Catalina had no time to really stop and consider Prince Luke's invitation until ten minutes before they were expected in the dining hall. She was too busy answering the girls' nosy questions about the prince, and avoiding Rictadore's unusual stare during afternoon lessons. Then it seemed that everyone needed her help dressing for dinner in their ever-changing wardrobe. Rictadore often sold some of their finer dresses without warning, for seemingly no reason whatsoever. Today, for example, Tiana couldn't find her pale green gown that had been her favorite for years. With its fine satin overskirt, everyone knew it had been sold. The poor girl was in tears until Catalina managed to unearth a dark green dress of similar style. Then she had to give her opinion on various sashes and shoes, and listen to Ivy wonder and worry about which style Eric preferred her hair, until Catalina sat her down and styled it herself. It was a new style, one she was sure Eric had never seen Ivy in before, and was certain to garner a compliment.
When at last Catalina was alone to dress herself, she allowed herself a moment to think about the prince. Their dance the other night had been magical, and earlier today it did seem as if he was originally inviting only her. And, oh, she hoped he liked her dress. Catalina had actually picked her gown with care, instead of taking whatever the other girls had left. As she brushed her hair, she allowed herself to daydream about him, trying to get it out of her system before tonight. If Rictadore saw her making eyes at any man, she would be in quite a bit of trouble.
The girls followed Rictadore down the halls, the fashionable splendor of his clothes outshining even eleven young women. His crisp white shirt was made of the finest silk, and he wore a black velvet waistcoat. His jacket was cut in the latest style, and he wore a new top hat. The buckles on his new leather shoes appeared to be made of real gold. The girls knew exactly where most of their earnings went, and Tiana's dress.
They were greeted by a footman at the doorway of the dining hall, who led them to their seats at the long table. They were seated surprisingly close to the royal dais. Catalina wondered how many nobles and politicians would be angry at the dancing troupe tonight. Also, she would have an excellent view of Prince Luke.
Slowly, the room filled with dignitaries and other people of the court. The royal family filed in almost unnoticed; King William was not one for fanfares and ceremony. He was dressed as simply as one could be at a royal banquet. Queen Victoria was dressed in a rich red gown, Annabella in lavender, and Emma in sky blue. The other two were too young to attend. Although they wore their crowns and circlets, the cut of their clothes was simple yet elegant. In fact, Jessica pointed out several stuck-up and tacky nobles who were adorned with more jewels and silks than the entire royal family, Rictadore included.
Catalina, however, felt her eyes drawn to the prince. He was dressed almost exactly like his father, in a pale green vest and white shirt underneath. She thought she would slip the night away mostly unnoticed, and in fact would have been content to do so, but Prince Luke caught her eye almost immediately. His smile widened and he winked.
"He was looking for you!" Elle whispered in Catalina's ear. "Did you see his eyes scanning the tables?"
Catalina admitted she hadn't. On her other side, Tiana grabbed her arm. "Look, he's taking the leftmost seat."
When Catalina didn't respond to this, she huffed impatiently and explained, "It's so he can see your face clearly. You're nearly in direct line of sight with each other."
Elle murmured something about romance under her breath as Rictadore shot them a silencing glare. Fortunately, their noisy chatter had distracted him from seeing Ivy and Eric's gazes meet.
Dinner began soon after that. Rictadore immediately began rubbing elbows with the wealthy, and promptly forgot all about his dancers. But the people sitting nearby them found the young women to be quite charming, and kindly answered any etiquette questions they had. This was how the girls had always gotten by.
In between courses, Catalina could feel the prince's eyes on her. As much as she longed to meet his gaze, she was sitting far too close to Rictadore. The girls had cleverly arranged themselves so that Ivy was the furthest from Rictadore, and free to gaze upon Eric. But every so often, Catalina would lift her eyes up to the head of the table. Often, she would catch a glimpse of Prince Luke in animated conversation with his father, laughing at something Annabella said, or discreetly playing with his food to get picky Emma to try it. Other times, Catalina would catch him looking right at her. Their eyes would lock, like wandering travelers finally getting a drink of water, until something would call their attention away.
