Never Leave Me Alone

Chapter 9

Peeta

I watch as Katniss stands to the side of the court, greeting guests. Her hair is done up in thick back curls down her back with pearls woven into delicate braids behind her head. A golden circlet sits upon her head, matching the embroidery of vines all across her dress of a deep Hunter's green. I hear her soft laughter and sigh. Her rejection this morning hurt. No matter her politeness, I can't stem the fact that I thought I saw something glimmering in her eyes. But perhaps that is just the magic that I see around her.

"She's very good at presiding over a room," my father says and I nod.

"Yes, Her Majesty of Seam is quite good at her service," I say quietly.

"You two would do well to show your favors to one another," he says. "Especially tonight, seeing the formal announcement for the marriage." I sigh and look down.

"I feel as though she wouldn't favor me. She doesn't seem to enjoy my company much, Your Majesty. It is as though she tolerates my existence, but doesn't wish for my affections," I say.

"She'll get used to it, Your Grace," he replies. "Now go and show her off."

"But she's being shown of," I say. "I don't need to reign her in like a stubborn steed, surely. You said she was fine."

"But you two should look the least bit interested in one another at an engagement party," he replies. "Now go stand by her." I nod and walk over to her. She looks up at me and folds her hands at her middle.

"My Lord," She says softly.

"Your Highness," I reply as we bow to one another. "How goes your business?"

"Well," she says. "While I am happy to welcome your friends here, I am worried. I fear I'm going to be seen as something exotic to them. With my dark hair and complection. They stare." I look around and shrug.

"They want to see the lady who will be their queen," I say. "Seam may be close, but they know very little about it."

"Am I not just a Princess?" She asks. "Does any princess in the court of her betrothed look like she belongs? Surely not. Why make such a big deal over me?"

"Katie," I say. "They don't look at you like some strange animal unknown to them. They are admiring your beauty."

"My Beauty?" She asks. "Surely I'm worth more than looks." I look at her uncomfortably.

"Of course you are, but beauty is a very strong attribute in our court. They want strong looking leaders. A beautiful lady as yourself, it is expected that you will," I stop and she looks at me.

"That I would excite you enough to produce a prince?" She says very simply. Her dark eyes stare me down.

"Katniss," I say softly. "I cannot help that it is a concern for them. It is that way with every royal betrothal. They hope for strong lines. To avoid termoil like that of the Tudors. But you are much more to me."

"Peeta," she sighs. "I'm not sure you understand that you don't know me well enough to make such a statement. Was it not my beauty that brought you to the conclusion of your love for me? The beauty of my mother that provoked your father to ask for this betrothal upon my birth?"

"Only the latter is truth, My Lady," I reply. "I remembered your cleverness and your devotion to your role. You always carry yourself with the most respect. You are a perfect prospect as my queen." She looks down, her long lashes shading her eyes.

"My Lord, I am sorry to have doubted you," she says quietly. "I wish I could come to a similar conclusion, but my soul is not so decisive, despite my loyalty to my duty bound as your betrothed." I look at her and tip her chin up and her dark eyes meet mine.

"Do not fear of offending me, Dear Lady," I say. "For I don't believe you ever could for your heart. Now come, so we might enjoy our meal." She nods and allows me to take her hand and lead her to the great table. I carefully seat her to my right and I take my seat at my father's side. Katniss folds her long, graceful fingers, bowing her head in a prayer over her food. The rest of the table follows suit and the food is divided carefully amongst us. Katniss eats quietly, her eyes slightly downcast. I lay my hand next to hers and she lays her pinky against mine, our hands slightly linked. She does trust me and her fear to eat freely seems tamed as she  glances at me. If we were to eat this food, it is safe and no harm here may come to her.

My father stands after our meals have been taken away and holds out his glass. "A toast, to my heir, Prince Peeta, Duke of Grains, and his betrothed Queen Katniss of Seam, Lady of Coals, whom will be married upon the 6th of July of this year." Katniss clutches her chest, a little shocked at the short time, little more than a month from this night. The room clinks their glasses and I give Katniss a reassuring smile. She holds up her glass in acceptance and drinks her wine as though there were nothing of bother. "Now, music!" A lively tune upon the instruments begins playing and I reach for Katniss' hand. She looks at me, puzzled.

"They intend for us to dance," I say. "Would you like to join me?" She dips her head.

"I would," She says quietly. I help her up and walk her to the floor to join the dance. We bow to one another and dance together and past one another as we so often do. Katniss is like an angel, her legs seemingly not touching the ground. Her long hair flows around her as she spins and we briefly touch, her eyes light, that of a spirit at peace. She's enjoying it, coming out of her shell a little like she does out of the eyes of the many. I carefully hold her out at the end of the dance and we bow low, carefully honoring my father as our Lord Protector.

But soon, sooner than we would hope, we will accend that same throne.