One Night At The Ball: A Sisters of the Curse Novella

by Lisa Manifold

  Catrin went into the chamber and sat on one of the small chairs. It was a room for just such a need—when a lady required some privacy.

  Moments later, Tatiana came in, carrying her mending basket.

  “What happened, my lady?”

  “I was dancing, and the Prince Aland trod upon my hem. Normally, I’d ignore it, but I don’t need to hear the scolding I’d get from you or Mother,” she said, grinning at the woman.

  “Good thing, too. We can’t have you going about like a kitchen maid,” Tatiana grumbled.

  “Oh, do hurry, Tati! I don’t want to miss any more than I must!”

  “Then please step up onto this,” Tatiana said, pulling forward a small stool. “I’ll have this mended in a trice.”

  Catrin stood upon the stool. The door had not been closed all the way when Tatiana came in, and she could hear the music and conversation wafting through the opening. It was all she could to not to tap her feet impatiently, but she knew Tatiana would hurry.

  She could hear several voices come closer, as though the speakers were moving right in front of the door.

  “What do you think of my bride?” The speaker was very pleased with himself, Catrin could tell. “She will be a lovely queen.”

  “I was not aware that you had officially announced any betrothal,” a second voice replied. This speaker was not happy. “When are we to wish you joy?” Aland! It was Aland. And he was speaking to—

  “I believe before we leave tomorrow. I thought you should hear it from me, seeing as we’re old friends.” The sounds of clapping, probably on a shoulder. But who was clapping whom?

  “Spare me the false manners, Bryce. We know one another and grew up as neighbors. Friends is not how I’d refer to our relationship.” Aland sounded angry.

  Bryce laughed. It was as grating as everything else about him. “Forgive me for presuming, my lord prince. However, I’ll be happy to accept your congratulations on the morrow. Perhaps I’ll even be able to offer some of my own.” He laughed again, and then there was no more conversation. Catrin thought he must have walked away. That meant that Aland might still be standing there, alone. She put a hand on Tatiana’s shoulder, intending to stop her momentarily when another noise from outside stilled her.

  “My lord Aland, why are over here by yourself?” That was Ceridwen’s voice.

  “Lady Ceridwen. How are you this evening?” Aland’s voice was low. Catrin didn’t think she’d ever heard him so subdued. “I understand congratulations are in order. Allow me to be the first to offer them, as your prince and sovereign.”

  “What…what do you mean?” Ceridwen also spoke in a low tone. “What congratulations?” She sounded scared, Catrin thought. She felt another pang for her friend. Who would want to marry Bryce, even with all of Laurycia thrown in? It would still be a heavy burden.

  “I understand, through unofficial channels, that you are shortly to be engaged. I offer my congratulations and hope that you will be happy.”

  Silence. Then Ceridwen spoke. “Do you hope for such? Do you really, Aland?”

  His reply was stiff “As the prince of Gallivas, I hope for happiness for all my subjects.”

  “Oh,” Ceridwen sounded sad. “Well. Thank you, my lord. Although…”

  “Yes?” Aland sounded more animated.

  “I believe your congratulations are premature,” she said. “We have not yet come to an agreement.”

  “Your future intended is operating under a different impression.”

  “He is not my future intended yet!” Ceridwen spoke with some heat. “I’ll thank you, my lord, to remember that.”

  “Don’t you want to marry him?” Aland asked. “It’s a good match.”

  “He…he is not the choice of my heart.” This was just above a whisper.

  “Indeed? Then why would he feel he was?”

  “My parents, my lord, are very fond of him.”

  “Shall I ask the king to intervene?”

  “Oh, no, no!” Now Ceridwen sounded frightened. “Please don’t, my lord! That will not improve things.”

  “Cer—my lady, I only want your happiness. Please tell me what I can do.” Aland’s voice held a note of anguish.

  “You can tell me the truth, my lord.” The fear and hesitancy was gone from Ceridwen. “I wish to know what your intentions are towards the lady Catrin.”

  “Why do you ask?” Now Aland sounded stiff. “She’s a lovely girl, all things considered. I quite enjoy her company, more than I had thought to. I understand you are also friendly with the lady.”

