Catharina

Chapter 2

"My King, my Queen," a man said stepping forward before bowing. He looked over at me with a smile before looking back at my parents. "It would be such an honor if you would allow me to dance with Princess Catharina," he said. Clarissa squeezed my hand. Mother looked over at me. "As long as it is okay for Catharina," Mother said.

I nodded. Clarissa released her grip on my hand as I stood up. I picked up the skirt of my dress and walked down the step. The man took my hand in his and led me to the dance floor.

"You look beautiful tonight, Princess," the man said before he kissed my hand. I smiled. "How kind of you. I do not however know your name," I said as he placed a hand on my waist and took his other hand in mine again before we started to dance.

"My name is Lord Andrew Jankowski. I have two brothers and a younger sister. My parents have a large amount of money in their will, of which a good portion of it will go to me...." As Andrew carried on I grew bored of his chatter and rambling. However I would flash him a smile here and there as if I was listening. When the song ended, I was thankful.

I stepped away and clapped for the orchestra then smiled at Andrew. "It was a pleasure," I lied.

"So it was. I hope I get to have the pleasure of dancing with you again," Andrew said, kissing my hand again.

"Only if my feet aren't aching and I choose to dance one more dance," I replied. A hopeful glint spread throughout his eyes. Andrew smiled. "Then I shall see you before the night is over," Andrew told me. I smiled back. "Maybe." Andrew bowed again, of which I responded in a curtsy before we departed.

I walked over to one of the butlers and picked up a glass of red wine. I drank some of the liquid before I felt someone tap my shoulder. I turned around and smiled at the man before me. Another offer to dance I'm sure.

The man bowed. "Your highness," he said. I handed my glass back to the butler who then curtsied. "Whatever is your name kind sir?" I asked.

"Prince George Englebert III of Glensdale," the man said. I let out a gasp. "Prince George! What an honor," I said curtsying again.

George chuckled. "No, Princess Catharina, it is an honor to meet you," George said, bowing a second time. I smiled. "I presume my parents invited you," I said.

"You mean you didn't request of having my presence at such an occasion!" Prince George replied acting appalled. I giggled. "How foolish of me," I told him, "It must have slipped my mind." Prince George smiled. "Would you care for a dance?" Prince George asked, gesturing to the dance floor. I looked over at it then back at him. "I'd be delighted."

Prince George and I glided across the dance floor, talking, never realizing that the music had changed and that I should be dancing with someone else right then. When I finally did realize, I didn't stop him. I enjoyed my time with him. I did feel bad however for Lord Andrew, who probably had watched me and moped about it.

When the second song Prince George and I were dancing to finished. Prince George snapped out of his daze and applauded. I joined in with him until the orchestra started up again. "Shall I fetch you your wine?" Prince George asked. I nodded. "Please." Prince George vanished into the crowd and I moved off the dance floor to make room for another couple or two.

"What an honor. Catharina," a voice said sending chills down my back. I turned around to see a man with brown hair who was cleanly shaved, dressed in a tuxedo, and smelled of spearmint. All fixed up for my debutante? Then again, a lot of people would. What truly surprised me was that he didn't address me by my title. Not that I minded, but I'm sure anyone other than myself would.

"Princess Catharina, if you please," I corrected. The man smiled it didn't however reach his eyes. "Of course. A thousand apologizes, Princess," the man said bowing. I curtsied. "I beg your pardon but who are you?" I asked.

"Asher, my lady," the man answered.

"Well Asher, I assume you have approached me to ask for a dance?" I sighed, not necessarily in a bored tone but a tired tone. I didn't know how long I had danced with Prince George. "Actually no," Asher replied, catching me by surprise.

"Then for what? I am only accepting dances for the night," I told him.

"So a walk outside is unacceptable?" I raised my eyebrow at the smirking man. This was different. It brought curiosity to me. Guards were outside incase anything bad happened. "I guess a walk wouldn't be bad," I said.

Asher offered me his hand. I took it and we walked outside. I walked over to my rose bush and leaned down to smell one of the roses. I looked up to the sky seeing the stars sparkling above me. "The night is truly magnificent is it not?" I asked.

"Filled with wonders," Asher replied. I looked over at him. "Wonders?" I repeated. Asher nodded. "What wonders?"

Asher shrugged and looked over at me. One of the stars gleaming in his eyes. It made my stomach churn and I looked at the ground. "So what does a princess do around here for excitement?" Asher asked me.

"Excuse me?" I replied. No one has ever talked to me in such a way. Asher smirked. "I'm sorry, should I take out my parchment and translate it for you?" I scowled at him. "You cannot be talking to me like that!" I snapped then cleared my throat when Asher raised his eyebrows.

"I apologize, I should not speak to you in such a manner," I said.

"You don't have to be so high and might for me Princess," Asher assured me. I shivered at the way he spoke to me. Why was it that this man, this lower ranking was speaking to me with such rudeness?

"Do not use my name against me," I replied.

Asher walked over to me and I backed up into the rose bush. I gasped when one of the thrones pricked my finger. I looked at my finger, blood appearing from the spot. Someone's other hands held my own, tingles in the spot.

"Your hurt," Asher stated. I looked up at his face. His sparkling intensely brown eyes were the first thing I noticed. "It's nothing, honest," I replied in a whisper. Asher swiped his hands away from mine as if he touched a snake.

He walked a little ways away from me, a hand lingering at his pocket. My fear spiked up at the thought of what was being held in his pocket.

I saw the sparkle of a dagger. I grew frantic. How would I make up an excuse to leave? He was sent to assassin me. "I- I must get going. I'm sure there's other gentlemen back in the castle who want to dance with me. I can't just-" I stuttered.

"Show me the garden," Asher interrupted. I swallow, and seemingly swallowed the fear too when I looked into his eyes. I outstretched my hand. "Come on then."