The Ball

"No one can compare to you, my queen," Alice smiled at me widely.

I looked myself over the mirror. I was adorned with precious gems and diamonds. Yet, my face had almost to no makeup. "You flatter me too much, if not of your handiwork. I do not believe I would look so beautiful."

"Hehe, thank you. But trust me. The king will be dying to have a dance with you. He'll be on his knees!"

I chuckled at her naive character, if only that was true.

We sat in silence for a long time. Until Alice asked, "If you do not mind, may I ask a question?"

"Go ahead. I do not mind." I face her quietly. My interest piqued by her sudden outburst.

"As long as I've been here, I've rarely seen the king visit you."

I face towards the mirror again. Getting up from my seat. "It is not a hard question to answer. He only regards me as a sister. So he doesn't come willingly." The pained smile paints across my face.

Alice panics, "Forgive me, I've stepped out of my boundary. It is just hard to believe. What fool would not fall in love with you?"

"Once again you flatter me. Alice, you know I became the queen because of my background. I grew up knowing I would be left alone. He has his own problems to deal with. Who am I to become another one?"

"You certainly say that. But, you burden yourself with nobles like us. If not for you, would I still have kept the child?"

"The child looks just like you, Alice. Bright as the morning dew." I touch my hair. "But, I do not know if living in the castle is good for her. She does not get to play with the other kids nor does she get to explore. Not only that, she is not getting tutored here. A young kid like her needs education. I mean good."

Alice contorts her face. "When have I ever questioned you? But, I am not sending her to my parent's house. They will not give her freedom, but bind her more. Is this not better than being mistreated?" She turns away.

I see her tightening her fists. Nodding, I reach the table where the pen and quill was.

"I meant a school. She would only get to come see you in the weekends and holidays. But, an environment where she learns would be beneficial for her in the long run." I hand her the paper. "Take it. I have referred her to an excellent academy. She would do good there."

The turmoiled mother looks down. "It's not that I don't want to send her, but I do not know how she'll cope all alone."

"One day or another Katy will have to. But, it is yours to choose as mother and child.

"I will talk about it to Katy." Alive sighs, "We should start heading down, my queen."

~~~

"What do you mean he won't be able to come?" Alice shouts at the guard.

"He has given me an order to only replay a message. I do not know the rest. I will be taking my leave now, have a nice day your majesty."

"How humiliating! How could he do that to you? This has been the tradition from ages. If he and you do not have a drink together. That means you two are no longer one. This is losing face!"

I stand there silently, "He must have a reason. Send Aiden to investigate. I'll let this be for now. But, I shall not let this matter go easily." As a royalty, I have my pride on the line as well.

"As you should not!"

I sat quietly as Alice headed out the door to inform Aiden. I sipped on my drink slowly. So much gossip was going around. Yet no blame befalls on them. It's understandable, the old tradition was suddenly broken by the king himself. It would be the talk.

"Queen Victoria," a voice came from the sidelines.

I look towards it.

"Diana, what a pleasure to meet you."

"It is a pleasure to meet you too. I've heard the king was not attending today."

"Yes, it seems so."

"I just want to inform you that..."

"You look contemplated. Please do tell me so. It must be an important information."

She looks up at me. "I saw the king with a lady." Taking in raspy breaths she says, "That is all I came here to tell your majesty. Forgive me for this news."

I take my sip once more. "Diana, you should not be sorry. No trouble will befall on you. I will look into this matter more. Thank you for informing."

"It is my pleasure, then good day your majesty."

With that she walks away.

It must have been another minute before I get up and head towards the exit as well.

This place is suffocating. I need to go to the garden.