In hopes of a miracle, little Catherine prayed, down on her knees with her tiny hands clasped together in front of her as she bowed her head. "I know sometimes I do not often listen to stepmother but I promise to be a good girl from now on. Please, please take care of Papa and let him live much longer. I promise to help with chores and whatever stepmother tells me to do. I hope you do not take Papa from me. Amen," finished Catherine. She stayed still and hoped that her prayer would be answered.
"My dearest daughter," said Thomas in a weak voice.
"Papa," cried Catherine and crawled on the floor to his makeshift bed by the fireplace. "Papa," she wiped her tears with her small hands.
"My dearest Catherine," he reached for her his daughter's hand as his breathing started to waver. "Do not forgery how much I love you."
"Papa do not leave me, too. You promised," her green eyes filled with tears as she cried. She had lost her mother when she was a baby and now her father was leaving her at an early age of ten.
"Be strong my daughter. Remember they are your family now. You have your stepsisters and your stepmother. I love you so much." whispered Thomas. They were his last words as the fire died on the hearth.
"Papa! Papa do not leave me too." Little Catherine stayed by her father's side and held his hand until someone pulled her away from him. The little girl, who was her father's world, cried and cried until she had more tears to cry. From there on her life was never the same.
BATB
Many years later...
Catherine had grown to be a pretty young lady, who was noticed by many a men but there was only one who had stolen her heart. It was a love like any, though young and naive they were. Still, it was endearing and sweet until a betrayal left her heartbroken once more. She lost her only solace in the cruel world she lived with her stepmother and two stepsisters, who treated her no more than a housemaid instead of the family her father spoke of before passing away.
Her pale face, arms to her elbow, and apron were covered in soot from cleaning the chimney all morning as she was tasked to do. In the middle of her chore, there was a knock on the front door. Being familiar with her family she knew that they would not bother to get up and check on the visitor who came by unannounced.
She immediately stopped what she was doing and stood from her crawling stance in front of the nearly cleaned chimney. There was another knock on the door while she stretched her back. She wiped her hands on the backside of her apron until it was decent and walked out to the entry.
To her surprise one of the guest was no stranger to her and invoked a startle from her, nearly making her shriek but she did not dare to draw attention to herself. She hardly noticed the other gentleman behind him. "Evan," whispered Catherine. The look of pain was still well within her eyes.
"Catherine," replied he, who was filled with regret since the day they parted.
"You know each other?" said the other, his voice low and husky, while he stepped out of the shadow of his companion. His presence usually called attention but at the moment she couldn't take her eyes off of her former lover. He looked to his friend then to girl at the door and back to his friend. "Is she?"
Evan nodded in reply before the question could be asked as he could not take his eyes off of her. It was like the first day they met when his heart race merely at the sight of her. Even with the soot on her porcelain skin she was still beautiful as ever.
"My apologies for being rude. I am," said the other but he was interrupted.
Catherine abruptly held the skirt of her soot covered dress up and bowed her head. "Your royal highness, Prince Vincent," she curtsied in front of him. "My apologies for being rude. I was surprised by your presence, your highness."
"No apologies necessary. And as you already know this is Evan."
Catherine turned her attention to Evan once again, ignoring the Prince as if his presence was of no value. It was a reaction neither had seen before due to the popularity of the Prince's handsome face. "How do you know each other?"
"Evan saved my life when were young. Since then he has been at my side," answered Prince Vincent, whose voice had peaked at the jealousy he felt. It was unusual for him but it was a predicament he had never encountered. All attention would go to him and not once did they notice Evan, who most saw as a servant, which he was not, of the Prince instead of a friend.
"My apologies again your royal highness," said Catherine as she bowed her head.
"Cathy, who is at our door?" Her stepmother called out from deep inside the cottage. Her heavy footsteps could be heard as she walked towards the entry.
"Where are my manners? Please do come in," Catherine pushed the door open for them and stepped aside for them to enter their humble cottage her father built with his own hands before she was born.
Both men walked in quietly without a word. Evan was first, who kept his eyes on Catherine and she the same and followed by Prince Vincent, who watched their interaction with eyes that turned green with envy that no one seem to notice but him.
"Cathy?" Asked the Prince.
"Catherine, your royal highness," replied she.
