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She was doing the same now, even though it was impossible for her to bounce properly in her heels, and she seemed to be trying to restrain herself in the presence of his mother. Eliana was looking at them, in fact, and giving Emrys a knowing look. They would be having a formal conversation quite soon.
The waltz ended abruptly, and the king led the way through the ballroom. The dancers parted for the royal family to pass, with many bowing or, in the case of military officers, saluting. Emrys gave nods and waves to the people as they made their way across the tremendous length of the room. At the other end, a pair of thrones waited, as well as several other chairs on either side. Imelda and her family would sit on the king’s right and the rest of them on the left. They each stood in front of their chairs and waited for the king to speak. The lighting in the room adjusted, highlighting the head of state.
“Good people of Cabeau, it is good to be home,” he began in a booming voice. “Our country, our home, has done well in this year past.”
The king spoke for several minutes, detailing gains in certain economic sectors, work that he and the parliament had been doing to improve infrastructure, and the pride the country should feel at their hard work this year. He made a similar speech every year during the Autumn Festival. The speech was prepared rather than extemporaneous, and an unobtrusively placed microphone and camera recorded him as he spoke, which allowed those not invited to the ball itself the chance to hear the king’s words. Most would be watching the broadcast that very evening, but some would be out enjoying the festival.
At the end of the king’s speech, he spread his hands and encouraged everyone to enjoy themselves. He then took Eliana’s hand and walked out into the middle of the ballroom. The music began to play again, and the people watched for several minutes as they danced alone. Imelda joined with her husband, and finally, the rest of the guests began to dance as well.
“We could dance,” Emrys suggested.
“Oh, God. I don’t have to know how to do that, do I?” Caitlyn looked horrified.
“It’s not that terribly difficult. I will lead, and you just follow my movements.”
“I’ll trip all over you!”
“I won’t let you fall,” Emrys promised. Caitlyn still seemed hesitant, so he took her hand and helped her into her seat. “Maybe later. How about a drink?”
Emrys spoke to one of the servants nearby about drinks and then returned to Caitlyn’s side. He spoke to her in low tones, telling her bits and pieces about the people they were seeing as she sipped her champagne and watched with large eyes.
At long last, the king and queen returned to their seats, hand in hand, and Emrys prepared himself. His mother looked to him, and so he rose, smoothed the front of his suit jacket and waistcoat, and offered Caitlyn his hand.
“I-I don’t know if I want to dance yet.”
“We won’t. But I do need to introduce you formally to the king and queen.”
Caitlyn nodded and took his hand. “I’ve met your mother, though.”
“Nothing really counts until the king knows about it and approves.”
Now was the dangerous moment. He approached the two thrones slowly, and then gave a half-waisted bow. Caitlyn awkwardly did the same. Emrys suppressed a wince, since she ought to have curtsied. King Eldon raised a brow in near amusement at the gesture, while Eliana clicked her tongue. His mother was likely annoyed that she hadn’t had enough time to prepare Caitlyn for proper greetings. Emrys could imagine Elsa smirking to their side; she always bowed rather than curtsied out of sheer contrariness.
“Come forward, my son. Let me get a look at you.” King Eldon beckoned them with one gloved hand.
Emrys nodded to Caitlyn, drew closer, and waited patiently for his father to give them permission to speak. The man scanned his eyes over the two of them critically. Finally, he lay one finger by the side of his mouth and nodded resolutely.
“Speak, Prince Emrys."
“I would like to introduce you to Caitlyn Durst,” Emrys said with another bow. “I have known her for several years, and she has long been a good friend.”
“I see.” The King waited and stared at Caitlyn. “Well, speak, child.”
“I-I, um, it’s a pleasure to be in your kingdom, sir. I mean, Your Highness,” Caitlyn managed.
“But of course. What causes you to come visit us?” The King leaned forward. As though Queen Eliana wouldn’t have already briefed him on what Emrys was going to speak to him about.
“I’m here because Emrys asked me to come,” Caitlyn replied.
“Yes,” Emrys agreed. “I simply had to spend more time with her, and I needed for you to meet her.” He gestured to Caitlyn in an elegant motion. “Caitlyn Durst, of Pettysburg, Ohio, has been asked to be my wife.”
