Traitor

Lady Stella’s POV:

The scent of musty wood never leaves me inside the carriage. The wooden benches are cushioned with plush velvet cushions, matching the curtains on the window. I lean forward, pulling the curtain back, longing to see our destination. The coach rocks violently for a brief moment and I grab hold of the side of the carriage to keep from hitting the side of the coach, hard. Finally, it stops.

I sit beside my father in an awkward silence on the couch as we pull into the gate and up to the large castle. Dressed in an elegant dark blue gown, my oak colored hair pinned up, I look more high-class than ever. A diamond necklace sits wrapped around my neck. It is my first time at court at seven and ten. I’m beyond excited.

Having been kept away at the family estate, I’d never been able to truly explore the kingdom of Riazen.

“Now, Stella. I’ve brought you here under specific circumstances. This is a masquerade ball so nobody will know who you are. Make as many good impressions as possible for you will return to court again next week if no match is found today. I’d like for you to find as many potentials as possible and we will go with the one with the strongest alliance to gain.”

I stare out the small window of the coach, wanting to see the castle, having only seen farmland for miles.

“Stella, pay attention.”

“I am, Father,” I tell him, still hoping for a glimpse early

Father slams his hand on the window, startling me.

“Stella, I am not jesting with you.”

I twist the rings on my fingers, nervously.

I don’t meet his eyes.

“You want me to catch as many eyes as I can to get a long list of potential suitors. I got it.” I say softly

I barely wait long enough for the coach to pull to a stop. Father takes my arm, pulling me close, stopping my exit.

Annoyed, I glare at him.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

I look away.

“Stay within my sight, Stella. Until you have a sworn guard, always remain near me. It is safer.” He tells me

I nod.

“Yes, Father.”

“Keep in mind, you are here to find a suitor. You may enjoy the festivities, of course, but do not forget your main duty. There are many high nobles gathered here today. Be polite and make good impressions with everyone.”

I feel the pressure of his words.

“I understand. I will not disappoint you.”

“I know you won’t. Now, come.”

He steps out of the coach and I follow.

I get off the steps and onto the ground, staring up at the magnificent stone castle that towers above us.

The grounds are filled with activity.

To the left, in the grass, archers line up their shots against their targets, firing nearly simultaneously. To the right, a stretch away, knights battle one another, decked out in armor.

I follow him through the path and finally, inside the castle.

The knights accompanying us quickly make their way to our sides. The ground beneath us becomes that of elegant white marble, swirled with gold, a sign of luxury and beauty. I listen to the sound of my heels tapping as I walk upon the hard floor. We move through the halls, past large suits of armor, fireplaces, a library and so much more as we finally enter the dining hall.

I’m in awe at the beautiful view before me.

Long oak tables sit at the sides of the room, the center remaining open for people to dance or talk amongst themselves. The room is lit by the candles on the tables as well as the chandeliers that sit high above us on the ceiling. Not a penny was spared for this event. Taking my father’s arm, we walk into the room. The sounds of music fill the air and I quickly make my way to the dance floor. Not having a partner myself, I follow the steps independently, moving with graceful slow steps. I twirl, holding my hands high above me, fingertips pointed to the sky. When I twirl again, I bump into a young man dressed in black. I step back, apologizing to the stranger.

He reassures me with a smile.

His soft brown eyes twinkle behind the black mask.

“It is quite all right, my lady. Do you care to join me for a dance?” He asks holding out a hand

I light up, taking it.

“Of course.”

He spins me around and I laugh.

At home, away from court, life was different. I had three siblings and we fought often, my brother and sisters, and I. Father, the only parent in our lives since our Mother passed during her last labor over a year ago, had had enough of our tension and bickering. Our brother, Johnathan was sent to court to train as a knight. Now I am to wed.

Together, the mystery stranger and I step forward, then back, moving along to the music. Staring at one another, we step forward, then back gracefully before spinning around one another, only a small space between us.

I know my younger siblings would follow soon enough. I long for the old days, to be home but at the same time, this is like an entire new world filled with beauty and fun. I didn’t want to leave. As the song finishes, I curtsy to my partner and he bows. He makes his way up to the front of the room and I watch as he removes his mask.

Before us stands a young man with wispy black hair and soft brown eyes. He makes his way to the front of the room. Everyone turns to him. Embarrassed at the thought that I was currently disrespecting the host, I did so quickly.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is a great joy to be celebrating today’s ball with you. I was not going to reveal myself but as the King and Queen cannot be present, I felt I must do so. I, Prince Shane of Riazen, welcome you all to tonight’s ball. Have a blessed time.” He says and cues the musicians

I stand, staring in disbelief.

Father told me to find a suitor, not a Prince.

I turn around, ready to find a different partner.

I catch sight of my father across the room.

My eyes meet his and he gives me a small nod of approval.

I smile.