(Edited)
Matthew Wild
Living in different places was not really a problem for me as I have been doing this since I was a young boy. Being told what to do, how to dress and what you eat is part of my daily routine. Somewhat I'm use to and will never be accustom to something different. With my father being the Duke of Canterbury and I being his next heir it is only conventional, that I follow in his footsteps.
I'm not the only child to the Canterbury's, I have a sister. Katharina or to her close friends and family, known as Kathy, someone who I dearly love and quite protective over. Kathy is far fetching in her looks, with her gorgeous brunette hair that falls effortlessly down her back, her enticing gaze that will entrance anyone around her, but most of all the way she carries herself, elegance and power illuminates off her.
My family are currently preparing to visit the main city, Kinsley which is the current residence of the Royals. The reason of this trip is all daughters from households of importance are invited to a Ball, held by King and Queen of Dankworth. Everyone in the household must attend as it's a celebration in finding the next lady to be betrothed to Prince Sebastian of Dankworth. This ball will be held across three days and whoever is 'chosen' by the prince will end up staying longer.
The prince himself, does have a notorious history of vulgarity, deceitfulness and serious allegations of being a harlot. I do not know the prince himself nor have I ever met him. However, I am hoping that Kathy is not the one for him if these rumours are true.
"Sir everything is packed and ready to go" said my man servant, Henry
"Thank you, Henry," I replied, while buttoning my waistcoat.
I walk down to polished wooden stairs where I could see my mother, father and Kathy ready and mounting the carriage. The carriage was nothing fancy just black with enough space to fit us all in comfortably. The chauffeur was sitting in his seat ready to set off.
"Ahh there you are my son," said my father. "What took you long?"
"Just wrapping up some papers for work" I replied.
I looked over at Kathy who was dressed in something out of her usually attire. She wore an elegant ivory coloured dress with embroidered beads as flowers. She looked a little pale to the skin.
"There's no need to look like that Kathy, there's nothing to worry about." scowled my mother "He wouldn't want a wife who is weak; that shows you can't lead alongside him"
"Now, now mother everybody gets nervous before a big event" I said, trying to reassure her.
Kathy smiled at me, and mouthed a 'thank you'.
Throughout the journey, there was only little talk. As a family we are not very close, however when it comes to event such as this, we automatically become as the perfect family. A facade to the rest of the world.
...
The castle lay on a sloped hill with greenery all around. It stood there as if conjured from a children's fairy tale. It was perfect. It was almost impossible to not imagine the prince, princesses and knights in the courtyard. Every stone was even and square, as if it was built with perfection.
As the carriage tumbled down the long path that led up to thick golden gates. It was breath-taking sight to see the castle up front. The heavy doors lurched open and in front was the entrance and stood with glory was the door. As the carriage stopped, trumpets began to play loud and clear, beckoning our arrival.
"Welcome the Duke and Duchess of Canterbury." cried out the announcer.
I was off the carriage first, and held out my hand for Kathy. She took it and gracefully walked out. Just then the door opened and there stood the Royals, in all their glory. Power, fame, and sophistication radiated off them. The only person who was absent was the prince himself. My parents followed behind as Kathy and I made our way closer to them.
"Welcome! I hope your trip wasn't too tiring" the King spoke out in a rough voice. He looked much older than I what I remember, although it has been many years. Wrinkles littered his face and his features where soft and rounded. I have only seen the King and Queen once, when I was a boy. They were making a trip to every state, county and city touring their lands and making themselves know. I'm guessing for politics. The Queen stood beside him and had an ominous look in her eyes, however a smile of her face.
"Not too bad" replied my father. "It was just very long"
They held each other's hand in a strong grip, smiling at each other. My father slightly bowing his head in his presence. Next was my mother who said her greetings and held her head low, with a slight blush to the face after being kissed on her hand. The king then turned to Kathy and I.
"Ahh what handsome son and beautiful daughter you have" he stated. He took my hand in a strong handshake then turned towards Kathy "my, my, with your exquisite looks, if my son won't have you, I might" he added with a wink.
What is this man talking about? King or not, that is an odd statement to make. Everyone just laughed in his presence. Mine a little strained but who are we to question his authority.
My mother placed her hand my back and we all began to walk inside. Inside was breath taking, with its high ceilings, the walls and pillars, covered with marble, gold and stone. The ceiling itself was a piece of art. There where hand painted drawings of biblical stories. Clearly too vague to make out which story, but beautifully drawn. Every room we walked into was the same, all grand and magnificent. This sure was non better than any other castle I have seen, this truly is meant for royals.
"How about we have some dinner and the servants can take your belongings to each of your quarters" said King Dankworth. We all agreed and walked into the huge dining room.
It was a grand space, to say the least. The huge mahogany table took up most of the vast space the dark, romantic room offered, left without a tablecloth and daring guests to ruin the perfectly varnished shine with their unworthy fingerprints. Two tall, silver candelabras commanded attention from the centre of the table, holding smooth white candles whose wax never dripped.
We all gathered around the table and sat in our respected spaces, the King and Queen at the end of the table and the rest of us, taking up spaces in the middle.
"Kinsley is a beautiful place, very picturesque" my father spoke first.
My mother jumped in straight away. "Yes, it sure is, very different to Canterbury"
"More people here, it's the city" answered the Queen, taking a sip of her glass of wine.
