Catrin left dinner that night and hurried to her rooms. She didn’t want to talk to anyone; not her mother, aunt, or even Tatiana. She knew that others had noticed her and Aland talking. Bryce’s manner made her feel shy and unwilling to discuss Aland. She didn’t like that she felt slightly ashamed when near Bryce. There was nothing to be ashamed of. It was the shadow he carried with him, she decided. All the more reason to avoid him.
She needed some time before going to see Grizelle. A break before being questioned, and the object of speculation. After ten minutes or so, she knew she had to go.
“Tatiana!” She called out.
The maid poked her head into the room. She’d been in the wardrobe, but kept quiet. That was nice. She smiled at the woman, appreciating her ability to read Catrin.
“We have to go. I have a lesson with Grizelle, and I can’t miss it.”
Tatiana muttered to herself a bit, but followed Catrin without protest. Once in Grizelle’s chambers, Catrin threw herself onto a couch.
“I hate all these people looking at me! It makes it very hard to concentrate. I had to stop myself from hoping a tray would fall on some of the more obvious of the gossips!”
Grizelle laughed. “This is quite the event, my dear. You have to expect people will gossip until their tongues fall out. But you’re not used to it, so it can be unnerving. Very well, we’ll focus on blocking others tonight.”
When she returned to her rooms, she was tired. She felt good, though. Grizelle’s lessons often prepared her for getting through another day with no mishaps.
Chapter Three
The next morning, she rose before dawn and hurried Tatiana through her toilette. She was one of the first people in the stables.
Godfrey, the head gamekeeper, was in Gideon’s stall when she came in.
“My lady,” he bowed. “He’s raring this morning. He can tell, he can, that a hunt’s happening.” He patted Gideon’s neck, and the horse blew at him lightly. The stables were quiet and warm in the morning sun. The smell of the horses and fresh hay made her happy.
Catrin entered the stall. “He can indeed, Godfrey. I’ve never had a more intelligent horse. Have I, boy?” She rested her head on the other side of Gideon’s neck, scratching him. He swung his head round and chuffed in her hair. Thankfully, Tatiana had secured it in a tight braid before pinning it up in the net. She didn’t want hair blowing about at a crucial moment.
“I think it will be a small party, my lady. Most of ‘em weren’t interested.” Godfrey snorted, sounding much like one of his horses.
“My father is attending?”
“’Course he is.”
She nodded and looked around. Several of the guests had joined them. “Godfrey, I am well settled. Assist the others.” She made polite talk as Godfrey began to match guest to horse.
After what seemed an interminable time, everyone who wished to hunt was mounted. The dogs milled about with their keepers, feeling the excitement of the morning. Catrin had seen Aland, but had yet to speak to him. She made eye contact with him but only briefly. Her father rode into her view.
“Are you ready, Cat? It’s a fine day. The herd is still nearby. Will you ride with me?”
Catrin stifled a sigh. She wanted to find her way to Aland. As Ceridwen wasn’t here, there wasn’t anyone else she really wanted to talk to. One didn’t say no to the king, even when he was her father.
“Of course. Shall we be off?” With a flourish, she spurred Gideon. He leapt forward, eager to be out.
Following her father and Godfrey, she allowed her mind to wander. What a revelation this week had been so far. She’d had to focus more on managing her emotions, true, but having Ceridwen and Aland to speak with allowed her to think about others and not be so turned inward. It made her realize how isolated they were. Regardless of the outcome of this party, she was going to ask her parents to start travelling again as seemed common for other royal families. All those she’d spoken with had expressed their desire to host a visit.
“Catrin?” Aland rode up beside her. He spoke softly, looking off to his left.
“I’m sorry, did you say something?” She looked up and towards where he was staring.
“I think I saw movement off to the east. Look! What do you think?” He pointed.
Catrin slowed Gideon to get a better view. “I think you’re right, Aland. Let’s tell Godfrey.” She kicked Gideon gently and came abreast of her father. “Father! I think Aland has spotted the herd!” She pointed and Garrick and Godfrey both wheeled to look where she indicated. Everyone slowed to wait, keeping as quiet as a party with dogs could be.
