The Wedding Ball

Returning to Jacob, he was in route to his mother’s chamber when he chanced upon my maid.

She nearly collided with him, but with grace and poise, she immediately dropped into a curtsey and uttered, “Please forgive me, Your Highness.”

“Please rise,” he replied.
“Tonight, I implore you to adorn the princess in her most exquisite attire, if you catch my drift.”
“As you wish, your Highness, but I must inform you that she may not be fond of such a request.”


“Furthermore, I desire Katherine’s makeup to be nothing short of extraordinary tonight.”
“If I may interject, Your Highness, my lady prefers a more natural look.”
“I appreciate your input, but you no longer serve the princess.”
“My word is law.” “Is that understood?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”


“Excellent.”
“I expect you to be in her chambers within the hour.”
“As you wish, Your Highness.”

Jacob proceeded to his mother’s quarters and knocked. “Enter,” she beckoned.
“You summoned me, Mother?”
“Indeed, my dear.”

“I wished to bestow upon you a gift for your stunning bride.”
“This necklace and earrings have been passed down through generations.”
“My mother received it from her mother, and now I present it to you, in the hopes that your wife may one day pass it on to your daughter.”

“Thank you, Mother.”

“I am certain she will cherish it.”
“You are dismissed.”

Jacob bowed and exited the room. Jake and I retreated to the parlor, where we reclined on the plush couch, his strong arms enveloping me in a warm embrace.

“My love, what shall we do?” I pondered aloud.
“Fear not, my darling.”
“ I shall devise a plan,” he reassured me.
“I am apprehensive about tonight,” I confided in him.

“You need not worry, my love.”
“You have a voice in this matter.”
“Refuse him,” he urged.
“Alas, my dear, as the dutiful wife of a nobleman, I must comply with his wishes, even if they do not align with my own,” I lamented.

He moved closer to bestow another kiss upon me. The echo of Jacob’s footsteps drew near. Swiftly, Jake leaped from the sofa and settled himself opposite me, as I straightened my posture, exuding grace and elegance. Jacob made his entrance, oblivious to the situation. Standing up gracefully, I performed a curtsy, while Jake executed a respectful bow.

“My darling, I have a surprise for you,” Jacob announced, approaching me from behind.

He draped a necklace of the most exquisite diamonds around my neck.

“It is the most valuable piece of jewelry in the entire castle,” he boasted.
“It belonged to my grandmother, and I wanted you to have it.”
“It is truly stunning, my lord,” I gushed.
“Its beauty pales in comparison to yours, my love,” he replied, his eyes sparkling with adoration.

He inclined towards me, his lips poised for a kiss, only to be interrupted by the ticking of the timepiece.

“Jake, my dear friend, would you kindly prepare yourself for the grand ball in my presence?” he requested, his voice dripping with regal authority.
“As you wish, your majesty,” he responded.
“I have arranged for you to accompany a cherished friend of mine,” he informed him, a hint of intrigue in his voice.
“She has shown a keen interest in your company.”
“Thank you, your highness,” he replied.

“She is the daughter of a prominent banker, residing in second class,” Jacob revealed, emphasizing her elevated status.
“She shall be joining us imminently; thus we must hasten our departure.”

“My love where is your maid?” he inquired, displeasure lacing his words.
“Fear not, my dear, for she shall grace us with her presence momentarily,” I reassured him, my confidence unwavering.

Right on cue, my maid gracefully entered the room.

“You have arrived tardily,” Jacob remarked with a hint of disappointment.
“Apologies, Your Highness, I had to procure a few items that you had requested,” she responded, her voice filled with deference.

It was only then that I noticed the contents of her basket, and a sense of unease washed over me.

“Do not dawdle, attend to the princess promptly, for we are already behind schedule,” Jacob commanded.
“Yes, Your Highness,” she replied, her voice tinged with obedience.

Allowing her to enter the bedchamber, I followed closely behind.

The door closed and, I inquired, “Are you well, my dear?”
“I am perfectly fine, my lady,” she assured me.
“I deeply apologize for the prince’s disrespectful behavior towards you.”


“He has no right to address you in such a manner.”
“He believes himself to be of higher standing, and thus, I am obliged to heed his words,” she explained.
“No, my dear, the only one you must heed is me,” I asserted.
“My lady, I must assist you in preparing for the evening,” she insisted.

“My dear friend, I am already prepared for tonight,” I replied.
“No, my lady, I refer to the events that will transpire after the ball,” she clarified.
“No, I refuse to wear those,” I declared.
“My lady, I implore you, if you do not wear these garments, dire consequences shall befall me,” she pleaded.

“Very well, my dear friend,” I acquiesced.
“I shall wear them solely for your sake, as you hold a special place in my heart.”

I consented to her plea to wear those dreadful lace and tight-fitting clothes that reveal everything. Macy skillfully slid the snug dress onto my body, making sure each curve was highlighted flawlessly.

“Shall I attend to your hair?”

I settled into the plush vanity chair as Macy deftly fashioned an elaborate updo. She then proceeded to apply my makeup.

When I attempted to halt her at our customary level, she gently interjected, “The prince desires a special look for you this evening.”
“Please, my dear, continue.”

She finished with my hair, and I dismissed her.

“You may depart and enjoy the remainder of the ball with your betrothed.”
“I shall return after the festivities.”
“Are you certain, my lady?”
“The prince will not be pleased.”
“I shall handle Jacob, do not fret.”

Macy curtsied and exited the room, leaving the door ajar.