And the courses themselves were enough to attract anyone's attention. Everything from soups to salads to meats was arranged beautifully on the plate, creating an image so detailed, it was often difficult to eat and break the picture. But once the food was tasted, there was no regretting the decision. The flavors were rich, artfully defined with spices and herbs, and cooked to perfection. The meats melted on the tongue as if they were puddings. The soup was at just the perfect temperature - hot enough to warm the soul, but not to burn. All of the dishes were light and airy, like the beautiful summer night outside. At the end of the eight-course meal, all of the girls knew they had never eaten so well before. Most of their meals were castoffs from the kitchens of whatever manor they were staying at, or the cheap, coarse food the theatre could provide.
The king stood as everyone was enjoying sweetmeats and custards, and tapped his spoon on his wineglass. "Good evening everyone! I am very glad you could all attend, and hoped you enjoyed your meal."
Tiana leaned over and hissed, "Wise move. Make a speech now while everyone's full and in a good move, rather than earlier when we were crabby and hungry."
"He is the king," was all Catalina had to say.
"Now we all know why we are really here," King William was saying, "and it is not to enjoy a meal surrounded by friends. Although, we did indulge ourselves, did we not?" He earned several chuckles at that, but soon grew sober. "No, it is instead to discuss something far graver, and that is the aftereffects of our recent war.
"We fought against the tyrannical country of Sylstran for six long years, after they invaded our southern border. It was not an easy war, and it came at the cost of men's lives. Our victory is due to the bravery, courage and patriotism of all our people - men, women, and children."
"And Luke!" Emma interrupted. Suddenly realizing what she had done, the princess went red and murmured, "I apologize, Papa."
The king smiled. "You are right, my daughter. My son Luke did fight in the war, but not as just a prince, but as an equal soldier. He is also to be commended for his bravery in battle, as all veterans are."
Someone began clapping, and soon the entire hall was ringing with applause. Catalina looked from Tiana to Elle, only to see the surprise she felt reflected in their faces. Everyone knew the prince had been involved in the war, but everyone assumed it was under the role of a prince's duty, not as a simple soldier.
Prince Luke stood and bowed modestly, looking a bit uncomfortable beneath his smile.
King William continued, "The war is over, and Sylstran has been given a fair and just ruler once again. But a lot of work still needs to be done. Cities both here in Allar and Sylstran were destroyed, crops were burned, and towns were pillaged. There are some of you here tonight with the skills and the resources to help solve all of the problems that come with peacetime, and I thank you in advance for your generosity.
"But as for the rest of you," the king broke out into a smile. "there will be music and dancing in celebration!"
Another cheer rose up. Footmen appeared to direct the guests to the ballroom. Catalina caught Prince Luke's eye as she was led away, but she could not tell if he would be dancing tonight. Surely he would be; why would he go to the trouble of personally inviting her if he was going to be in a military meeting the whole time? No, he wouldn't be so inconsiderate.
Catalina had only seen the ballroom in its full glory from the stage, where her eyes were dazzled by the bright stage lights. Now, she and the other girls were free to gawk. The drapes had been pulled back, and the windows cleaned, so even though it was falling darker outside, the lamplight reflected in the floor-to-ceiling panes. The mirrors on the opposite wall had been polished, too, so that the dancers might catch glimpses of themselves as they swirled about the floor, and ladies fix their hair and gowns. The floor itself was buffed and polished to a mirror-like shine to rival the mirrors. Brightly colored paper lanterns hung from the ceiling, sending flashes of color through the massive crystal chandelier. Catalina was reminded of a drawing of the planets and how they circled the sun.
However, the Twelve - or rather, Eleven - Swans were not left to gawk for long. Many of the people in attendance had seen their performance last night, and men of all ages began asking for dances as soon as the music started. Eric quickly claimed the blushing Ivy, and the page from the partner dance shyly took Lily's hand. Catalina and the rest of the girls soon found themselves with partners, and knew it would be a rare moment tonight when they would be without one.
