Allerleirauh

Chapter 12

12

As Myriah combed through the last of my golden curls, she looked at me with a small, assuring smile. The ball was underway. Visitors were arriving from different parts of the land. Myriah dressed me carefully in the exotic garment my father sent.

“I still feel so exposed,” I said softly, touching the dark blue branch detailing on the bodice. Myriah flitted my hands away and shook her head.

“You look beautiful.”

“I look like the Königin,” I murmured as I lifted a hand to my hair.

It startled me how much I truly did resemble my mother. I realized that she and I shared much more than our golden hair. We possessed the same smile, and the slight tilt to our chin as we curiously gazed ahead. She had even gifted me with her tempting smile. The only resemblance I shared with my father was the color of my eyes.

Myriah appeared again with the golden diadem in her hands. I turned around to glance at it.

“It would please the König,” Myriah added and extended the crown to me. With a heavy sigh, I took it and carefully positioned the diadem on my head.

“Remember,” she said as I began to walk toward my door, my hands shaking. “You are the Princess of Tränen, and this ball is being held in your honor. For you.”

I gave her a nod and bit my bottom lip.

“Yes, I’ll remember.”

“Good.” She smiled softly. “Now, chin up. Strand straight, child. And enjoy yourself.” She patted my back as she guided me out into the darkened corridor.

I had a strange feeling in my stomach as I took my first step forward; the night was truly not for me. This night was indeed for my father.

The hallway was illuminated by the bright torches. As I drew closer to the main ballroom, I could hear the gasps from onlookers; the passing of servants and a guard standing at his post. I raised my chin higher as I walked with purpose. I felt noticeable, beautiful even. Myriah’s voice echoed in my ears: “You look like a forest nymph.”

I paused at a set of side doors, hesitating only when I knew I was alone. I pressed my hands on my torso, doing what I could to drive away the fear and doubt. As soon as I caught my breath and my thoughts, I swiftly carried myself to the main doors of the ballroom. All eyes locked on me as I entered the large room.

The gathering of guests broke apart, allowing an oval to take shape around me. From the gathering of courtiers, I saw a group of a few ladies who whispered behind their fans as they judged my attire from the hem to the neckline. I wondered what sorts of things they were saying. Fear captured me, twisting my stomach. What did they think of me?

I searched around the room, looking for any familiar faces. As my gaze continued, I caught sight of my father. He began towards me. He extended his hand out, a silent greeting. I suddenly felt more conscious of all the whispering and the stares fixed on the two of us.

“You look . . .alluring,” he purred as he came to stand in front of me. He slid a thumb over the top of my hand. I resisted the urge to turn away as my cheeks began to warm. I watched as his stare traveled from my eyes to my lips and then lower…

He let out a breath and then carefully lifted my hand, where he pressed a chaste kiss against my knuckles.

“Please give me the pleasure of dancing with you this evening, Liebste.”

“I would be honored,” I replied instinctively. I knew I would be a fool to deny the König. His lips curled into a smirk and he nodded, satisfied. With the snap of his fingers, the musicians nearby picked up their instruments and looked to him for direction.

“La Volta,” he commanded and turned to me with a raised brow. The music swelled up again in a lively melody, while many of the onlookers gathered for the dance. My father pulled me towards the middle of the room where other guests congregated.

“Are you pleased?” he asked as we took our place on the dance floor.

We went through the intricate steps, all which I had learned during many etiquette lessons in my younger years. I was taught many dances for formal occasions.

“Pleased?” I asked curiously. “With the ball?”

“Of course. With your gift as well,” he lifted his hand towards the dress. “You are, after all, the most beautiful woman in the room.”

“I’m flattered,” I responded breathlessly. My father gathered me into his arms, as he lifted me up and circled and then carefully, lowered me back down onto the floor.

“I’m pleased you came,” he admitted softly. His breath was warm against my cheek as he held me against him. I could feel the stares of others all around us. “I’m pleased with how beautiful you are, how forgiving you are.” His fingers curled around a strand of my hair. “It takes a great amount of forgiveness to love a man like me.”

I was grateful to hear the song end so quickly. I knew not how to respond, so I chose to remain silent instead. But my silence seemed to displease him. He released me as frustration flashed in his eyes. He glanced around the room.

“I’ll get you a cup of wine, meine Liebste,” he said as he boldly pressed a kiss to my forehead and slipped away into the crowd. I could hear him greeting guests as they allowed him to go by.

