“He is our master,” she said softly. “And that was a long time ago. I do not wish to speak of it ever again. I’ve told you how I felt about that.”
“I know, but…”
“No,” Myriah said more forcefully as she lifted her hand to silence me. “No, Aurelia.”
There was a knock on the door that startled the both of us. Myriah seemed to release a grateful breath as she rose from the floor and wandered over to greet our visitor.
Lord Haven entered the room, carrying a piece of parchment and a carefully wrapped bundle in his arms. He approached me on the floor, extending the gift and paper to me. The pieces of cloth were soft on my hands as I took the gift and lowered it to the floor beside me.
“From the König,” he announced and looked to Myriah with a nod.
“Thank you, Lord Haven,” I replied with a small, forced smile.
A sick twist took hold of my stomach as I watched him leave the room. I waited until he was gone to open the wax seal on the parchment.
“What does it say?” Myriah asked eagerly as she approached me.
I let out a breath as I read over the letter quietly:
* * *
“TO MY DEAREST, Aurelia.
I would like to bestow upon you a gift. A gown was drawn up from the Royal Wardrobe for you that I wish for you to wear to the ball for my pleasure. I will show mercy and forgiveness toward your unsuitable behavior displayed earlier. Allow this to be my warning to you.”
* * *
MYRIAH BEGAN to unwrap the cloth bundle, revealing a beautiful, glittering gown. I had never seen such intricate work before. As she lifted it higher, giving me a full view of the craftsmanship, I was astonished to find the gown looked like the forest in the autumn.
“Try it on, Princess,” Myriah said with a smile. “It’s too lovely to just simply put away.”
With a small nod, I agreed and began to unlace the back of my dress. Myriah helped me slip away the soft ivory gown I wore, to delicately pull the new gown over my head.
My hands moved over the full skirt as Myriah began to tie the back of the dress.
The skirt was a cream color, with delicate dark blue embroidery that looked like the branches of trees. The blue lines curled up to a nearly transparent bodice where only the blue branches danced around the front and sides of the top; the branches even curled around the arms and shoulders of the gown. The strange fabric, while keeping a bit of skin revealed in the back, arched into a high collar. Long sections of the material flowed down on either side of my shoulders, cascading into a slight train behind me.
“You look like a forest nymph,” Myriah said with a smile.
“Do you think this is the fashions of where he’s just returned from?” I asked curiously.
My hands traveled up the transparent bodice, noticing just how much of myself I could see, and how much of myself others would be able to see. There was very little left to the imagination between the blue, sparkling branches.
“It must be quite French,” Myriah said with a smile. “Worry not, Aurelia. You look beautiful.”
The mirror she pulled me toward revealed the same. I did look beautiful—regal.
She brushed a strand of my hair over my shoulder as we both studied my new attire.
“Come, let’s get you out of this and allow you some rest,” she said, her eyes glittering. I nodded silently and stood still as she began to untie the back of the bodice.
As I watched the dress peel away, I began to dread what consequences were to come with attending the ball in that garment, made from promises and warnings.
11
The next few days passed in a blur. They were spent full of quiet mornings in the library while I tended to my studies. Myriah would find me for my mid-day meal, and by nightfall, I was roused from my room to attend resplendent suppers with my father in the dining hall.
Most of the evenings, the courtiers would drink themselves into a stupor and my father was delighted and amused by their folly. His icy-cool gaze would find me across the room and he’d stare at me as though he could see right through the gowns he gifted me.
Each night brought a new gift, whether a new jewel or gown, and he always insisted on my wearing it. His hand often brushed against my back and remained there as we finished eating or we’d watch that night’s entertainment in the grand foyer. I could hear the whispering of those who lingered close by.
Wild stories about his seduction of me and of my becoming his mistress flittered through the corridors like fire. Myriah would scowl at such rumors and bark at the servants to get back to their chores.
“There must be some truth to these rumors,” I murmured with shame over our shared meal one afternoon.
Myriah lifted a spoonful of stew to her lips and wrinkled her nose. “Truth?”
“Yes,” I replied with a nod. “There must be some truth. Can’t you see how this might appear? How his behavior towards me has changed?”
“It matters not how they see things, Princess. As servants of the castle, they have their place. They should be careful with their words when it comes to you and the König.”
I lifted a spoonful of stew to my mouth and ate silently, keeping the rest of my thoughts to myself.
“The König is fragile. We all see it,” Myriah finally replied as she lifted her handkerchief to her lips. “He is desperate to find a wife and consummate the marriage in hopes of having a male heir. After all this time, and after everything that has happened, we all think the promise your father made to your mother will be impossible to keep. Her final wish was very exclusive. And she made it so difficult on purpose. She did not wish to be replaced.”
“But he will—”
“He will continue to look for a new bride until he feels he has fulfilled his promise.”
“Even if it means me?” I lowered my spoon to the table and stared at her. “If the rumors are true, he is looking to place the crown upon my head, isn’t he?”
“The rumors are not true, child,” she insisted, shaking her head. “And even if it were so, I’d never permit such a thing to happen.”
