The King's Crest

Chapter 2

I was almost back to my uncle's home to finish getting ready when I heard something, a whisper? A whine? I didn't know, but planned on finding out. Veering to the left, I tiptoed over to the outer city wall. Peering behind, I spotted a little girl no more than seven crying. The wall was freezing, so the fact she was able to bear being around it was shocking. "Hello, what's the matter?" I whispered as not to startle her.

She looked up at me, wiping her eyes trying to be strong, and said, "Oh, it's nothing. I am sorry if I disturbed you."

"This can't possibly be nothing, really, I do not mind. Please, let me help you."

"Well, okay. I am a cobblers daughter, and I love my father, but he does not want me to go to the ball. It brings up bad memories for 'im," she said while wiping away the last of her tears, letting her child-like faith allow her to open up to me.

"Your mum could not take you tonight?" I asked, suddenly afraid of her answer.

"My mom died when I was a four, and my papa will not go. But I r'member, the last year my parents, mum, and I went. It meant so much to my momma when she was alive, but now papa cannot go without bein' reminded of her. He only went last year after me begging, but he told me he would never go again."

I felt tears stinging in my eyes as I remembered my parents. The feeling of complete loneliness when I thought I had no one left in the world, but I had the royal family and my uncle to care for me. Granted, I was even younger that her currently, but I knew how hard it was, and I could not leave her without knowing she would be okay. I knew it would mean a lot. "What's your name, sweetie?"

"My name is Kristine. Kristine Lovise. What's yours?"

It was drawing towards evening now, I knew if I wanted to accomplish what needed to be done, I would have to ask her quickly. With that in mind I jumped straight to the point and said, "What a beautiful name. My name is Katerina Bergliot," I paused contemplating whether or not I really wanted to ask her. "How would you feel about coming with me to the ball? If your father is okay with it, I think I have the perfect thing for you to wear if you need, and I would love to accompany you to the ball." I truly meant it. I just hoped she would accept it.

She did not even say anything, she did not need to. Her face lit up as she grabbed my hand and dragged me into the town. I do not go to the main town often seeing as I live closer to the end of town, but I go often enough to clearly remember how crowded it is. Houses there are one right after another and their shops are arranged the same way. She soon dragged me into a warm house that had to be hers. I went in, took a shaky breath, bracing myself to talk to her father.

"Mr. Lovise, may I take your daughter to the ball? I know we haven't met, but she told me what this meant to her. Kristine told me a little bit about your story, I'm sorry to hear about your wife. I know how hard it is to lose people you love... But I promise you, I would take excellent care of her. Please, trust me for Kristine," I said, quickly stumbling over my words in my hurry.

His face grew angry as I spoke, and I knew it would not end well. "How could I trust a stuck up spoiled brat like yourself? You cannot come barging into my house and say anything you want! I could never trust you with little Krissy," he retorted.

Desperately I pleaded "No sir, not at all!" I drew a sharp breath before I continued, "I'm just a blacksmiths niece. I lost both of my parents as a child. They were protecting the king and queen from intruders. Because of that I understand her losing her mother, trust me that makes going to the ball seem so much more important to any little girl. It is the one thing they can cling onto and still share with their mother," I looked down. After a few minutes of thinking and talking to Kristine, his little girl convinced him to let her go.