“Good eyes, Prince Aland,” Godfrey said. He jerked his head towards the keepers, and the dogs burst free, baying and belling as they raced to the east. They were on the scent.
“Come, Aland! Let’s not get too far behind!” Catrin all but yelled, goading her horse. Ever responsive, Gideon exploded away from the others. Her blood rushing with the excitement of the hunt, she didn’t care about courtly manners or decorum. The wind on her face, the sun on her back—these things were what was important. She galloped behind the dogs.
Their barking became more frenzied as they closed in on the herd. Catrin ducked as Gideon raced under trees, stretching his neck seeking even greater speed over the uneven terrain. She knew she’d be scolded for giving him his head—ladies were not supposed to gallop all out with no care for themselves. Catrin thought there ought to be more worry for the horse, as it was he who had to navigate, but she and Gideon knew this land well.
Sunlight momentarily blinded her as they came out of the trees into a clearing. Gideon must have been blinded as well because he slowed. But Catrin knew where they were, and there was a rocky outcropping that would trap at least one of the stag.
The dogs got louder—she regained her sight in time to see they had slowed, and circled around the target. In one smooth motion, she took her bow from the saddle, looping the reins around one hand. She notched an arrow, and reined Gideon, wanting to see if she would be able to get a shot off.
There was indeed a stag—a magnificent buck—who wheeled to and fro, but couldn’t get away from the dogs. While she enjoyed the hunt, Catrin didn’t like to see the prey suffer. She steadied her bow, and let the arrow fly.
It hit the stag in the neck, causing the animal to buckle. She was notching a second arrow when Aland went by her, sword drawn. He plowed through the dogs, and with one blow, dispatched the stag.
The keepers raced up, shooing away the dogs, and moving to dress the stag. Aland cantered to her. “Perfect shot, my lady! And from horseback! I hadn’t realized you were so skilled! I don’t think I’ve seen anyone do so from the horse.”
Catrin blushed. The admiration in his eyes was real. “Thank you for finishing it, my lord. I do not like to prolong the event. It is not necessary.”
“It’s the very least a gentleman can do when the lady is so competent.” He smiled, and from that point on, Catrin was no longer interested in denying her growing feelings.
“Where did you come up with the idea to shoot from the horse?” Aland asked.
“It was because I was young and so impatient! Father allowed me to use a bow, but only if I stayed back so that I would not be in danger. I practiced shooting from a horse so that I’d not fall off, and then one hunt, I surprised him. I didn’t want to get off the horse. It makes the whole thing more sporting, somehow.” She looked away. She knew her ideas were odd. She hadn’t realized how much latitude her father gave her. Then she decided she didn’t care.
It was a beautiful morning, and she’d brought down a stag. While the ladies in the party were slightly aghast, they were too polite to be churlish to the king’s daughter. If they didn’t like her hunting, she was not going to worry herself over it. Aland didn’t seem to mind, and his opinion carried more weight with her than those of guests she might not see again for years.
They rode together the rest of the morning. Catrin hung back. Having already t
aken down the first one, she didn’t want to deprive her guests.
She and Aland talked and laughed. She ignored the sly looks and undertones of those around them. No matter who she spoke with, there would be talk.
“Aland, how close are you to the nobles of your country?” Her curiosity was getting the better of her.
“Fairly close, I’d say. I even like most of them.”
She laughed. “I’ve recently made the acquaintance of the Lady Ceridwen. She is charming.”
Aland didn’t speak for a moment, and Catrin saw a flash of—something—cross his face. As quickly as it had been there, it was gone. “She is indeed. You have good taste in those you choose to befriend, my lady.” He smiled once more.
“Is she betrothed, do you know?”
“Now my lady,” he said in a chiding manner, “I am not the best person to ask such things of. You must ask the lady herself.” He smiled, but it was forced.
That was interesting. “Oh, you’re right. I’m being terribly forward, as well as rude and nosy. But you are her father’s liege lord, so I thought you might know.” She dimpled at him, hoping to dispel whatever it was that had caused the forced smile.