“But how could you prevent it? I’m just a girl. I hold no power here in the Königreich. I am at my father’s mercy, just as everyone else. There is nothing you could do to stop the König’s will.”
Myriah shook her head with a stern glance as I bit my bottom lip.
“You listen to me, Aurelia,” she began. “If there was one thing I always tried to teach you, it is that you are more. You are so much more than a delicate crown upon your head. Or fine, beautiful gowns. You are more than just a girl. No matter son or daughter, you are powerful and wise enough to rule the Königreich. You are good, kind and passionate. You hold a strong heart and a fervent spirt. Perhaps you are the daughter of a König, but by birth and right, you deserve respect. And even more still, Aurelia, you have earned that reverence by being exactly who you are. It is my duty to honor that.” She reached over and touched my hand gently as she continued. “You know my love for you knows no bounds. My true child or not, ich liebe dich.”
“I love you too,” I replied and felt her fingers squeeze mine.
“So, there will be no more talk of unworthiness.”
“Yes, Myriah,” I said with a small smile.
She seemed appeased and gestured to my bowl before me.
“Gut. Eat then.”
12
A s Myriah combed through the last of my golden curls, she looked at me with a small, assuring smile. The ball was underway. Visitors were arriving from different parts of the land. Myriah dressed me carefully in the exotic garment my father sent.
“I still feel so exposed,” I said softly, touching the dark blue branch detailing on the bodice. Myriah flitted my hands away and shook her head.
“You look beautiful.”
“I look like the Königin,” I murmured as I lifted a hand to my hair.
It startled me how much I truly did resemble my mother. I realized that she and
I shared much more than our golden hair. We possessed the same smile, and the slight tilt to our chin as we curiously gazed ahead. She had even gifted me with her tempting smile. The only resemblance I shared with my father was the color of my eyes.
Myriah appeared again with the golden diadem in her hands. I turned around to glance at it.
“It would please the König,” Myriah added and extended the crown to me. With a heavy sigh, I took it and carefully positioned the diadem on my head.
“Remember,” she said as I began to walk toward my door, my hands shaking. “You are the Princess of Tränen, and this ball is being held in your honor. For you.”
I gave her a nod and bit my bottom lip.
“Yes, I’ll remember.”
“Good.” She smiled softly. “Now, chin up. Strand straight, child. And enjoy yourself.” She patted my back as she guided me out into the darkened corridor.
I had a strange feeling in my stomach as I took my first step forward; the night was truly not for me. This night was indeed for my father.
The hallway was illuminated by the bright torches. As I drew closer to the main ballroom, I could hear the gasps from onlookers; the passing of servants and a guard standing at his post. I raised my chin higher as I walked with purpose. I felt noticeable, beautiful even. Myriah’s voice echoed in my ears: “You look like a forest nymph.”
I paused at a set of side doors, hesitating only when I knew I was alone. I pressed my hands on my torso, doing what I could to drive away the fear and doubt. As soon as I caught my breath and my thoughts, I swiftly carried myself to the main doors of the ballroom. All eyes locked on me as I entered the large room.
The gathering of guests broke apart, allowing an oval to take shape around me. From the gathering of courtiers, I saw a group of a few ladies who whispered behind their fans as they judged my attire from the hem to the neckline. I wondered what sorts of things they were saying. Fear captured me, twisting my stomach. What did they think of me?
I searched around the room, looking for any familiar faces. As my gaze continued, I caught sight of my father. He began towards me. He extended his hand out, a silent greeting. I suddenly felt more conscious of all the whispering and the stares fixed on the two of us.
“You look . . .alluring,” he purred as he came to stand in front of me. He slid a thumb over the top of my hand. I resisted the urge to turn away as my cheeks began to warm. I watched as his stare traveled from my eyes to my lips and then lower…
He let out a breath and then carefully lifted my hand, where he pressed a chaste kiss against my knuckles.
“Please give me the pleasure of dancing with you this evening, Liebste.”
“I would be honored,” I replied instinctively. I knew I would be a fool to deny the König. His lips curled into a smirk and he nodded, satisfied. With the snap of his fingers, the musicians nearby picked up their instruments and looked to him for direction.
“La Volta,” he commanded and turned to me with a raised brow. The music swelled up again in a lively melody, while many of the onlookers gathered for the dance. My father pulled me towards the middle of the room where other guests congregated.
“Are you pleased?” he asked as we took our place on the dance floor.
We went through the intricate steps, all which I had learned during many etiquette lessons in my younger years. I was taught many dances for formal occasions.
“Pleased?” I asked curiously. “With the ball?”
“Of course. With your gift as well,” he lifted his hand towards the dress. “You are, after all, the most beautiful woman in the room.”
“I’m flattered,” I responded breathlessly. My father gathered me into his arms, as he lifted me up and circled and then carefully, lowered me back down onto the floor.
“I’m pleased you came,” he admitted softly. His breath was warm against my cheek as he held me against him. I could feel the stares of others all around us. “I’m pleased with how beautiful you are, how forgiving you are.” His fingers curled around a strand of my hair. “It takes a great amount of forgiveness to love a man like me.”
