Princess Esme's Arc

Chapter 2 of 4

Esme stared at the gown her mother had left. She would obey and go down. But she would not wear this. She crossed to her wardrobe and pushed the dresses aside. Near the back hung one she had chosen herself years ago, a red gown with puffed sleeves that slipped off the shoulders. Her mother had never seen her in it. Esme pulled it on. She stepped into red slippers and painted her lips red. One choice. It was small, but it was hers. She went down the stairs. The ballroom of Aurelia Spire Castle opened before her, its pale stone walls bright with torchlight. Music filled the air. Dozens of princes turned to watch her enter. Esme stopped and looked for her parents. King Theo sat on the raised throne, his dark robes heavy, the white streak in his hair catching the light. He was the man who had waited years for this night. Beside him stood Queen Margaux, her gold-laced sleeves folded, her eyes fixed on Esme's borrowed-back gown. Esme crossed the floor and bowed to them both. "You changed the dress," the Queen said quietly. "I did." Esme lifted her chin. "But I came down. I will dance, as you asked." King Theo leaned forward. He studied the red gown, then his daughter's steady face. Esme braced for his anger. Instead the corner of his mouth moved. "She looks like a Princess," he told the Queen. "Let her dance." Queen Margaux said nothing. She gave a small nod. Esme read it as permission, and something more careful behind her mother's eyes. Esme turned to the floor. She smiled and offered her hand to the first prince who bowed. He led her into the dance. He spoke of his hunting dogs and never asked her name. When the song ended, another prince took his place. This one boasted of his gold. The next stepped only where the music told him to, saying nothing at all. One by one they came. Esme danced with every prince in the room. She turned, she curtsied, she smiled the smile she had practiced her whole life. Her feet ached in the red slippers. She searched each face for the thing her books had promised. She found only strangers. The music slowed. Esme stood alone in the center of the floor, breathing hard. She had done exactly what her mother wanted. She had danced with all of them. And not one had stirred the feeling she came for. Her mother watched from the throne, waiting for a choice. Esme understood now that dancing would never give her that choice. She would need to find a love elsewhere.