Chapter 5 Tangles and Truths

Catherine sat on the edge of her small bed, her knees curled tightly to her chest. Her mother hovered nearby, just stunned in silence.

With her arms folded, she waited for an explanation from her daughter. She didn't want to assume; she wanted to hear it directly from Catherine's mouth.

"That night I came back late, you asked where I was, and I lied that I was with Isla. But, I was with... with Prince George. He was drunk, barely awake, so I... I helped him to his room, and I..."

Tears streaked down her face as she continued. "Ma, I didn't plan for it to happen, and I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier. I was so ashamed. I thought I'd let you down. I didn't know what else to do. And then, the rumors started and I got really scared..."

Elizabeth listened, her face tense, the years of palace service etched into every line. She brushed a strand of hair behind Catherine's ear.

"I wish I could tell you what to do, but I know what it means to be talked about in whispers," Elizabeth said quietly. "When we first came here, I trusted the wrong person and paid for it. I was accused of sleeping with one of the top senior royals. There were investigations going on, I had a meeting with the Queen, and that's how the rumors started. I nearly lost this job, but I knew you had a better future here, and so I stayed and fought for our place here."

Catherine squeezed her mother's hand. "Ma, I didn't know... but what if I'm the reason we lose it now?"

"We don't know yet. All we can do is be careful. We keep our heads down and hide what must be hidden for as long as possible."

Catherine nodded. As she embraced her mother, she felt a bit of comfort and relief, like a weight had been lifted up her shoulders.

- - -

The next day, it was announced that there would be a gala coming up in the next three days. Preparations began almost immediately, turning the palace into a restless hive. Velvet banners replaced the usual silks, jewel-bright flowers arrangement lined the entry halls. Staff ran from room to room, nerves fraying in the rush.

Catherine kept her head down, careful as she laid crystal amid laughter and complaint. Mrs. Harrow checked every table, every chandelier, clucking over the smallest errors.

"No fingerprints," she barked. "No talking, no loitering. Catherine, watch yourself near the royal wings. And Janet, go to the provisions room and get the beads."

Isla winked at Catherine and mouthed, "She's just scared of real royalty," and the girls giggled as they continued with their tasks.

In the staff room, Catherine overheard the butlers debating. "I hear that one of the daughters of the King of Drakonhelm will be coming with them. Do you think they might do matchmaking with George?"

A footman shrugged. "Well, if the alliance goes through, there just might be wedding bells in the future."

Catherine tried to ignore them, but their words stung in her.

- - -

The day of the gala arrived, and the palace had never looked so beautiful. The great hall gleamed beneath the golden maps, swirling with colors. Everyone looked glamorous in their gowns, each laugh mingling with the notes of a chamber orchestra. Outside, the city lights of Eldoria flickered. It felt like another world. King Arthur, Queen Charlotte, and Prince George stood together, regal and composed as they greeted the guests.

Then, the herald blew a trumpet, signaling the arrival of another guest. "Announcing their Majesties, the King and Queen of Drakonhelm, King Edward and Queen Margaret, along with their daughter, Princess Katarina of Drakonhelm."

Everyone turned to look at them as they walked down the stairs: King Edward, tall and stern, offered smiles that never quite reached his eyes. Queen Margaret was luminous, but her gaze assessed everything.

Katarina, introduced for all to see, wore pale gold trimmed with pearls, her diamond earrings sparkling in the lights. She smiled and curtised as her parents introduced her to the royal family of Eldoria.

When she was introduced formally to George, the tension was palpable. George bowed politely, then offered his arm for the ceremonial dance. Katarina accepted, her grip warm, her smile perfectly charming.

Catherine, pouring wine at the edge of the festivities, caught snippets of their conversation as the music played.

"You remembered my name. That's more than most do after a hunt." Katarina's voice teased.

George smiled faintly. "They always say that whatever happens at Falconry isn't easily forgotten."

As they danced amid courtiers, Catherine felt the old ache pulse deeper, and she ducked away before she heard more.

Over at the royal dais, King Arthur and King Edward shared private words.

"Your daughter is a credit to your line," King Arthur said, looking at their children dancing.

"And your son might prove a worthy match, should alliances call for it." King Edward replied. "I'm sure we still have our trade agreement in place?"

King Arthur nodded, his gaze measured as he lifted his cup for a toast. "Let us hope the children forge their own paths... with our guidance."

Throughout the gala, Catherine kept to her duties, refilling glasses and avoiding too many eyes. Across the ballroom, George searched the crowd, eyes lingering in Catherine's direction.

At one point, as she turned from the refreshment table, she collided into someone tall and solid.

"Forgive me-" she began, flustered.

George steadied her, his touch warm but brief on the elbow. "Careful now..."

She looked up, startled, "Geo-Your Highness... What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be over there?" she said, pointing at the royal chamber.

"Well, I thought you might need some help."

She was confused, but then saw the smirk on his lips and couldn't help the small laugh that escaped her. Just for a beat, the world outside their bubble faded and it was only them, her pulse quickening at the closeness, a warmth blooming in his eyes as he watched her.

But their quiet bubble burst as the crowd shifted, and George stepped back to decorum.

Over his shoulder, Catherine caught sight of Katarina, her gaze trained on them. The princess's expression was perfectly composed as she turned away, lost in conversation with two Drakonhelm nobles.

Then, George gave Catherine a last, soft smile. "I have to go now. Duty calls. Take care tonight," he murmured, voice so quiet only she could hear.

- - -

Later, in Drakonhelm's candlelit palace, Katarina slipped out of her gown, settling amidst her sisters.

"How was Eldoria?" Her younger sister, Princess Almeria, asked.

"Gold and marble everywhere. The prince is so handsome, but he was distracted throughout the night. Their staff? Easy to read, if you know what you need."

Her eldest sister, Princess Daisy, arched an eyebrow. "And did you leave an impression?"

Katarina patted her neck, where one earring was missing. "Let's just say I started a little game. Father will approve if all goes according to plan."

- - -

Back in Eldoria, as soon as the gala ended and all the guests had left in carriages and moonlit walks, Catherine beckoned her mother to wait while she returned to the staff cloakroom to grab her bag.

The room lights were dim, a few staff were also there. Catherine found her purse tucked in the corner. As she lifted it, she noticed the zipper was slightly open. Someone's been in my bag, she thought.

She unfastened it and inside, she saw a scrap of paper marked by red lipstick. "One secret leads to another. Tonight is just the beginning."

Her stomach flipped. Digging deeper, her hand brushed something hard. She pulled out a single diamond earring. The same one that glittered on Katarina's ear all night.

She froze. What.. How did this get here?