Part 24

This feels like a trap.

I walked into the ballroom of the royal palace, unable to shake a sense of dark unease that hung over me. I glanced around the room, admiring the golden decorations, and the guests enjoying themselves in small groups, each dressed in the latest and finest fashion. Despite the beautiful and jovial atmosphere, there was a tenseness, an anxiety I couldn't shake. I was on the King's territory, and I still had no idea as to what his plans could be.

Things started going wrong right from the beginning.

"I'm sorry miss, only servants from the royal palace may serve in the banquet tonight." A palace steward blocked Hallers' path as soon as we entered , explaining his actions with an apologetic smile.

I frowned. "Is there no way I can bring him in? I depend on him greatly in all matters."

The steward shook his head. "This regards Their Majesties' safety, and so I'm afraid I cannot compromise on this."

Hallers looked distraught for a brief moment, before gathering his composure and stepping back. I stopped in my tracks, staring back at him, feeling unsure. Hallers was always nearby to support me, and especially tonight, with my worries... I didn't want to be alone.

But I had no reason to be exempt from the rules, and I couldn't defy the King's orders. With a smile in Hallers' direction to reassure him, I turned back towards the ballroom, preparing to head in with my family.

Mother had traveled home, making it back in time for the banquet, and now stood beside father without expression. She and I hadn't spoke since her arrival, I glanced over at her, studying her composed appearance, beautiful in her gown, which was a blue so dark it was almost black. Mother must have sensed my gaze, our eyes met as she smiled coldly at me.

"Ready to enter? Or would you like to delay us further because you don't want to be separated from your servant?" Her voice was mocking, the clear dislike in her eyes obvious to everyone around us.

Father shifted uncomfortably, but didn't speak up in my defense. I felt a brief flash of disappointment in him, before dismissing his presence from my mind. Instead I smiled prettily at my mother, enjoying her discomfort at my reaction.

"Thank you for your concern, Mother. I was being too selfish. You are a shining example of nobility and faithfulness, and I can only hope to learn from you in the future." I curtsied, carefully not letting any sarcasm escape my voice.

Mother's face went pale. "You smart mouthed brat!" She hissed. "How dare you disrespect me..."

"But Mother," I interrupted, my smile widening. "I only said you were noble and faithful, why would this upset you?"

She gaped at me, her face now red with anger, as she realized she had no answer to that. Chuckling, I turned away, preparing to enter the ballroom.

"Ready?" I asked Henry, who stood at my side with an uncomfortable expression.

He tugged on his collar. "Can I go back home to the greenhouse?"

"Nope."

"Then yes, I'm ready." He offered his arm, and we walked down he steps into the main ballroom together. Multiple stares turned in our direction as the steward announced us, and I fought to keep my expression unchanged. Between the public dissolution of my engagement, the rumors of my supposed affairs, and the even darker whispers that the Duchy of Armeny was financially ruined, I had become a target of scrutiny and speculation.

The moves Marile had made with Prosperity had quelled the worst of the rumors, but there was still quite a few who seemed to revel in the misfortunes that my family and I had fallen into. I ignored them, however, keeping our pace slow and measures as if no one was staring at me at all.

Apparently I wasn't the only one uncomfortable with the attention. Henry leaned over, whispering. "I feel like a piece of meat at the market."

I glanced around, noting that many of the young noblewomen were eying Henry with interest. As the young, unmarried Duchy's heir, many had set their sights on him as a good match. The intensity of their stares were a little much, though.

"I really want to go back to the greenhouse. The plants are a lot less frightening." He murmured, frowning.

"Head up, eyes forward, just pretend they aren't there." I answered quietly. "No one will force the issue with the Queen present. Just make sure not to dance with any one girl too many times or speak with them too long. Otherwise it might be interpreted as you forming a match."

He blinked. "I think I'm just going to hide behind you if that's okay."

