Switched ~ a Fractured Fairytale

Chapter Six ~ Old Friends and New Enemies

As I descended the huge marble staircase, I looked around the hall in wonder. The Grand Ballroom was even more elaborately decorated than it had been for our welcome feast a few days previously. The candles in the crystal chandeliers glistened over a sea of people, all dressed to their finest. An orchestra was arranged on an upper balcony, filling the large room with soft music. The gilded mirrors that adorned the walls reflected the crowds, making the whole room seem much larger.

Alastair was waiting for me at the foot of the stairs, wearing a deep green suit and a gold crown. Like my brothers, he was decorated in medals and ribbons, and his ceremonial sword hung at his waist.

As I reached the bottom step, Alastair bowed, and I sank into a deep curtsey.

'Your Highness,' he said, holding out his hand. 'May I have the pleasure of this dance?'

I smiled and took his hand. He led me onto the dance floor and the orchestra struck up a gentle, lilting tune. Alastair was a graceful dancer, but a little stiff and only occasionally trod on my toes. Luckily, we were only doing a slow waltz and soon, other couples drifted onto the floor.

'You look lovely, my dear,' he said.

'Thank you,' I said. 'And thank you for the gift, it was very thoughtful of you.'

'Really?' he said, his eyes lighting up. 'You liked it?'

'I did,' I said. 'It was very nice.'

'Only the best for you, my dear.'

As the dance ended, Alastair opened his mouth, but before he could say anything, Theo appeared.

'Sister dear, may I have the honour?' Theo asked, bowing elaborately. I smiled gratefully and took his offered hand. Theo swept me across the dance floor, with many showy twirls and flourishes. I couldn't help giggling as he spun me into him then dipped me back and grinned, his dark eyes sparkling with mirth. I felt like we were kids again, playing dress-up and dancing around our bedroom. As the music finished, he led me towards the edge of the room, where several tables groaned under the weight of mountains of cakes, tiny sandwiches with the crusts cut off and little canapés made of every expensive ingredient under the sun. Queen Olive certainly knew how to host a party.

'I have a surprise for you,' he said with an excited grin. 'Turn around.'

Curiously, I turned, and my vision was obscured by a cloud of black hair and I breathed in the familiar scent of pine needles and woodsmoke.

'Rani?' I said.

'It's so good to see you!' Rani gasped, stepping back and allowing me to breathe. She looked exactly as I remembered her, brown eyes sparkling with excitement and a broad smile lighting up her face. She was wearing a deep plum dress that looked gorgeous against her dark skin and hair.

'What are you doing here?' I asked in astonishment. 'Your letter didn't say anything!'

'I sent it before I knew we were coming!' she explained. 'Mother wanted to talk to King Percival and your father. Now,' she added, becoming suddenly bossy, 'What's this I hear about an engagement?'

'I'm not engaged!' I said, exasperated. 'I'm considering my options.'

'Yeah, yeah,' she said, waving her hand dismissively. 'What do you think of him? I want details, girl!'

'He's... well,' I glanced around, checking he wasn't nearby. 'He's not what I would have chosen,' I admitted in an undertone.

'Oooh, so why are you marrying him then?'