d not wished hard for anything, other than that her friend make the choice that would best make her happy. Nothing for herself. She’d even kept her resolve up in regards to Aland.
But now, with her parents obviously happy, she allowed herself to indulge a bit. He had asked her to open the ball with him. She knew from speaking with her parents that she and her partner, along with them, would begin the dancing.
Catrin had been practicing her dancing weeks before the guests had arrived. And now she’d be able to dance with someone she liked who had asked her to dance.
A smile broke out, so wide she wasn’t sure she could contain it. For just a moment, as her parents and aunt discussed the particulars of the following day, she allowed herself to think about him with hope.
Perhaps he would ask to stay on after the rest of the guests departed. Perhaps they’d have time to just walk, and talk, and get to know one another better. Perhaps…perhaps. She stopped herself. She was not to go down this path. Even though most of what she wished for came to pass, this was far bigger than anything she’d hoped for prior.
But oh, she hoped. She schooled her face to mask her happiness. She didn’t want to hear a thing from anyone about what she should or shouldn’t be doing.
The next day, everyone seemed more light-hearted, a little giddy. Catrin could tell because the ladies laughed a little louder and the men had a bit more wine.
Everyone was cheerful. Catrin included.
Aland had appeared at her side shortly after she’d come into the Queen’s garden.
“Do you bowl, Catrin?”
She smiled at him, feeling a little shy for the first time. “I do. My father and I are most keen on bowling. Would you care to join me?”
“I would love to,” he said. “But you must be kind. I fear I may be poor sport after the King.”
“Oh, I’m not a cutthroat,” Catrin said, laughing.
“Good thing. Neither is Aland,” said Bryce, walking by and overhearing her comment.
Catrin didn’t know why he seemed intent on pushing the boundaries of what was acceptable. It also seemed to be directed at Aland. That nettled her as well. She decided to speak freely.
“Then I applaud Aland. A good host never plays the cutthroat with his guest. Nor should the guest. Or so I’ve been taught, but perhaps things are different elsewhere.”
Bryce looked taken aback but, Catrin was surprised to see, not offended. “Well, well. The princess has claws. I had no idea. My apologies, my lady. You are indeed correct.” He bowed, but Catrin could feel the insincerity in it. He continued on, and she saw that he was headed towards Ceridwen. She longed to be able to rescue her friend. But the way her parents greeted Bryce, she could see that they had no objection to the man.
“That was kindly done,” said Aland. “But you need not trouble yourself over Bryce. At least not on my account. He seeks to devil me. It’s his way, and I no longer pay him mind.”
“I find his behavior noxious,” said Catrin. “He’s just on the edge of being rude. I don’t care for it.”
Aland laughed. “You are formidable when you are angry, Catrin. It’s good to see you have a strong side to you.”
She was surprised. “We all do, Aland. It’s easy to let the strong side come out. Being mannerly, polite, and considerate of others is what takes work.”
He laughed more loudly. “Are you saying those such as Bryce are lazy?”
“No, but I shall not disagree if you suggest it,” she said demurely.
“You are delightful,” he said. “It’s a shame—” He didn’t finish.
“A shame that what?”
“That your parents chose not to travel as much when you were younger. I should have enjoyed seeing you.”
Catrin struggled for a moment to keep the smile on her face. That wasn’t what he meant to say. She was sure of it. “Oh, I’m sure I was nowhere near as polished then, Aland. Be glad that you are seeing me now.”
They went to the greens where the bowling was set up. Catrin forgot Bryce and his rudeness as she and Aland played with some of the nobles from his court. She felt comfortable and at ease with them. Perhaps this was a sign, she thought, tamping down the hope that was springing up. But only gently tamping it.
Finally, her mother came to her. “Catrin, would you join me?”
“Of course,” she said, taking her leave of the group. They all curtsied and murmured as she and Roslyn walked away.
Roslyn didn’t speak until they had quit the gardens altogether and were making their way up the stairs that led to the chambers of the family.
“Thank you.”
“For what?” Catrin hadn’t expected this from her mother.
“I know that you’re on your best behavior. I see it and appreciate it.” She smiled, putting an arm around Catrin.
“I’m excited for tonight, Mother.” She couldn’t stop smiling.
“I am excited for you. This is what I’ve always wanted for you.”
“Then why did we not do this more when I was younger?”
“There is not time to speak of that now,” Roslyn’s smile faded. “We will talk after the guests have gone.”
“But—”
“No, Catrin. One thing at a time. Now it’s time to make you beautiful!” Roslyn’s tone was one that would not be denied. Catrin knew better and let her mother pull her along.
