Be My Princess

The press conference had come as a cooling effect on the heat created by the internet leaks by redirecting the attention of the press towards Kat's prospect of marriage to one of the princes. Thus, by the beginning of the new week, Kat's press conference was the main topic on the news and in TV shows; and most reporters besieging the entrance of the Sama family's property had been called back.

Just like Lady Josephine had predicted, many journals and magazines had decided to run a survey on the impression left by the young maiden on the uRuund people, on the possibility of her betrothal to one of the princes. And, from every front, Kat had inspired respect and admiration. From youngsters to senior citizens, male or female, envious or encouraging, the uRuund people was at great majority agreeing on the fact that, despite her common upbringing, she had qualities to make a great princess; even a great queen.

As for the survey on which prince she should choose, people could not yet make their prognostics. Prince Francis, who had just returned, still had to prove himself as uRuund prince before the people could be able to form an opinion about him.

As the week went on, life gradually took back its normal course in the kingdom and in Likasi; all much to Kat's relief. Her mother had called her on that Wednesday to inform her that all the reporters were then gone.

Though they could not secure interviews with any of the maiden's family members, they were still able to gather enough information from their neighbours, the Church members, Michael's classmates, as well as Charlotte and Joseph's former and actual colleagues and employers. The information collected had come to polish the Sama family's profile all the more, and sweep away any residual reserve people might still have had towards the maiden. Hence, by the end of the week, Kat's mood had lightened to the point where she was able truly to enjoy Prince Francis' idea of a picnic by the lake neighbouring the East Wing.

"This is my favourite place here at the palace. I used to come here with Angel all the time in the past." Francis explained. "Back at a time we did not have a single care for our duties to the Throne and the people of Ruund…" He added with a hint of nostalgia.

Kat looked around. The place was indeed beautiful. However, she could not stop herself from comparing it to Angel's special place; behind the Forest Palace. That small waterfall had an enchanting peaceful aura that was really hard to beat.

Nonetheless, Kat was still excited to have a picnic by a lake. "It's a beautiful place. It reminds of the lake in the park where my family often goes to for picnics." She said.

"Really?" Francis asked joyfully.

Kat nodded.

"You seem to miss your family very much…" Francis remarked as they took place on the picnic blanket spread on the grass.

"I do. I've never been away from my family for so long before."

"Never? Not even for vacation?"

"We always go on vacation together."

"Wow! What a bonded family."

Kat smiled at the prince's impressed expression. "I suppose we are…"

Francis scrutinised her nostalgic expression. He really could not relate to that. He had lived the major part of his life in America because his mother had been banished from the palace for twenty whole years; hence, it was impossible for him to think of the palace with the same nostalgic endearment Kat did of her home.

It could not be said that he resented his family; but he just could not let the wrong that had been done to his mother go unaddressed. The subject of why his mother had been so mercilessly treated was taboo. Josephine had only told him that Queen Sophie's jealousy was the main cause of them being thrown out of the palace; and he chose to believe his mother without questioning. That explanation was the main drive in his desire to regain his place on the throne. He wanted to restore his mother's honour and confound the one who had instigated his grandfather into sending them away.

It was a shame that Angel had to suffer in the process; but, inasmuch as his cousin was dear to him, he knew that no war could be won without casualties…

"Francis…?"

Francis broke out of his daze and looked at the young woman next to him. "Have you ever come to Ruund before?" He immediately asked before she could speak any further.

Kat slightly frowned at his strange attitude but chose not to question it. "Once. It was a little before my dad passed away… I think I was nine at the time. Taatuku-mwanikanch[1] was living in Ruund during that period, and he had invited us for two weeks."

"That was a long time ago." Francis commented.

"Almost thirteen years ago."

"Didn't you guys go sight-seeing at that time?" He asked in curiosity when he recalled that, on their first date, she had appeared to be seeing Musumb for the first time.

