Being the Prince's Special Guest

The guards swung open the grand doors.

The herald’s voice rang out: “His Royal Highness, Prince Jacob, and the Lady Katherine Johnson.”

All eyes turned to us as we entered, bowing and curtseying in respect. A sea of faces greeted us, but my thoughts were elsewhere. The moment we reached the thrones, an odd mix of excitement and unease stirred within me. Sitting in such a regal place felt foreign.

Jacob leaned over, his whisper reassuring. "You’ve done beautifully."

Moments later, the King and Queen arrived. Rising from our seats, I offered a deep curtsey, while Jacob bowed in deference.

"Rise," the King commanded, his voice firm but kind.

Jacob took my hand and helped me stand. The King and Queen settled. We returned to our seats. Every move is dictated by the protocol ingrained in us.

"Katherine," the King said warmly, "you look radiant this evening."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, forcing a polite smile.

The King turned his attention to Jacob.

"It is tradition for the prince to open the ball with the first dance."

"Of course, Your Majesty," Jacob replied dutifully.

Turning to me, he asked, “Katherine, may I have the honor of this dance?”

"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness," I responded, taking his hand.

He led me gracefully from the balcony, down the sweeping staircase, and onto the dance floor. Following the formalities, he bowed. I dipped into a deep curtsey, my skirts pooling around me. Jacob took my hand, pulling me gently to my feet, and we began to waltz. His hand rested firmly on my back as we glided across the floor, a practiced elegance in every movement.

"You dance beautifully," he whispered, his voice soft yet confident.

"Thank you, Your Highness," I murmured, the title feeling more distant than ever.

With a sudden lift, Jacob spun me off the ground, twirling me effortlessly. The room blurred. The vibrant gowns and gleaming chandeliers become a swirl of colors. My heart raced with the intensity of the moment, though not entirely from joy. The dance felt eternal, but as the music slowed, Jacob drew me close, and we bowed to each other before leaving the floor.

My parents stood waiting at the base of the staircase. Father’s eyes sparkled with pride.

“You were magnificent, Katherine.”

"Thank you, Father," I replied, smiling as Mother nodded her approval.

Back on the balcony, we watched as the King extended his hand to the Queen, leading her onto the

floor. They moved with such grace, their years together evident in every step. Jacob’s voice broke my thoughts.

"Will you join me for a walk tomorrow evening?"

I hesitated, unsure of what to make of his sudden invitation.

"Of course, Your Highness."

The evening progressed. We danced several more times, each waltz blending into the next. The clock struck midnight.

Jacob stood and, in a moment of grand declaration, announced to the entire hall, “Lady Katherine has agreed to stay at the castle and allow me the honor of courting her.”

A murmur swept through the crowd as he clasped my hand, his grip possessive. The weight of his words settled heavily on me. My life, once my own, now seemed irrevocably bound to his.

Jacob led me away from the crowd, the grandeur of the ballroom fading behind us. Once in the hall, he turned to me, his expression softening.

“May I escort you to your chambers?”

I forced a smile.

"As you wish, Your Highness."

He guided me toward the staircase, his hand steadying me with each step. We reached the top. An unsettling feeling washed over me.

“I want to show you something,” Jacob said quietly, stopping in front of an ornate door.

My pulse quickened as he opened it, revealing his private chamber. The room was lavish, every corner adorned with riches and elegance. He led me inside, his demeanor suddenly more intimate.

“This is my private space,” he murmured, guiding me toward a plush seat.

“I wanted to share it with you.”

A chill crept up my spine as I sat. His intentions, once masked in courtly charm, now seemed unclear. When he mentioned showing me something, I had not expected this. He moved toward the hearth, picking up a small, intricate box from the mantel.

"Katherine, there is something I have wanted to say for a long time."

My heart pounded as he knelt before me, the box now open in his hands.

"Katherine," he began, his voice steady, "from the moment you turned sixteen, I have been captivated by you.”

“Now, after all these years, I must ask will you be my wife?"

The world tilted. I had barely known him beyond the formalities of court, and yet here I was, being proposed to in the most public way imaginable. My parents and the King and Queen entered at that exact moment; their eyes expectant. How could I refuse him now, in front of such an audience?

I swallowed hard.

"It would be an honor," I said, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside.

Jacob stood, lifting me into his arms and spinning me around in celebration. The moment felt more like a performance than a promise. After the royal guests departed, Jacob turned to me with a satisfied smile.

"I planned everything perfectly."

“You certainly did,” I replied, the weight of my agreement still heavy in the air.

“Good night, Your Highness,” I added, eager to retreat to the solitude of my chambers.

"I will walk you.”

"I prefer to walk alone," I insisted, my need for space overwhelming.

With a quick curtsey, I left him standing there, my steps quickening as I sought the sanctuary of my room. Once inside, I locked the door behind me and called for my maid.

"Macy," I said, my voice betraying my exhaustion, "help me out of this gown.”

“I am done with this evening."

“Did something happen, Miss Katherine?”

I sighed.

"Jacob proposed to me in front of everyone."

Her eyes widened.

"What did you say?"

I smirked, despite myself.

"I said yes.”

“What else could I do?"

With Macy’s help, I changed into my nightdress and slipped into bed, but sleep did not come easily. My thoughts were a whirlwind of doubt and apprehension, knowing my life had taken a turn I was not prepared for. The next morning, Macy woke me with a knock on the door.

“The prince has requested your presence, Miss.”

Still weary, I dressed quickly and made my way to his study. Jacob greeted me with a bow, his expression warm but serious.

“Katherine,” he began, gesturing for me to enter, “did you sleep well?”

"Not particularly, Your Highness."

He smiled, though something was unsettling about it.

"I have been thinking let us not wait.”

“Let us marry tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?"

I repeated, my heart racing.

"That is a bit too soon?"

He stepped closer, his tone firm but affectionate.

"No, it is perfect.”

“After all, once we are wed, we will be crowned together.”

“A new beginning."

My mind spun with the rapidness of it all, but I forced a smile.

"If that is your wish, Your Highness."

He nodded, pleased.

“Then it is settled.”

“Tomorrow, we will be wed.”

He continued to speak of wedding plans and royal duties. All I could think about was how quickly everything was changing, and how little control I truly had over any of it.