  “She’s been very kind. I haven’t been able to spend as much time with her as I had wished. You, on the other hand, my lord, have had a great deal of time to get to know her better. I envy that,” Ceridwen finished, and her voice didn’t sound so strident.

  “I had no intentions towards the lady Catrin,” Aland said. “However, as you well know, things change, and what with…” he didn’t finish his sentence.

  Catrin’s glance flew to Tatiana, who also was frozen, listening. Her hand gripped Tatiana’s shoulder, fingers digging in. He was going to ask for her hand! He was!

  “With what, my lord?” Ceridwen asked softly.

  “I find that the woman I initially considered is nearly contracted with another. So I must accept what I cannot change.”

  Catrin’s mouth flew open.

  “Aland, do you love me?”

  “I beg your pardon, my lady?” Aland sounded flustered.

  “Do you love me? Is that what all of this circular talk means?”

  Catrin held her breath. She knew that she ought to have closed the door long ago, but in for a penny, in for a pound.

  “I do, Ceridwen. I have since we were young. Did you not know?”

  “I thought so, but you did not declare for me, Aland. What was I to think?”

  “What? What do you mean I didn’t declare? Was it not evident every time we were together?” Now he sounded angry.

  “No, it was not!” Ceridwen was angry as well. “Had you not been so clever and cagey, I wouldn’t be fending off Bryce, hoping you’d come to your senses!”

  Catrin leaned onto Tatiana, barely able to stand. He loved Ceridwen! Presumably, she loved him as well. He was the man she wanted! Tears came to her eyes. Now, having heard this, no matter what, she could not accept Aland’s hand, even if he asked. Honor wouldn’t allow her to take a man who loved another. Not when she’d heard it from his lips. How could they? How could her two friends treat her this way? Her thoughts stopped as she leaned forward, hoping to hear something that stopped the feeling of falling down a well.

  “I love you! Is that what you want to hear? I love you! You cannot marry that bounder Bryce! He doesn’t deserve you, not in any manner!”

  “Well, then, if you love me, what must you do?”

  “I beg your pardon?”

  If Catrin’s heart hadn’t been breaking, this would be funny. Clearly there was a great deal more to Ceridwen than most knew. A great deal more, she thought grimly. She’d been completely fooled by Ceridwen. She’d thought Ceridwen was her friend!

  “It’s a time-honored tradition,” Ceridwen said sweetly, but Catrin could hear the steel in her tone. “When one loves a woman, one asks to meet with her father. Speaks with him, out in the open, rather than hiding behind assumptions. You’re a prince, my lord Aland. I’m sure you’ll manage to sort out what comes next.”

  Aland didn’t answer.

  Then angry footsteps came close. “My lady Ceridwen! I have been searching for you! Your parents have need of you!” It was Bryce, back again. He sounded furious.

  “I am sorry to worry them, my lord. I thank you for letting me know. I’ll go to them now.” Ceridwen said demurely.

  There were murmurs from the men as she apparently departed.

  “What do you think you’re doing?” Bryce didn’t even bother to hide his anger.

  “I’m not sure what you mean.”

  “You have been conversi
ng with my intended off in a corner for some time.”

  “I was unaware that the negotiations had been settled. Furthermore, the lady Ceridwen resides in my kingdom, and I am at liberty to speak with any of my subjects without interference from you. Regardless of your intentions.” Aland’s tone was frosty.

  “I know you want Ceridwen. You shan’t have her. She’s all but agreed to marry me. Are you attempting to incite her jealousy with your attentions to the Lady Catrin? If so, it hasn’t worked. She’s spent the entire week in my company. So I hope you’re resigned to Nandrenay. At least she’s got fine jewels!” Bryce laughed, but it wasn’t a nice sound.

  It made Catrin flush. Why would her jewels be the focus?

  Tatiana made to stand, but Catrin held out a hand. She wanted to hear this, even though it was unpleasant. She needed to hear it. The full scope of betrayal was just beyond her. No one had ever behaved so towards her!

  Tatiana slowly knelt back down to work on the hem. Catrin glanced at her, and was surprised to see a tear trickle down her maid’s face. She’d have to ask her what that was about, after this.

