First at Last (Updated Version)

Chapter Twenty-Four

"It was just nerves," I said for what felt like the hundredth time as physicians fussed around me, checking for injuries, for an explanation to my "episode," as they called it. One of the younger physicians—an apprentice maybe?—put her finger under my chin and tipped my head up, turning it from side to side to examine my eyes.

I had woken up several minutes ago, lying on a soft, plush bed, with silk sheets. I learned that I had not been out very long, about a quarter of an hour. My head had ached a little from hitting the marble floor, but the aching had already vanished. I did not know why I was still in here. Obviously, there was nothing wrong with me, and all of these people were really starting to get on my nerves.

There was a sharp knock at the door only a moment before it was opened and William strode into the room. His mouth was pressed into a grim line and all the doctors paused to bow, murmuring words of respect before continuing with their jobs.

"Are you all right?" He asked as he reached me.

"Oh, yes, I'm all right," I said quickly, a little breathlessly. "Did you need something, Your Highness?"

He straightened, looking a little startled by my question. "Er . . . no, not really. I just wanted to check after your welfare. Sorry to interrupt." He took a step back, as though he might begin heading for the door.

I reached out a hand to stop him, which I hadn't really meant to do. He paused and looked at me expectantly.

I dropped my hand back down to my lap. "Sorry. Force of habit, I suppose. Wanting you to stay."

He seemed to hesitate a moment before he spoke. "I know," he said quietly. "I'm sorry. I wish I could."

A lump formed in my throat and I nodded. "Of course. I really appreciate your concern, Your Highness, but I assure you, I am all right now."

He nodded, his sapphire gaze holding my own for just long enough to make my breath catch in my throat. "That is good to hear. I'll take my leave, then." He bowed, a little awkwardly, before turning and striding out of the room.

I stared at the doorway through which he exited, my heart aching. I wanted to be with him and it pained me greatly that I could not be. I took another few minutes to compose myself before I returned to the ball

When I'd finally returned to the corner I had been occupying previously, Mother walked over to me, looking none too pleased.

"Erika," she said curtly. "Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, Mother," I replied, meeting her steely gaze.

"Good. We've decided that you do not have to speak. Clearly, it was . . . too much for you . . ." Her expression was dubious, as though she believed I had acted out my collapse.

Though, I could hardly care what she actually thought, as the relief hit me so hard my knees nearly buckled. "Thank you, Mother."

She nodded, her mouth pressed into a thin line. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

The evening wore on painfully slowly. Alice and William danced together in the middle of the room, looking happy and in love. What a farce.

After the song had ended, William escorted Alice to the other side of the room, where is father and mother sat, observing the revelry.

They all spoke for a moment, and then, I could have sworn, King Henry's expression turned severe, his face going red beneath his beard. William bowed his head slightly as they spoke before he turned and began walking away, though his father still seemed to be calling after him.

He stood before the dais, before the guests, waiting. The music stopped and everyone turned to look at Prince William, seeming surprised by the sudden quiet for the second time that evening.