Lisette arrived in a dark green dress with gold trim. Her hair had been carefully arranged with real flowers by her own servants.
"Welcome, cousin!" King Adam greeted.
"Thank you for inviting me," replied Lisette.
I scarcely recognized Loup when he limped from the other room. His permanently fractured leg was splinted in an unsuccessful attempt to stabilize it so he could walk more easily, and his thick, tousled hair had been trimmed, as had his sideburns and the stubble he grew on his chin. Furthermore, he wore a woolen suit rather than the furs he usually donned in winter.
He bowed as low as he was able. "We, your humble servants, welcome you to our masters' castle. We are highly honored by your presence, and we hope Your Grace will have a pleasant stay. If there's anything we can do to make your holiday more enjoyable, do but inform us at once, and we shall gladly attend your every whim."
"Thank you, servant." She extended her hand, which Loup raised and lightly pressed against his lips for the briefest moment. "I believe it should please me to skate, but it's been awhile since I've stepped on ice. You are aware how undignified it would be for royalty to slip and fall."
"Your Grace needn't be troubled," Loup replied. "Your servant limps when he attempts to walk, but when he skates, he glides effortlessly, as if his leg were completely well once more. If Your Grace will condescend to accept help from a servant, I should be highly honored to make sure you do not fall."
Lisette considered the matter. "Very well, servant. I will permit you to help me skate."
"As my lady wishes."
He offered his arm, which she accepted, and the two left the room to find ice skates. As soon as they left, some of the other servants started laughing.
"It's as I told you!" Lumière exclaimed. "He's madly in love with her!"
"Don't be ridiculous!" Uncle Cogsworth argued. "He's simply trying to welcome extended members of the royal family!"
"Oh, I don't know," Mrs. Potts remarked. "You know as well as I that Lisette isn't usually so formal, nor is she nearly as demanding. It's obvious that there's a friendship they're trying to hide, but I'm not certain I would call it love."
"Whatever it is, it's gone straight to Loup's head," Babette stated. "She's got him right where she wants him!"
While they continued their discussion, Silvain motioned for me to follow him. I allowed him to lead me to the castle library, where we could have a few moments of peace.
"They make a nice distraction, don't they?" he asked.
I nodded. "No one's even noticing us."
"It will make it all the more surprising when I kiss you under the mistletoe."
My face grew warm, and I was sure I was blushing.
"I thought we should rehearse our lines so they sound more natural."
That was the last thing I wanted to do, but I knew he was right, so I agreed.
"Now we must kiss," Silvain concluded.
"I'd rather not," I replied. "I've never kissed a man, unless you count adorable infant boys."
"But it must seem natural, cherie. Simply close your eyes and tilt your head, and the rest will be easy."
Against my will, I tightly shut my eyes.
Silvain laughed. "You mustn't look as if you are anticipating execution! Think of something pleasant!"
I thought of the baby wolves I had helped rescue last summer, and Silvain put his hand under my chin and lightly pressed his lips against mine for a few seconds.
"There now! Was that so terrible?"
I shrugged. "I lived."
Hearing my uncle call my name, I seized the nearest book and stepped out of the library.
"There you are!" Uncle Cogsworth sighed. "I've been looking all over for you! The king will be holding court!"
"Why?" I asked. "It's nearly Christmas. Can't any sentencing wait a few days?"
"It's a mock court," he explained. "King Adam wants to give Catherine practice making decisions since she's temporarily king, in a manner of speaking, so he offered some of the villagers nice gifts if they'd pretend to bring problems before the 'King' Catherine. He assured them that they wouldn't really have to serve any sentences that may be pronounced."
My uncle continued his impatient complaints about Catherine's temporary reign. I knew he must be under a lot of pressure as head of household, but there were times I wished he would find another way to deal with his stress before he gave the rest of us a migraine as well.