  “Bryce, I will not discuss either lady with you. You are unworthy of both of them, and you are aware of the command of the King of Nandrenay,” Aland said.

  “I must confess, Aland, I’d thought you’d accepted fate. That you’d made peace with what you lost, and settled on what could be. The lady Catrin needs all the added enticement she can get! As for the king, well, he isn’t here, is he?” Bryce laughed again, and Catrin hoped something large and painful would fall on him in that moment.

  “The Lady Catrin is a fine girl,” Aland said stiffly. “Any man would be fortunate to win her hand. I don’t expect you to understand the quality of a person.”

  Catrin stilled. That was not the voice of a man about to make an offer. At least, not to her. It was true. He didn’t love her. He loved Ceridwen. Ceridwen loved him, and both them had made a fool—an utter fool—of her. She felt the stirrings of anger begin to rise, equalling the hurt and betrayal she felt. The pair of them together—had used her! Had hidden behind her and after exposing her to talk and speculation all week—planned to go off together, laughing merrily! She clenched her teeth.

  “In regards to the Lady Ceridwen, I do not believe she’s given an answer to anyone who has sought her hand,” Aland said, and Catrin could hear the anger in his voice now. “When she does, I have no doubts that she will pick the right man.”

  “She already has!” Bryce laughed, and Catrin could hear a slapping sound, as though one of them was pounding the shoulders of the other. “But I wish you luck and joy in your pursuit of Nandrenay!” Still laughing, Catrin heard his voice move away.

  Then she heard nothing more. Tatiana stood up again, and this time, Catrin let her help her off the stool. She collapsed onto it, unable to hold her own weight.

  What was going on? Why had Aland been at her side the entire week if he wanted to marry Ceridwen? Why had he asked for the first dance tonight?

  Why? Was it to make sport of her? To set her up to be a fool? Poor, stupid Catrin! She actually thought Aland was going to offer for her! She inhaled, trying to calm herself, but her brain was full of anger, of hurt.

  If he’d offered for Ceridwen, and it sounded that he would, she would be shamed. Even more than she had been already. Everyone invited this week had seen Aland at her side, paying court to her. Did they all know he loved another? Was she the only one who didn’t know? What a great joke that must have been for them! To mock her, and she not even aware of it! To make a mockery of her father’s hospitality, to shame his daughter! Here she’d thought she’d made a friend, a potential suitor, and all the while, they were laughing!

  And why had Ceridwen not warned her? At any point during the week, why had Ceridwen not told her that Aland was one of the men she’d spoken of? Ceridwen was obviously aware of Aland’s attention—why had she not said something to Catrin? She would have kept her distance if she knew, but no. Ceridwen had been mute on the subject. Too quiet. She was no real friend. She was a charlatan, a mean and hateful girl who would use others for her end.

  As bad as the thought that all she felt for Aland was not returned, there was also the ugly words Bryce had said about her. Why would her parents need to make her enticing?

  She stood and walked woodenly to the wall where a small mirror hung. Tatiana followed her, but Catrin waved her off. She peered into the mirror, looking to see what it was that only jewels and a fine kingdom would help.

  Her parents had always taught her that she was beautiful within, a trait more important than outer beauty. They’d encouraged her to develop her mind and her other skills. She’d never been given a single inkling that she was less lovely than her mother.

  So what did Bryce mean?

  Why did Aland not speak of his feelings for her? Why did he only refer to his offer for Ceridwen?

  Was this entire week a sham? A ploy? To make another jealous, or as some sort of consolation, as Bryce intimated? A game between Aland and Ceridwen?

  Her cheeks flushed with shame. If so, she was the dupe. She’d had no idea he was being false, that he was just playing the part of a courtier. That the one person she thought might be a friend was part of that, part of making her a laughingstock in front of all those here. Not to mention how her feelings might be hurt. She knew that people could see she liked Aland. And Ceridwen. How everyone must be laughing now!

  “Tatiana?”

  “Yes, my lady?” Tatiana hurried to her. Catrin could see the worry and the hurt on her maid’s face. She knew, at that moment, that all she’d heard was true.