Ballroom dancing was a welcome respite from the relentless ballet, though. They were a lot more relaxed, and demanded less perfection, although it was impossible not to be graceful and elegant with their upbringing. More importantly, Rictadore would not stay long. He would deter a few hopeful ladies by saying all the grace and poise lay within his protégés, and then disappear into the card rooms all night.
The first dance set ended. Catalina had already had six different partners, which was even a lot for her. But then she saw Ivy and Eric still dancing, and knew why. It took courage to ask a man to cut in during a dance, and no brave soul had enough to try and break up such a look of love.
Princess Annabella appeared at Catalina's side, her face glowing. She had already danced with several dashing young men, and the normally shy girl flourished under the attention. "Catalina! It is so good to see you enjoying yourself."
Catalina eyed the men, only slightly scattered on the opposite side of the room, all anxiously waiting for the princess to leave so that they might try their luck. She smiled; to her surprise, she was having a good time. "Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness."
"Oh, it was for entirely selfish reasons. I wanted some friends. It's Emma's first formal dance, so I'm afraid she isn't much for conversation tonight."
Catalina remembered her first ball and chuckled. When she hadn't been dancing, a combination of nerves and excitement had created a lump in her throat, preventing her from speaking.
"Besides, I do believe I have my brother to thank for inviting you," Annabella said with a knowing smile.
"Oh, no, not you too!" Catalina groaned. "I thought ten sisters was more than enough!"
Annabella laughed but gratefully dropped the subject. "I came to see how all of you are faring. Mama says I must practice being a good hostess, for when I have my own balls." She noticed all of the attention the Swans were getting, and a small wrinkle appeared on her brow. "Shall I...call all of the other available ladies to attention?"
Catalina couldn't help but laugh a little at the delicate, proper way the princess had phrased the situation. "If you can - although I must warn you, it shall be a challenge."
Princess Annabella straightened her shoulders and smoothed her lavender skirts. "Well, then, it is a good thing I enjoy a challenge!" With that, she strode purposefully off towards the groups of hopeful men, and began pointing out several ladies who had sat out most of the dancing for lack of partners.
To her surprise, Catalina noticed a decline in the amount of partner changes as the night went on. The other girls felt it, too. When Tiana gave her a quizzical glance across the dance floor, Catalina subtlety directed her to the eldest princess, who was currently saving Lily and her page from interruption by offering to dance with the man herself. It was certainly much more relaxing not to have to worry about making sure every man who asked got his five moments of glory around the floor. Catalina wondered how they could possibly repay Annabella.
For all her dance partners, Catalina had not yet seen the one she longed to dance with - Prince Luke. There had been no sign of anyone from the meeting since dinner almost three hours before.
"He isn't coming," Catalina told Elle during a brief respite.
"Perhaps he didn't know it would take all night," Elle said gently. "It was so romantic, his invitation - as if he was just asking you and not all of us."
Catalina nodded, feeling her heart sink into her dancing shoes. She had not realized how much she wanted to talk - and dance - with the prince until he had slipped from her sight.
"Besides, now you get to see him tomorrow, when he apologizes!" Elle called over her shoulder as she was escorted back to the dance floor.
The thought was enough for the smile on Catalina's face to be genuine as she turned to answer the all-too familiar tap to the shoulder. It was replaced by a look of shock when she saw Prince Luke standing beside her. Her face heated, wondering how long he had been standing there - and how much he had heard.
"Hello," she managed to whisper.
"Hello yourself," Prince Luke replied. His eyes sparkled as if there were real gold in them reflecting the lamplight.
Without another word, he slipped her hand into his arm and began escorting her across the ballroom. Catalina expected that he wanted to dance. After all, the prince had just arrived. At the prospect, Catalina's feet felt lighter, and the neverending ache in her left leg subsided. But to her surprise, Prince Luke bypassed the swirl of dancers entirely and led her outside a pair of glass doors to the gardens.
The night air was cool. Catalina had not realized how hot the ballroom had been until she left it. Now, she wondered if she would be able to make herself go back inside. A gentle breeze played with the wisps of hair that had fallen from Catalina's intricately braided updo, courtesy of Isabelle. She smelled the sweet blossoms from all over the gardens on the wind.
