Engaged to the Prince

Courtship Dance

“Uh… Your Majesty, why is my ensemble a little less fitting for the ritual?” Alexander called out from inside the dressing room.

“That’s because the story happened when the god of war met the goddess of love,” the Queen answered. “The god of war was the leader of a more “civilized” tribe but the goddess of love was a maiden from a different tribe so the clothes aren’t matching.”

In the other stall, they heard Katie gasp. “It’s so flowy!” she exclaimed, chuckling to herself. “I feel like I’m living in the wrong time. The sleeves feel like it’ll get in the way of sword, though. This, uh, lower part reaches up to the end of my dress.”

“They did say you’re quite the sword user if you finish the dance with no damage to the dress.” The Queen replied. “Although, I don’t think it has anything to do with skill at all. I was not a good sword user and the dress was still immaculate when I was done.”

The couple stepped out of their stalls at the same time, locking eyes momentarily the moment they saw each other. The prince wore a more kingly outfit, the gold fabric outlining the robe. Katie wore a simple, white dress, lined with olive green fabric. Green ribbons were woven into the small braids in her hair, the ends neatly tied into a bow.

“Katie, you-” Alexander cleared his throat and straightened his posture. “You, uh, look like a goddess of love.”

Katie chuckled, her cheeks taking on a shade of pink. “Thank you, Prince Alexander.”

The monarchs exchanged knowing glances. “Alright, shall we? We’re excited to watch you dance!” the King said, ushering both of them to the door.

Katie stood before the tall façade of the temple, the memories from a week ago coming back to her. She was still unsure what happened back then but she was sure it was not normal.

You have the gift of sight, Your Highness…

Katie shuddered. What did the priest mean by that? Will it have anything to do with how I rule Aelysia?

She felt a gentle hand on her back. She glanced over her shoulder to see Alexander, an encouraging smile on his face. “Nervous?” he asked her.

Katie noticed the small patch of gauze on his temple. She spun in place and brushed her fingers over it. “Are you alright?”

The prince averted his eyes but made no move to stop her. “I-I’m fine. Don’t worry about me,” he gave the princess a reluctant pat on the shoulder. “I hope you’re no longer conflicted.”

Katie chuckled. “I apologize for troubling you about that,” she took a deep breath. “I still am, but serving the people is out of the question. Let’s do our best!”

To the prince’s surprise, the princess raised her hand for a high-five! Alexander couldn’t fight off a smile as he gently clapped his hand with the princess’. Of course she’s the type to do a high-five.

Together, they entered the temple and headed to the main structure where the priest awaited them. Katie eyed the augur’s bowl at the center of the gazebo. She recalled her vision and stopped in her tracks. Alexander noticed her and grabbed her hand, squeezing it comfortingly. Katie turned to him, surprised, but nodded gratefully.

“I probably looked like a crazed out person back then, huh?” she chuckled sheepishly.

Alexander shook his head. “Not to be incredibly insensitive right now but… maybe you can tell me about it later? I’m… actually researching about your country’s history and-”

“And magic was one of them…” the princess continued as if reading his mind. She nodded. “I doubt anything I say will help but,” Katie placed her other hand on top of his. “I’ll be happy to aid you in your research,” she smiled and freed her hand from his grasp. “But first, let’s survive this.”

After getting a nod from Alexander, she took a deep breath and walked first into the gazebo. The priest made them kneel before him and they followed. As the priest muttered a prayer under his breath, a strong gust of wind blew past. Feeling this, the priest looked down and nodded.

“They say the sea grows still when they approve,” the priest chuckled. “The gods bless your engagement. I’m sure they will be pleased to watch you dance.”

“What happens if they disagreed…?” Alexander inquired.

“I’m sure the gods will show their disapproval as peaceful as they can.”

“… Because they have a history of showing that…?” Katie muttered which made Alexander look away, unable to stifle a laugh.

Alexander immediately apologized to the priest but the old man chuckled with them. “I am actually unsure of what happens when they disapprove. Fortunately, all the marriages between leaders were blessed by the gods,” he faced Katie, “Your parents’ marriage was said to be the most approved by the gods, according to the previous High Priest.”

Katie appeared relieved upon hearing the priest’s words. “I’ve… never really heard much about my parents since I came to Aelysia.”

“I wish I could say more, Your Highness,” the priest clasped his hands together. “It’s time for the dance, but please don’t hesitate to ask for help should you require any.”

He led them to the large building’s main hall, the nobles already seated around an elevated stone platform. They all wore elegant dresses, making the eon-old clothing the dancers wore stand out more. They clapped politely in their seats, followed by nods of approval among themselves before the dance started.

As a starting stance, the couple crossed swords at the center of the platform, both surreptitiously taking a deep breath as they waited for the rhythmic music to start.

Finally, the music started and the couple jumped backward, continuing with the dance in perfect synchronicity. The nobles watched on in complete silence; the only noise audible are the clashing of steel against steel. The dance ended with Katie behind Alexander, her sword against the prince’s throat, and her other hand pulling his shoulder back.

The audience rose from their seats, the halls of the temple resounding with the noble’s cheers. The priest walked to their side and placed a hand on their shoulders. As he did so, the sound of bells filled the air, startling everyone in the temple.

“Why is everyone shocked?” Alexander muttered to himself, stealing a glance at Katie.

Having no reply from her, he glanced at the priest who looked as surprised as him. "The bells... they haven't been used for centuries."

As the loud sound rang its last in the air, a melodious singing took over. The forest around the temple danced wildly against strong winds. The people looked up at the platform in awe as Katie walked forward, singing a song in a foreign language. For a few more moments, she sang, trailing the notes when the song came to an end. Once more, the nobles clapped, although the confusion was still present in their faces.

Alexander walked to Katie and placed his hand on her shoulder. Katie blinked and looked around as if she just woke up and couldn’t recognize her surroundings. When she realized where she was and what was happening, she smiled sheepishly and bowed.

“Is it just me or was I imagining that they already clapped for us after the dance?” Katie whispered to Alexander.

“Yeah, I figured as much,” Alexander’s jaw clenched. “I’ll tell you the details later. For now, act like you just did what you did… which you did.”