I Can't Forget the Melody Chapter Five

Chapter Five

Look at Me

    The Princess Kate was formally introduced to her bridegroom in the grand hall of the palace where the banquet was to be. She was a slight, pale little creature with nothing much more to her than the rich embroidery and heavy jewelry of her elaborate gown. But when she was led before him and she sank in a graceful curtsey, Edward heard a gasp of admiration from just behind him and turned to see the Earl of Montague staring transfixed at the foreign princess.

    As the various dignitaries who were privileged enough to attend were seated around the banquet table, the Earl leaned toward Edward, speaking in a loud whisper.

    "I must say, Cousin, you are most fortunate, most fortunate indeed!" he clasped his hands in envious delight. "Such a lovely creature I have never before seen, indeed she is the most beautiful lady I have ever laid eyes on! Most fortunate, I must say! How I envy you!"

    "And I envy you," the prince whispered back. "You don't have to marry her."

    "I would gladly take your place, Cousin, indeed I would! Why, I…" the Earl stopped in surprise as the Prince moved past him, his eyes fixed on the tapestries hanging on the walls, rather than on his bride.

    Cinderella worked with trembling hands, keeping her tears back with great effort as she put the final touches on the tray of pastries before her. She was frightened for the head chef had chosen her as one of the attendants upon the banquet that evening. In vain she had protested for he had insisted. And so she struggled to collect her scattered thoughts and prepare herself emotionally for the miserable hour to come. She had taken pains with her appearance that day, hoping that she would not be recognized as she pinned her hair up out of sight and pulled her white cap low over her eyes. It would not do for any of the royal family to see her there. With every passing minute, she wished herself safely back in Sylvania.

    At the chef's sharp command, she took up the tray and carried it out into the dimly-lit hall to present it, with a curtsey, to the king and queen. She kept her head bowed, her eyes downcast as she laid it on the table and stepped back into the shadows. Standing there, pressed against the wall, she hazarded a glance at the prince himself, ignoring the ache in her heart. He was not even looking in her general direction but rather staring fixedly at his plate. At his side sat the silent Princess Kate, gazing across the table at the Earl of Montague. He returned her gaze, his protruding, round eyes bigger and rounder than ever.

    Cinderella moved quickly around the room, careful to keep her face turned away as she completed all the little tasks and formalities she had been instructed to do. At last she had to fill the glasses and willed her hands to stop trembling as she held the pitcher. As she stood behind the Earl of Montague, the prince suddenly looked up. For a moment, he only stared, frowning. She could feel his eyes on her and so kept her head down, trying to move away from the light of the candles. But he called to her.

    "Miss? Miss, come here!"

    "Me, your Highness?" she murmured, quaking.

    "Yes. Your name?"

    "Anna, your Highness." At his repeated command, she moved slowly towards him. Her heart was pounding furiously as she made a graceful curtsey, always keeping her eyes on the ground.

    "Look at me," he said softly, his voice unsteady.

    "Your Highness," she pleaded, "Please, I-" she got no further for he had stood and gently lifted her face to his. Before she knew it she was in his arms, sobbing as she buried her face in his shoulder. The room had fallen silent as all stared in shocked silence at the reunited lovers.

    A silence that was broken by a little cry as Princess Kate, rising shakily from her chair, fell in what she considered a dramatically romantic swoon. The Earl of Montague jumped from his own chair to catch her. Well, at least, he picked her up from the floor.