Just then serves came through the double doors hold out large places filled with food. Their backs straight, nose pointing up and in their general attire of black suits and white shirts. With a quick second, all the dinner was laid on the table, smelling as delicious as it looked. All servers stood against the wall, ready and on duty in case anything was needed.
"My dear how are you looking forward to the ball?" the King asked Kathy, slight nudging towards her.
"Excited and ready to enjoy myself" she said shyly.
"There's rumours that these balls will be an entire 3 days" I said, jumping in, while cutting my steak. It went through like butter. Sure, was cooked to perfection.
The Queen returned with a slight smile on her face "3 whole days is a bit of an exaggeration; it will be 3 of the best nights to hopefully fine someone for the prince"
"And what exactly is the prince type of woman?" I asked, hopefully not intruding much.
"No need to answer that question, on the nights of the ball Katharina will be able to find out herself" my mother said, inciting Kathy a little.
"I'm sure she will" The King responded with a sickening smile at her.
Small conversation continued between my parents and the King and Queen. I caught Kathy's eye, who smiled at me. Next to her was an empty chair, guessing was for the prince. Just as I was in mid-way of thinking where he was, the door opened, and the prince himself walked in. He was exactly the same as the pictures depicted him to be, tall, blond with blue mesmerising eyes. He was a handsome man who walked in with such grace and authority. His head held up high, and his back straight. Power radiated off him.
"Sorry I am late; I has business to deal with" he spoke with a smooth voice. His attire was a little dishevelled, only slightly. As a prince, it was unexpected to see this. I though he was supposed to be perfect in everything. Unless he was 'busy' with someone beforehand. The rumours can't lie.
The Queen set her glass down on the table "This is Katharina of Canterbury" she said, gesturing towards Kathy. "Her brother Matthew of Canterbury, and the Duke and Duchess"
The prince turned to look at us with a charming smile on his face. "It's a pleasure to meet you all" he then turned towards Kathy, took her hand and kissed it.
"You are as beautiful as they said you were" he said, while holding her hand.
Kathy blush, almost lost in a trace in his deep blue eyes for a second, before looking down to her lap. The prince sat next to her at the dinner table and picked up his fork and knife, beginning to eat.
"Sebastian, we were just talking about the preparation of the balls" spoke the King, while cutting into his food.
The prince took a bite of his food then said "Yes, I believe everyone's excited, it will be the biggest celebration held in a very long time"
My mother smiled at him, "Our Kathy here is every excited"
I snorted. My mother turned to glare at me and I responded with a warm smile.
"Well, I am very excited to" spoke the prince, giving a smile to Kathy. In return she blushed at him.
...
After dinner we made our way up to our quarters. My room was at the far end of the hallway; larger than my room at home. The huge double bed sat in the middle of the room, with red drapes following down on either side. Two arch windows looked out onto the courtyard, everything quiet and serene it being evening. As I sit on my mahogany bed, taking off my undercoat, there was a knock at the door. I got up and walked over.
Opening the door, I saw the prince standing there.
"Oh hello, prince Sebastian, what brings you here?" I ask him
"May I come in?" He said, without answering my question.
I opened the door further, allowing him in. I was a bit inappropriate dressed the way I was in front of him. But he didn't seem to mind, so I didn't bring anything up.
"I have come to discuss arrangements for the first day of the ball" he replied, finally answering my question
"Oh, I thought the ball wasn't starting till next week? And it is a little late to be discussing anything right now. It is evening and I'm getting ready to sleep" I responded, forcing myself to stay and emotionless as possible, hoping he can't detect that I'm a little annoyed.
"It won't take long, just that other families will be arriving during the week, thought I might give your family insight first" The prince said, almost sounding a little self-assured.
I'm not quite sure what he is implying here. I clearly don't want 'insight' on whatever has been planned. I'm hoping Kathy will not be chosen anyways. "It's okay, I'm sure we can wait till we are told with the rest of the families" I responded, again, trying to sound as emotionless as possible.
"We'll be forced to spend time together, your sister, yourself and I" The prince said, and took a seat in the chair near the arched window. "You being her chaperon, as she's unmarried"
"I'm sure we will all have a great time" I answered sounding as professional as possible. I took out my pocket-watch, seeing the time was late and trying to give the prince a clue to leave. "I believe it's getting late; I've had quite a long journey here"
The prince stood up, putting his hands in his trousers. Seeing him in my bedroom light, you can notice the finer details to his face. He has a beauty spot, right below his eyebrows. His physique was not bad too; it was all perfect just in the right places. He stood a little higher than me, but then again, this is the prince, everything about him needs to be perfect and better than everyone around him.
He started making his way towards the door. He stopped with his hand on the knob. he took a breath, then turned around to look at me. "The last five people to dance with me during the first night of the ball will be out of consideration for marriage"
"How can you make decisions without even meeting these women?" I said, a little confused. I know he is arrogant, but not this arrogant. He's not even considering all possibilities when it comes to his future Queen.
"It's not mine, it's the Queen" And with that he quietly left my room, closing the door behind him.
The Queens? Surely it won't be up to her who becomes the wife to the prince. But who am I am to have a say in all this? I just hope whatever decision is made, whether Kathy will be betrothed or not, it will be the right choice for her and most of all she is happy and with that thought in my mind, I went to bed, falling asleep instantly.