Their tall stature exuded a strong presence especially Prince Vincent, who held his head up high as he looked around his new surrounding. It was much smaller than the castle he lived in his whole life but it felt homely and warm where the castle could be cold and dreary on days he was alone.
Catherine bowed her head when she caught her stepmother in the corner of her eye and stepped away.
"Girls come down here," yelled the stepmother, who stood with a wide grin on her pasty face as she marked the two men. "Now!" Added the stepmother and walked to the entry where the three stood. "Your royal highness," she curtsied and bowed.
The two sisters slowly came out from the same room as their mother. The eldest, Tess was elegant in height, petite with perfect bronze skin. The youngest, Heather was short yet curvy but lean with a lighter bronze complexion that girls envied. Both were beautiful in their own way but rumors of their indecent character made others wary of them.
"Your royal highness," said both. They grabbed the skirt of their dress and curtsied.
"I am afraid that we can not stay for long. We have come to announce your invitation to the Royal Masquerade Ball for all four ladies of the house," informed Prince Vincent and turned turned his attention to Catherine, who stood by the open door. "Hope to see you there, Catherine," added the Prince. He grabbed her hand, raised it to his lips, softly kissing it.
Catherine held her breath and did not breathe again until he was no longer touching her but her body still quivered from his touch though short as it was. She looked away from the Prince's piercing eyes and found her stepmother, who stood there completely wonderstruck at the exchange between the Prince and her stepdaughter who was covered in soot.
Prince Vincent turned his attention once more to the rest of the party that was shocked at the scene. Had it been someone else, Catherine would have been scolded but it was the Prince and they did not dare speak ill in front of his royal highness. "We are looking forward to seeing all four ladies tonight," added the Prince as he grabbed the sealed invitation, official seal of the royal family, from Evan and gave it to the still stunned stepmother. "We shall take our leave. Goodbye ladies and hope to see you all tonight."
The two gentlemen turned to leave and this time they both looked at Catherine as they passed her at the door and she dared to lift her head up to meet their gaze that was quite mesmerizing. Her breath caught in her throat as the Prince paused and she was quite sure there was a smile on his lips but it ended all too quickly as they walked out of the cottage.
Catherine watched their backs when she closed the door behind them and was left with regret. The feeling did not last too long when she was immediately met with six angry and jealous eyes as she turned back to return to her chore.
BATB
The path from the front door to the gate was short but filled with endless flowers that Catherine planted herself after learning from her father before his death. The father and daughter would spend morning tending to the garden after her mother passed away as she had loved flowers. The two gentlemen closed the gate behind them and entered the carriage awaiting them.
"Thanks again for doing that Prince Vincent," said Evan after taking his seat opposite of the Prince.
"What have I told you before. It is Vincent. You are not my servant but a friend."
"As this is a royal duty, I shall call you by your proper title."
"Forget it," said Prince Vincent. "Do you think that they will attend the ball? Their invitation was rather late."
"I hope so," replied Evan.
"You still love her?" asked Prince but it was more of a statement.
"I do. For a moment it looked as if you meant the kiss."
"You said the invitation needs to look authentic and for all four ladies of the house. How else do you propose I do that at such a late hour?"
"I never asked you to kiss her," replied Evan with jealousy in his voice.
"I was being a gentleman. Can they turn down an invitation from the Prince, who showed proper manners to a young lady?" And he too hoped that Catherine would not turn down his invitation. A small playful smile formed on his lips at the thought of a chance of seeing her tonight at the ball that he had dreaded since the King and Queen made the announcement. It was his birthright they reminded him to find his future Queen and to one day rule the kingdom just like they had for many decades.
"Prince Vincent, we both know what you truly are," warned Evan, who was the only other person in the world that knew of the Prince's secret.
"Do you think I will ever find her?" Asked Prince Vincent while his demeanor quickly changed and his voice more grave and solemn.
"You shall have a ballroom full of women to pick from your highness. I assure you that you will find the one you are destined for as she is for you."
"Will you keep watch of me?" Asked the nervous Prince.
"Do not stray too far from my sight. You will have until the last stroke of midnight."
BATB
"Cathy," said the stepmother in her shrill voice when she called for her stepdaughter, who was busy with chores as though she was a housemaid rather that one of the residents and true owner of the cottage that her father built.