  “Please make me presentable again. I need to return to my guests.” She knew her voice sounded unlike her. She didn’t care.

  Somehow, somehow, she had to get through this night.

  Then she would demand answers.

  She looked into the mirror again. Really looked, because she wanted to see what was apparently so awful.

  Her mouth flew open, and her hand covered her mouth to stop the scream.

  ***

  “What—what is that?” She backed away from the mirror, one hand to her cheek. In the mirror, the woman also held a hand to her cheek—but it wasn’t her. It wasn’t her.

  “What do you mean, my lady?” Tatiana hurried to her.

  “Look in the mirror! Who, or what is that?” She pointed at the small mirror that was tucked between two stands of flowering pots.

  Tatiana slowed and approached the mirror. “What do you see, my lady?” Her voice was calm, unnaturally so.

  “I see a woman who is not me!” Catrin struggled to keep from screaming at the maid.

  Tatiana’s head fell. “My lady, I think you should retire for the evening and I shall send word to your parents of what has occurred.”

  “Why? Why would you do such a thing? The ball has barely begun, and it’s my ball!” This was so beyond any response Catrin expected that she was taken by surprise. What new mischief was this?

  “This has been a shock,” Tatiana said, almost absently. “Let me take you to your rooms, my lady. The other guests will understand.”

  “Tatiana, are you well? I do not understand why I should go to my room!” The face in the mirror had been horrifying, but Tatiana’s reaction scared her. Her heart raced, and Catrin knew, just knew, that as bad as this was, there was more. She took a few steps closer to the mirror wanting to see the image again.

  “My lady, no!” The movement stirred Tatiana out of her odd behavior. She held out a hand to bar Catrin from the mirror. Catrin put her hand on Tatiana’s arm and moved it aside gently, yet firmly.

  “Please do not impede me,” Catrin said. And stood in front of the little mirror again with her eyes closed and took a breath. She opened them and leaned forward. She had to cover her mouth to stop the scream.

  There she was again. A woman of Catrin’s age with brown, dull hair. Her eyes were also a dull brown, and her skin was nearly sallow. Not the golden gl
ow of her skin. This woman shared similarities to Catrin—as a portrait that had been tossed in the mud and smeared. Catrin raised her hand to her cheek, and the woman in the mirror did as well. Brushed her hand against the necklace she was wearing; so did the woman in the mirror. Tears began to spill, and Catrin was horrified to see that the woman in the mirror was crying as well.

  She whirled to face Tatiana. “What is this?”

  Tatiana didn’t answer immediately, and Catrin was struck at how very sad and old she looked. She was looking down, and Catrin moved close to her and took her hand.

  “What is this?” Her voice was low, but in truth, she was barely hanging on. “What is this trick? This is some sort of cruel joke, and I will not have it, Tati.” This had to be some sort of joke—something to go along with the game that had made fun of her all week from people who supposedly cared for her. When she discovered who’d done this, they would be sorry they were ever born.

  Tatiana looked up. “It’s not for me to tell, my lady. This is your parents’ tale. Please don’t ask me further, my lady! I cannot!” Tears stood in the old woman’s eyes.

  Catrin took her other hand. “Tati, you must tell me.”

  The woman shook her head, not speaking, tears falling down her face.

  “Please.” Catrin’s voice was hard. She would go mad if she didn’t find some sort of answer, something to stop the crazed whirling of her thoughts. Tatiana shook her head again. Catrin could see she’d get nothing out of the maid. She exhaled angrily. “Very well. I will return to the ball. Please help me to make sure I am presentable. You’ll need to touch up my face.” She didn’t want to look into the mirror again. To see that plain, unappealing woman looking back at her. She tamped down her welling anger. The truth would wait until this was over. It would have to. She could not storm back, denouncing her false friends, and demanding action from her parents. Much as she wanted to.

  “My lady, are you sure? First the Prince Aland, and now this?” Catrin brushed aside the fluttering anxiousness of Tatiana. She knew that Tati was upset at what she’d heard—perhaps even more upset than Catrin herself. Tatiana wanted to help, to take away the hurt. She’d been doing it since Catrin was little. It would not help now.