"I thought perhaps you would enjoy a break from dancing," Prince Luke said quietly. He smiled at her. "Besides, I had my dance yesterday."
"It is very kind of you," Catalina answered, suddenly shy. "Thank you."
They strolled the gardens in silence for a few moments, although it was a pleasant and companionable quiet. It was dark, but the night sky was littered with bright stars, and several spherical lanterns cast off just enough light to see the path, and each other.
Prince Luke broke the silence. "I like your dress; it makes your eyes seem almost violet in this light."
Catalina wished she could stop blushing, but she was glad he had noticed. She had been thinking of him when she dressed, and he was the first man to pay her a compliment all night. The dress was a deep blue silk, edged on the collar, sleeves and hem with a thick gold ribbon. The sleeves draped at the elbow, and it had a scooped neckline that was modest in the front, but rather daring in the back - her shoulders and neck were exposed to the night air. The bodice had a V-shaped design in more gold ribbon. It was true that the color affected the shade of her eyes, for while originally they matched, the silk was embossed with black swirls and designs, darkening the color and giving it a blue-violet appearance.
"You look very nice as well," Catalina said.
Prince Luke looked down at his vest. "Well, that's good to hear. Emma says green is not my color."
Catalina began to loosen a little. "It doesn't matter if it's your color or not, you are still much better dressed than several people in attendance."
"The ladies too?"
"Most definitely."
He laughed out loud, and guided her around a bend in the path to a low stone bench. "This is my favorite spot," Prince Luke said. "If you look this way..." He turned around and Catalina followed his gaze.
They were facing the palace. It was lit up and bright, something out of a storybook. A candle flickered in every window, and laughter and music drifted out of the ballroom. The smooth white stone seemed to be alive.
"...and if you face the other way..."
Catalina turned back around, and let out a gasp. The city was below them, a sea of smaller lights and sleepy activity. Lights turned on and off, and quite noises came from the river that ran alongside the countless buildings to the east. Above them, the night sky was a mirror image, for the clouds of earlier in the day had disappeared. The moon had a small sliver taken from it, enough to ensure Catalina a few weeks of sleep. It was almost as if the city was a lake's reflection of the sky.
"There now. Two beautiful views for the price of one," Prince Luke said.
"I prefer this one," Catalina said in a hushed voice, still drinking it all in.
"Me, too," he answered, and Catalina could hear the smile in his voice. "Although, I am surprised to find how many people don't."
"Oh, how could they not?" she asked. "There is so much more to see...so much more life..."
"I know. The palace is just a building. This," Prince Luke swept one arm in the direction of the sleepy city, "is so much more. It is ordinary people, going about their ordinary lives. The heart and soul of the kingdom." He sighed, and Catalina thought she had never heard anyone sound so content.
"Do you ever wish you were ordinary? That you were not royalty?" The minute the words left her mouth, Catalina wished she could take them back. Who was she to be so forward with the crown prince?
Prince Luke was silent. Catalina opened her mouth to apologize when he spoke. "It is hard to say. Sometimes, I want to give up the responsibility of ruling a kingdom and be nothing but a simple shepherd." He gave a half-smile, which was impossible not to return. Allar was known for its wools and other fibres; the countryside was littered with sheep. "But then, I wonder how on earth I would manage. I have been pampered all my life; I wouldn't be able to keep house, let alone defend and care for sheep. I'm not half as hardworking as the laziest shepherd."
"I'm sure that's not true. I have met some lazy people in this kingdom."
The prince shrugged, as if he still wasn't so sure. "Then I think about Annabella, and my sisters. If I left to become the most inept shepherd in history, the kingdom falls to her. And perhaps I'm too overprotective, but I don't want her to worry about being responsible for the kingdom. So I stay the crown prince, and struggle through."
Catalina looked at him, his face half in shadow. She waited until he met her eyes before answering. "I don't think it is overprotective. I think it's very noble of you."