"Catherine, stepmother," corrected Catherine once more as she walked in the kitchen where all three were gathered.
Her two stepsisters sat next to their mother and she knew that they were up to something deceitful. She truly hated them both. They had sabotaged her chances with Evan, the farmer's son, who had taken a fancy to her. Catherine caught her younger stepsister in the barn with him. Heather had given him too much spirits which he had never drank before and he honestly did not remember what happened the night before though their clothing was missing.
They had plans for a future together but that dream went bleak and vanished as her stepsister reminded her everyday of the incident in the barn. She knew that Tess was somehow involved. After all Heather was not someone you would call smart. Heather was pretty but not too bright as one would assume from her appearance.
"Why must you be so naught my child?" Asked an infuriated stepmother.
"I am not a child. I am now seventeen. Please do not call me Cathy as if I am a child. How many times must I tell you this stepmother?" said, a very annoyed Catherine, who spent most of the day cleaning, so that she could make time to ready herself for the ball that evening.
"Catherine. Daughter. Dear. Sit," said the stepmother, who was close to losing her temper but she knew better and they did not have much time to argue tonight as they had a ball to prepare for.
"Yes, stepsister do sit and take a rest," added Tess with a smirk.
"Mother, tell her now," whined an impatient Heather, the baby of the family who always got what she wanted due to her mother's adoration for her.
Catherine sat across the table from the only family she had. If only she had a choice she would leave but she had lost her hope for a future with Evan and had no other place to call home.
"As you know Prince Vincent, the Keller's only son and next in line to the throne has invited us all to tonight's ball. You are not to go," informed the wicked stepmother.
Catherine stood from her chair so quickly causing it to fall backwards. Her voice, usually soft and welcoming had disappeared and was replaced with anger. "You heard what his highness said earlier. Prince Vincent said all four ladies not two or three but all four."
"Do not raise your voice young lady!" Yelled the stepmother, who had enough of the naughty stepdaughter, who dared speak back. "Whilst you are living under my roof and as long as you live here, you shall abide by my rules. We will tell Prince Vincent that you have fallen ill. Is this understood?"
Catherine looked in disbelief at her two stepsisters, who sat by their mother with a hideous smirk on their face. They had already taken everything from her and still could not even have the kindness of heart to give to her one night, a moment of happiness to cherish. She already had nowhere to go. Her plans of leaving with Evan disappeared the moment she caught him with Heather and the pain still remained deep in her heart.
"As you wish stepmother," replied a hopeless Catherine, who knew better than to argue with them. It would be a losing fight and she no longer had the strength or the will to continue being in their evil presence. "I shall be in my room," said a defeated Catherine, who walked away without another word and with tears in her eyes.
BATB
Though it pained her, Catherine still stood by the gate and waved as the carriage with her stepmother and stepsisters left for the ball. She watched as they rode off with glee and turned away after disappearing along the bend. Alone once again, she entered the quiet cottage but to her surprise she was not alone. A tall woman stood in front of the warm fireplace dressed all in white and had a face of an angel.
"Who are you and how did you get in here?" Asked a confused Catherine. Although surprised there was something about the woman's eyes that she trusted.
"Every night you cry for me and wish for me to console you. What is the one thing your heart desires my child?"
"Mother, I wish for you every night. Even in my dreams," answered Catherine but could not believe what was in front of her.
"Think of me as your guardian angel. Your father and I are very proud of you, my sweet, sweet daughter."
"Papa! Is he here with you?"
"I am afraid not, my child. I have not much time. What is it you desire?"
"You and Papa," answered the sweet innocent child who lost her parents.
"That is not well within my powers. Tell me what else it is you wish for?"
Catherine thought about the one thing she hoped for, the one thing she had a grasp on but quickly slipped way. "Love," whispered Catherine.
"Just know that we will always love you, our sweet daughter. I hope someday you find the love you wish for," replied her mother, the guardian angel.
"The Royal Ball. I wish to go tonight," said Catherine with every fiber of her being.
"Close your eyes and listen to me carefully, my daughter. You have until the last stroke of midnight. Be sure that no one sees you."
Trusting her mother, she closed her eyes when told and listened to every word. "What will happen at midnight?"
"You will return here at the cottage. I hope you find what you are looking for. Be well and live happily, my dear."