“Well, I do not have the liberty to speak, but I believe…” He hesitated, “That there are suitors for her hand. As to whether the lady has accepted, I cannot say.” He fell silent.
Catrin knew she was not being kind, asking such questions. He did have a responsibility to his subjects. A betrothal was not to be announced by anyone but the family.
She leaned towards him. “I do apologize. I was being unforgivably rude. I like Ceridwen, very much. I find that I am…concerned at those whom I think may be vying for her hand.” She held her breath, hoping she’d not said too much. But she meant it—the thought of Ceridwen with the crass Bryce was distasteful to her. Her friend deserved far better.
He flashed a grateful look at her. What was that about? “I thank you for your concern, my lady. Ceridwen is fortunate to have you as a friend. As to those who might be contenders, well, who is to say what a father sees versus the rest of us?” He looked down at his pommel, and then ahead.
Catrin felt ashamed. She’d breached Ceridwen’s trust and been unfair to Aland as the prince of that realm.
“Forgive me, my lord. We shall not speak of it again.” This was what her unchecked curiosity got her—shame, and the knowledge she’d possibly hurt her friends.
They didn’t speak of Ceridwen again. Catrin wasn’t sure how she’d face her friend at dinner tonight. Instead, she focused on behaving herself. She’d have to find a way to apologize to Ceridwen.
Gradually, the shame was set aside. Aland rode well and kept up conversation. Catrin felt that he too was happy to move beyond her breach of manners. This was a man she could be with. He was a good man. She hoped that she hadn’t put him off.
Once they returned to the castle, it was later than expected. She hurried to her rooms wanting to have enough time to soothe her nerves and ready herself for dinner.
Tonight, she didn’t fuss at all as Roslyn and Tatiana dressed her, making her as resplendent as she’d been the previous evening. She was anxious to leave, and she rushed from her rooms ahead of her mother.
Garrick was waiting in the room off to the side of the hall, as he’d been before. “Catrin, you are ready sooner than I had thought you’d be!” He held out a hand to her. “I was proud of you today, daughter. You gave a good account of yourself during the hunt.”
“You’re not angry that I took the first stag? Gideon and I were so happy to be in the saddle, I just couldn’t hold back.”
Garrick laughed. “I did hope that you would initially, but you rode so well, and your shot was true, so I had to suffer merely beaming like the proud father I am. Besides,” he added, “You fell back and let others come forward. There are worse things than being fond of the hunt. I should warn you, however, that your mother may not be of the same mind. You know better of how ladies are expected to act.”
Roslyn entered the small side chamber, followed by Grizelle. “Catrin! You’re not a horse! Stop galloping ahead.” She shook her head.
Catrin and Garrick laughed. “I already gave that away, Mother.”
“I heard. First at the hunt.” Roslyn shook her head, sighing. “Are you trying to be an old maid?”
“There was nothing but admiration for her seat and skill with a bow, Roslyn,” Garrick came to her rescue.
“At least in your hearing,” Roslyn sniffed.
“Shall we go in?” Grizelle had her hands on her hips. “Catrin will be the queen one day, Roslyn. The more she understands about her kingdom and all its subjects, the better. Those who don’t approve can be on their way at the end of the week.”
Everyone looked to Roslyn. She pursed her lips, glaring at all three of them. “Oh, very well! Have it your own way! I’ll make sure that everyone knows my horse-mad daughter is also very skilled in the more ladylike tasks.” She threw up her hands, admitting defeat.
Catrin knew it was only temporary. She also knew her mother was not truly angry, but she vowed to not cause her mother further distress. Roslyn went to all this effort so that she would make a successful marriage and be well-thought of as the queen. Her mother meant well.
Garrick took Roslyn’s hand, and they entered the hall. In spite of her hopes, Catrin wasn’t next to Aland. She sat between Grizelle and Markellus. Presumably Grizelle was there to ensure she remembered to act like a lady. Catrin had to laugh quietly. Her mother was as stubborn as she herself.
