Exasperation

The calm pace of normalcy returned in the ensuing weeks. I continued to serve Prince Jase and Queen Bria with diligence. Late-night meetings and evening study completely stopped. Prince Jase and I didn't talk much when I did see him. He spent a week visiting the townspeople and getting to know them, and then he spent another week at the council making decisions that would improve their quality of life. I saw him strolling with King Ryn every day for two weeks before to Christmas, studying the lessons of monarchy, including the duties of a king and the expectations of the populace. Queen Bria smiled proudly as she watched his efforts.

A week before Christmas, Queen Bria invited everyone from the city and the surrounding towns to a lavish ball. We prepared for more than six hundred guests, but not everyone could make it. We hardly had four hours of sleep every night because the maids were so busy. Among many other things, I assisted in creating Prince Jase's outfit and Queen Bria's gown. Darla and I spent two days cleaning and three days cooking. Almost thirty maids put in endless hours. Our efforts occasionally felt inadequate due to the large amount of food needed, but we persisted resolutely.

The maids finished the feast, set up the ballroom, dressed up, and put the finishing touches on every aspect of the event on the day of the ball. I went to assist Queen Bria in getting dressed after we had completed our tasks. Her approval of the outfit made me very happy. The silk, rose in color, was delicate but beautiful. I remained silent even though I knew she might feel cold because of the snow falling outside.

I heard Prince Jase's voice calling my name in a quiet whisper from his doorway as I was leaving her quarters and heading for the kitchens. I walked more slowly. "Yes, sir, may I be of any assistance to you?"

"Come see me tomorrow night when Queen Bria is sleeping."

"Yes, but it's Christmas Eve tomorrow, sir."

"I am aware of that. I'll see you at the ball, and now leave.

"Yes, sir." Wondering why Prince Jase wanted to see me, I turned and headed down the stairs, bewildered.

The ball was an amazing sight. The guests danced wildly as musicians filled the air with Christmas tunes throughout the evening. The only boys ready to pair with us were the stable boys, so Darla and I utilized our breaks to dance with them because the maids worked two-hour shifts. I lost myself in the excitement of the moment as I swirled and twisted with a boy named Michael. I took pleasure in the celebrations even when I was working. I crawled into bed after three because I was exhausted. I smiled as I went to sleep, even though tomorrow would be a hard day of cleaning the ballroom and dealing with leftover food. Prince Jase sitting by himself at a table, staring at me, was the last image that crossed my mind before I went to sleep. He seemed to want to talk to me, and I hoped I could have crossed the room to do so.

The next evening, I ascended the stairs to Prince Jase's rooms with fatigue. I had been too busy getting ready for the Christmas feast to arrive earlier, but Queen Bria had been asleep for two hours. I gently rapped on his door. "Come in," was the hushed response.

"You needed me, sir?" With a kind grin on his face, Prince Jase stepped next to the table.

"Camryn, since I doubt I'll be able to do it tomorrow, I wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas."

I smiled as he said those words. "Thank you, sir, and have a Merry Christmas as well."

He said, "I have something for you."

To put it mildly, I was taken aback. Something Prince Jase gave you? Why? He gestured across the room and said, "Go pick it up; it's there."

His gesture led me to a box that was lying on the bed. It held something significant and was bigger than I had anticipated. After a few minutes of hesitation, I chose to pick it up. I turned, went to the bed, and returned the box to the table with care. Out of reflex, I put it down and took a step back. "Open it up," he said.

I looked into his face, hoping to catch a glimpse of what was inside. His eager expression conveyed his sincere desire to win my approval. I gasped as I slowly raised the box's corner. The most exquisite garment I'd ever seen was inside! It was a rich, deep blue with exquisite gold detailing around the sleeves and collar. When I took it out of the package, I saw that the waist was expertly tightened by a seam, but there was no sash. Low, but not immodest, was the cut. I put it back in the box with reverence. "Why?" My voice was almost heard as I whispered.

A glimmer of perplexity appeared in his eyes as he gazed at me. "Because I had something I wanted to give you."

"I know what you mean, but why?" I pushed.

"Well, because I thought this dress would look amazing on you with your light hair when I saw it. I wanted you to have this since you said you didn't have any lovely outfits because you couldn't afford them. I have no idea why. With sincerity, he explained, "I just wanted to give it to you."

I looked into his eyes and face, and I was overcome with thankfulness. "Thank you for my present, Prince Jase. You have no idea how much it means to me, and I will always cherish it," I stated earnestly.

Perhaps because I had used his title so officially, which I didn't often do, he appeared temporarily surprised. "You're welcome, Camryn," he said in a kind voice.

"I know I can't wear it tomorrow, but I still want to. With a hint of pragmatism mixed with eagerness, I declared, "I'll wear it as soon as I can."

"I understand." I lifted the package gently and curtsied. "Let me take that here." We headed to the kitchen together after he grabbed the box.

Do you want a cup of tea? Maybe some cake for Christmas? Anything? He said, "Now is the time to ask; we can have whatever you'd like prepared." His tone was kind and light.