Chapter 8 - He's here

No one had noticed when Katherine had walked in and by the time they noticed her, she was already in their midst. 

But that wasn't why they were shocked. The Katherine they were expecting and the Katherine in front of them were two different people. Sure, they had the same face, body and all, but their demeanor was way different.

Not only that, but the way she dressed was also different from usual. They had expected her to come dressed in her usually cheap gowns, but they had another thing coming.

Katherine's gown was a vision of opulence and grandeur, fit for the tea party. Made of the finest silk, it cascaded gracefully to the floor in a cascade of delicate layers. The bodice was adorned with intricate beadwork and embroidery, shimmering in the light with every movement.

The gown was a symphony of pastel colors, with soft purples, and blues that seemed to change with the light. The skirt was embellished with delicate lace and intricate floral patterns, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to the already exquisite garment.

But it was the jewels that truly made the gown a sight to behold. The bodice was adorned with an array of sparkling gemstones, from diamonds and sapphires to emeralds and rubies, all expertly woven into the fabric to create a dazzling display of light and color. The skirt was adorned with delicate pearl and crystal embellishments, creating a mesmerizing effect as the Katherine moved through the room.

With every step, she seemed to sparkle and shine, the jewels on her gown catching the light and casting a magical glow around her. It was as if she had stepped out of a fairy tale, a vision of beauty and elegance that stole the breath of all who beheld her.

She didn't put a lot of makeup on her face, exposing her natural beauty, her pale skin and silver hair going perfectly with everything she had on.

All the attention that was on Rose and the crown prince shifted towards Katherine. "Oh my, Lady Katherine, what a beautiful dress you have on. This can really be considered as being fashionably late. I didn't know rags would look this beautiful. But wait, if these are considered rags, I wonder what we'll call every other dress here." Lady Aurora who had been silent the whole time remarked. 

This caused everyone who had been undermining Katherine to feel embarrassed, not only that they were surprised as well. Lady Aurora has never participated in any conversations since the time she started hosting parties.

"Katherine, who is she and why is she helping us?" Ker asked suspiciously. "From the air around her, I'd say she's the duke's daughter." In a place where everyone seemed to dislike her, Katherine and Ker found it odd that the host of the tea party was taking her side.

"But hey, I'm not complaining. She seems to be on our side and in a place where everyone is against us, that's all that matters." "Yeah." Ker agreed. 

"Lady Aurora." Katherine showed her respect. "I apologize for arriving late to your party, my carriage had a break down." She looked at Rose as she said the last line. Rose knowing that she had been caught looked away.

"It's nothing to worry about Lady Katherine, please enjoy the party." "The first part of the tea party will begin shortly, so everyone feel to make yourselves comfortable." Lady Aurora addressed everyone else.

The first activity was listening to poems by the most talented poets if the kingdom.

Katherine couldn't be bothered by it as she wasn't interested in poetry and what not. She found herself a seat close to the food table and enjoyed all the delicacies the tea party had to offer without a care in the world. Which was kind of a let down, given that the people there expected more reaction from her since. After all, her sister came together with her ex fiance.

"What's your game here? Is ignoring me your new way of trying to get my attention?" The irritating scent of the crown prince, followed by his voice filled Katherine's nose and ears. "Who the fuck gave this guy the impression that we are trying to get his attention?!" Ker couldn't understand him. "You know what your highness, if I didn't know better I'd say you're the one trying to grab my attention." "Rose told me about what you did. Are you now resorting to bulling your sister simply because I chose her not you?" This confused Katherine.

When did she bully Rose?

"I'm sorry, bully Rose? When did I bully Rose?" Confusion was evident on her expression. "Don't try to play dumb, I know that you asked for your father's seal just so Rose couldn't buy a decent dress for the party. Luckily I helped her in time."

"Can you believe this guy?" Ker laughed, "Is he a fool or is he playing stupid, what does us asking for the seal to the treasury have to do with Rose not buying a dress." "I really don't see what the original Katherine liked about this guy. You know what, Ker? I think I'm starting to understand why you don't like this guy "

"What are you muttering under your breath?" Fin was exasperated, Katherine was muttering something under her breath but for some reason she seemed like was ignoring him. "You dare ignore a royal." "Your highness, don't you think my sister will get lonely if you continue keeping me company?"

Everyone's attention was on them, they were wondering if the calling off of the engagement was just a couples spat.

Rose was boiling with rage at the sight of it. Was the prince attracted to Katherine, now that she's changed? She wondered.

"Fin, you should try this it's really good." Rose' main objective wasn't to share what ever she was eating with the crown prince, but to show how close they are. Calling a royal by their name isn't something just anyone can do.

By calling him by his name, she was not only showing everyone that she was the one close to the prince's heart but she was also telling Katherine to give up any thoughts she might have of coming back to the prince.

When the prince ate the piece of cake from Rose, she gave a triumphant smile.

"I really don't like her." Katherine was startled to find Lady Aurora next her.

If she was her old self she would have sensed Aurora miters away, but ever since she came in Katherine's body all her senses had dulled.

Werewolves have heightened senses, the have high sense of sight, smell and hearing. They have monster strength and super speed, Royal wolves even had the power to move at the speed of light.

But, just like the mind-link, she lost all her heightened senses, quite alright she still had a bit of her sense of smell, but it wasn't as good as when she was Ciara.

"Anyone in their right mind wouldn't." Katherine replied to Aurora.

Sharing the same dislike of Rose, the two ladies were quick to bond and become friends.

They discovered they shared a common interest in magic and politics so, they had a lot to talk about.

This surprised a lot of people in attendance, Lady Aurora had never been seen having such a deap conversation with anyone at the parties she hosts.

"Would you like to take a look at our Library?" "Sure lead the way." The two, left the garden and went in the Mansion.

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In the mansion.

The hallway leading to the library in the Duke's mansion was long and grand, with high ceilings and intricately carved marble columns lining the walls. Soft, golden light filtered in through the stained glass windows, casting a warm glow over the richly patterned carpet underfoot. As they walked, the quiet rustle of silk curtains and the faint scent of old leather and polished wood permeated the air.

The walls were adorned with portraits of the Duke's ancestors, their stoic gazes seemingly following their every step. The flickering light of crystal chandeliers illuminated the way, creating an enchanting atmosphere of

"Are you sure it's okay to leave your own party?" Katherine asked, her gaze on the portraits. "Yeah, I'm sure. I mean I'm sure you noticed that the main characters of today's party are your sister and the crown prince."

A servant girl walked up to them, "My lady, the master requests to see you." "Right now?" Aurora asked. "Yes, he said it has something to do with the magic Tower." "Okay, tell him I'll be there." She dismissed the servant.

"The library is at the far end, I'll find you there." She told Katherine then left.

At the end of the hallway, a set of double doors stood tall and imposing, their polished mahogany surface exuding an air of elegance and aristocracy. As they creaked open, the library revealed itself in all its splendor, with towering bookshelves filled with leather bound volumes, plush armchairs, and a crackling fireplace at the far end.

As soon as Katherine walked through the door into the library, she was hit by a sweet scent. One she had missed though only met once.

"He's here."