“My lord Markellus. I’m delighted to be seated near you. I’ve not yet had the pleasure.” She smiled, putting aside her disappointment. She didn’t even glance at Aland, who was seated near his parents. She also felt disappointed to not be near Ceridwen yet again. Why, when her mother knew she liked her, she didn’t know.
“Thank you, my lady. That is great praise indeed from the heroine of the hunt.” His eyes crinkled when he smiled, and she noted how attractive he was.
“Oh goodness, don’t let my mother hear you,” she half-whispered. “Apparently I’d have better shown off my needlepoint.”
He laughed out loud, a genuine sound. Catrin noted that her parents looked over, but she refused to meet their eyes.
“Nonsense, my lady. What is better than a ruler who understands the hunt?”
She inclined her head. “Thank you, Markellus. Please be sure to say that near my mother, if you will.”
“It would be my pleasure.”
“Did you enjoy the hunt, my lord?”
“I did. You’re fortunate to have such bountiful woods. Our castle is surrounded by fields and a large river. That brings a great deal of traffic, so we must go further afield for game.”
“I remember playing at the river,” Catrin said. “It seems a long time ago.”
“It was,” Markellus agreed. “We were most pleased to receive your father’s invitation. Even more pleased to make it here intact.” He grimaced.
“Really? Were you in danger of being otherwise?”
He laughed, and entertained her, and then Grizelle with tales from their journey to Nandrenay. He was very witty and extremely well-spoken. He also wasn’t afraid to mock himself, a trait that Catrin appreciated. The meal went quickly as they listened to him.
When the musicians began to play after the food had been cleared, Markellus stood and offered her a hand.
“Would you honor me, my lady?”
“Gladly.” She placed her hand in his, glancing towards Aland. His eyes met hers, and she felt a warmth spread through her before turning her attention to Markellus once more.
During the dancing, she saw Ceridwen dancing with Bryce. As the dancers switched back and forth, Catrin soon found herself partnered with Bryce. Ceridwen was now dancing with Aland. She looked happy, as she’d looked sitting next to Markellus at dinner the night before.
“My lady, we’ve not spoken much this week, but I must thank you for the hospitality and entert
ainment,” Bryce said. His words were pleasant, but something in them grated on Catrin.
“I’m glad you’re enjoying it. My father will be pleased to hear it. He desires that his guests be happy whilst here,” she answered politely.
He laughed, and Catrin could hear the tinge of ugliness that hung over Bryce. She glanced around. No one else seemed to have heard it.
“I’m sure he does, my lady. I’m sure he does. In that, at least, he’s been successful.”
“Is there anything else a host wishes for?” She kept her expression bland. She knew there was more to what he was saying, but she didn’t feel like figuring it out. Bryce’s penchant for double-talk was becoming exhausting. She didn’t wish to spar with him, and she’d be switching partners shortly enough that it wasn’t worth the effort to figure out his real meaning.
“Of course not, my lady.” He bowed his head as she moved away, and she was grateful to find that she was partnered with Aland. She felt for Ceridwen. Bryce was not a man she’d want to spend time with. There was not time for much conversation as she danced with Aland, and as she rejoined Markellus, Catrin felt disappointed.
She danced with not just the three princes, but many of the nobles from the neighboring kingdoms. Thankfully, most dances lent themselves to only a few words and a smile. As the dance ended, Markellus, who had asked her to dance again and kept her laughing, led her from the floor, her eyes drifted around to the clusters of guests as she passed. She was wild to find a way to speak to Aland.
King Garrick stood up from his seat and raised his hands, seeking quiet from those in the dining hall. The musicians stopped playing.
“I invite you all to join us tomorrow for games in the Queen’s gardens. Tomorrow night, we shall revel at our summer ball!” He took Roslyn’s hand and led her from the dining hall.
Catrin finally caught a glimpse of Aland across the room. He seemed to be looking around for someone. Maybe he was looking for her, she thought hopefully, though she realized he was probably looking for his parents to escort them to their rooms. She walked towards the door, but seeing that Ceridwen still stood with Bryce, Catrin changed directions and made for them. As she approached the couple, Bryce bowed to Ceridwen and kissed her hand.
One Night At The Ball: A Sisters of the Curse Novella Page 4