The Second Son

Chapter 24

I entered a room that was very similar to the banquet room just without all the dining tables. The majority of the room was open space to allow dancing and socializing. All along the wall, candelabras illuminated the hall giving it a dreamlike feel. At the far end, musicians were set up to entertain the crowd. At the moment, they were playing something soft and melodic but I'm sure as the night went on and the wine flowed, they would move onto more upbeat choices. I noticed a group of chairs set up to the side of the band and I assumed that's where the royal family would preside over the festivities.

My head was spinning. Between the wine I drank at dinner and the large crowd of unfamiliar faces, I felt disembodied. My aunt had insisted I learned proper etiquette, so at least I was able to navigate an event like this without offending anyone. I was also taught how to dance among other so-called feminine skills. I was going to have to pull from all the knowledge my aunt had instilled in me. I decided to go linger by the refreshment table to make it seem like I was checking out the tartes and cookies laid out for the party. Meanwhile, I was assessing who everyone was and how they ranked in the Court.

I figured the people standing closest to the Royal Family were the most influential in the Court. I was surprised to see my dinner companion, Samuel in the group gathered by Prince James. I would need to ask Betsy who he was. I knew all about how political things were here in the Capital. If I wanted to protect myself from the Queen's wrath, I needed to find some allies.

I found myself staring at Samuel. I was too nervous before to notice how handsome he was. He was tall and muscular like most of the young men here. They must do a lot of training. He had dark brown hair and eyes and a very charming smile. Not bad to look at at all. He was speaking with an older gentleman who looked very similar to him. I guessed it was his father. Samuel suddenly looked over at me and caught my eye. I quick turned my head embarrassed that I had been caught staring.

When I looked up again, Prince James and the beautiful woman he had been seated with at dinner were coming towards me. When they stopped in front of me, I curtsied. Prince James took my hand like his father had done. Except he just bowed his head instead of placing a kiss which was much more appropriate.

"Emily, it's so good to see you again! My fiancé here just could not wait to meet you! Let me introduce you to Princess Isabella of the Fair Isles." The beautiful princess embraced me in a hug that I was not expecting.

"I'm so excited to finally meet you! James has told me so much about you! I can't wait to hear all about your work. And it's nice to finally have another female here my own age. I just know we will be best friends."

Her earnestness was disarming. I was not expecting such a warm welcome from anyone here. I've had my guard up all day.

"Thank you Princess Isabella. I'm already feeling a little homesick so your friendship is much appreciated."

"O please, call me Izzy. Isabella is what my mother calls me when I'm in trouble." She giggled.

"Izzy has 4 sisters so I think coming here was a bit of shock to her." Said the Prince.

"The only other female in the court is the queen and I don't think she likes me all that much." Izzy gave me a knowing look. It seems the only people the queen likes are her husband and her sons. Izzy seems so friendly! How could you not like her?

"James, dear, you must dance with Emily. Make her really feel welcomed. Plus, it will let the Court know exactly where she stands with you." Izzy said turning towards her betrothed.

James turned to me and bowed down with his hand outstretched.

"Emily, do me the honor of joining me for the first dance."

I couldn't help but smile at his formality. And Izzy was right. Everyone was watching us. Having the first dance with the future king was a very big deal, indeed.

I placed my hand in his and he led us out the middle of the floor. He placed the hand that wasn't holding mine on my waist and I put my other hand on his shoulder. The band started playing a simple waltz and I let him take the lead. I was going to have to write my aunt a thank you note for teaching me everything I needed to know to survive in the Royal Court. I gave her such a hard time when I was a child but she somehow knew I would need it one day.

After a few moments, other couples joined us on the dance floor. The prince was an excellent dancer and I felt myself relax for the first time since arriving earlier today. Maybe everything would be fine. I had the King's favor and now the Prince's as well. That should mean I was safe, right?

"Emily, there is something I feel I should tell you and I didn't want to say anything in front of Izzy. Henry told me what happened between you two last year. And he told me why it ended. I have to say, I think you were lying when you told him you were just using him."

I didn't know what to say. I felt my mouth hang open in astonishment. How could the Prince be so kind to me knowing how I treated his brother?

"Some people might describe my brother as hot-headed. He lets his emotions get the best of him. He's like our mother in that way. I, on the other hand, have always been described as the logical one, like Father. And from what I can see, there is no way you would ever use anyone, especially not someone you care about as much as my brother. I watched you both last year. I saw the way you looked at him and the way you smiled when he entered a room. That was genuine. And then everything you did for my father. I'm sure you had a very good reason to do what you did but you must know how much you hurt him."

I felt myself starting to panic. The tentative safety net I had created for myself and my family over the last year was being pulled apart by Prince James. Why did he have to be so observant? I had to salvage this and the only way to do that was to lie.

"Your highness, you don't understand. I wish I could tell you that you are right. But I can't. I did have feelings for Henry but not in the way he felt for me and that's why I was honest about my intentions. I was trying to improve my situation and I couldn't pretend with him anymore. I felt bad for deceiving him. You must believe me!"

The Prince looked at me shrewdly and I just knew he knew I was lying. If he didn't believe me and he pushed this, my loved ones were in danger.

"Fine. Whatever you say Emily. And since you claim to have no romantic interest in my brother, I guess it shouldn't bother you that he is engaged to be married. And he's on his way home to introduce his soon-to-be bride to my parents. He should be here within the fortnight."