When they got to the Queen’s rooms, Grizelle was there.
“So. We approve of your conquest. Or is it too soon to call him that?”
“I don’t know, Auntie. Have I made a conquest? I’d like to think so, but I know so little of men.”
Her aunt’s face softened as she exchanged glances with her mother. “That is true, child. Perhaps we should have taken you about more, but there’s nothing to be done for it now. You’ve made me, and your parents, very proud
this week. You’re a fine girl.”
Catrin beamed. She rarely heard anything from Grizelle that was praise, so to hear it from both her mother and aunt was almost too much.
Her mother must have sensed the emotions, because she shooed Catrin along. “Come now. We’ve got to wash and get ready. I want to have your hair redone. Call Tatiana!” This to her mother’s lady’s maid who was hovering nearby.
Together, the three women readied Catrin, fussing about her like crazed birds. If she closed her eyes, she could almost hear the twittering.
Then they took turns, because both Roslyn and Grizelle had to ready themselves as well. Their maids fussed around them, all while each lady called directions to Tatiana. It was rather like a market day, Catrin thought, and she was the prize beast being readied for the auction.
Where did that come from? She was not a cow, or pig, or sheep, in spite of her earlier grumblings to herself. Her mother and aunt wanted her to shine tonight. She ran her hands down her stomach, hoping to calm her insides. She was nervous. Her palms felt sweaty, and even the air felt heavy.
Finally, finally, her mother declared her ready. Even Grizelle was looking at her with pleasure.
“Come and see yourself, my dearest,” her mother said.
Catrin walked to the looking glass. It was the only one this large in the castle. When she saw herself, she gasped.
Her dark hair was pulled back on her head. She wore a crown of gold with the hair wrapped around it, and from there it fell into two braids down her back wrapped in gold wire and capped at the end with pearls. There were also randomly placed pearls down the braids themselves, held in place with slim gold wire. It was beautiful. She refused to think of how long it would take to undo her hair.
Her dress was equally stunning. To show off her hair and golden skin, the chemise and underdress were pale cream and white. The overdress was a silk so fine it felt like a whisper, and it shimmered in blues and pinks in the candlelight, embroidered in gold floral patterns throughout the fabric. Her mother had designed the dress herself and overseen every step of its construction. Catrin lifted her arms to let her sleeves bell out and spun in front of the mirror. She was beautiful. It looked as though she’d grown into her beauty, as her mother would say.
“Mother, it’s so lovely. Thank you!” Catrin stepped to her mother and hugged her.
“Careful,” said Roslyn. “Don’t undo all my good work!”
She, Catrin and Grizelle all laughed. How long had it been since that happened? Catrin couldn’t remember. The party had been the focus of all their efforts, and now the final night was here. The ball, where she’d be officially recognized as the heir to Nandrenay. The perfect time for those interested in the heir to declare themselves.
“Mother,” she said hesitantly.
“What?” Both Roslyn and Grizelle looked at her.
“Am I being overly hopeful?” Catrin asked.
“There is always a chance that you, as well as others, are misinterpreting the actions of another. I don’t believe that, but it is always possible,” Roslyn spoke gently.
“Is this how it was when you met Father?”
Roslyn’s face softened. “No, unfortunately.”
“What?” Catrin gaped as Grizelle laughed.
“They couldn’t stand one another!” Grizelle hooted, laughing harder and pounding her stick on the floor.
“It’s true. Your father and I could barely contain our rolling eyes,” Roslyn laughed, meeting Grizelle’s eyes.
“They argued every time they met—”
“I even walked off the dance floor at one point—”
“I thought my brother was going to have a fit of apoplexy!” Grizelle got out. “He was so offended for Garrick!”
“Well, he was rude!” Roslyn’s face was red. “So was I, however. I should not have walked away, but I felt justified at the time.”
“What changed?” Catrin hadn’t heard this before.
“One day, I looked around and realized that I didn’t care about any of the other young men who were available, and thankfully, he came to the same sort of realization.”
“We were taking wagers,” Grizelle winked at Catrin. “We all saw the outcome long before they did.”
“I am glad I don’t have to deal with that,” said Catrin. “I only have one man who I can’t spend much time with, and I don’t see that changing.” She cringed, thinking of Bryce. Felt a pang, because his preference for Ceridwen was clear, and she didn’t see where Ceridwen had been able to speak to the young man she wanted to be with.
“It’s time,” Roslyn said to them, stopping conversation. Garrick had arrived to escort them all down the grand staircase and into the ball.
“Let’s put on the family display,” muttered Grizelle.
