Instrumental Crisis

Despite herself, Katie stayed calm. She paced back and forth as she thought of a way to give the band time to fix their instruments.

“How long to they need?” Katie asked.

“Ten minutes would suffice. They’re fixing it right now but the guests want music to dance to,” Arden spoke rapidly.

Katie groaned, her shoulders slumping. “Okay, I have an idea but can you play the guitar?”

Arden eyes widened… then a playful and teasing smile tugged at his lips. “I’ll grab one quickly. I’ll see you inside.”

“What are you planning?” Alexander muttered, following Katie as she darted back into the ballroom, where the restless guests were starting to complain.

“Something I never thought I'd do in this setting,” Katie replied.

“You? Wha-”

Alexander watched as the princess ran to the platform where the band was staying and muttered: “The music getting interrupted may have been a little unexpected, I know,” Katie smiled. “But I actually have a little surprise for my fiancée.”

Katie gestured at him, drawing every single pair of eyes on him. He simply stared at her, puzzled. Katie’s eyes were pleading for help so he went along with it and stood close to the elevated platform where the monarchs also stood. Katie smiled gratefully and took a few deep breaths as Arden set up the guitar. The sight of Arden onstage made every woman move closer to the platform, leaving half of the court at the back. Alexander looked up at Katie and, seeing her nervousness, flashed her an “OK” sign.

Katie couldn’t fight back a grin as she lifted the microphone to her lips, gently swaying side to side as she along with the tune Arden played with the guitar. For next few minutes, everyone was silent, in awe of her voice. As expected, it was soft but at the same time, Alexander could feel assertiveness in it as well. Finally, as the impromptu performance ended, the room erupted with eager applause. Katie and Arden bowed to the crowd before leaving the stage, allowing the band to make their entrance again.

The princess ran to Alexander, giggling and strangely energetic. “That was the craziest thing I’ve ever done!” she whispered loudly.

“Katie, compose yourself!” the Queen reminded her.

Katie’s smile faded but she nodded and straightened her posture, flashing a sheepish smile. “I apologize, Your Majesty.”

She noticed King Alaster staring at her intently from the corner of her eye before looking away when the Queen led him away from them. Alexander reached out for Katie’s shoulder and squeezed it reassuringly. “For all it is worth, I think your performance was great. Cheer up.”

“I shouldn’t have let the adrenaline get the better of me,” Katie sighed, correcting her posture when she felt it slump.

Seeing the princess sad gave Alexander the need to cheer her up. As if on cue, the music shifted to a waltz. Immediately, Alexander held out his hand. “I believe we haven’t danced yet. May I have this dance?”

Katie nodded and grasped Alexander’s hand, her cheeks taking on a faint pink color. Alexander led her to the dance floor and they danced, letting themselves get carried away with the music. Soon, more and more pairs started dancing with them, forming a loose circle on the dance floor. Alexander could feel how Katie’s hand trembled in his grasp.

“Are you nervous?” Alexander asked, tightening his grasp to stabilize the princess’ trembling hand.

Katie nodded, shyly glancing up to meet his eyes. “This is the first time anyone danced with me in a ball. Am I doing alright?”

“Relax, you’re fine.”

Katie chuckled, slightly shaking her head. “I’m sorry, you just seem so nice to me… I feel like I’m still dreaming.”

Alexander stared at her, stoic. “You dream-”

“Ahem… I believe it’s time to trade partners,” Arden smiled politely at Alexander.

Alexander smiled at Katie before moving to his new partners. Arden sidled to her side, slipping his hand around her waist like it was the most natural thing for him.

“You guys seem to be getting close,” he muttered. “I assume congratulations are in order?”

Katie chuckled and shook her head no. “I just can’t help but think that the circumstances make him less tough on me.”

“You made these so called ‘circumstances’,” Arden lifted Katie’s chin with his finger, flashing an encouraging smile. “The ball, your amazing performance… it’s you who made them possible. Be more proud of yourself!”

Silence. Slowly, a look of resolve appeared on the princess’ face. “You’re right, I made this happen, with the help of the staff of course,” she started dancing with more spring in her steps. “I managed to help the band, too!”

“You did,” Arden replied.

Looking over Katie’s shoulder, he saw a familiar figure standing beside one of the columns across the room, staring at him intently. Arden wrapped his arm tighter around Katie’s waist and led her to the center of the circle, away from the figure’s sight.

“What is-” Katie barely had time to ask him her question when Alexander arrived at their spot with his partner, an older noble lady who was dying to have Arden as partner.

Arden instantly let go of Katie and whisked Alexander’s partner away, back into the circle of dancers.

“What was that about?” Katie muttered.

“I’m not sure,” Alexander replied, taking a casual glance at the young doctor. “But I thought he needed a switch in partners.”

The waltz ended. Partners stepped back from each other and bowed. As Katie curtsied to Alexander, he noticed a slight look of worry on her face. Arden leaving must have made her feel that way.

For the rest of the party, the princess remained silent, constantly scanning the room. When the party ended, Alexander sidled next to her as they exited the ballroom.

“Something on your mind? You’ve been preoccupied since the dance,” Alexander muttered, keeping his voice down.

“I’ve just never seen Arden so worried,” Katie replied, smiling sheepishly.

So her worry lies with Arden… Alexander thought, an inexplicable tightening in his chest getting stronger.

“But I thought the dance was a little short,” she muttered, chuckling. “I thought it would at least allow us to know about each other more.”

Wait… Does that mean she wanted to dance with me more? Alexander thought, his heartbeat now racing, the tightening now forgotten.

“I imagine there will be more balls,” Alexander rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m sure we will have more opportunities to get to know each other.”

Katie pouted and nodded. “You’re right,” she turned to him, stretching out her hand for a handshake. “Prince Alexander, I believe I failed to thank you for giving our circumstances a chance, no matter how unusual it may be.”

Alexander shook her hand with a crooked smile. “But I have to disagree; I believe it’s quite normal in our case.”

“May I interrupt?” the Queen spoke, forcing the pair to stop.

“Aunt!” Katie exclaimed, surprised. “I’m sorry, I didn’t notice you approach.”

“It’s a good sign that both of you did not notice,” the Queen remarked with a wink. The pair exchanged glances but remained silent. “Anyway, I failed to inform you. Your practice starts tomorrow afternoon after your lectures.”

“For what, Your Majesty?” Alexander inquired.

“For your performance, of course!” the Queen exclaimed, giddy.

The pair shared uneasy expressions. Katie mumbled under her breath before asking: “Our?”