Unfortunately, I'm an Evil Villainess

Chapter 58 - Debutante Ball (I)

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Before Catherine went to her first ball, Father had told her to report to him the next morning. Thus, after breakfast, she stood outside the door of his office, the familiar fear of disappointing Uncle rising, for she knew he would be standing next to Father, making sure she was good. She took a deep breath and forced herself to knock.

"Come in."

Catherine entered, closing the door behind her. Whenever she saw Uncle, the room always felt stuffy with her nervousness of not knowing his mood, and today was no exception, especially after not seeing him for a while and not knowing how he felt at all.

Luckily, Uncle seemed pleased. He sat at a desk to the side of Father's, reading a book, and smiled as he glanced up and saw her. She beamed back.

"Good morning, Uncle! Good morning, Father!"

Father was looking over papers behind his own desk, rubbing his forehead and shaking his head. Catherine instinctively wanted to ask him if everything was all right, but stopped herself, in case it wasn't appropriate. Uncle got less angry at the lack of action than improper action, especially asking too many questions.

Father shoved his papers aside. He motioned for her to sit, and she did.

"Good morning, Catherine. How was your ball?"

"It was great. I danced with a number of kind gentlemen."

"What of the prince?"

Catherine swallowed and bowed her head to avoid Father's gaze.

"Father, I'm so sorry! He was surrounded by the daughters of ambassadors, and I couldn't approach him."

She held her breath, preparing for a reprimand that never came. Slowly, she peered at Uncle, but he seemed to be focused on his book. Finally, she stole a glance at Father, who merely drummed a finger slowly. He sighed, and she felt a pang. Had she disappointed him?

"It's all right, I didn't expect much success anyways, not on enemy territory."

"Thank you so much, Father!"

Father was the best in the world! Catherine felt a rush of relief and again appreciated that she was the daughter of such a caring and compassionate man.

"Anything else?"

"Oh, yes! I met Lady Valentina, and we became friends!"

Catherine had been so excited to have a friend, so when Father sat up straight and leaned forward, she was startled. She inhaled, her heart pounding as her mind raced to figure out if she did anything wrong.

"What do you mean? Did she approach you? About what?"

"U-um, she knew the first gentleman I was dancing with, so she came to greet him. He left, and we chatted. I-I asked if we, if we could be friends, and s-she agreed. A-actually, I was w-wondering about something she said..."

"Later, write down as much of your conversation as you can recall. What did she say?"

"T-that Prince Oscar was her fiance, and they were going to get married one day."

Uncle threw his book aside and was about to say something when Father held up a hand, and he stopped. Catherine tensed, her heart leaping, wary even at Father's soothing words.

"Don't worry, it's only for the present. You'll marry him and be queen one day, like I promised, but did you tell her that?"

"No, I remembered what you said! And I told her I was happy for her."