"Suit yourself." We stopped speaking as we reached the king and queen on their thrones. I curtsied and Henry bowed, the motion near perfect, a testament to all the practice I had forced him to undergo.

"Your majesties. Happy Birthday to the Queen." I kept my gaze down politely, but the Queen obviously had no patience for courtesy, she stepped down off her throne, grabbing me and pulling me into a tight hug.

"Sweetheart! I was afraid you wouldn't make it!" She sounded so relieved, I felt bad for her.

"I apologize, we were delayed..."

"None of that matters now that you're here!" She embraced me again. "Let's go catch up!" She tugged on my hand, leading me away.

Nonplussed, I looked up at the king, concerned for a moment that he would be upset with the Queen, but his expression was calm, looking unconcerned about his wife's actions. His gaze met mine, and I shuddered with fear. He was smiling, maintaining a perfectly happy and content countenance. Despite his son's multiple failures to force me back into an engagement with him, the king looked as though everything was going perfectly according to plan.

The feeling of being trapped increased.

"Dear, I'm so sorry." The Queen lowered her voice so only I could hear. "Ronan brought that girl along today."

My eyes snapped up, seeing Edith standing off to the side. She was sipping from a wine glass, a superior smile on her face. Despite the Prince's lack of official announcement of their relationship, her presence at this party alone was considered an elevation of status. Even as I considered this through, the Queen's apologetic tone startled me out of my thoughts.

"I tried to tell him to not bring her, but he insisted that they are simply close friends and it would be rude to ignore her." She snorted. "As if I'm that stupid. But the king intervened and said it would be fine, so I had no choice but to agree."

I patted her on the arm. "Don't worry about it, I have no resentment seeing them together." And it was the truth. I felt nothing but a weary relief that I didn't have to marry the Prince, and although I disliked both of them, I preferred them getting along. It made it less likely that the prince would come around again and bother me.

But the real question was, why had the king supported her being there?

Had he changed his mind regarding forcing our marriage? My forehead wrinkled as I thought of a worse possibility: Had he simply decided that it didn't matter whether I was willing or not?

I felt an urge to run away. Perhaps sensing my discomfort, Queen Amerande rested a hand on my arm.

"I'm here for you. Let me know if you need help."

Silently I nodded and she left me alone.

___________________________

I chatted with a few of the guests, avoiding the prince, Edith and my parents while carefully maneuvering around the room. A few dances had passed. I danced once with Henry, and then felt a familiar hand tap on my shoulder.

"Nate!" I found myself smiling unconsciously, and quickly hid it. He on the other hand, looked openly thrilled to be talking to me.

"May I have this dance?" With an easy familiarity, we danced together, and I felt myself relax slightly.

"How much longer can you stay before returning to Tilendria?" I asked, watching his smile falter slightly at the question.

"I can't delay my return much longer." He continued to lead me around the room, his steps synchronizing with my own. "My Father has already written me several times reminding me of my duties at home."

I was startled at that. "You shouldn't ignore that! Why have you stayed so long?"

"..." He stared at me silently, a wry grin tugging at his lips. "I had a goal I was trying to accomplish."

"Is it not going well?" I cocked my head to the side, watching as his cheeks were stained with red.

"It's more like I'm terrified of failing, so I haven't made a true attempt." He muttered, avoiding my gaze.

"You don't seem like the sort to frighten easily."

"I'm not. I'm just facing a powerful opponent." He smiled, and I felt my heart skip a beat in my chest as it lit up his whole face. "But I haven't given up yet."

"Well, you are one of the smartest and kindest people I know." I smiled back, curious as his face was now bright red. "I'm sure you'll succeed."

"Ah—um, yes, I hope so too, thanks."

"If there's anything I can do to help, just ask." I chuckled. "After all, you've already helped me out so much!"

He finally looked up, and I was startled to see a mix of happiness, fear and sadness in his eyes. "I'm happy to have your support. But I'd rather you not feel indebted. Everything I've ever done for you was something freely given. Don't feel as if you need to return the favor."

