Flight of Frost and Aurora

Chapter 29

When Charlotte arrived home, her excitement bubbled over as she rushed to find Alastor and share all the details about the ball. She spotted him just returning from gathering firewood.

"I can't wait to go, Alastor!" she exclaimed. "I rarely get the chance to attend special events, and this one will be very special. I just learned today that my parents met at a Yuletide ball. You should have seen my father as he recounted the story; it was the first time I had ever witnessed him smile while reminiscing about my mother since she died."

"So, attending this event is important to you?"

"It is, which is why I need to do everything I can this week to avoid upsetting my stepmother and Lute. You'll need to be on your best behavior too."

"Why me?"

"Because I'm trying to persuade my father to let you join us. That is, if you want to come."

"Do you want me to come?"

"Absolutely! You're my best friend! The ball wouldn't be nearly as enjoyable without you there."

"True, Mother Rosamund always said I was a delight at parties. But aren't you going to this ball to find a husband? If you show up with me on your arm, won't that jeopardize your chances?"

"Lute is the one searching for a wealthy husband; I'm just going to have fun."

Alastor smiled, feeling a rush of excitement. This moment was perfect: the two of them, surrounded by the enchanting atmosphere of a Yuletide ball. It was his opportunity to transition from friend to suitor, to capture her heart and make his feelings known.

While it might be premature to consider asking for her hand in marriage—especially since her father disapproved of him—perhaps a kiss would be a more attainable goal. Would she be willing to let him kiss her? He held onto that hope tightly.

"I'm telling you, Vagatha, this ball is the opportunity I've been waiting for," he declared as he visited the mill later that evening. "I'll dance with her, hold her in my arms, and if she'll let me, I'll kiss her."

"Hate to burst your bubble, lover boy," Vagatha replied, sweeping the floor with a determined rhythm. "But when Cinderella goes to the ball, she marries the prince, not the servant boy. Her father will likely set her up with some nobleman."

"He may try, but she won't marry him."

"And how can you be so sure?"

"Because, unlike her money-grubbing stepmother and self-centered stepsister, she wants to marry for love. I've heard her go on and on to those ducks and goats about how she dreams of finding someone who makes her happy. I could be that someone, couldn't I?" His confidence began to wane, and he looked pale with insecurity. "Be honest, Vagatha. I know I might never be good enough for Charlotte, but could I at least make her happy?"

"Alright, you really want my honest opinion about you?"

"Yes, but let's skip the harsh language. You can be truthful without being brutal."

"Well, truthfully—and I can't believe I'm saying this because I always thought you wouldn't be good for any woman—I think you'd make a wonderful husband. I've watched you for ten years, and I've never seen a man go to such lengths for a woman he loves the way you have. I don't think there's anyone in the world who could love her as much as you do."

"Do you really mean that?"

"Hey, you know me. I never lie about what I think."

He smiled, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.

"But you and I both know her father will never let you marry her," she added, her tone sobering.

"Maybe. But if I can make my own fortune and show him that I make his daughter happy, what reason would he have to say no?"