Kat's earlier comment faded into the background, replaced by the soft melody of the violin. They had been dancing for what felt like ages, but she couldn't tell if time was slipping away or if her racing heart was distorting everything.
She felt a little short on Breath as they had been dancing for what she wanted to believe was a long time now, and neither Sabastian nor Lucian appeared tired in any way. Maybe she had just grown to lazy, she thought.
Each time Lucien's hand pressed against her back or guided her into a turn, her breath would hitch, uncertain if it was the cold air or warm touch of his fingers that caused the reaction.
At one point, we're she was made to turn her back to him, in the brief moment Kat could have sworn he had leaned closer, sniffing her 'huh?' . It confused her, just like most things with this crazy man. He wasn't acting like himself, or maybe she was the one overthinking everything. But whatever it was she could never quite tell what mood he was in.
Her thought unsettled her enough that she nearly tripped and stepped on Lucien's foot.
His hand steadied her instantly, his expression remaining calm. "Sorry," she muttered, feeling slightly embarrassed for some reason.
Lucian observed her solemn expression. "Careful Katherine, or you will cripple me before the end of the dance" Lucien said, Kat couldn't quite hold back this time and rolled her eyes.
"I don't think your are that delicate, that my small feet's could cripple you" she responded lightly trying to hide the sarcasm in her voice.
Lucan chuckle "if you had to carry yourself sometimes, you wouldn't refer to yourself as small. Small feet's perhaps, but certainly not small impact"
Kat could tell Lucan was deliberately trying to Irk her, did Sabastian request him to do so? She thought to herself, glancing at Sabastian then back to a random corner of the room.
They continued moving in sync, though Kat's mind was far from the music now. By the time the song ended, she was relieved for the pause. As she caught her breath, she offered a polite, "Thank you" and curtsy, Lucian looked over to her oddly, it appears he didn't fancy her polite personal that much.
Before she could excuse herself, Sabastian's calm voice interjected, "You dance well, Miss Kat." He was standing nearby, faintest hint of a smirked.
Kat turned to him, nodding slightly in response. But Sabastian's attention shifted to Lucien. "Don't you think so, my lord?"
Lucien's gaze slid briefly over to Sebastian before returning to Kat. "Acceptable" he said simply.
'Even his compliments sounded double- edged', Kat and Lucian left together since they were walking in the same direction and Sabastian went elsewhere claiming he had something to take care of, like always.
Kat walked beside Lucian, their footsteps echoing softly in the long corridor. There was a silence between them, not tense, but certainly present.
Unaware, Kat had followed Lucien until he veered into the courtyard. The cool air wrapped around her as she descended the last step, but the sun's warmth made it bearable.
As she paused, realizing she'd been trailing him, she glanced behind her whether to walk back. Lucien's gaze met hers. His eyes lingered, hinting at impatience. Retreating would seem strange, so Kat fell into step beside him, walking quietly.
Fortunately Lucien's indifferent aura never gave much room for conversation, and Kat, still reeling from the earlier dance, didn't push for it either.
The wind blew a little strongly and Kat had to hold on to the shawl dropped around her shoulders to keep it from blowing away. The atmosphere seemed eerily gloomy despite the sun's presence. The trees, once lush and vibrant, now stood with drying leaves that whispered hints of autumn's arrival with yellow, orange, and faded green hues.
The castle's meticulous maintenance ensured minimal leaf litter, but stray ones still danced around Lucien and Kat's feet, carried by the breeze. The flowers, too, were succumbing to the season's change – petals drooping, their colors fading, and taking away most of the garden's warmth. "Pity," Kat muttered under her breath.
Lucien glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. The yellow dress she wore made her stand out like a breath of life amidst the wilted surroundings. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a peach colored envelope, holding it out to her.
Kat looked at the envelope, surprised. "What's this?" she asked, her tone casual despite her piqued curiosity.
"I originally came to give you this," Lucien said, his eyes fixed ahead as they walked. "But I was... diverted by other matters." Kat blinked, realizing he meant the dance.
Lucien continued, "It's from Josie. She asked me to personally give it to you."
At the mention of Josie, Kat's heart skipped a beat. Her eyes brightened, and she quickly took the letter, holding it carefully. "Thank you," she said, unable to hide the soft excitement in her voice.
If Josie was returning to the castle, Kat's days wouldn't be so boring, and she wouldn't have to strain herself standing alone at the ball. Lucien nodded, glancing briefly at her. He saw delight in her eyes and noted her changed mood.
They continued walking, but Kat's thoughts were now entirely on the letter, her fingers itching to open it.
As they strolled through the garden, Kat's gaze fell upon the white roses, one of her cherished flowers. She paused, her eyes scanning the wilted petals, and her lips pouted. "A pity," she murmured again, her voice tinged with disappointment.
Lucien's gaze shifted to her, his expression quizzical, as if intrigued by her reaction. Kat reached out, gently parting the delicate petals. While examining the roses, she spotted one slightly less rooted than the others. She carefully plucked it, but a hidden thorn pricked her finger, making her wince. A tiny droplet of blood formed.