Time seemed to stop. All Catalina was aware of was Prince Luke's brown-and-gold-flecked eyes, staring deep into hers. They only flickered once, to land on her lips, and Catalina thought perhaps he was going to kiss her.
But then he smiled wryly, and the moment was broken. "Unfortunately, I think Annabella would disagree. She fancies herself quite capable."
Catalina looked away shyly. "She shan't hear it from me. But she probably is." She told him about his sister's hostessing skills.
The conversation took off from there. They talked about different pastimes, odd relations and acquaintances, their travels. Catalina discovered that he had visited the strange town of Dubuo, a place Rictadore had taken them once for a week, only to never return. It was a little town bordering the thick forest, known for its peculiar customs and even more peculiar people. Prince Luke told her a hilarious anecdote involving him being chased by a goat and a man who believed himself to be a chicken.
"Needless to say," Prince Luke finished, trying to control his laughter enough to talk, "I left the next morning and never went back."
Catalina's stomach ached from so much laughter. She had never felt so comfortable with someone outside of her dance troupe before.
Prince Luke turned to look at the palace, then said, "I had best be returning you to the party. Annabella will be cross with me."
Catalina realized with a start just how much time had passed. She accepted the prince's hand and rose, hiding her stiff knee with the straightening of her skirts.
They reached the open glass doors, bright light and music spilling outside in a golden pool. Prince Luke paused a moment, bent, and pulled a pale pink rose off a bush. Carefully, he removed the thorns and handed it to Catalina.
"In return for the one you gave me," he said simply.
"Thank you." She felt that blush beginning again as she placed the bloom in her hair.
The ballroom was stiflingly hot and loud compared to the cool peace of the gardens. The prince expertly maneuvered them through the knots of people and spinning dancers, nodding politely at those who called out to him. Catalina felt their eyes on her and ducked her head. Several of those glances came from young women, and none of them were pleasant.
"Luke, darling!" came a voice. It made Catalina's heart stop.
Queen Victoria crossed the ballroom and came to her son's side. Prince Luke winked reassuringly at Catalina before kissing the queen's cheek. "Hello, Mother."
"My dear, where have you been? I've been looking all over for you."
"I have been giving Miss Torrez a tour of our gardens. Mother, I would like to introduce you to Miss Catalina Torrez. Miss Torrez, this is my mother."
Catalina swept her finest curtsey. "Your Majesty, it is an honor to meet you." Her heart pounded nervously under the queen's gaze.
But Queen Victoria smiled. "Why, if it isn't the lovely dancer herself! I am very pleased to meet you." She clasped Catalina's hand in both of hers, as Prince Luke had done last night. Catalina instantly relaxed; she saw Lila's glittering eyes in Queen Victoria's face.
"I shall leave you, then," the queen continued. "I can speak to you later, Luke." With that, she bustled off to talk to a woman sitting by herself in a corner.
Prince Luke continued on to their unknown destination, smiling at her. "See, now, that wasn't so bad."
Catalina could only nod, trying to swallow her heart still lodged in her throat. Despite all the friendliness and warmth that radiated from the queen, Catalina was still afraid of her.
Soon Catalina saw where Prince Luke was taking her. Elle, Clara, Tiana and Elizabeth were standing in a group in a corner, trying to look occupied with adjusting a minor problem with Tiana's dress. They were just escaping a dance, for when they saw Catalina headed towards them, escorted by the prince, the dress was forgotten.
"Cat! There you are," Clara said.
"We thought something happened to you," Elizabeth sounded worried, and rightfully so. It wouldn't be the first time one of them was taken away for malicious intentions.
Prince Luke bowed. "I apologize for causing you to worry. I was showing Miss Torrez around the gardens and we lost track of time."
"Oh, it's quite all right," Tiana said. She quickly began fussing with her gown again, and after a few nudges, the rest circled around her, turning their backs to Catalina and the prince.
Catalina could only shake her head at them. They were doing a terrible job at pretending not to eavesdrop. Prince Luke must have seen through them, too, because he laughed quietly.
