A Dangerous Dance [BOOK ONE]

Chapter Six

IT HAD BEEN RAINING FOR DAYS. It came down in freezing sheets of sleet, trapping the girls in the palace. They were starting to get restless, spending so much time inside, and it was driving Althea mad.

She sat at the window seat in their sitting room, watching the sleet and rain come down steadily. Any time they got rain or snow, the palace became drafty with a chill settling in the air. But their rooms were warm and cozy with a fire roaring in the large fireplace.

The rest of her sisters were scattered about the room, drinking tea from china cups and eating rice cakes with jam. Normally they took afternoon tea out in the gardens, spending some time outside so they weren't cooped up in the palace all the time. Now, they couldn't even do that.

Althea sighed and glanced around at her sisters, doing a headcount without even realizing it. It became habit with so many sisters, always counting and making sure she knew where all of them were at all times.

Her count only went to fifteen. They were missing one girl.

"Has anyone seen Cassidy?" Althea asked, looking around.

Iris looked from her book, "I think I saw her heading to the library after she had her tea."

Althea frowned. All the girls knew that Althea liked to know exactly where they were going. It made her feel more at ease, knowing where every girl was. The younger girls sometimes forgot, so Althea didn't mind that much, but the older girls knew to always tell her.

So why hadn't Cassidy?

Althea stood, brushing her skirt off, and went around to check the bedrooms.

Feeling slightly panicked, Althea left the rooms and went down to the library. She hoped she wouldn't run into her father or Locklyn, as their offices were both located in the library itself.

She went up and down the tall shelves of books, but only ended up finding Jamie sitting in one of the winged back chairs in a secluded alcove. He looked up from his book, surprised to see Althea.

"Hello, Your Highness."

Althea had decided that she liked Jamie considerably more than Lord Etherson.

She smiled at him, "Hello, Jamie. Have you by chance seen Cassidy?"

Jamie frowned in a thoughtful manner, "I believe I did see her pass through here quite some time ago, Your Highness."

So she was in the library. Then why hadn't she told Althea she would be here?

Althea smiled at Jamie again, "Thank you. I won't disturb you anymore."

Maybe Locklyn had seen her. Althea went towards his office, but began to slow when she realized that his door was slightly ajar and she could hear voices within. A male and female voice.

Careful not to make a noise, Althea pressed against the door and peered in. She knew it wasn't right to eavesdrop, but there was something familiar about the female voice.

She could see part of Locklyn, who was speaking.

"—just tell me what's going on, I can help you." His voice was full of fear and something tender, a stark contrast to his normally indifferent deadpan.

"Andrew, I've already told you that I can't say anything. I just can't."

It was Cassidy.

Althea sighed silently. So, she had been right after all.

"So I'm supposed to watch you and the rest of the girls suffer and do nothing about it?" Locklyn demanded, sounding angry.

"I don't know what to do either!" Cassidy said back to him, her voice raising in volume then lowering again, "Do you think I want to watch Althea dance herself to death?"

"Cassidy..." he spoke her name so tenderly, so full of love.

Cassidy sounded on the verge of tears, "Andrew, you know that I love you. But I can't tell you, no matter how hard I try. I can't say anything." She sighed raggedly, "I need to get back. Althea might've already noticed that I'm missing."

"You do know that I love you, Cassidy?" Locklyn asked.

Althea could hear the smile in her sister's voice as she answered, "I know. I've always known."

Althea then realized she only had a few moments to hide before Cassidy left. In a panic, Althea ducked behind a shelve, praying that Cassidy wouldn't spot her as she left Locklyn's office. Althea waited a few minutes until Cassidy had left the Library before standing again.

She marched right into Locklyn's office, giving him no time to put himself back together. Surprised, Locklyn quickly stood from his desk and bowed to Althea.

"Princess!"

"I know." Althea stayed immediately, putting her hands on her hips, "Don't even try to deny it, I just heard you and Cassidy speaking."

A mix of emotions flashed across Locklyn's face before he sighed, "I see. Are you upset?"

Althea almost wanted to roll her eyes, but she held the impulse back, "I've known for a while now, Locklyn, don't flatter yourself too much."

This time surprise did show on his face, "You've... you've known?"

"Do you really think that I wouldn't find out?" Althea shook her head, "Please, I know a lot more than you think. And I know my sisters. I'm not upset that you or Cassidy didn't tell me, in fact, I'm glad that you now know I know. I have a few requests, however."

He gestured to continue and she did, "Don't let Cassidy know that I know. It will be better for both of us. And..." it physically hurt Althea to continue on, "and like she said, she can't tell you what's going on. None of us can, and I highly doubt you could help us even if you knew."

Althea had resigned herself to this thinking a long time ago, even before her mother passed, she knew. No one could help them.

Determination flashed in his eyes, "I have my ways, Your Highness. If I just knew what was going on, I am sure that I can help you."

Althea shook her head and turned to leave, "Save your breath, Andrew, it's hopeless."

She knew this in her heart to be true. No one could help them now.