"..." I shook my head, confused. "Don't be too worried about it. I'm not one to be forced to do something I don't want to do."

"Good." He tilted his head towards the side of the room, where the Prince and Edith stood. "Did the little prince finally give up?"

"I hope so." I sighed quietly. "I have a bad feeling about tonight, though." I felt silly bringing up concerns like this without evidence, but Nate simply accepted my words immediately.

"I'll keep an eye out for anything suspicious, and if you need help for anything, I'll be right there."

His words brought me a small sense of relief. "Thank you."

The dance came to an end, and we separated from each other. To my surprise, however, instead of escorting me back to the side he continued to hold onto my hand while performing a deep, respectful bow.

"Thank you, Lenora, for honoring me with this dance." Gently, he kissed the back of my hand, before releasing it and offering his arm to escort me.

I stood there, stunned, my cheeks burning and my mind racing as I followed beside them. I almost asked him what he had been thinking, but noticed that despite his calm appearance, the arm I was holding was trembling and his ears were bright red. Thinking better of it, I followed beside him silently, smiling without fully understanding why.

As Nate dropped me off by Henry and walked away, a dazed expression on his face, my cousin leaned over to whisper in my ear.

"The prince looks angry."

I turned in the direction he was gesturing in, and saw Ronan, standing next to Edith, both of whom were staring at me. Edith was frowning, a strange expression on her face as she glanced continuously between me and Nate. Ronan's face was red with anger, he glared at Nate's back before looking at me with disgust. I simply shook my head and turned back towards Henry, ignoring him.

Why would he care who I danced with?

Nervous, I looked over to the King and Queen. The Queen seemed delighted, calling over Nate to talk to him, giving him what appeared to be a lecture. Nate stood calmly, nodding at her words. The King studied Nate with a thoughtful expression, his eyes narrowed. Slowly his gaze moved over, crossing over me.

He smiled, the expression confident, composed.

I shuddered, and looked away.

___________________________

Soon it was time to present gifts to the Queen. At a larger party this ceremony could take hours, but fortunately the Queen had limited the guest list to a more manageable group. Ronan went first, presenting his mother with a jewel encrusted necklace, spouting words of affection and respect that seemed scripted.

The Queen politely accepted it, her eyes seeming a little sad as she watched her son perform for the crowd.

Edith was pushed next, brought to the front of the line by the Prince. She also presented jewelry. It as beautiful, and obviously expensive. I briefly wondered how she could afford such a gift, but watching Ronan's expression, it was clear who had paid for it.

The Queen took the jewelry delicately, as if avoiding touching the girl, setting the gift beside her immediately with a simple word of gratitude.

Edith frowned at the Queen's response, but still seemed excited about being the center of attention. She curtsied, wobbling slightly with the gesture, and smiled brightly as she stood at the Prince's side, her positioning a clear declaration of the Prince's preferences. There were scattered whispers around the room as the nobility saw this, but eventually the crowd settled down and it was my turn.

"You Majesty..." I stepped forward and curtsied, only to be halted by the Queen as she held up a hand.

"Please don't be so formal, dear." She smiled. "We will never be related by marriage now, but I consider you my daughter. Please, I would be honored if you would call me 'mother'."

The room descended into chaos at these words.

Out of my peripheral vision I could see Nate beaming and Henry laughing. My mother's face was dark with anger, glaring at the Queen with hatred. My father was staring off in the distance, unconcerned. Edith's face was ugly as she stared at me, her gaze seeming to be trying to burn holes into me with its intensity. Ronan seemed confused. Only the King watched calmly, his expression never changing.

I had to answer.

Forcing myself to smile easily, I stepped forward and embraced the Queen instead of curtsying.

"Mother. Happy Birthday."

I still held onto my reservations, fear, and painful memories regarding the Queen, but for now it would only do both her and me harm to reject her kindness publicly. Queen Amerande smiled broadly, looking for all the world as if her truest wish had come true.

