After taking a breath, I tapped on the door of Julian's study.
"Come in!"
Stepping into the room, I looked around at the maps and bookshelves lining the walls.
"Oh! Good evening, Anneliese," he said, looking up. "How can I help you?"
"Well..." I sat down in a chair. "I was hoping you could help with the lack of male partners for the ball this evening," I said slowly, watching his reaction.
"I don't think-"
"And before you say you don't think it's appropriate, the Marvian princes' tutor is coming too," I interrupted.
"What about... Lawrence?" he said quickly.
I sighed, smiling at him. "The assistant head butler? He's not as good at dancing as you are."
"I'm out of practice."
"Then, we'll practise now." I got up from my chair and gestured for him to do the same.
He shook his head, smiling. "You're not going to take no for an answer, are you?"
"No," I said sweetly.
"Oh, alright." He got up and came around the table to me.
I put my hand on his shoulder and he lightly placed his on my waist. We joined our free hands and then looked at each other.
I suddenly was taken back to the dancing lessons I had had when I was about ten years old. Mr. Cobbler had taught me the steps but of course our height difference had been much to different for me to practise properly with him. So, I had danced with Julian.
But this was very different from those lessons in the Blue Hall. Especially after our tumble yesterday afternoon, I was very aware of his hand on my waist and the closeness of our bodies.
"It'll be hard to practise without music," said Julian quietly.
"We'll just count," I said. "Ready?" He nodded. "One, two, three. One, two, three."
As I counted and we did the proper steps, Julian began to hum a familiar tune. I smiled, it was the piece we always used to practise to. We never broke eye contact as he spun me around the room. His eyes were as blue as the sky on an early spring day, with flecks of grey in them.
Julian had never danced with anyone except Anneliese. He had had the chance in university of course, at the local fairs and festivals, but he had never felt confident enough to.
But with Anneliese it was different. He could just be himself around her because they had known each other so long. If going to the ball meant that he could get to dance with her again, with proper music, then he would brave the unknown setting.
Unfortunately, the study was not as spacious as a ballroom, so he accidentally made Anneliese bump into a bookshelf, thus propelling himself closer to her still. She inhaled sharply and he quickly stepped back.
"I'm sorry, Anneliese," he said.
She finally broke eye contact and glanced down at the floor nervously. Nervously? What did she have to be nervous about?
"That's alright," she said, looking up at him and grinning. "Well, I think you dance well enough to not embarrass yourself tonight."
He returned the smile. "If you say so. I shall see you then."
"Yes, see you then." She turned to go but before she was completely out the door and she turned back and said, "Wear the dark blue jacket, it looks good on you." And with that, she disappeared.
Julian smiled to himself. The dark blue jacket it was.
• •
Mother had had me have the new dress made at Madame Carp's dress Emporium for the ball. As always, I was thoroughly impressed with the pale blue gown with golden embroidery.
As Maria helped me into the dress, I wondered how Julian was getting on. I hoped he wasn't too nervous. Maybe I shouldn't have pressured him into coming.
"There we are, Highness," said Maria when she had finished lacing the back.
"Thank you, Maria," I said, turning in the mirror to admire the dress. "What are the lady's maids saying about our guests?"
I could see Maria's slight smile in the mirror. I had found out years ago that the best way to learn about someone's character was through those waiting on them.
"Well, I don't know about the men or boys, Your Highness," she said. "But I heard from Sophie that Queen Annamaria is very kind and that the little princess is a sweetheart."
I smiled. "And the king's mother and aunt?"
"I don't want to be disrespectful..." Maria said uncertainly.
"It's just me, Maria," I said, turning to her. "I just want to know what you've heard."
"The king's aunt sent Cassie back four times with the ironing this morning because she said it wasn't done right." Maria paused. "And Kathleen said that the queen mother is worse."
"Oh, poor Kathleen." Kathleen was a sweet, quiet girl. "Cassie can handle it probably, but Kathleen would be much better suited to serve the queen."
Maria looked hopeful. "I was thinking the same thing, Highness."
I smiled. "Perfect, I'll see what I can do." I made a mental note to discuss the matter with Mrs. Acton, the head of the household staff, tomorrow morning.
Hey everyone! How are y'all doing?
Wow, we're already almost halfway through August! it just me or did this summer go by super fast? I'm already sorting my stuff to move into my dorm in September (first year of university!).
Anyway, love you all!
- aclmohle
