"Light, graceful steps your majesties."
"Remember you must remain in sync with your partner," Sir Alex repeated for the hundredth time in two hours. Beads of sweat trailed their way down my cheeks as we practiced without a moment's rest. The heels of my feet ached in protest. My smile strained as Arthur's posture remained as stiff as aboard.
What was meant to be a simple practice session had turned into hours of torture as Arthur continued to sabotage all efforts to progress further than when we had begun. My patience wore thin as fatigue and exhaustion settled in my joints as I fought the urge to step on his toes and end this vicious cycle.
Keeping my focus on the task at hand I distracted myself by starting a conversation with my moody dance partner. "Is it true that you're no longer attending Kingsley? Or are the rumors false? Maybe your only purpose for attending was to help your brother choose a bride to be wed. Or was taking classes as a regular human being, not to the liking of the great Prince Arthur?" I questioned out of curiosity. My interest peaked as I remembered his part in my current predicament. Though it varied from whether he had agreed out of loyalty to his brother or a means to entertain himself.
Raising a brow at my curious eyes he rolled his eyes. His old behavior resurfacing. "I can see you and my brother have yet to have this discussion." He shook his head in amusement.
"Even if that were true it does not mean you can't answer my questions. Or perhaps your loyalty to your brother runs deeper than you led on."
He scoffed at my words. "My loyalty to him is as small as a pea. That aside it would be better for you to hear his reasons from him rather than listen to the words of others. You may only get half the story."
"You're as much help as you brother who might I add is far too busy to spare me a few minutes," I grumbled under my breath. My lack of information is my fault as much as Prince Marcus's.
"You-" He started but was cut off by the absence of the slow music playing in the background. Narrowing his eyes at something behind me he released his hold on my waist and hand.
The room grew silent as the click of expensive heels echoed through the room. Quickly turning around in my spot I felt a wave of nervousness and nausea grip me. Paling at the Sight of the women clad in black dresses and gold crafted jewelry. Their hair was styled in their signature bun. Their maids silently followed behind.
Acknowledging their presence while forgetting our existence sir Alex scurried to the side of my mother and Scarlet. Their unexpected visit brought forward memories of our last encounter before Lizzy died.
"Sir Alex How are you? I do hope you do not mind our unannounced Visit," My mother politely asked as sir Alex smiled before Kissing the back of her extended hand.
"All is well malady. Are you here to check on lady Rebekah's progress?"
"I'm afraid not. Though I trust that my daughter is living up to the standards set by her older sister."
An awkward chuckle passed his lips. "Yes, yes malady she is doing exceptionally well. Although I must say she has a way to go before she can come close to Lady Scarlet's skills. After all Lady Scarlet is one of my most talented students."
His attempts at discouraging me to please my mother were as clear as the blue sky outside the palace. His submissive and attention-seeking tendencies were displayed each time he met a high-ranking noble. No doubt waiting for an opportunity to get in their good graces. To benefit from their fortune.
"Well, well I have never seen a man more desperate for attention than you are right now sir Alex. Is this a common behavior among your kind? Or are you tired of living?" Arthur asked with an eerily claim voice as he stuffed his hand into his pocket. His annoyance apparent on his face caused sir Alex to go silent. Not one word was uttered from his mouth.
"Madam Rosalie, Lady Scarlet I see your manners are as dull as ever. Did it not occur to you to greet us before speaking ill of your daughter." He turned his questioning on my mother and sister with a blank expression on his face he tilted his head to the side waiting for their reply. His lack of respect when addressing them was not uncommon. His dislike for their uptight and privileged behavior was unwelcome around him.
"Forgive our lack of proper etiquette, your majesty, we meant no disrespect. I simply wanted to let my expectations of my daughter be known so that it does not inconvenience the royal family. I hope you accept our sincerest greetings. "
Swallowing her pride she bowed as Scarlet followed suit. "We greet his majesty, Prince Arthur, and her majesty, Lady Rebekah." They said in unison. The uncomfortable feeling of being formally addressed by my family brought an unpleasant taste to my mouth. Using the soft cloth Linda had given me when they had walked in, I wiped away the perspiration on my forehead. The need to spill the contents of my stomach was kept at bay as I wait for them to state their business with me. Hoping a repeat of last time does not occur.
Plastering a smile on my face I curtsied in response. "Greetings mother and sister, what do we owe this sudden visit?"
"Rebekah, darling I know your schedule is quite full at the moment but I'm afraid I must ask for a few minutes of your time to discuss an important matter with you." My mother said with her smile stretching across her face, daring me to question her visit further. Her smile promised more than an afternoon of tea and idle conversations. My palms began to turn sweaty as I wish for my silent sister and moody mother to leave without me. Trying to convince myself that I still had time to confront Prince Marcus and plead my case.
"Sir Alex please be a dear and exit the room." My mother instructed Sir Alex.
"Uh... Of course madam Rosalie. Take as much time as you wish." He said while scrambling to grab his belongings and leaving the room without a glance back in our direction.
"And what may I ask is this discussion that you must have with her while we still have half an hour of practice left Do? It seems I must remind you that this is no ordinary practice session. Of course, I do hope you are aware that my brother is expecting his fiancée to be prepared for their first dance." He said emphasizing the word fiancée. A means to provoke my sister.
"As you know it is no easy dance to master, given that you've practiced it for two months before you could do a decent performance with my brother, Lady Scarlet." I Flinched at his mocking tone. His words without a doubt cut deeper than any blade as Scarlet's cheeks were tainted red in embarrassment. Fury burned in her eyes as Arthur picked at the torn in my sister's side. Her greatest humiliation and the source of her increasing anger issues. The time she dedicated to a man who left her for another.
"You're right it is a difficult dance. However, I do not believe my sister's skills would become dull if she misses half a session. I do have faith in her abilities." Scarlet said as she covered her embarrassment with a polite remark. All signs of her embarrassment were hidden away behind her perfect facade.
Clearing my throat to ease the tension between the three of them I intervened. "While I appreciate your concern Arthur I would have to guess that if my mother and sister took time out of their schedule to find me then it must be for a valid reason. I'm sure it must be related to Lizzy's case."
As if she had just remembered one of her daughters had recently been killed my mother slowly nodded in agreement. "Since this is a family matter I wanted to meet with my daughters in private to find out what they may have seen that afternoon or if they knew anyone who would want to harm their sister. Since it is a sensitive matter I did not want to carelessly want to say anything."
"I'm sure you understand our current situation, Prince Arthur." Scarlet sweetly stated with a small smirk visible only to those paying close attention to her.
Reluctant to agree with their excuse to get me alone Arthur nodded in understanding. "If that is the case then I have no objections." He grumbled as he looked at me pulling me away from them.
"Are you sure you want to go with them? I know we've had our little differences over the past few days but I know how comfortable you are around those two. Look even your hands are shaking." He pointed out as he gestured to my hands.
Hiding my trembling and sweaty hands I waved it off his concerns as unnecessary worries. "I'm fine. My hands are trembling from exhaustion." I lied. Nervously looking away from him as I realized the encounter I avoided had finally caught up to me.
"Alright if you're certain then it shouldn't be a problem. Although I don't know why my brother wanted me to keep an eye on you while you're around them. They're your family you should be safe with them." He rambled to himself as my mother signaled for me to follow her. Turning away from Arthur I trailed behind my mother and Scarlet. Their servants staying behind as one thought crossed my mind
Did Prince Marcus know something I don't?