A Princess Named Harry

Chapter 5

Even though she felt comfortable with her mother by her side, she was still feeling unsure about going in and seeing all of the nobles.

"Harry," called her mother softly. "His Majesty wants to do this for us."

"I know," she answered quietly. "But it's still all too sudden."

Caroline stroked Harry's head as she spoke to her, "His Majesty wouldn't force you to do something you don't want to do. He wants the both of us to be happy here."

Harry knew the answer her mother wanted to hear, so she smiled and replied, "I understand."

Caroline smiled back at her. "I'm sure we'll both be happy here."

"Yes."

Occasionally, Caroline worried about her daughter, who always did as she was told. Truthfully, she wouldn't mind it if Harry started to rebel. In fact, she wished for it. Harry had always been mature and took on work made for the adults. She hoped this new change would allow her daughter to loosen up a bit.

"Let's go," Caroline said, taking Harry's hand. The two walked through the doors to reveal loud noises and bright lights. It was so bright that Harry had to squint a little when they first entered.

Among all the people and noise sat the bored king. He had been forced to listen to all of the gossip accumulating from the attending nobles. It was only when his new wife and daughter stepped in that all of his boredom was lifted.

"Finally," he said, sighing with relief. He stood up, and with a wave of his hand, the noise all stopped. "As you are all aware, I have invited you here for one reason, and that is to introduce the two newest additions to the royal family."

He walked up the stairs and took ahold of Caroline's hand. This caused Harry to immediately let go of her mother's other hand.

"This is your new queen, Queen Caroline Cardiaire, and your new princess, Princess Harry Cardiaire."

He looked over at Harry and whispered for her to stay put while he escorted Caroline down the stairs first.

The couple lovingly descended down the staircase. "It seems like it all went well," he whispered. "Now, we just have to get through this with no incidents."

Caroline smiled at all the nobles and replied, "Easier said than done; if the nobles decide against us, it will break that child. I don't know how much more heartbreak she can handle."

The king sighed, "Yes, we'll just have to hope for the best."

After escorting Caroline to her seat, he hurried back up for Harry. She could hear a few of the nobles commenting about her appearance, which made her feel tense. She was well aware that she stood out like a sore thumb compared to the others in the royal family. Harry did not smile, nor did she make a sound, as she thought about never being able to return to her small cozy home ever again.

When the king finally made it to her, he extended his hand. "Ready?"

Harry found it hard to smile at him as she took his hand and extended her greeting with some awkwardness.

As they walked down the stairs, Harry could hear the disgust in the nobles' voices as she, a commoner, dared to hold the hand of a king. "Your Majesty," Harry started. "Isn't this too much? Holding hands with me, I mean?"

The king thought for a moment before answering her. "Hm, how so? This is how everyone is escorted, father and daughters included."

Harry didn't say anything else after that. When they made it to the last step, she had expected him to let go of her hand, but he didn't. She tried to pull her hand away, but he tightened his grip. He then made an announcement that shook her greatly.

"Now, ladies and gentlemen, please watch as I have the first dance with my new daughter."