Slowly, graciously, they walked towards the ballroom. There were not many guests milling about the hallways, as most people tried to be in the ballroom before the king arrived.
The herald announced Grizelle. As the aunt of the king, she was a princess in her own right, and she was the only family here tonight. Roslyn’s parents and siblings had passed. Garrick and Grizelle were the only relatives left of the old king.
Then he announced Catrin. She sailed in behind her aunt, a small smile on her face. She tried not to look too hard for Aland, but to make eye contact with many. It wouldn’t do to look too forward.
Her parents entered, and then the herald banged his staff three times. The musicians began to play, and finally Aland was at her side.
“I am here to claim my dance, Princess Catrin, as you so graciously promised.” He bowed, waiting for her to take his offered hand.
Chapter Four
She took it, resisting the urge to laugh aloud. “I do not forget my promises, Prince Aland.”
“I am thankful for that, my lady,” he said, following her parents onto the open floor.
For a few moments, it was only her parents and she and Aland dancing. Catrin wasn’t sure she could be much happier. This was what she’d been waiting for. A man who could love her, appreciate her, made her feel like the sunlight she saw in so many other woman. The ballroom was lit only with candles, but she felt like she flew near the sun.
“This is my first chance for a proper dance with you, my lady, and it doesn’t disappoint.” Aland’s voice pulled her from the clouds.
“I thank you, my lord. You are a very fine dancer yourself.” She sounded appropriate, she hoped.
He laughed. “Now you’re just being kind. I can hold my own, but that is the best one can say.”
The wry tone in his voice made her join him in laughing, and then she saw others begin to flow to the dance floor. She caught a glimpse of Ceridwen on Bryce’s arm, and for a moment, Catrin saw a hint of the sadness she’d seen on Ceridwen the night they met. But then Aland turned her, and she lost sight of the other couple.
With an ill-timed step, Aland trod upon the hem of her dress.
“Oh, no, my lady, you see? You spoke too soon! I am sorry!” His face turned red.
Catrin stopped, looking down to inspect the damage. “I am sorry to say, my lord, that you have indeed left your mark upon my poor gown. However, it does not hinder my dancing. Let us finish, my lord.”
She laughed as he looked down at her gown, dismay all over his face.
“My lord, it’s but a dress. The world has not ended.”
He looked at her then, and smiled. “You’re very kind, my lady. What can I do but try and keep up with you?”
Catrin laughed again. This was the best night of her life.
Aland held her carefully, obviously not wanting to inflict any further damage. Catrin felt this was the kind of man who would cherish you, and take care of you, even for something as simple as a torn hem.
When the dance was over, they were joined by the king.
“Might I have the pleasure of dancing with my daughter?” He smiled at the pair of them.
“Of course, Sire.” Aland bowed deeply, bac
king away. Garrick watched him for a moment, a small smile lingering at the corners of his mouth. Then he held out his arms to Catrin, and she stepped to him to start the set.
“You look lovely tonight, dearest. Absolutely lovely.”
“Thank you. Mother is brilliant in her designs, isn’t she?”
“Your mother is brilliant in most things, my dear. It’s good you see that.” Garrick looked down. “But what has happened to your dress? It looks as though it’s fallen. Or wilted?”
Catrin laughed. A hem confused a king. “It’s just a small tear. Aland accidentally trod upon it while we were dancing earlier. I didn’t want to leave.”
His brow furrowed slightly. “You’ll need to call for Tatiana and have that fixed. If for nothing else, you don’t want to step on it yourself.”
Catrin was thankful that he didn’t scold or lecture her, but stuck to the practical matters. “I suppose you’re right. Besides, I don’t want Mother to see this.”
“Oh, don’t even suggest such a thing!” Garrick said in mock horror. “I’m not prepared for such an onslaught.”
He and Catrin laughed, and when the dance ended, he led her from the middle of the floor. “Where would Tatiana be? I know she’d never leave you to your first ball without watching.
Catrin laughed. “Probably hovering about making sure I don’t disgrace us all. I thank you, but I shall find her. Please, return to the ball.” He bowed over her hand, placing a kiss upon it. She stood for a moment, watching him go. She’d need to be fast—she didn’t want to miss any of this evening. She hurried towards the side of the ballroom to one of the antechambers. She stopped a footman on her way.
“Let Tatiana know that I am within, and that I need repair to my gown at once,” she said. The rest of the servants would know where Tatiana had taken up watch.
“Of course, my lady,” he said, scurrying away.
One Night At The Ball: A Sisters of the Curse Novella Page 5