"Barely. Tatuku was often here for business and Maaku grew up here so they were already very familiar with the place. We kids were too happy to meet and play with ours cousins that we rarely thought of going out. So our outings were only to an amusement park and the zoo, if I remember correctly."

"I see… And do you think that you will like living here permanently?"

Kat looked at the lake as she reflected on his question. "Though I miss my home very much, I know I would also be happy living here if it's my destiny." She answered after a moment. "Especially because the man I have fallen in love with will be by my side."

Francis smiled, truly happy to hear her say that. Sure he was on a mission; but the idea of having that young maiden as his spouse was more and more shaping up into a delightful picture in his mind.

They sat by the lake the whole afternoon, then went on a stroll in the garden by the time the sun was ending its celestial course.

Even the dark veil gradually enveloping the garden was unable to steal away its beauty. Quite on the contrary, the light coming from the several now lit lanterns placed along the alleys of the garden was giving the landscaping masterpiece a more luxurious look than during the day.

"This place is really beautiful…" Kat commented with dazzled eyes after they had sat on a bench.

Francis silently looked at her marvelled expression. Why was the pace of his heartbeat accelerating every time he saw her eyes filled with sparkles like that? What was it that made him feel that the woman sitting next to him could not be stooped to the same level as the women he had dated so far?

Genuine… That was the word; the answer. Kat was genuine; true. All the women he had met before always moulded themselves into a certain persona they considered would be pleasing to him; whereas Kat was not the kind to compromise herself just so someone would like her.

Suddenly, Francis felt the strong urge to kiss her full lips and slowly leaned closer. Kat, who was admiring the starry sky, felt something coming close to her face and looked at her side. Once she noticed Francis' face drawing closer to hers with an expression that couldn't be interpreted any other way, she quickly jumped on her feet.

"Should we go back now? I fell like the air is getting chilly." She said to mask the awkwardness.

Although disappointed, Francis still smiled. "Alright, let's head back." He replied in capitulation.

As they arrived at the entrance on the West Wing, they spotted Angel who has heading towards the stairs.

"Oh, Angel!" Francis called. "It's good that you are still down; I wanted to talk to you." He added as he approached his cousin.

"What is it?" Angel asked.

"As you know, tomorrow is my birthday. Maaku has insisted on making up for my missed 25th Celebration Ball; so she has requested that a ball be organised for my 26th birthday instead. But something low-key compared to an actual 25th Celebration Ball."

"Yes, Ngaak told me that they were busy with the preparations." Angel concurred.

"That's right! You told me that your birthday was coming soon. Why didn't you tell me that it's tomorrow?" Kat reproached.

"Actually, I wanted to wait until I walked you back here so that I could directly asked both Angel and you whether you would do me the honour of attending my birthday party."

Kat looked at Angel with expectant eyes. The prospect of a ball was truly exhilarating.

"Brother, you know you don't even need to ask." Angel replied; much to Kat's joy.

"Yes, I know." Francis replied with a smile. "But tomorrow is your day with Kat so I still feel the need to make the request. Don't worry, I will make sure to interact with her in no other way than a mere party guest."

Angel smiled back. "Sure."

"Then…" Francis turned towards Kat, "I will see you tomorrow, fair maiden."

He took the young woman's hand to kiss, then headed out. Kat looked at his back profile with a smile until it disappeared from her sight then turned back to meet Angel's cold gaze. A bit startled, she wonder what could have possibly changed his mood in a split second.

"You're going to pierce a hole in my forehead if you continue to look at me like this." She remarked with irritation.

Caught in the act, Angel diverted his eyes and cleared his throat. Though he did not show it when his cousin was still there, he did not like to hear his cousin call Kat by her first name without honorifics. And when Francis had kissed Kat's hand, he had had to muster a lot of strength so as not to give into the urge to snatch the hand away from his lips. Then there was the way Kat looked at his cousin leaving. He just could not tolerate that!

