Catharina

Chapter 13

Annalise

"You are not questioning our dear sister's current location?" I exclaimed as Clarissa wrote in her diary. She lifted her head and dipped the tip of her quill into the ink bottle.

"As much as I love Catharina it is not our concern. King and Queen Clarion will take care of the situation at hand," Clarissa replied. She started writing again.

"Mother and Father do know what they are doing but I cannot help and feel worry in my heart. I feel as if there is something wrong with her, as if she had found trouble," I babbled, pacing the floor. My rose pink gown gathered at my feet with every turn.

"Annalise will you please quit? You are driving me mad and unfocused with your behavior," Clarissa snapped.

"We need to help," I proclaimed. Clarissa let out a frustrated breath, clearly agitated with me.

"If I say something to the King and Queen will you stop your baffling behavior?" Clarissa asked.

I nodded. "Mother and Father need to know our concerns," I said. Clarissa set her quill down, pushed her chair out, and stood up.

"Come along then," Clarissa told me as she made her way to the door. We left the bedroom and went through the hallways until we came across a servant.

"Where is Queen Clarion?" Clarissa asked the lady. I hated when she did that. Mother and Father were our parents. We should call them our parents not their rightful titles. It was something that had always bothered me ever since she had started the behavior. I had been convinced she tried to act older than she was.

Clarissa tried to be mature all of the time, too much for my liking. I never spoke of my irritation but it didn't stop me from feeling it. Sometimes I just wanted to speak my mind even if it would hurt her and not be what a princess should do.

"The last I saw, she was headed to the study," the lady said. She had a pile of white towels in her arms. Clarissa nodded, the lady curtsying before continuing on her chores. Clarissa and I made our way to the study, Clarissa in a hurried state. I tried keeping up with her, but her three inches difference in height gave her bigger strides.

When we arrived, Clarissa took in a deep breath before knocking on the door and pulling the handle. I followed her in, closing the door behind us. When I turned around, I saw Mother peering into a book, wiggling a quill between her fingers. Her warm, brown eyes looked up at us. A welcoming smile appeared on her face.

"Welcome my daughters," she set her book and quill down, focusing solely on us,"what brings you here?" Clarissa arched an eyebrow at me.

"You said you would tell her," I muttered. Clarissa rolled her eyes, sucking in an irritated breath.

"Annalise, Clarissa, what is the matter? Obviously whatever you have to say is important," Mother said, brushing off invisible lint from her dress.

"Annalise is concerned for our sister," Clarissa stated.

"As is the whole kingdom, darling. We are doing our best to try and find her," Mother said as she walked over to me and placed her hands on my shoulders. I stepped out her embrace.

"No Mother, Catharina needs our help. I think she is in danger. Whoever has her is a threat to our kingdom and to save our kingdom we need to save Catharina. We should ask other kingdoms for help. Post wanted signs of this man-"

"Annalise, calm down, sweetheart. We can only do so much," Mother replied.

"So nothing?" I snapped, crossing my arms.

"Annalise! I am surprised at you. What has caused such behavior?" Mother asked. I looked over to Clarissa who watched and waited for my next move. I swallowed, heat going to my cheeks.

"I- I- Catharina was the only one in this family I felt I was actually related to! You and Father have to deal with kingdom and always worry about the kingdom, never your family, your daughters. And Clarissa is just waiting to be a queen of some type of kingdom. She has enough knowledge and I'm- I'm the odd one out and I have been. I won't be destined to be queen like Catharina or Clarissa. I'll be stuck trying to figure out what I want. And the only one who I believe can actually help me is Catharina," I explained.

I did care for Catharina. I did.

Mother place a hand on her rising chest, backing away from me. Clarissa walked over to Mother, placing her hands on Mother's shoulders.

"Annalise... I think it is best if you return to your room," Mother told me. I clenched my jaw and held my breath. I shakily nodded my head and bowed as best as I could to hold my composure. I spun on my feet and left the study, running around the corner, close enough I could hear them.

"I apologize for her behavior, Queen Clarion. She should know better than to disrespect you," Clarissa said. I could picture her helping Mother into a chair and handing her a cup of tea. As if tea could solve every problem.

"No, no, her behavior is pardoned. After all, your dear sister is missing and I am sure it has taken its toll on Annalise. Perhaps you could help and be there for her. She needs someone by her side and-"

"Pardon my interruption, Queen Clarion, but I do not think I should. I think Annalise and I should focus on what is most important, continue on the duties of the kingdom and do what is needed of us for you and the King," Clarissa interrupted.

"What is needed of you is to be there for Princess Annalise," Mother said sternly, "You are her sister and you are Catharina's sister. Catharine is missing, do you not care for her at all?" Distant foot steps caught my attention. I looked down the hall. The steps stopped, I still had time.

"Indeed I care for Catharina. She will return in time," Clarissa replied. Even when she was insulted, Clarissa still kept her composure. Her voice was softer and yet, still steady.

"If you insist so much upon your responsibilities, Princess Clarissa, then why don't you assist me tomorrow? Several dukes and princes are arriving."

"Arriving? Arriving for what, might I ask?"

"For your sister's engagement. As soon as Catharina returns and is in good health, she shall be betrothed."

"Already? Isn't it too soon?" Clarissa sounded as surprised as I was. It seemed rushed.

"Catharina has lost the time needed to meet the suitors. Prince Samuel is currently unavailable. We will have to pick her suitor for her," Mother told Clarissa.

"Pick her suitor," I repeated breathlessly. I spotted the skirt of a maid down the hall and ran back to my room.

Urgently, I closed the door and pressed myself against it.

"Oh, Catharina," I stated.