Lucien's eyes flicked toward Kat's injured finger, his expression shifted immediately. His jaw clenched, and his eyes narrowed. "I have matters to attend to," Lucien said abruptly, his tone measured but laced with irritation. "It's cold out here" he reminded.
With that, he turned and strode away, leaving Kat perplexed. "What was that about?" she muttered, frowning.
Kat considered catching up to him but shrugged, rubbing her thumb over the pricked finger to dismiss the droplet of blood. She couldn't decipher Lucien's mood swings; it was futile trying.
Shifting her focus, Kat glanced at the peach-colored envelope; Josie's letter. When she looked back, Lucien was nowhere to be seen. She headed inside.
Upon reaching her room, Kat opened the door and stepped inside, she felt the chill slowly drain out of her skin replaced by the warmth of the room.
Kat changed into a simple dress. She settled onto the edge of her bed, the soft fabric of her dress pooling around her as she carefully unfolded the letter. Her heart fluttered with anticipation, knowing that anything from Josephine would lift her spirits. She leaned against the headboard, propping a pillow behind her as she began to read.:
---
**Dear Darling Kat,**
Or should I say, *Princess Katherine*? Haha, don't worry, I'll explain!
I heard from brother about your new identity as the last descendant of the Grand Duchess's family, since the shadow council are yet to find a lead on your return home.
No less! If you're wondering why I called you "princess," it's because you technically have the right to choose between being addressed as princess or keeping the title of Grand Duchess. Normally, you'd get to pick, but since the family's gone, it's probably safer for you to stick with the Grand Duchess tittle, for now, at least.
Still, I wish you could choose the title of a princes, imagine how much fun I'd have teasing you! We could be "princess twins," I didn't forget you always teased me about being one. But grand duchess works just fine too, I suppose. It's actually a really high title that surpasses a princess it's self.
Oh, and I almost forgot, I owe you an apology. I'm sorry I left the castle without explaining why. The truth is, I've been busy running a school in Davina. It's a school for medicine, where I teach children and help those who, like me, have healing abilities to improve and hone their gifts. I run it with the help of my aunt Velder, and it's been keeping me quite busy. There's still so much left to do, but I didn't want to leave you in the dark.
That said, I'm sure brother Lucian didn't explain any of this to you, right? Typical him.
Anyway, enough of my rambling. How are you, my dearest friend? I miss you terribly and think of you often! I hope everything has been well with you, and that my oh-so-pleasant brother has been treating you kindly, or at least tolerably!. Please tell me he hasn't been too insufferable.
I deliberately requested he handed you the letter, in hopes If you both were in odds you could find a reason to speak, Is it a lot to ask for that you both could get along at little.
The people here are so warm, and the streets feel alive with music and laughter. I visited a rose gardens yesterday, honestly, you'd adore them. The flowers are the deepest shades of red, and the scent fills the entire square. Oh, I wish you could be here to see them with me!
Now, don't laugh, but I've been eating so many pastries here. I swear, if I keep this up, I might not fit through any of the castle doors when I return! The thought alone is mortifying.
Kat let out a soft laugh, shaking her head "drama queen". It was exactly what she needed to lighten her mood. She flipped the letter over, her eyes scanning the second half of the page.
Also, I'm afraid I might not make it back in time for the Winter Hallow ball. 'Might', I say, because I'm still trying to find a way! I wouldn't miss it if I could help it, but things here are so dreadfully busy. I'll do my best to return as soon as I can, though! After all, someone needs to keep my dear brother from executing his whole court.
At the mention of Lucien, Kat's smile faltered slightly. She didn't frown.
Anyway, I hope you haven't been stuck in that castle for too long. Surely, you've had a chance to get out, meet people, or attend some lovely tea parties, at least? I can't imagine how restless you must be! If I know you, you're probably finding something to keep you busy.
I can't wait to see you again. We'll have so much to catch up on, I bought a lot of things I know you would love, There's this bracelet I saw, with these tiny glass charms that sparkle in the sun. I'll be sending it to you soon. I know you'll love it!. Take care of yourself, and don't forget to write back. I'm counting on it!
All my love,
Josie
---
Kat chuckled softly to herself, still amused by some of Josephine's remarks. As she finished the letter, Kat decided she would write a reply while everything was fresh in her mind. She fetched a sheet of parchment and a quill from her desk, her thoughts still drifting back to the letter.
It didn't take her long to draft a lighthearted reply, full of updates. When the letter was finished, Kat smiled at the neat folds she made, she'd have to hand it to Sabastian later.
For now, she truly had nothing to do. She left her room, making her way through the castle's seemingly endless hallways. The moment she stepped outside, she felt the cold return.
'How strange' she thought. 'I have never really thought about it until now, but For such a grand place, it's almost always quiet.'
Apart from the maids bustling about or the occasional court members or nobles passing through, the castle rarely seemed to have visitors. It felt so secluded, as though it stood apart from the rest of the world. The isolation had its charm, but sometimes Kat wondered if it was always this way, or if it became this way after Lucian because king.
She let out a quiet sigh, sitting quietly on one of the benches in the garden, it felt like the best way to pass the time, until she could think of something else.