"Will I remember?" Asked Catherine but there was no answer. "Mother?" She opened her eyes but she was no longer at the cottage. She heard stories about the castle but never imagined it would be, "magical," whispered the awestruck Catherine.
Her clothing had changed as she looked down. She was no longer in her ragged clothes but was wearing a light golden dress, had ivory gloves that went up to her forearms, and glass slippers. Her mask, that covered half of her face was also ivory with black feathers which she wasn't able to see and her hair was done up which she never had time to do.
Catherine followed the people getting out of their carriages and walked along with them as they entered the castle. They were lead up the stairs and into another hall. Loud sound of laughter and music could be heard as they got closer to the enormous French wooden doors, that stood triple a human height, with a steep arc that welcomed them.
As soon as they entered the ballroom she separated from the group and walked away from the crowd watching the people dance with rapture and ease. She too watched as people danced but kept her distance from them and walked about the ballroom. A strong feeling overcame her and she looked across the room as she felt someone have been watching her all this time. Four eyes were staring at her. Two tall men with masks were staring right at her and she knew instantly that it was none other than Prince Vincent and Evan. They were the only two males in the room that stood side by side and had a strong presence about them as they simply stood in a very crowded room.
"Just breathe," whispered Catherine after closing her eyes and was now fully aware of her quaking heart. She opened her eyes but neither men was to be found as she quickly surveyed the room. As she looked around she soon realized she was not quite sure who she wanted to see more, Prince Vincent or Evan, her once beloved.
Catherine got lost in the growing crowd as more invited guests filled the ballroom. Never had she seen plentiful of women in beautiful gowns and well dressed men. She was quite overwhelmed in their presence. She had to remember that she did not belong with them but merely a guest for the night.
There was a gentle breeze from the open balcony door and she stepped away for a moment to gather her thoughts. A faint feeling made her look around once more but was disappointed that she was still not able decide who she was looking for. Evan was her first love and she knew there were still embers left to be reignited but Prince Vincent, she actually didn't know much of him except for the fact that there was something between them in the short amount of time their eyes met at the threshold earlier in the day.
A hand was gently placed on her arm and drew her out of her thoughts. Catherine turned her head and saw from the corner of her eye that it was one of the men she was searching for. He did not speak but instead lead them to the floor and people parted for them as they quietly made their way. She did not dare look at anyone except at him and his mesmerizing eyes. There was something warm and familiar about them.
Right away she knew that he was not much of a dancer and did not care for doing things the proper way. He placed her hands on his shoulders and placed both of his hands on her hips. Everyone stared and chatter filled the room after he pulled her close in his embrace. Catherine had not much choice and laid her head on his chest.
All noise stopped but the beating of their hearts. It was the only music they needed as they danced together in their own little world. Even when the music changed they danced as if they were the only ones there.
Everyone watched especially the King and Queen, who sat on their throne, up a flight of small steps away from the crowd. They were enthralled yet worried. It was a ball for their only son, the future King, yet someone seem to have taken his place in finding a wife of their own.
Soon the floor began to fill as guests returned to dance and find their own future spouse after witnessing such a moment. The gentleman took Catherine by the hand and led them out to the balcony where they were alone and away from prying eyes.
The night was cool against her blushing cheeks as she realized what happened inside the ballroom and the possibility of soon finding out who made her heart race fast against her bosom. There wasn't much time for her to think as he wrapped her in his arms causing their bodies to collide and she wrapped her arms around him like she had done before. Their bodies continued to sway with the music and they danced underneath the moonlight.
Catherine dared to look up at him as he looked at her, their eyes meeting as it did earlier in the day. Their attraction was magnified by their speeding heart as it beat fast. The pull between them was strong. He slowly started to lean down and Catherine closed her eyes as she felt his warm breath on her lips. Her hands instinctively moved up to the nape of his neck, softly brushing her fingers through his hair and impatiently pulled him closer. Their soft lips brush against another as his hands moved to cup her her face and gently crushed his lips against hers.
The moment was short yet sweet. Another came and interrupted. "Ahem."
He was the first to pull away from the kiss. They both looked towards the door and Catherine recognized him as the other man. As she looked back and forth between the two, she became more confused on who she wanted to be the one standing in front of her, the one she shared a kiss with, and would never forget.