Kingdom of Falfaria

The Courting Ball 1/2

March 19th, 1362
My mother tugs at my hair with a brush.
"Katerina, your hair is dirty and your face soiled. You knew we had a ball, what were you doing?!" She says while still brushing my hair.
"I was practicing archery.." I say
I feel a hard slap against my cheek and a sting is left behind.
"Katerina! Princesses don't practice archery! Your more of a man than your father.." she yells in disgust.
I find it's best to hold my tongue and let her make me up. When she's finally done with my hair and face, she hands me a corset.
"Mother.."
"Shut your mouth and put it on! You're 16! A woman already!"
To continue quarreling would be like begging for a beating. I put on the corset and she tightens it so that I can hardly breathe. I put on a cage for my skirt and a large ruffly dress over it. My mother smoothes my hair and finally smiles.
"It's almost time, Katerina. Put on your shoes and don't fool around. Come down to greet your suitors when your done." My mother says
I squeeze into my shoes and walk down the stairs with my chin down slightly, a seductive smile, and a heavy foot, Like my mother taught me so long ago. She smiles noticing I remember and presents me to a man. I can't help but notice he's looks twice my age and is staring at my chest. I courtesy and he bows accordingly. He takes my hand and kisses it lightly. I want to vomit in my own mouth. Why do I even need to marry? He and my mother make chit chat while my father leads me over to the dining hall by the crook of my arm. He's a terrible tyrant king but he's always been a loving father.
"Katerina. I have a secret!" He says
I giggle "What is it, father?"
He leans in and whispers "I stole some food from the kitchen and I think the cook is still mad." He points to our cook, who is glaring at him, and I can't help but laugh. My mother walks in and drags me to the main entrance by my ear.
"There's no time for this, Katerina!"
I greet suitor by suitor and make excruciating small talk with each one. Just as I feel as though I'll scream from boredom, a young boy my age walks in. I courtesy and he forgets to bow. I laugh at him and he realizes. He almost trips and I snort. My mother pinches the back of my arm and says:
"Go ahead and get acquainted with the suitors in the ballroom. I'm off to find your father."
I nod and she rushes off.
"Are you another suitor who's practically got a foot in the grave?" I say smiling
He laughs and takes me by the arm "Oh, no. I'm 17. All of your suitors do look quite old, though."
We both laugh.
My night just got much more interesting.