I overheard Jacob inquire, “Is she prepared?”
“No, Your Highness, she is still preparing.”
“Then why are you loitering outside?”
“She dismissed me, your highness.”
“Macy, you may depart.”

Macy hurriedly scurried away, while I, aware of his imminent arrival, hastened to finish applying my makeup. True to my expectations, he confidently entered the room and promptly closed the door behind him. His voice assumed a deep and ominous tone, exuding an aura of peril.

“Pray tell, what is the rationale behind dismissing your maid in the midst of your preparations?”

I retorted, “She has toiled diligently throughout the day and deserves to revel in her evening.”

He scoffed, dismissing my words with disdain.

“Such practices may have been acceptable in your former estate, but they hold no place in our esteemed establishment.”
“Henceforth, she shall adhere to my commands and answer solely to me.”
“My lord, she is my maid.”

In that precise instant, Jacob seized me, with an unwavering force clutching my wrist with such fervor that it rendered me utterly breathless.

“Darling, I am the one in control here, and I shall exercise my authority over the staff as I see fit.” He demanded,
“Do you comprehend my instructions?”
I replied, “Certainly, my lord.”

Jacob released his grip on my wrist, allowing me a moment to recover.

“Are you prepared?” he inquired.
“I shall be ready in a mere moment, my lord.”

Jacob departed the chamber, forcefully shutting the door in his wake. Directing my gaze towards my wrist, I discerned the unmistakable imprints of his grip, which were swiftly transforming into vivid contusions.

I embellished my hands with exquisite black lace gloves, veiling any trace of the distress, and adorned my visage with a feigned smile. Upon my return to the parlor, I encountered the presence of Vivian, the most renowned beauty of the court. When I say renowned, I allude to her ability to captivate the attention of every gentleman. Her attire accentuated each curve, unveiling a seductive glimpse of her flawless skin. Elaborate curls gracefully descended along her lengthy, jet-black hair.

Vivian curtsied to Jacob, diverting her gaze towards Jake. He gallantly kissed her hand, and she brazenly pulled him into an embrace, drawing him closer than propriety dictated.

“Are we prepared to depart?” she inquired.
“Indeed,” Jacob replied.
“Let us proceed forthwith.”

Extending his arm towards me, I had no choice but to accept it. However, Vivian swiftly claimed Jake’s arm, intertwining hers with his. We descended the staircase with haste, and all too soon, we found ourselves in the grand ballroom.

Jake and Vivian bid us farewell at the magnificent entrance doors, while Jacob and I made our way to the balcony entrance. We arrived. Jacob paused at the door, his eyes filled with anticipation.

“My dear, are you prepared to unveil the precious gem that I have acquired?”

I couldn’t help but interject, “Pardon me, but I am not some object to be won or possessed.”

With a graceful gesture, he opened the door and led the way inside. I momentarily hesitated, pondering the notion of retreating and evading this magnificent event. Nevertheless, I promptly discarded the notion, fully aware that the consequences would extend far beyond a mere injury to my wrist. The entire assemblage of attendees gracefully bowed and curtsied in our presence.

“You may all rise,” Jacob announced.

It dawned on me that the King and Queen were conspicuously absent.

“Are you searching for my parents?” he inquired.
“As is customary, they will not be in attendance tonight.”
“This evening is solely dedicated to us,” he replied, his words sending a shiver down my spine.

I knew that if his parents were present, he would at least feign gentlemanly behavior.

“Come, let us commence this grand ball with our inaugural dance as husband and wife.”

Jacob offered his hand, leading me down the stairs and onto the dance floor. With finesse, he placed me in position, and as the music commenced, we moved with poise and grace.

He spun me away and then back towards him, leaning in to whisper in my ear, “Will you dance for me like this throughout the night?”

I could only nod in response as he spun me away once more. The song concluded, and he pulled me back into position for the next dance. The constant spinning was beginning to make me dizzy.

“Darling, your dancing is truly exquisite,” he complimented.
“Thank you, my lord,” I replied, my voice filled with gratitude.

I observed the crowd gracefully glided onto the dance floor, only to encircle us in a mesmerizing display of admiration. It was as if we were the center of the universe, captivated by their unwavering attention. In that moment, Jacob pulled me closer to him, our bodies swaying in perfect harmony with the enchanting melody.

The dance reached its crescendo. Jacob, with his charming demeanor, inquired, “Might I offer you a drink, my dear?”

I graciously replied, “A glass of water would suffice, thank you.”

To my surprise, he playfully questioned, “No indulgence in wine this evening?”

With a gentle smile, I responded, “Alas, I am not one to partake in such pleasures.”

Undeterred, he persisted, “Come now, just a single sip for me, my love.”

Succumbing to his request, I acquiesced, “Very well, my lord, as you wish.”


With an air of regality, Jacob gracefully departed the dance floor, leaving me standing there, surrounded by a sea of faces. Despite the crowd’s presence, an overwhelming sense of solitude washed over me. However, in an instant, like a guardian angel, Jake materialized by my side, his comforting presence eradicating any trace of loneliness.


“Your Highness, may I have the honor of accompanying you back to the grand balcony?”
“Indeed, you may.”

With utmost grace, Jake guided me towards the majestic staircase, where we were met by the ever-attentive Jacob.

“Thank you, Jake.” “I shall proceed from here.”

Jake bowed respectfully, and in an instant, Vivian appeared by his side.

“Vivian, Jake, do join us on the resplendent balcony.”
“It would be a privilege, Your Majesty.”