The hair on my arms stood upright as I turned away. Distracted by my thoughts and the dance, I collided with someone. Strong hands held me in place as I tilted my head up to see a young, handsome man watching me with great concern. His eyes were a pale green; almost like the green leaves on a new rose.

“Forgive me! I didn’t see you there, milady,” the man said with a polite nod of his head.

“No, no . . .” I answered breathlessly and shook my head. “Please, forgive me. I wasn’t paying attention.”

The young man let out a small chuckle as he released my shoulders.

“Then we agree to forgive each other?”

“Yes, of course,” I added with a smile. The man placed a hand on his chest and gave a curt bow.

“I am Crestwood. I’ve traveled from the Königreich of Saarland der Licht.”

I recognized the name of the place. My father had been in the middle of many trading negotiations with councilmen from Saarland der Licht throughout the years. The adjacent kingdom had many riches and many supplies that Tränen severely lacked.

“Do you know of it?” He asked, raising his brow with curiosity.

“Yes,” I replied. “I have heard of your prosperous Königreich.”

“I hope with good news, rather than bad,” he said with another small chuckle.

“I assure you, I have never heard anything other than good. From what I understand your prince is noble and kind, and the kingdom is a jovial place.”

“Indeed,” he said with an agreeing nod.

Saarland der Licht had always been an unspoken ally to my father and our kingdom. There were existed stories of the good and generous prince—nothing more than his good deeds. Often, I wondered if such a man could truly exist, for I had never known anything other than my father and mother’s cold strength. Anything contradictory to what I knew felt outrageous and strange. Upon my recognition, the man known as Crestwood smiled and extended his hand to me.

“Would you do me the honor of the next dance, milady?”

I couldn’t stop the smile growing large across my face. I had never been asked to dance by a man before—a man who hadn’t been my father. In the past, all the royal balls my father and mother hosted, I was deemed too young, or was not permitted the permission to participate as a dancing partner with other young men. My mother wanted to keep me from the dancing floor; my father had never taken any interest in me to say otherwise.

A thrill skittered up my spine as I took his hand and followed him out onto the shimmering ballroom floor. All thoughts of my father were quickly forgotten. Crestwood pressed his hand against my back formally, keeping a careful distance between the two of us. This was very different from dancing with my father. Despite being unfamiliar with the steps, Crestwood was swift in keeping in time with the others around us. I caught myself giggling when I stumbled, and Crestwood smirked.

“You’re quite graceful,” Crestwood teased and I felt my cheeks heat as we met eyes again. His warmth encouraged me to continue to dance with him. I noticed how strikingly handsome he was, his hair combed over and parted at the side. He could easily have been mistaken for a prince.

“Is this your first time here in Tränen?” I asked curiously as he smiled.

“It is. The faces are quite unfamiliar to me,” he replied. After a moment, he tilted his chin curiously. “Do you come to these events often?”

I could feel a small smile grow on my lips. His explanation would explain why he hadn’t yet recognized me.

“No, I can’t say I have,” I replied honestly. “I was not permitted to attend for quite a few years. Do you?”

Crestwood smiled and shook his head as he followed along with the other dancers.

“Honestly, no. I’m not normally required to. Tonight is an exception.”

“And why is that?” I inquired, amused. I wondered if he was pleased as I was that the evening had taken such an unexpected turn.

“I am here to deliver the documents concerning a possible alliance between Tränen and Saarland der Licht.”

“An alliance?” I pressed, hoping Crestwood would continue. He smirked and politely nodded as we rounded the room again.

“Yes. An alliance. The prince thought it wise to arrange a treaty between the kingdoms because of the many disputes that have arisen over the years in neighboring lands. He values loyalty and trust, and wishes to share this view with others.”

“That’s very noble,” I responded as the song came to an end.

Crestwood bowed and offered his hand to me. I scanned the room, landing on the angry gaze of my father. His sharp, icy eyes held mine as Crestwood led me to the refreshment table.

What was he thinking? Was he truly angry with me for dancing with another? Would he not wish for me to finally intermingle with the courtiers? Was it not yet time for me to interact with members of the opposite s*x?

“. . . and your family? What do they do?” Crestwood asked, bringing me back from my thoughts.

I tried to ignore the hard stare; the coldness I felt on the back of my neck. A shudder ran down my spine as I turned back to gaze at Crestwood. His grin was warm and infectious, despite the twist in my stomach.

