Just One Dance

Chapter 3 - Hurt not Broken

Kate's POV

The day after the ball, I was woken up by Sasha. He always woke me up in the mornings, so I could take my medicine.

"Here," he spoke in a gruff voice. I could tell he was still mad at me for last night. Reaching out, I felt the pills being pressed into my hand. He handed me a glass of water. I took the pills, washing them down with water.

"Thanks," I yawned, handing the glass back. I lay down, wanting a few more minutes of sleep.

"No. No sleep for you. You must get up." He says as he pulls the covers off me. "Your father wants to see you."

I sit up immediately. "Does he know about last night?"

"Obviously no." Sasha whispers. "I still have job here."

"Right," I nodded. "Thank you for last night, though."

"It is no problem." He moves to the door. "I will send maid to help you." He left without another word.

Last night, it was Sasha that helped me sneak out to go to the ball. If father knew...well let's just say he wouldn't be happy. Its been years since he let me go to any public event. I've been confined to this mansion, with only Sasha and books to keep me company. It's been lonely to say the least.

"Ma'am," a squeaky voice called out. "I'm here to help you change clothing." She moves to the dresser. "I'm thinking you'd look nice in an emerald green sundress. Maybe a knee-length dress?" She rattles on for a few minutes. Finally, she selects a tea-length ruby red dress. She does my make up and curls my hair. In only fifteen minutes, I'm ready to go see my father.

He is in his study, as per usual. Since the accident, he was always in his study. I have a feeling that he's obsessed with my accident and its repercussions. That's probably why he wanted to see me so early in the morning. Boy was I wrong.

"Katelyn," he began in a low voice. "What do you know of Prince Wilfred?"

"Prince Wilfred?" I asked as I sat in front of his desk. Where is this going? "I don't know much. He's the crown prince of Phillip. The second son of the king and queen. His older brother abdicated the throne a few years ago. I used to be betrothed to him, but the arrangement was ended before we could meet."

"Have you ever spoken with him?"

I'm shocked, but I don't let it show. "Why are you asking this so suddenly?"

"Answer the question, Katelyn."

"Only once," I shrug, my face downcast. "I didn't know it was him at first, but we had a short conversation and then parted ways." I can hear how loudly he slams his hand on the desk. It sounds like thunder, but worse. I can feel his anger from several feet away. I'm screwed.

"Do you have any idea what you've done?!" He roared. "I thought I could bring you home, and you'd be safe. But no. You had to go behind my back! Do you realize that you put yourself in danger by leaving this house?!"

"I didn't mean to-"

"Didn't mean to what? Put yourself in harms way? Disobey me?" His voice rose as he continued yelling at me. "You can't go on like this. We have rules for a reason! If you walk around without protection, you could get hurt!"

"I'm not broken!" I finally shout, standing abruptly. We're both shocked at my outburst. It's rare for me to raise my voice, but all his shouting made me feel the need to speak up. "I'm not broken, dad. I know you want to protect me, but I'm not some weak little girl that can't take care of myself." I could feel the tears running down my face. "I'm sorry I'm not perfect anymore, and my accident hurt me so bad. But that doesn't mean you can treat me like I'm broken." I was sobbing, and I couldn't seem to stop. I've never acted like this or talked back to my father. I sat back down in my seat.

He was quiet as I ranted to him, and I could feel him approach me and kneel by my side.

"I understand that," he whispered. "I'm just so scared of losing you. You're my only child, and since your accident...well...things haven't been the same." He hugged me. "I just don't want you to be hurt anymore."

"I know," I whispered as my tears subsided. He held me for a few minutes before he spoke again.

"This morning a note arrived from the palace inviting you to tea." He squeezed me tighter. "I thought this whole thing was over." He released me and walked back to his desk. "I thought it would be best to politely decline the invitation."

"Understood." I wiped my tears away. "Is there anything else?"

"No, you can go." His voice sounded strained, and I could tell he was sorry for yelling at me.

I left without another word. I know my dad is just worried about me, and he has reason to be. The accident changed me. I got really hurt and now...I didn't want to think about it. Except I have to. I live with this impairment now. Nothing will change that.

#

Wilfred's POV

Earlier that day

I couldn't get her out of my head. Katelyn Morgan. She was so beautiful. I know that it's crazy to be wondering why her family decided to end the betrothal, but I can't get over it. She seemed so mysterious.

"Claude," I looked up from my work. "I need you to send an invitation to Lady Katelyn Morgan. I'd like to have tea with her later this week."

"At once, your majesty," Claude answered as he bowed.

"Oh, and I need you to see if you could find out why her family has been so secretive the past five years." I turned toward the window.

Claude paused. "How much information do you need?"

"Everything. I want to get to the bottom of this."

"Then, may I call an outside source?"

"Who?" I turned to him, surprised.

"Only the best," he smiled secretively. "Alberto, Prince Roberto's butler."

Thank you for reading! I decided to throw in a funny twist at the end by implying that Alberto is and/or was a spy at some point. It seems to be a popular assumption in the fandom, so I thought it'd be funny. Let me know if you have any comments/questions/concerns!