Fire and Ice

CHAPTER 13

The next morning the castle was buzzing with sounds of busy chatter from the servants. It was the day of the ball, and everything had to be perfect. The servants were running about getting the food prepared and ensuring the ballroom decorations were breathtaking. They had approximately two hours before guests began to arrive and everything was almost finished. King Leon, King Henry, and King Aaron were walking around the ballroom making small talk with one another when King Henry asked, “So, I guess you’re relieved to find your son Leon. How did Joselyn take it when she found out.” King Leon looked at Henry; he knew Henry was as gossipy as a woman and there would be more questions to come. “Well, Leon began, it’s hard to read Joselyn sometimes. However, she did give me one of her swords.” Leon waited smugly for Henry’s response. “She gave you one of her swords!” Henry exclaimed. Aaron didn’t say anything, however his facial expressions matched Henry’s words. “Yes, she did. Then she bestowed my son with the sword she carried on her back to honor him. Now there are two of Queen Joselyn’s swords in my Kingdom.” Leon said with a smug smile. “I don’t believe it. Let us see it” Henry said. Leon pulled out the beautiful sword and both Henry and Aaron were jealous. “Let me hold it” Henry said. “You certainly may not. Everyone wants one of Joselyn’s swords. I finally have one. You will just have to wait until she gives you one.” Leon said. “Wow, I never thought I would see the day when you wouldn’t share and play nice with others” Aaron said jokingly. Leon sheathed his sword with a smile and as he predicted Henry began asking more questions. “Your son has been here for a few months, how have he and Joselyn gotten along?” Leon rolled his eyes a bit and said, “From what I gather they have gotten along well. We will know at the ball tonight how she feels toward him.” Aaron and Henry nodded their heads in understanding. Aaron then remarked, “Wouldn’t it be something if Joselyn married your son. Two of the strongest Kingdoms would be united, they would be an unstoppable force.” Leon didn’t say anything right away. He knew his son was truly in love with Joselyn, but she might not feel the same. He never considered their Kingdoms uniting. He never thought he would see the day Joselyn would decide to marry. Either way, he has and always would be Joselyn’s ally. “Leon” Aaron said. Leon had been lost in his thoughts when Aaron called his name. “You never even thought about that did you?” Aaron said chuckling. Henry just shook his head and laughed along with Aaron. “Well, we will just have to wait and see how it unfolds” Aaron said.

Joselyn was in her chambers looking back at her reflection. She was dressed in her Kingdoms colors of dark blue and white. She had her seamstress fashion a new dress for the ball. Her gown was beautiful and complimented her body in all the right places. The gown she wore was fashioned with astonishing blue and white gems. She had the same color stones intertwined with the braiding in her hair. Overall, Joselyn felt beautiful. She wanted to look especially stunning tonight. The King of Arcadia would be there, and so would Marcus. Joselyn was still irritated by Marcus’s actions but for some reason she wanted him to be drawn to her. While in her thoughts there was a knock on her door. “Enter” she said. Rowan walked in and said, “My Queen, it is time to go down for the ball. Guests will be arriving and introduced at any time.” Joselyn turned and looked at Rowan. He could see the need for reassurance in her eyes. “You look beautiful Joselyn.” Rowan said. Joselyn smiled and walked with Rowan toward the ball room. She was the first person in the ballroom as all the guests would be introduced as they entered. Even her allies and their Queens would be announced as they entered. Joselyn sat on her throne and Rowan stood beside her. “Are all of your men in position Rowan?” Joselyn asked. “Yes, My Queen. The entire Kingdom is protected by my men, and I am by your side to protect you.” Rowan said. He could feel the tension radiating from Joselyn’s body. “Don’t upset yourself, just remember who you are. You always make the right choices no matter what the issue is.” Joselyn knew he was inadvertently speaking about Marcus, and she was relieved to hear what Rowan said. It made her realize her emotions were noticeable. “Thank you Rowan,” Joselyn said as she sat straighter in her chair. Rowan smiled and then stood straighter as King Leon and his Queen were announced. They were followed by King Henry and his Queen and King Aaron and his Queen. Within minutes of their announcement people of noble blood began arriving. After being announced each one would walk to Joselyn and bow before joining the crowd. Every person of nobility had shown up. “The King of Arcadia” yelled the announcer. He was the last to arrive. Joselyn smile met his as he walked toward her. He bowed then stood and