“Are you feeling well?” Crestwood’s eyes were full of concern then, and I resisted to answer. Perhaps it would be better to dismiss myself from him and return to my father.

Crestwood gently took my elbow and led me away from the table. He paused at an empty chair and gestured for me to sit with the flick of his hand.

“Shall I fetch a physician?”

“No, no . . .” I murmured, shaking my head. “There’s no need. I might take some fresh air though.”

“Would you like me to escort you?”

“No . . . no. That won’t be necessary,” I replied and did my best to give him the politest of smiles. “I thank you for your generosity and the dance.”

A servant approached the both of us and leaned into Crestwood’s ear to relay a secret. No doubt, something from my father. Crestwood frowned and turned to look at the servant with a nod. As his gaze returned to mine, he let out a soft sigh.

“It seems I have been called to my duty.”

“I wish you the best of luck in your treaty, sir.” I replied and gave a polite nod.

“Perhaps I can call upon you again?” Crestwood said with a grin, lifting my hand to press a kiss.

“Yes, perhaps,” I offered flatly. I did not wish to encourage anything more.

“I never caught your name . . .”

I licked my bottom lip, my eyes scanning the room again. I saw the eyes of the court watching, but most importantly, I saw the eyes of my father.

“Aurelia,” I murmured softly. “My name is Aurelia.”

Crestwood’s eyes lit up with surprise an astonishment as he must have realized who I was. A smirk grew on his lips as he bowed and shook his head.

“It was a pleasure to dance with you, Princess Aurelia. I shall not forget you.”

“I shall not forget you either,” I said, returning his smile with my own.

Crestwood’s warm gaze held mine only a moment more until he walked away. He looked over his shoulder only once. Finally, he disappeared among the other courtiers and dancers. My father appeared from the crowd, his glare-filled rage I didn’t understand.

“Did you enjoy yourself then, hmmm?” he murmured as he leaned close to my ear. “Come, you will join me again on the dance floor.” He lifted his finger and pointed to the group of dancers behind him.

I gave a hesitant nod as I tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. Swiftly, I pushed myself up from the seat just as a servant appeared with a tray of refreshments. My father lifted two of the goblets and held one out to me.

“Did you enjoy the attention he paid you?” The more he prodded, the more irritated he sounded. I didn’t understand. I didn’t want to understand why this aggravated him so. He took a swig of wine from the goblet as he examined me. As he handed the goblet back to the servant, he raised his brow curiously.

“And what if I wanted to dance with you now? Would you deny me for someone else like him? Would you chase me away?”

I sipped the wine with hopes to clear the fog, which loomed over my head.

“I would dance with you, father, if you wished it so.”

“I do wish it.” he replied matter-of-factly and snapped his fingers.

The music changed into a faster, steadier rhythm.

“Finish your wine,” he commanded.

I took a large gulp of the wine upon his order. The tangy liquid burned my throat as I swallowed it down. With another gulp, the glass was empty and he took it from my hands. The room seemed to move on its own beneath my still feet. I wondered if this was what it was like to be a fish under water, to feel the world turning while you remained anchored by the tide.

His hands were suddenly around my waist, his face aglow with a sudden manic joy and I was spinning around the room. I saw other couples around us, dancing just as Crestwood and I had danced. They seemed different, much different than the way my father was holding me. I could feel his firm legs entrapping me, his large hands holding me. My limbs seemed to weigh heavier than before, while my stomach was warm and full. I lifted my hand to his shoulder, hoping to catch my balance. There were so many faces, melodies, whispers, and colors surrounding me; I was overcome, I couldn’t understand it in my new state of mind. What was happening to me?

“I can’t think.” I murmured, squeezed my eyelids shut, trying to gain back some clarity.

“You don’t have to, mein liebe. Just feel.”

I felt his hips press up against mine. Everything inside my mind screamed for me to run away. But my body reacted oddly; a small gasp escaped my lips from a strange pleasurable shock. This was not acceptable. This was not the way any father or daughter should dance. But under the spell of wine, my body was his to mold. It seemed all too soon the melody of dance was over and my father held out another goblet of wine for me to drink.

I took it greedily, breathless and sweaty.

“It seems I must attend to your lord from Saarland der Licht,” my father replied after another dance, and another goblet of wine.

He gave me a low bow as another song began and dismissed himself from the ball. I watched as he departed, leaving me in the crowd of flowing gowns, fluttering fans, and laughter.