Royal Pains: Suited for a Suitor?

Chapter 2~Caroline

Sorry it's been taking so long. I've been relatively busy.

This is chapter two. Since we're alternating it was written by me. Spoiler Alert~This is the chapter where you meet my character's love interest. EEEEEHHH, I'm so excited!

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As I rushed through the castle's secret corridors, I made a mental note to thank Megan for enduring another onerous dinner and dance without me. Reaching a wall with an empty torch bracket, I stopped. I pulled the bracket down and the wall opened to reveal an alcove off the main courtyard, hidden from sight by a willow tree.

I turned about, ensuring that the courtyard was, in fact, empty. Seeing no movement to betray human presence, I dropped onto a low marble bench with a sigh. Looking up at the moon, I smiled to myself and and leaned back on my hands, dropping the straight backed posture I was required to carry myself with at all times.

"Fancy finding you here, Your Highness."

I jumped at the deep voice, stiffening with shock. I quickly stood, checking my posture.

"Startled you, did I?" The person, whoever it was, was laughing at me. A figure stepped out of the shadows.

I relaxed, recognizing Prince Michael.

"No, and until you know me like my sisters, you won't be able to," I answered.

I turned to walk back to the castle. Michael fell into step beside me.

"Where are you going?" he asked.

"I think it is time for me to go in to the dance. Are you coming?"

"I suppose I will."

We walked to the ballroom in silence and slipped inside. I prayed we wouldn't be noticed. We weren't. Everyone was looking to the royal balcony where Father had just stood to speak. Both he and Mother were scanning the hall. I attempted to blend into the shadows.

"We apologize for the absence of our eldest daughter. However, we hope the dance will still prove to be enjoyable as our second eldest is here tonight. Let the dancing commence." He signaled to the conductor, who struck up the orchestra.

I watched as couples moved to the center of the floor. Feeling a tap on my shoulder, I turned to see Michael grinning at me. He bent at the waist in a courtly bow. "Will you dance with me?"

I fought to keep a straight face. "Alright."

He took my hand, and led me onto the dance floor. I curtsied and he bowed. My cheeks aflame, we began to dance, revolving slowly on the spot like the other couples.

Glancing over my partner's shoulder, I happened to see Megan conversing avidly with her partner. He was tall and dark.

As the song ended, I began to make my way back to the side, Michael trailing behind.

Reaching the wall, I turned to see Megan was still dancing with the dark man. As they turned, I was able to see his face. I recognized him as Prince Denny of Shelbelay. I smiled. He had been at quite a few tournaments lately, and was really good with weapons. He had also acted like a genuine person whenever we had spoken, rather than acting stuffy and superior like most princes did. I liked him well. I knew that Mother and Father were going to start urging Megan to choose a husband soon, and I was personally glad she was meeting Denny. Maybe I was reading to deep, but she already seemed to like him as more than a friend.

I was brought out of my musings by Michael clearing his throat.

"Yes?" I asked, tuning to him.

"Oh don't mind me. I just thought you'd like to know your parents are heading this way... And they don't look happy."

Glancing about, I saw he was right.

Panicking slightly, I grabbed Michael's hand and practically ran from the hall.