The Queen & Her Knight

It's the 19th century and you're a twenty-five-year-old woman of noble birth. Your family owned a few lands in the beautiful country of Monaco until they passed away a few years ago. When they died, they passed their knowledge and wealth over to you, the remaining relative. You've been Lady Melissa Winters for over three years now. Your parents were also known for their generosity and caring nature to all mankind. It's the day of the annual ball. The King, King James the third, gives an annual ball every year for the people. He has been King for the past five years. He's betrothed to Princess Catherine of Spain. "What do you think? Will this dress do for the ball?" you asked Stacey your handmaid. "Mam, I don't think the other ladies will appreciate you looking so good in that dress, maybe a different choice? Let me have a look.." Stacey has been your maid since your parents died. You grew up together and you see her more like a friend than a maid. She volunteered to be your maid. You refused profusely but she didn't listen, she wanted to help you anyway can. "What will I do without you, Stacey?" She answers without looking at you "You surely will be lost. Look at these options. Which one do you like?" "Oh, I think you know me better than most, you know which I want.." "The blue one then. One day you're going to get into big trouble for the choices you make, Mam. You need to fit in, not stand out" "I wish you could come with me, it's going to be so boring without you." "You have to go. The people will expect the Winters family to attend." "They will not miss me. Let's play rookie and have a slumber party? Just me and you, like the old days?" "I beg to differ, mam, the King will except you to be there. The invitation had your family name on it.." "Oh, he will not even notice if I'm not there. He'll only have eyes for Princess Catherine, his betrothed. Besides, every family's name was on their invitation" "Haven't you heard? He's not very happy with the arrangement but he'll do it for his country or so the rumor goes" "Really? But aren't they good friends for like forever?" "Yes but that's as far as their "relationship" goes..." "That's news to me but I still don't care to go." There's a knock on the door. Stacey opens the door. Felicia's at the door "Sorry to bother you mam but Lady Bennett is here to see you?" "Ah! It seems my ride to a boring night is here. Please let her know, I'll be right down, thank you Felicia" "Yes mam" She close the door behind her. Stacey speaks up again "You'll enjoy tonight. Go and have fun!" "You're sure you can't come with me?" She smiles and gets back to cleaning your room. You look at her and your smile disappears. (Life isn't fair. Just because she isn't of noble birth, doesn't mean that she's less than I am. She's so much more worth than me) "Hey, Stacey, thank you for helping me tonight, you mean a lot to me" you try to lighten the mood. She turns and looks at you. "You know I'll always be there for you." You smile and make your way downstairs. "Well you look mighty fine tonight, are you trying to get a husband?" You laugh as you walk down the stairs. You kiss her on her cheeks. Kendra has been your friend since you were little girls. Your families have always been good friends for as long as you remember. Her family took on the role of your mother and father when your parents died. "I think that you'll be the one turning heads tonight" "Oh, you flatter me and you know what they say about flattering? It'll get you everywhere" You both laugh and get into the carriage. "So when are you going to get yourself a husband, you can't very well be an old maid all your life?" "Look who's talking? Aren't you the one that shows every perfect suitor the door? I think you'll be the old maid" She gives you a mischievous smile. "I know I can be difficult but I want what my parents had, true love, chemistry, and partnership. There's just no man that exalts that kind of power" "I think you're very wrong my friend, there's one..." You finish her sentence "The King?" "Yes!" she answers "But he's betrothed" "I know...and it's just sad...I guess we'll just have to keep on looking" You both sigh as the castle comes into view. "What a sight..." Kendra stares out the window. "It never gets old..." You both stare out of the carriage at the castle. You stop at the door and the footmen help you out and into the castle. You stop Kendra with your hand. "Okay, remember now, concentrate on the stairs, and don't fall." You both laugh as you start descending on the staircase. Then the royal announcer calls out your names to the King. "Lady Kendra Jefferson and Lady Melissa Winters!" You look up at where the King is and take a low bow to him. He looks at you and nods his head slightly. He looks sad and you decide to smile at him. He looks once and then looks again at you. The corners of his mouth forming into a small smile. For the first time, your thoughts go to the King and how he must feel, ruling over the land and its people. It must take great responsibility and wisdom. "We made it, without falling down the stairs" you remarks. "It's breathtaking isn't it?" "The ballroom is absolutely beautiful. Every time I get here, this place takes away my breath" Then the announcer speaks again "Princess Catherine of Spain!" Everyone bows before her as she descends down the staircase. You whisper to Kendra as the princess walks by "She's beautiful" "Yes, she is. They make a great couple" "Yes, they do" The King comes down to meet her and everyone makes way for the King, bowing as he goes. He walks past you and you feel his gaze fall on you. "Princess Catherine, what an honor that you grace us with your presence tonight" You hear the King talk to the princess. He takes her hand and kisses it. She bows before him and he starts to dance with her. You stare at their dancing and for a moment you imagine that that was you and the King dancing. Then other couples start to join in. Kendra whisper in your ear "Incoming, nine o'clock" "Oh, no, no, no-" Lord Dobson takes your hand and kisses it. You give him the biggest fake smile you can give. "Lord Dobson, always a pleasure"