Just One Dance

Chapter 13 - Can't Help Falling In Love

Kate's POV

Tea Time cont.

"I was inspired. I couldn't stop thinking about you tutoring her." He pauses.

My breath catches in my throat. Has he figured out my secret?

"I started to think about it, and I'd really like to help people like Chelsea. If someone like you must learn Braille to teach Chelsea how to read, then what is the point of schooling? I don't mean to say education is unimportant; it is, in my opinion, the most important gift we as a nation can give to our subjects. I only mean to say that our education system should be able to accommodate those with disabilities, physical or otherwise." He pauses and picks his tea up, taking a sip.

"Someone like me?" I ask hesitantly.

"Oh," he says, and I can tell he is probably blushing or embarrassed to have phrased his words the way he did. "I meant, someone that isn't vision-impaired. Forgive me. I didn't mean to imply something negative or rude."

I have to stop myself from sighing in relief. "No offense was taken, your highness."

"Wilfred, please."

I give a small smile. "Wilfred," I correct. "You have laid out your concern. What is your solution?"

"Right," he continues, "I am composing a bill that will give funds to every school to be used for updating architecture and curriculum in the interests of accessibility for all."

He continues talking of wheelchair ramps, PSL (Phillip Sign Language) interpreters, and other accommodations. I'm taken aback by the passion in his voice. Never have I heard anyone speak this way about helping people with disabilities. He is so optimistic and hopeful about this bill; it is extremely moving to hear.

"Kate," he stops speaking and addresses me.

"Yes?"

"Why are you crying? Did I say something wrong?" He sounds worried.

Crying? I'm crying? I reach up to my face, my fingertips gently touching my cheek; my fingertips are met with the wetness of tears. I'm surprised at first. I didn't even realize I was crying.

"I...I was- I'm sorry. I didn't even realize." I wipe my tears away with the napkin I had placed in my lap.

"Kate," he says softly, standing from his chair and reaching my side. He kneels before me, reaching up, wiping a tear from my cheek with his thumb. I close my eyes, smiling.

"I was just so moved by your speech. You're very passionate." I open my eyes, barely able to make out the faint shadow that is the prince in front of me. "It's refreshing."

"My Kate," he sighs, not removing his hand from my cheek. "I am nothing compared to you."

"I beg to differ, Wilfred." I let out a giggle. He makes me feel so...happy.

He moves his hand from my cheek to hold my hand. "I mean it, Kate," he says seriously. "You are one of the most amazing people I have ever met. You hold more conviction in your little finger than I have in my entire being. I truly treasure our time together." My breath catches in my throat again; it is not fear that holds me this time, but rather excitement. He makes me feel things I never thought possible.

He finally takes his seat once more and we continue talking. The only difference now is that we are holding hands. We don't let go until it is time for him to go. Even then, I walk him to the door, my hand resting in the crook of his arm.

"I had a wonderful time, Kate," Wilfred says as he stops in front of the door. His hand rests on top mine.

"As did I, Wilfred." I smile. He stays there, facing each other for a moment, not wanting to let go. Eventually, we do, and he leaves, kissing me on the palm of my hand as he does so. The door closes, and I lean against the wall, sighing. Dear God, I'm falling in love with the prince.

#

Wilfred's POV

As we say our goodbyes, I'm overwhelmed with the urge to kiss Kate. However, I know how inappropriate that would be. I settle for taking her hand in mine and bringing it to my lips. I place a lingering kiss on her palm and bid her a final goodbye as Claude ushers me out.

"That was inappropriate, your highness," Claude rants from the front seat of the limo as we drive back to the palace. "You know better than to kiss a woman on the palm! You should have kissed her on the back of the hand if you insisted on kissing her at all!"

I'm not really paying attention. My thoughts are occupied by Kate. I've never felt so connected to anyone before. She is truly amazing. So kind and giving and modest. I can't believe it has taken me so long to find her, but now that I have, I'm not sure I could let her go.

Then again, I can't really make that decision, can I? As much as I care for Kate, I doubt she feels the same for me. Could I truly be satisfied with merely friendship? It feels as though I must be for now. Perhaps in time Kate could come to change her mind...

We make it back to the palace, and I'm in a trance as I reach my office. Because I'm not paying attention, I nearly run into my desk, and then I manage to miss my chair and ended up falling onto my bum. Dear God, just what is it about Kate that turns me into a completely uncoordinated imbecile? I can't think straight. Could this be the beginnings of love?