Tolerate? When had he become that possessive… of her?

Angel looked at Kat again; that time with a frown. "Uladikanganyi." He said dryly.

Baffled by the crown prince's ever confusing behaviour, Kat watched him climb the stairs with a raised eyebrow. Once Angel had closed the door of his bedroom behind him, the maids approached Kat. "Will you have something to eat, Changadim Kat?" Jane asked.

"No, Jane. I'm fine thank you. Just bring some tea to my bedroom then you can call it a night."

"Yes, Changadim Kat."

And the maids curtseyed as Kat, in turn, headed for her bedroom.

⁂

Kat walked out of her bedroom and held her breath as she started her descent down the staircase. At the bottom of the stairs, Angel could not take his eyes off her. She was dressed in a teal off-shoulder A-Line dress and silver D'Orsay heels; and her hair was dressed in a plaited Pompadour held with pearled hairpins. Jane had chosen teardrop earrings and an assorted bracelet for her, and had been delighted that the young maiden had agreed – without a single argument, that her pendant was not matching her outfit and removed it.

Angel was once again looking dashing in his black tie attire. The midnight-blue colour of his tuxedo was enhancing the lightness of his skin tone, and somehow bringing out his manliness. Royal events often called for a White Tie dress code, but since the birthday celebration was organised at a lower key, the invitations were all mentioning a Black Tie dress code.

When she finally reached the bottom of the stairs, Kat looked at Angel in expectation of what he would say.

"Wow! You look amazing!"

The exclamation was coming from the entrance. Also very much dashing in a black tuxedo, Francis was looking at Kat with admiration. He walked in straight to her, took her hand to kiss, and then looked into her eyes.

"Suddenly I wish my birthday had fallen on a Friday this year…" He commented with his most charming gaze. "I really envy you." He added at the address of his cousin.

Angel simply smiled and gallantly presented his arm to Kat. She placed her hand in the crook of his arm and followed his lead as the trio headed out.

When they reached the ballroom, two servants pushed the doors open while the butler standing at the entrance loudly announced: "His Highness, Crown prince Angel; His Highness, Prince Francis; and Changadim Kat Sama!"

The doors of the ballroom had been opened to the guests at 6pm, but they were coming in two hours later because, according to what Jane had told her, members of the royal family should always make their entrance after most of the guests have arrived.

The doors of the ballroom opened on the landing of a grandiose double staircase; which gave everyone inside a good view of any newcomer as they were announced by the butler.

As they made their way down the marble stairs boarded with Carlisle balusters, Kat had her breath taken away by the luxury of the French-influenced decor. 16-foot ceiling; stunning crystal chandeliers; gold accents on the walls and columns; 1000-square-foot circular marble dance floor; bay windows; cream silk drapes with gold embroideries; two separate bay doors giving to an adjoining terrace for one, and to the inner courtyard for the other; step-high stage for the orchestra…

The room had been outlaid in a set up similar to what she had often seen in movies. The crowd of over a hundred peers dressed in their finest attires were standing in small groups spread around the room according to acquaintance; chatting and mingling as some roamed from group to group, cocktail glass or hors d'oeuvres plate in hand. Chairs were placed along the wall for those who felt the need to sit; and two very long buffet tables filled a variety of meals as well as dishes and cutlery were placed along opposite walls.

Kat turned to Francis and whispered: "Is this what you call 'low key'?"

Francis chuckled. "Yes. That's what a low key party looks like at the palace."

By the time they reach the end of their descent, a new announcement resounded: "Her Majesty, N'a Rwej Isabella; Her Majesty, Mwad Sophie; Her Highness, the royal consort, Princess Josephine!"

The trio looked back up to the entrance. Dressed in the most elegant ball gowns, Queen Mother Isabella, Queen Sophie and Lady Josephine made their entrance and walked separately down the double staircase; Isabella and Sophie on one side and Josephine on the other. And before the guests' eyes filled with admiration for some, envy for others, and jealousy for most of the young ladies present, the young trio curtseyed and the older one greeted them back with affection.