asked, “May I have the pleasure of a dance?” Joselyn smiled back and said, “You don’t waste any time, and you may.” As she stood and took the King’s hand all her guests walked to the edges of the ballroom floor. “I take it this is your first dance of the night. How lucky am I?” The King of Arcadia smiled. They took their places in the middle of the ballroom and the music began to play as they began to dance. “Did you miss me?” the King of Arcadia asked. “Do you think I missed you?” Joselyn asked as she smiled. “I think you were counting the days until you could see my face again.” The King said as he pulled Joselyn closer. Joselyn enjoyed being with him she admitted to herself. Tonight he was extremely charming and easy to talk to. Before she realized it the dance was over, and she heard the clapping of the crowd. Now everyone was free to dance as they pleased even if Joselyn was dancing as well. “Thank you for the dance, but you know I must go back to my throne for a while in the event someone else arrives.” Joselyn said to the King of Arcadia. “The pleasure of the dance was all mine, and yes I know you must wait a while before you can enjoy yourself.” He said. Joselyn turned and walked back to her throne. She had been sitting there for half an hour and was about to get up when she heard the announcer “Marcus, Prince of Aragon” Joselyn sat as though she were a stone and watched Marcus walk toward her wearing the outfit prepared for him. He was handsome and walked slowly with an air of confidence. He also never broke eye contact with her and that made him more beautiful. Marcus never looked around the room, he starred at Joselyn as if they were the only two people there. It seemed like forever to Joselyn, but when he stood before her he bowed and said, “My Queen.” He rose and stood straight as he asked, “May I have a dance?” Joselyn wasn’t used to seeing Marcus this way. He seemed sure of himself. “Yes you may” Joselyn found herself saying. Joselyn rose and placed her hand into Marcus’s outstretched hand. They walked to the ballroom floor and began to dance. Marcus pulled Joselyn into him so there wasn’t any space between them, but he held her tenderly. Joselyn was at a loss for words as they danced. She wasn’t accustomed to a man taking control of a situation. Marcus placed his mouth close to Joselyn’s ear and said, “You look beautiful.” She felt his warm breath on her ear and neck and she shuddered. Joselyn didn’t respond so Marcus continued, “I want to apologize for my behavior. You took care of me and I concealed my true identity. I was confused by rumors at first, then I wanted to get to know you. I let it go too far. Marcus removed his mouth from the side of Joselyn’s ear and looked her in the eyes, “Please forgive me” Joselyn was almost in a trance at this point when she said, “You’re forgiven” Marcus sighed and placed his forehead to hers as they danced. “I also want to thank you for the honor that you bestowed upon me. But I want you to know that you saved my life in many ways.” Joselyn didn’t fully understand what he was talking about but her mind was lost in the feel of his touch. The song ended and Joselyn curtsied as Marcus bowed. “Thank you for the dance Marcus” Joselyn said as she turned toward the array of food. “I hope it will not be the last one of the night.” Marcus said. Joselyn smiled as she said, “We shall see.” Then proceeded toward the food.

Marcus watched Joselyn walk away and was determined to stay close to her throughout the night. He realized she was seeing him for the first time as he truly was. He was partly himself when she took care of him, but she never saw his regality. Marcus made the decision it was imperative Joselyn saw him for who he was, not just a part of him. He was a prince and he presented himself as such. However, he was also romantic, generous, and kind. Marcus wanted Joselyn to see him for all he was, and to do that he would need to ask her permission to stay at her castle to court her. As these thoughts were going through his mind he found himself standing next to his father, King Leon. “What’s on your mind son?” Leon asked. “I’m going to ask her if I can stay for a while longer.” Leon looked at his son and said, “Yes, I saw you dancing with her. Your feelings for her are obvious.” Marcus stood very straight and said, “I know her affections don’t reciprocate mine, but I want her to get to know me and maybe that will change. What do you think she will say?” Leon chuckled a bit before answering, “Marcus, it’s almost impossible to get a read on that woman. She did agree to dance with you which is a promising sign. If Joselyn’s answer is no, you must remember our Kingdom is still her ally, and we are fixing to go to war alongside her. Marcus you can’t have one of your rebellious tantrums, or I will step in for the good of our Kingdom.” Marcus turned his head toward Leon and said, “If she tells me no, I will always be there to protect her if she needs it. You underestimate my affections for her father.” Leon raised an eyebrow placed a hand on Marcus’s shoulder and said, “Son, I’m proud of you. Now go and try to win her heart.” Leon turned his back to his son and began socializing again. He knew Marcus had to do this himself. Marcus began walking about the room when he heard Joselyn’s laugh. She was just a few feet away and dancing with the King of Arcadia. Marcus knew this night wouldn’t go his way if she spent too much time with the King of Arcadia. He knew that was the only man Joselyn ever spent time with. Marcus stood there staring as the couple danced. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Before Marcus realized it, several princesses had gathered around him trying to catch his eye. He didn’t even speak to them, his focus was on Joselyn. While she danced, Joselyn could feel someone watching her. She looked around and found Marcus surrounded by women starring at her. When her gaze met his, Marcus began to walk toward her. It only took him a few steps before reaching her. Joselyn was still in the middle of the dance with the King of Arcadia when Marcus tapped him on the shoulder. “May I cut in” Marcus asked. The King of Arcadia looked at Marcus and immediately recognized he was royalty. “No you may not” he said. Marcus could feel his anger grow but he kept his composure. “I will ask one more time, may I please cut in.” Joselyn had never been in this position before so she kept quiet. It didn’t matter to her which man she danced with, she liked them both. The King of Arcadia looked at Marcus and said, “I will not tell you again, no you may not.” Marcus looked into Joselyn’s eyes then he swiftly grabbed her hand out of the King of Arcadia’s and gave a forceful pull. Before she realized it Joselyn was back in the strong arms of Marcus. He placed her hand in his and grabbed her by the waist and continued the dance with her. “Have you lost your mind?” The King of Arcadia said as he stepped forward. Joselyn interjected, “I believe we have danced several times tonight, it is proper for someone else to have a dance.” The King of Arcadia stepped back and gritting his teeth said, “I suppose you are right.” He bowed his head then walked away. Joselyn turned her head and found Marcus starring at her. She couldn’t help but get lost in his eyes. “Why did you do that?” Joselyn asked. Marcus didn’t hesitate to answer her, “I want you for myself.” Joselyn was clearly confused by his behavior and his answer. She had never seen this side of Marcus. Joselyn asked, “What do you mean you want me for yourself?” Marcus pulled Joselyn’s body tightly into his and hovered his mouth over hers so that his lips brushed hers when he spoke. Marcus spoke slowly but firmly, “I mean exactly what I said. I want you to be mine and only mine.” Joselyn felt his lips brush hers as he spoke and it sent a shiver down her spine. “You don’t know me Marcus. I am not your average Queen.” Joselyn said. Marcus took his hand from her waist and caressed her face, “I know, and that is what draws me to you. Joselyn I would like your permission to stay longer in your castle, not as someone you mended or don’t know. I want to stay here as Marcus, Prince of Aragon. I want you to see me for who I truly am and see if your love can match mine.” Joselyn stopped dancing and said, “Let’s walk outside to the garden.” Marcus nodded his head and followed Joselyn outside. The fresh air was a welcomed one as the chill in the air gave her the ability think clearly. Marcus sat silently next to Joselyn. He knew she had to think before she made her decision. “I wasn’t aware you had fallen in love with me.” Joselyn said as she broke the silence between them. “Neither was I until the reality of it hit me all at once.” Marcus said as he placed her hand in his. “Marcus, you don’t know how I go about my day, the things I do. It’s not knitting I can assure you of that. You think you love me but you don’t know me.” “Let me tell you what I do know, Marcus began, I saw a woman who did not mince words and spoke her mind. I saw a woman who had knowledge of medicines and saved my life. I saw a woman who can fight better than I can. What I saw is the woman I have been looking for which is why I never married a silly princess who knits.” Joselyn looked at Marcus and she was overwhelmed by his candor. He had a fire in him that he wasn’t afraid to share. “Alright Prince Marcus, you may stay for a while longer in my castle. If you want to get to know me as you say you do, I will be more than happy to accommodate you.” Rowan was standing a few feet behind Joselyn in disbelief. He never let her out of his sight especially at social functions. Marcus smiled, took Joselyn’s hand, and gently kissed it. “Thank you my Queen” Marcus said. Joselyn looked into Marcus’s eyes and said “Well, shall we get back inside before we are missed” Joselyn said. “Lead the way my Queen” Marcus said and with that they walked back inside to the ballroom.