The Blue Bird

Chapter Two

My spirits rose as the sounds of merriment dimmed.

I held my harp close to my chest with one hand and a candle in the other as I ascended the stairs to my tower.

The tower was cold and dark, it was supposed to be used for political prisoners, but it hadn't been used for that purpose for as long as I could remember. I loved the tower for its acoustics.

I sat on the stool in the middle of the room, placed my harp on my knees and closed my eyes. My fingers ran along the strings. The sound danced around the walls and returned to me, it rose and fell in waves that sent thrills down my spine.

I spent as long as my conscience would allow, revelling in the sound. When I was satisfied, I started collecting my things and getting ready to head back towards the ballroom.

A shuffling shadow caught my attention. I stopped short.

"Who's there?" I asked, raising my harp. "I have a harp and I'm not afraid to use it."

"That won't be necessary." A young man chuckled as he stepped out of the shadows. "I mean you no harm."

"Who are you?" I asked, keeping my harp raised.

"My name is William." He said. "I'm one of Prince Hector's guards. Please forgive my intrusion. I was just taking a break from the party when I heard the most beautiful sound, which led me to you."

I didn't know what to say. The blood rose to my cheeks.

He smiled, cleared his throat, and offered me his hand. "May I escort you back to the dance?"

"You may." I smiled back and took his hand.

The band started playing my favourite waltz. I couldn't help but walk a little faster in anticipation.

William raised his eyebrows, a smile played on his lips. "May I have this dance?"

"You may." I felt myself blush again.

He took my hand and led me to the dance floor.

"So." He said, putting a firm hand on my waist. "You know my name, may I ask yours?"

I felt surprisingly comforted by the closeness of him, and with how confidently he led the dance.

"Of course!" I was so flustered, I had forgotten my manners. "Sorry - I'm Hana."

He jerked to a halt for a moment and looked me straight in the eyes. "Not the Hana? I mean, Princess Hana?"

"Yes. That's me." I replied, starting to feel a little self-conscious.

"Why on earth did you agree to dance with a lowly body guard like me?" He asked, a slight crease forming between his eyebrows.

"I don't believe there's such a thing as a 'lowly' anyone." I answered in surprise. "And I appreciate the opportunity to dance with just about anyone."

"Wouldn't you rather dance with the prince?" He looked me up and down with serious eyes.

I bit my lip. I had forgotten about that. I did a quick scan of the room. The prince appeared to be thoroughly entertained by whatever Sibeta was talking about. Her eyelashes were fluttering at twice their usual speed.

"I would only want to dance with him if it would make this ridiculous night end sooner." I said.

"Not fond of these kind of gatherings, I take it?" He grinned.

"No, indeed." I grinned back. "There are too many expectations. I have no interest in selecting a husband based on the traits these balls emphasise; what he wears and how well he dances."

"I know of men who would agree with the inverse." He said.

I frowned. "What you wear and how well you dance is important?"

He laughed. "No. I mean, these balls don't seem to be the best way to find a wife either."

I looked over at the prince, he seemed delighted by Sibeta's every movement.

"Poor boy." I whispered under my breath.

"What was that?" William asked, a mischievous gleam in his eyes.

"Nothing...I mean...well...I try to hold my sister in the highest possible positive regard but...well...she's not very good at... being kind...at the moment..." I felt uncomfortable saying such a negative thing about Sibeta. "Have you met her yet?"

"Who, Sibeta?" He followed my gaze. "She bumped into me then threatened to have my head for being in her way. Lovely lass."

"Sarcasm noted." I said, feeling my eyebrows tug together. "I like to think that one day she'll open her eyes and see that other people are just as important as she is."

He stopped dancing and looked at me like I was some sort of rare bird.

"There are not enough people in the world quite like you." He said quietly.

"I'm not so sure that's true." I said, biting my lip and starting back up with the dance.

"Why do you say that?" He asked.

"I don't think I want to be queen." Even as I said the words, I wished I could eat them back up. "I'm not good at politics. I get overwhelmed in a crowd. I'd rather be in the band than anywhere else."

William tilted his head to the side and studied my face.

"What is it?" I asked, embarassed. "Do I have something on my face?"

"No." He answered. "I just think you and I could be very good friends, given half the chance."

***********

I woke in the best mood the next morning, despite the scant amount of sleep.

William and I had danced until the music had stopped, then found a quiet corner and talked until we were the only people left in the room.

Ordinarily I would do some music practice before I left my room, but today I was eager to see my new friend.

I threw on the first dress I saw that wasn't made by me, pulled my hair back, and headed to the scullery.

I used to be brought my meals, before my mother died. When Dina came into my life, she had insisted I give Sibeta my room and waiting maids and eat with the servants. I really enjoyed sharing food with the servants, it gave me an opportunity to get to know them, and I got along with them far better than I did with most of the nobility.

"Did you have a good time last night?" Geoffrey asked with a knowing look on his face.

"Yes, she did." Gertrude, the head cook, piped up. "She particularly enjoyed dancing with one of Prince Hector's guards into the early hours."

"Yes, it's true." I nodded. "And now we are in love and shall be married within the month."

"Your father will never let you marry a guard, especially a foreign one." Harry, one of the kitchen hands, said sceptically.

Geoffrey clipped him over the head playfully. "She's joking, silly."

"I'm only half joking actually. He's the most interesting boy I've ever met." I teased.

"Ouch!" Geoffrey feigned offence. "No need to be so mean about it."

"Sibeta told me you'd be in here, flirting with the servants." A voice cut in.

I spun around to see one of Sibeta's waiting maids. Brianne had been kind enough when she had waited on me, but she seemed to enjoy the more antagonistic role Sibeta cast her in.

"You have an interesting definition of 'flirting' if you think that's what I was doing." I frowned. "Is there a reason you're here?"

Brianne tossed her head and lifted her chin. "Your presence is required in the throne room."

I turned back to my friends. "Apparently I've been summoned. I'll see you guys later."

I bowed my head to them slightly and followed Brianne out of the room.

"You made quite an impression on the prince last night, my dear." My father approached me with open arms as I approached the throne.

"You are mistaken, father, I didn't even speak to him." I replied.

"Really? Because he expressly asked for an audience with you." He frowned, nestling back into his throne.

I returned his frown. "I don't know why he would want that. He spent the night talking with Sibeta."

Dina was watching this exchange with a scowl firmly plastered on her face, Sibeta was sulking nearby. I grimaced. This was not good news.

"Announcing his royal highness, Prince Hector." The doorman boomed.

The double doors were pulled open and the prince walked in, flanked by his guards.

A collective gasp broke out among those present. The man adorned in Prince Hector's finery today was the man who had introduced himself as William last night.

Oh dear. This was definitely not good news.