He had risen from his chair and started walking across the floor in a show of frustration she had never seen the likes of. He still did not seem to notice that he was still speaking to her.
“This is highly inconvenient indeed. I will have to have someone look out for you, but they can not be obvious, that would only cause you even more trouble. There is no way you can keep a low profile unless we sneak around, with the risk of getting caught. Poison will also be a danger. We will have to find a solution to that, and even keep a doctor ready. But who? He would have to be loyal enough not to take a bribe and poison you himself.
“I will have to move to rooms closer to the guest apartments so we can stay close. Maybe I can find rooms that are connected. I'll need another piece of you clothing,” he said, turning around to face her from his current position at the other end of the room. Now Catherine stood up, unconsciously throwing her arms around herself.
“Sir?”
“Oh, don't be ridiculous, girl,” he spat, all his attention returning to her. “I need something like that shawl you gave me to keep the magic from triggering a serious pull towards you again. What part of this confuses you so? You need to stop thinking so highly of yourself!”
Catherine shrank back and nodded.
“I'm sorry, sir,” she mumbled.
The prince let out an angry growl, pushed a chair to the floor and left the room. The door slammed behind him, sending white dust to the floor. Catherine hid her face in her hands and tried to breathe calmly. She had no idea what to do any longer. The question had seemed innocent enough, but it had started a chain reaction that was more scary than anything she had witnessed in the past week. Getting wed against her will and being taken to Alfred's house with his ill tempered housekeeper had been less frightening than the prince roaring at her.
He re-entered the room a few minutes later. When she heard the door open, Catherine stood up and did her best to school her features into something resembling polite interest. The prince scowled at her and picked up the chair he had thrown down.
“As much as I would love to leave you here to rot, I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to get ready to accompany me back to the city. Do me a favour and get ready to leave in an hour.”
Catherine flinched at his words, but of course she obeyed. She went to the room she had stayed in and looked around. She was not sure how to prepare herself to leave. She was already dressed, and the weather was pleasant enough that she would not need any further warmth. She still informed the maid that she wanted to leave in the hopes that the woman would somehow just do what needed to be done and was not disappointed. Before the hour was up she had been dressed in a slightly more comfortable dress and had, probably to even out her appearance, had her hair pinned up in a slightly more uncomfortable way.
Her stomach was turning with nervousness as she went out to the front of the house. She fingered her sleeves, then remembered that she was no longer allowed to do so. No outward signs of fear were allowed. She stopped on a staircase she had been descending and took a few deep breaths. She imagined that she was going to the Peggs' to see Gabrielle and forced herself to believe it. She felt better, and was able to take the rest of the walk to the front door with a small smile on her lips.
When she came outside, she found the prince and a few servants getting everything ready. She noticed that the prince seemed less agitated than before, and allowed that fact to relax her further. The safest thing she could do was to pretend all was well.
He looked at her for a second, then nodded towards the four large, black horses. She followed his gaze and looked at the creatures. She knew as good as nothing about horses, but the little she did know told her that these were very fine specimens. Most of all they were large. She always forgot how large horses could be.
“Do you ride, Catherine?” His voice was almost as soft as on the ride there.
“I'm sorry, sir, I do not,” she answered.
“I'll have to teach you. We have wonderful horses at the castle. You will like the animals, I am sure of it.”
Catherine did not answer, but walked closer to him as he held open the door to the carriage. She remembered one of the things he had told her and allowed him to help her get inside. She felt too weak that way, as if she were a doll, but it was just one more thing on a list of thousands to get used to.
They sat in silence as the carriage drove to the city. Catherine watched the forest go by, and felt sad that she had not had the chance to go out and look at it. The prince looked through yet another book. He seemed to be very interested in books. She hoped he would not ask her to read with him. It would be embarrassing.
When the walls of the city rushed past the window, he put the book down.
“I apologise for my outburst earlier, Catherine. You say that you are doing nothing to cause this situation, and it is not very courteous of me to doubt your word. Do forgive me.”
“Of course, sir,” she said in a voice that sounded cheerful. Then his words sunk in. “You mean you do not believe me?”
“I mean I should not blame you, Catherine. It would be good if you call me majesty again when we are not alone. You will be the subject of much gossip as it is.”
Catherine nodded.
“Of course, your majesty,” she said, the last bits of her words dying on her lips as they entered the castle itself. She was awestruck by the pristine state of the walls and the beautiful ornaments on every roof. It looked as if several artists had spent their lifetimes decorating just the outer parts of the building.
“I suppose for a merchant's daughter this is rather a lot to take in at once, eh? Whether you are doing this on purpose or not; you are a very lucky girl.” The prince mumbled behind her, hints of laughter in his voice.
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