"You look beautiful, Kat! This colour really suits you." Isabella complimented the young woman as she squeezed her hands.

"Wajikitanyi, Ngaak." Kat replied with a blissful smile.

The orchestra was not loud enough to cover the guests' stupefied clamours at Kat's rapid familiarity with the royal family. If some still had doubt about what was said on the news. The scene playing before them was conclusive proof that the royal family was definitely set on making a daughter-in-law of that common maiden.

Thinking of the fact that it was the second time that he was hearing Kat calling his grandmother without honorifics, Angel looked at the young woman at his arm with inquisitive eyes.

"She insisted." Kat explained when she met his gaze and understood his silent question.

"Of course she did!" Angel replied.

The group walked towards the stage while the guests curtseyed at their passing. They came to a halt right in front of it, and Lady Josephine stepped on it with her son. As she took the microphone, all the guests came closer.

"Wajinganyi, everyone; and welcome. I am Lady Josephine, for those of you who may not remember me; and it is my greatest pleasure to see that so many of you have accepted our invitation for you to come celebrate together with us the birthday of the person I hold most dear in this world: My son, Prince Francis."

The guests clapped their hands as Francis stepped forward and waved his hand in greeting.

Josephine waited until the acclamation had subsided before continuing: "Since my son could not have his 25th Celebration Ball last year because of me, I requested that this small gathering be arranged so as to make it up to him…"

"Small gathering?!" Kat looked around. No one aside from her seemed befuddled by Lady Josephine's statement. "If this is really low key, I wonder what big events look like."

"That is why I would also like to thank N'a Rwej Isabella… Mwad Sophie, who is also here on behalf of Mwant Yav, who is occupied elsewhere at the moment… Crown Prince Angel… and Changadim Kat, for gracing us with their presence…"

Each person, at the call of their name, had gracefully respond with a slight nod or bow of the head to Josephine's gratitude; but, out of respect for the royal consort, Kat had opted to curtsey instead.

"Now, don't worry; we old people will not crash this youngsters' party for very long…" Josephine paused as everyone laughed. "We will be on our way very soon and let you have your night.

I know that, since it is a Celebration Ball, we should open it with the Princely Dance; but, as special as this celebration is, we also have a special opening for it. I have been informed that Changadim Kat has prepared a surprise for Prince Francis…"

Kat's heart jumped in her chest, and she tightened her hold on Angel's forearm as all eyes turned in her direction. Remembering that, when they had gone to Aquatic World, Francis had requested that she play the violin as a birthday gift for him, Kat looked up at the prince with angry squinted eyes; and in response, Francis winked and smiled at her.

"So, ladies and gentlemen; Changadim Kat!"

While people clapped their hands to encourage her, Kat pulled on Angel's arm and, as he leaned closer, whispered in his ear: "Please, help me!"

Angel looked at the young woman walking to the stage in puzzlement.

Help her…? With what?

Kat stepped on the stage and picked up the violin that had been placed on the piano for her. As she stepped closer to the microphone, she once again squinted her eyes at Francis who had left the stage along with his mother and was now clapping his hands with an amused smile, then looked at Angel with pleading eyes, reiterating her request in silence before closing her eyes and take a deep breath to muster some courage.

Eyes still closed, she placed the violin on her shoulder; and, as the first of a gentle melody started to fill the room, Angel's eyes widened in astonishment.

Finally understanding the meaning of Kat's plea, and at everyone's surprise, Angel quickly stepped on the stage and took the pianist's place. He waited for the perfect moment, then joined in. Once she heard the piano notes, Kat opened her eyes and shifted her position a bit to lock eyes with him; then, in a tacit accord, they restarted the first part as soon as they had reached the bridge.

[1] Uncle. (literally means young father; used to designate the father's young brother(s))