Allerleirauh

Chapter 8

8

My father’s arrival was greeted warmly by the court only a few days later. He was to be away for a fortnight, but to much of his traveling party’s surprise, decided to return to the castle far earlier. The servants and staff all lined up on the main steps of the entrance, while the rest of the court, including myself and Myriah, waited by the doors for his approaching caravan.

His eyes locked with mine as he slowed his horse to a stop. His lips curled into a smirk, pleased with the sight of me. His pleasure was felt in folds of the striking red gown, which was sent ahead of his arrival and gifted to me earlier that morning.

“A gift from the König,” the servant murmured to Myriah as they lifted the large, wrapped gift into her arms. And as Myriah peeled away the delicate cloth to reveal the red silk, my stomach twisted into tight knots; so tight I lost my breath.

I gazed at myself in the floor-length mirror as Myriah placed the golden diadem on my head, taking in the unfamiliar sight. I looked like a queen. The sleeves of the dress were long, but tight around my wrists. The bodice hugged my ribs and left teasing hints of the tops of my breasts while the skirt was long and flowing.

I slid my fingers over the silken gown as I gazed at Myriah in the reflection. The words hung in the air between us: You look like the Königin. You look like your mother...

“I find myself glad to see such smiling faces greeting me,” my father announced as his blue gaze darted from subject to subject.

When his eyes landed on mine, my cheeks warmed and I suddenly felt more exposed to him. As though he could see through every scrap of the red silk dress, and there I saw his approval. My father pushed himself from the horse, and came to stand in front of me.

“Aurelia,” he nodded to me as I returned his greeting with a low bow. I stayed there until I felt his fingertip touch my chin and gently tilt my head up to look at him.

I had never seen such emotion in his eyes before. There was a spark of love and affection; of care and compassion. All my worries of rumors and gossip began to slowly seep away. My breath caught as I slowly rose from my bow. He extended his arm out to me as an invitation to follow him. I slid my arm around his and walked beside him, moving past the many watchful eyes of the court.

My father led me through the main rooms, which were gilded with the evidence of the wild hunts my father participated in. Large antlers littered the walls, along with skins of forest animals and wild game. As we entered the dining room, several servants scurried ahead to begin to bring the prepared food to the tables. The tables and chairs were rearranged for a grand feast. Several tables lined the walls, while others were spaced about the room. My father led me to his table, which overlooked the entire room by a platform. As he pulled my chair out and offered me to take a seat, I felt his warm breath against my ear.

“Do you approve of the gifts I’ve sent to you?” My father asked softly as he brushed my curls away from my neck. “The crown suits you.”

He moved quickly, taking his seat beside me before I could respond. Servants leaned over us and began to fill my goblet with red wine. My father nodded to another bottle and grinned as they poured it out for him. He waited until the rest of the courtiers filed into the room and took their seats before he began…

“My friends,” he said, standing with his goblet in hand. “I am so grateful for your enthusiasm upon my arrival. It warms my heart,” I knew his gaze descended upon my silent, still form by the way his hand came to rest on the back of my chair. “I invite you all to a grand celebration I shall host in five days’ time. This ball will be to honor a woman who has not only bewitched and entranced me, but whom I have come to love even more than before.”

My heart raced as my palms grew clammy in my lap. All the courtier’s eyes turned to me. The room felt warmer than it did mere moments ago. The red dress screamed for their attention, while I so desperately wished I could hide.

“To Princess Aurelia,” My father announced, lifting his goblet high into the air.

He waited and watched, his eyes steady as the hands of the court slowly lifted their own goblets. He motioned for me to stand with the touch of his fingertips against my back. I searched the room with my eyes for Myriah desperately. My legs moved on their own accord as I stood and watched as the courtiers all toasted to my name.

My father took a large swig of the liquid in his goblet, before slamming it down with a hiss. He watched as I lifted my own goblet to my lips and took a sip of the tangy, strong liquid. He appeared pleased by my actions as he took a seat and motioned for me to do the same. The rest of the court followed suit and began to eat the food at their tables.

“So,” he began more intimately, leaning in. “What did you do to preoccupy yourself while I was away?” My father began to dig into a plateful of pheasant and cooked potatoes.

“I-I spent much of my time focused on my studies,” I replied, keeping my gaze to my own plate.

“How did you like your surprise?” he asked as he touched the golden diadem on my head. “I had it made especially for you.”

“It’s far too much, Your Majesty,” I said and lowered my fork to the table. “It’s very beautiful, but I’m not quite sure I’m deserving of such a gift.”

“You are a princess,” he reasoned, crinkles forming around his eyes as he grinned. “You should appear as such for the rest of the court.”

“But mother never liked—”

“I think it suits you,” he interjected with a warning tone. “It pleases me to see you this way.”

My father pushed a bite of potato into his mouth and looked away. Had I angered him? A twinge of guilt filled me as I lifted a hand to his arm.

“Forgive me,” I offered gently. “I do so wish to please you, father.”

I watched as he paused his chewing and looked to my hand keenly.

“You do please me,” he replied curtly. “I wish…” But he stopped speaking. He tightened his jaw as he stared ahead. It took him a moment more until his eyes finally met mine again.

“What do you wish, Your Majesty?” I asked softly as my fingers unknowingly began to dig into his arm. His blue eyes were icy-cold.

“In time, you will see,” he responded and forced himself up from his seat. The entire room quieted as he pushed the nearby chair out of his way and stormed off.

All their eyes were on me. All their eyes were questioning what I might have done. I bit the inside of my cheek, doing what I could to prevent myself from crying. I would not do so there, in front of everyone. I would not give them such satisfaction.

I felt Myriah’s hands on my arms suddenly, and her gentle voice beckoning, “Come, princess. Let’s away to your chambers.”