I was grateful to hear the song end so quickly. I knew not how to respond, so I chose to remain silent instead. But my silence seemed to displease him. He released me as frustration flashed in his eyes. He glanced around the room.
“I’ll get you a cup of wine, meine Liebste,” he said as he boldly pressed a kiss to my forehead and slipped away into the crowd. I could hear him greeting guests as they allowed him to go by.
The hair on my arms stood upright as I turned away. Distracted by my thoughts and the dance, I collided with someone. Strong hands held me in place as I tilted my head up to see a young, handsome man watching me with great concern. His eyes were a pale green; almost like the green leaves on a new rose.
“Forgive me! I didn’t see you there, milady,” the man said with a polite nod of his head.
“No, no . . .” I answered breathlessly and shook my head. “Please, forgive me. I wasn’t paying attention.”
The young man let out a small chuckle as he released my shoulders.
“Then we agree to forgive each other?”
“Yes, of course,” I added with a smile. The man placed a hand on his chest and gave a curt bow.
“I am Crestwood. I’ve traveled from the Königreich of Saarland der Licht.”
I recognized the name of the place. My father had been in the middle of many trading negotiations with councilmen from Saarland der Licht throughout the years. The adjacent kingdom had many riches and many supplies that Tränen severely lacked.
“Do you know of it?” He asked, raising his brow with curiosity.
“Yes,” I replied. “I have heard of your prosperous Königreich.”
“I hope with good news, rather than bad,” he said with another small chuckle.
“I assure you, I have never heard anything other than good. From what I understand your prince is noble and kind, and the kingdom is a jovial place.”
“Indeed,” he said with an agreeing nod.
Saarland der Licht had always been an unspoken ally to my father and our kingdom. There were existed stories of the good and generous prince—nothing more than his good deeds. Often, I wondered if such a man could truly exist, for I had never known anything other than my father and mother’s cold strength. Anything contradictory to what I knew felt outrageous and strange. Upon my recognition, the man known as Crestwood smiled and extended his hand to me.
“Would you do me the honor of the next dance, milady?”
I couldn’t stop the smile growing large across my face. I had never been asked to dance by a man before—a man who hadn’t been my father. In the past, all the royal balls my father and mother hosted, I was deemed too young, or was not permitted the permission to participate as a dancing partner with other young men. My mother wanted to keep me from the dancing floor; my father had never taken any interest in me to say otherwise.
A thrill skittered up my spine as I took his hand and followed him out onto the shimmering ballroom floor. All thoughts of my father were quickly forgotten. Crestwood pressed his hand against my back formally, keeping a careful distance between the two of us. This was very different from dancing with my father. Despite being unfamiliar with the steps, Crestwood was swift in keeping in time with the others around us. I caught myself giggling when I stumbled, and Crestwood smirked.
“You’re quite graceful,” Crestwood teased and I felt my cheeks heat as we met eyes again. His warmth encouraged me to continue to dance with him. I noticed how strikingly handsome he was, his hair combed over and parted at the side. He could easily have been mistaken for a prince.
“Is this your first time here in Tränen?” I asked curiously as he smiled.
“It is. The faces are quite unfamiliar to me,” he replied. After a moment, he tilted his chin curiously. “Do you come to these events often?”
I could feel a small smile grow on my lips. His explanation would exp
lain why he hadn’t yet recognized me.
“No, I can’t say I have,” I replied honestly. “I was not permitted to attend for quite a few years. Do you?”
Crestwood smiled and shook his head as he followed along with the other dancers.
“Honestly, no. I’m not normally required to. Tonight is an exception.”
“And why is that?” I inquired, amused. I wondered if he was pleased as I was that the evening had taken such an unexpected turn.
“I am here to deliver the documents concerning a possible alliance between Tränen and Saarland der Licht.”
“An alliance?” I pressed, hoping Crestwood would continue. He smirked and politely nodded as we rounded the room again.
“Yes. An alliance. The prince thought it wise to arrange a treaty between the kingdoms because of the many disputes that have arisen over the years in neighboring lands. He values loyalty and trust, and wishes to share this view with others.”
“That’s very noble,” I responded as the song came to an end.
Crestwood bowed and offered his hand to me. I scanned the room, landing on the angry gaze of my father. His sharp, icy eyes held mine as Crestwood led me to the refreshment table.
What was he thinking? Was he truly angry with me for dancing with another? Would he not wish for me to finally intermingle with the courtiers? Was it not yet time for me to interact with members of the opposite sex?
“. . . and your family? What do they do?” Crestwood asked, bringing me back from my thoughts.
I tried to ignore the hard stare; the coldness I felt on the back of my neck. A shudder ran down my spine as I turned back to gaze at Crestwood. His grin was warm and infectious, despite the twist in my stomach.
“Are you feeling well?” Crestwood’s eyes were full of concern then, and I resisted to answer. Perhaps it would be better to dismiss myself from him and return to my father.
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