Trials of a Princess

On the way to the ballroom, King Alaster stopped Alexander in the foyer. The prince tilted his head quizzically. Knowing his father was never a fan of being late at a social event and that they were already running late, Alexander found his father’s behavior highly unusual.

“We never had a chance to talk ever since we got here,” his father said, his tender voice always taking over when he talked to Alexander. “I’m sorry if I can’t always give you what you want.”

Alexander’s jaw clenched. “I gave up a real connection ever since I realized my responsibilities. You know where my priorities lie now.”

“That’s what I’m worried about,” Alaster sighed. “I was hoping you would retaliate a bit, but I guess I’m thankful that you’re doing what’s best for the kingdom. Aelysia is a large, wealthy kingdom with a strong influence over other countries. Being associated with them is-”

“I know,” Alexander’s lips stretched to a thin line. “But Anatolia also has knowledge on its side.”

“We do,” the king beamed at his son, pride building up in his chest.

They resumed walking until they turned the corner to the ballroom area. There, they saw the Queen, in the middle of a conversation with an elegantly dressed woman. Alexander couldn’t tear his eyes away from her and for a moment, he felt guilty for staring, knowing that he must at least stay faithful to his fiancée even if it were a political agreement rather than of love.

The Queen noticed them and she waved energetically. She muttered something to the lady with her. Slowly, the lady elegantly spun in place, revealing the face of the Crown Princess. From the corner of his eye, King Alaster saw his son’s reaction and he felt a sense of genuine shock. Did he ever react like a regular lad at the sight of a lady before?

Katie smiled shyly and managed a graceful curtsy. The Queen pulled King Alaster away and entered the ballroom together, telling Katie to prepare for their entrance. Katie nodded and walked to Alexander, making sure to keep a considerable distance between them.

As the princess approached, Alexander could feel his nervousness start to grow. He forced himself to look away but he found himself staring at her anyway. The way the soft curls of her hair cascaded down her shoulders were… enchanting. The way her brown eyes glimmered in the dim lighting made Alexander feel uncomfortable. It wasn’t fear this time… He was sure it wasn’t. So what is it? He cussed loudly in his mind, yelling at his body to say something. Thankfully, his body followed.

“I think they’re telling us to go inside now. Let’s go!”

He absent-mindedly grabbed the princess’ hand and dragged her inside the ballroom, practically throwing the doors open. Their sudden entrance abruptly stopped the revelry and all eyes turned to them. Alexander finally realized what he had done and, for the first time, was unsure what to do. Katie chuckled behind him and the next moment, he felt her other hand gently wrap around his arm.

“Just smile and nod at the guests,” Katie spoke through a forced smile before raising the volume of her voice. “I’m sorry I thought I heard our names being called. We just got excited.”

What kind of lame excuse was that?! Alexander thought to himself, fighting to keep his smile on. To his surprise, the guests simply chuckled and resumed with their conversations. The music played once more and the room was back to its old energy.

Relief washed over Alexander and he felt his hand squeeze the princess’ hand. Katie smiled reassuringly and they continued to walk to their guardians at the center of the room, nodding and greeting guests on the way.

“I can’t believe your excuse worked,” Alexander whispered.

The princess shrugged. “I’ve learned a thing or two about Aelysian nobility in my time here. Most of them only care about the party anyway. Although earlier was a bit of a new incident.”

“Yeah, I noticed.”

“There doesn’t seem to be any guests from Anatolia,” Katie remarked after taking a quick, casual glance of the room.

“A hurricane struck the country a few weeks back so it’s all hands on deck,” Alexander replied. “My father and I only left when the damages were manageable. Still, we need-” he went silent.

“I see,” Katie muttered. “Still, it must have been hard to leave.”

Alexander simply nodded. Once they reached their guardians, their almost disappointed glances pierced through their hearts.

“What was that about?” Alaster asked his son.

Alexander rubbed the back of his neck, embarrassed. “I… kind of freaked out, okay?”

The King stifled a laugh, the disappointed look gone. “I don’t know if I should be happy or stay disappointed,” the King squeezed his son’s shoulder. “Go mingle. The nobles are expecting you.”

Alexander took a deep breath and approached guests. Whenever he had a clear view of the princess, she would glance at him and smile reassuringly, giving him a covert thumbs-up. However, as soon as she turns back to the nobles she was speaking with, the light in her eyes would dim and her smile didn’t look as cheerful anymore. The guests do not notice this yet they seem to feel more cheerful as the leave. After Katie had spoken with a number of people, she scanned the room to check if there were others who wanted to speak with her. When she made sure no one felt obligated to speak with her, she fast-walked around the room and out of the ballroom doors.

Alexander saw how fast Katie got out of the party after only a few minutes in it. Was she that opposed to staying? The moment his conversation with the nobles ended, Alexander rushed out of the ballroom as well, intent on following Katie. What was she up to?

The princess was not outside the ballroom, leaving Alexander to wonder about where she could be. “She’s someone who doesn’t like to let people down,” he thought to himself. “Somewhere private but close enough to run to the party at a moment’s notice,” he glanced at the hallways stretching in opposite directions on both sides. “The greenhouse is too far.”

For a second, he was deep in thought… then he looked up. “Wait a second, why am I even so determined to find her?” irritation grew in his chest. “Agh! I’m supposed to not care at all!”

He spun on his heel and was about to enter the ballroom when he heard a soft hum from his right. Thinking about it now, he cussed. “Of course! This part of the hallway is as good as abandoned tonight!”

He walked down the hallway and eventually saw Katie sitting on the floor opposite one of the large windows, bathed in the faint, ghostly glow of the moon. She hugged her knee close to her chest, her head resting on her knees. She pouted as she continued to hum a melancholic tune. After a few more moments, she finally noticed him. She stared at him for a second but when she spoke, her words were more amiable than reserved.

“Here to recharge too?” she muttered, patting the spot beside her. “You didn’t look like you were having fun.”

Alexander sat beside Katie. From his spot, everything looked bigger… but the emptiness made him relax. “Do you do this every party?”

Katie nodded. “It’s exhausting having to talk to everyone. Aunt understands,” she took a deep breath. “It’s nice to get away when I have the chance.”

“But you’re the one who is responsible for this party. Shouldn’t you be there in case something goes wrong?”

Katie sighed and buried her face between her knees. “Just please allow me this time,” she inhaled sharply. “I don’t want to think about anything going wrong right now.”

“Oh… I’m sorry,” Alexander looked out the window, staring at the foliage of the trees visible outside. “For the record, you’ve done well. You were very composed yesterday.”

Katie looked up and met his eyes, squinting suspiciously at his compliments. Her eyes widened and shock flitted across her features. “Wow… you’re…” she giggled. “You’re actually not… mean.”

“I’m not a bad person!” Alexander threw his hands up, “What the hell?”

Katie burst out laughing, her laughter echoing in the halls. “I’m sorry! You were just so condescending when we first talked.”

“Oh…” Alexander paused. “Fair enough. I apologize.”

Katie smiled. “I accept your apology.”

Their conversation was cut short when they heard Arden shouting for Katie in the hallway. Katie rose to her feet quickly and rushed in the direction to the ballroom, Alexander hot in her heels.

“Katie-” Arden started but he paused when he saw Alexander trailing behind her. Knowing the crisis was more important, he brushed it off. “The staff said some of the instruments broke their strings and they need time to fix it. Tell me what to do.”