"Ah, Daughter, now I am happier than I ever have been. Any present you try to give me now will pale in comparison to the one you've already given.

I grinned. "Despite that, let me present my gift." I held out a box, which she opened with a gleeful expression. Pulling out a simple gown of a dark red color, she looked at it with a smile.

"I hope that you can forgive any mistakes, it was handmade by myself." I started to curtsey again out of habit, but stopped when the Queen raised an eyebrow. With a smile she started to examine the simple appearing gown closer.

"It's lovely..." She started to compliment her present, but in the audience, a loud derisive snort could be heard.

The Queen turned a cold gaze onto Edith, who had made the noise. "Does Miss Edith have something to say regarding my daughter's present?"

The titles of "Miss" given to her, and "Daughter" given to me were obviously meant to remind the girl not to overstep, but unfortunately she didn't seem to understand the Queen's warning.

"Forgive me your Majesty," She smiled ingratiatingly and curtsied. "I just felt that this simple dress is not appropriate to give to someone of your eminence."

The Queen frowned. "This was made through her hard work and time, and is therefore much more valuable than any common jewels or baubles that can be purchased on a whim."

Edith and the Prince flushed red at her words, obviously referencing their gifts. I smiled at Queen Amerande, stepping forward to speak in defense of my present.

"Actually, Mother, This dress has many layers. This is the simple exterior." I reached down, releasing a tiny button and folding back the skirt. Reversed, the now revealed inner layer contained intricate silver embroidery of flowers. Looked at from further away, it would appear like a glittering garden around the Queen's feet. "This is the hidden value."

As I revealed the true nature of the dress there were gasps of surprise from around the crowd. I kept a calm smile on my face and stepped back without commenting further. I was the owner and designer for "Prosperity" after all, how could I present the Queen with a subpar design?

She stared at her present, smiling with tears in her eyes. "Thank you! It's beautiful!" She reached out and hugged me again. "You didn't have to work so hard just for me."

"I was happy to." I murmured, waiting for her to let me go before stepping back to join the crowd.

There was a brief uproar as people stepped forward to study the dress, but soon things were organized again and the presents continued. The remainder of the gift giving ran smoothly, almost to the end, until Nate stepped forward with a smile and a bow.

"Your Majesty, I'm afraid I only have this small gift for you, but I hope you will accept it."

With a small flourish, he held out a small wooden chest. It was delicately engraved, and sapphire graced the top cover, lending elegance to the object. The Queen stepped forward, examining it closely, and opened it to reveal a velvet lined interior with a small recess for a single object, although it currently was empty.

Her mouth opened in shock. "A Chest of Gratitude?"

Confused silence reigned over the party. Even I stared at him, unsure. What was Nate thinking! A Chest of Gratitude was a traditional gift a man would give his mother-in-law! It was to thank the woman for raising his true love, and she was meant to keep a lock of her daughter's hair within that recess. It was a common practice for both the rich and poor, and often presented during a serious courtship to announce the suitor's true and noble intentions.

But Ronan was Queen Amerande's only child!

Perhaps it means something different in his country. The thought made sense, so I used it to explain the oddity in front of me. I felt intense stares from several different people in the room, but ignored them.

Queen Amerande threw back her head and laughed loudly. "Thank you, Nate. You have a difficult road ahead of you."

Nate smiled, bowing again. "Some of us were born to walk difficult roads, Your Majesty. I won't turn away from hardship."

With that he stepped back into the crowd, his cheerful grin only confusing me further. I felt the answer was clearly in front of me, but the closer I tried to look at it, the more a sense of pain and terror invaded my chest. Feeling overwhelmed, I decided to put it to the back of my mind and not think of it further.

The King stood up, clapping his hands. "Let's all go to the adjoining room, where a marvelous birthday dinner is waiting."

It was the first thing the King had ever said that I had approved of. Resisting the urge to give a cheer, I followed the crowd towards the banquet hall.