"Well, Miss Torrez, that is two nights in a row you have proven these affairs to be much more fun and exciting than I ever believed they could be. I can hardly wait to see what you will do next."
Was he saying he might invite her to another party? "I think I set the standard too high for myself. I don't see how I can meet the expectations."
He smiled warmly. "You could never disappoint me." Prince Luke bowed, kissed her hand lingeringly, and slowly walked away.
Catalina was instantly surrounded by girls asking exciting questions.
"You have been out in the gardens this entire time?"
"Did you dance with him?"
"Is he the perfect gentleman everyone says he is or are those things people say because he's the crown prince?"
"What did he think of your dress? Or was he a typical man and not notice it?"
Catalina ignored them as she watched the prince's dark curls move through the ballroom. They stopped beside Emma, seated near the orchestra, where he bowed low. She giggled, and he led her to the dance floor. Catalina's heart warmed, remembering what the prince had said about Annabella, and now watching him dance with his sister at her first ball. She felt a bit guilty for having taken up so much of his time. Prince Luke obviously cared quite a lot about his younger sisters.
Finally, Catalina faced the barrage of questions. "All right! All right! Everyone just calm down. Yes, we were in the gardens the whole time, and no, we did not dance. He said he thought I might appreciate a respite, seeing as he already had a dance yesterday."
"He is so thoughtful," Elle sighed.
"And of course he is a perfect gentleman! How could he be anything else? Have you not met him? Part of being a gentleman, of course, means that he noticed my dress. He said that the color made my eyes seem almost violet." Catalina's voice drifted off, recalling the timbre of his words.
"And? What else?" Clara asked eagerly.
Catalina hardly recognized the dreamy tones as her own. "He showed me around the gardens...they are so beautiful at night."
All the girls sighed. They waited for more details, but Catalina wasn't giving any. She pulled herself back to earth. "We just talked - I'll not tell you what about!"
Elizabeth hugged her. "I'm so happy for you!"
Clara and Elle looked disappointed. "Ah, well, we could try and get some details from Ivy," Elle said.
"Are they still dancing?" Catalina asked, disbelievingly.
Tiana nodded. "They have been together all night, dancing on and off. Eric always gets her to sit down for a while, but Ivy always manages to pull him back out there. They are so cute together!"
Catalina searched the room for them, smiling. "She's always wanted to dance with him, I guess now that she has the chance, she's making good use of it."
A young man approached them, and the conversation ended as one by one they were pulled back into the dance.
The orchestra played its final song at midnight, less than twenty minutes later. In that time, Catalina had had four partners, and Prince Luke had danced with both of his sisters. The Swans gathered together, knowing it was high time they left, but they had to wait for Rictadore to emerge from the card room.
"You had better go," Ivy was saying to Eric. The rest of the girls chatted amongst themselves, trying to give the couple some privacy. "I don't want him to see you."
"If you insist, fair lady." Eric kissed her hand and left the room.
Ivy was floating on air. "Oh, it was a beautiful night! Thank you, thank you all! I know you took extra partners because of me."
"It wasn't all us," Jessica told her. "Princess Annabella helped tremendously. You can't say no when the princess asks you to dance with someone else."
Just then Rictadore reappeared, and the girls became silent and still, just as he demanded, standing in a neat line and looking to the few remaining guests like perfectly formed dolls.. They followed him dutifully back to their rooms. Catalina noted his jaunty gait and tried to decide if it was because of success at the card tables or drink. Perhaps a combination of both, for while Rictadore clinked his newly acquired gold pieces and rustled paper IOUs in his pockets, he also nicked several corners with his shiny leather shoes.
The girls unpinned their hair, unlaced their bodices, and untied their shoes in their large main sitting room amid whispered gossip. Catalina slipped away to her tiny bedroom without any other mentions of the prince. She blew out the candle and pulled the covers up around her chin, ignoring the pain in her leg. She was blissfully content in this moment, remembering the intense gaze in Prince Luke's eyes whenever she had the courage to meet them. Catalina drifted off to sleep, pretending she was a normal girl with a normal, handsome suitor, who had a chance at happily ever after.