Tales of La Estella

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As I sit here I can't help but wonder what my sister Maria is thinking as she sits holding our father's hand. She has always been father's favorite. There's no  doubt about it. Mother and I were closer so it never mattered. But now everything is different. Mother is dead and she is not coming back. I am the oldest in just two short months I will be twenty one. With that age comes my coronation. I will be queen. Unless my sister gets her way. She envies the fact that I will be queen one day ever since we were children.  

" Darling Katalina it is time for the ball to begin , make the announcement. " He whispers

I lean towards him and whisper back . " Yes Father. "

 I stand and all eyes are on me and suddenly the rooms is spinning and all I feel is panic. I cant breathe. Out of the corner of my eye I see my sister and she smiles. She notices the anxiety on my face and begins to stand. She wants to help me I have to believe that but I still cant let her be right. She thinks I don't have what it takes to be a leader ,  to be the queen.  I shallow hard and make my choice. 

" Ladies and Gentlemen my family and I thank you for coming and celebrating the 200th year of our beautiful country La Estella. " I smile my perfect smile , the one I practiced for hours on end    " Now May the Grand Royal Ball begin! " 

Everyone claps and cheers as I take my seat. I turn  to look at my father. He smiles and nods his head approvingly. This makes me happy for myself but also disappoint in myself. It seems that I'm always seeking my father's approval and rarely getting it. No I cant think like that right now. I turn my attention back to the ball. These royal parties are always boring to me at least. I have been to a thousand of them. But it isn't  all bad my favorite part is watching the people , my people. Seeing the subjects enjoying themselves , dancing the night away and forgetting their problems even if it is just for one night. It makes everything I go through worth it for me. I love to see the happiness on their faces. 

" Your Royal Highness may I have this dance ? " A handsome stranger asks interrupting my thoughts. 

I'm surprise by his boldness and by how good looking he is. 

" Why yes I would love to dance and your name is ? " I reply as I stand and take a step towards him. 

" My name your majesty is Jasper Collins. " He says as he extends his hand to me.

I take it and he leads me onto the dance floor. Then he careful puts his hands on my waist. I smile at him and place my hands on his shoulders. As we dance I notice his beautiful blue eyes. It contrast perfectly with his dark black hair. 

" You dance  gracefully Princess Katalina. " He says trying to making conversation. 

" As do you Jasper , may I ask where are you from? " I ask as he pulls me closer to his muscular body. He smells wonderful like an angel. 

" Well darling I'm original from the states but I moved here three weeks ago. " Jasper answers 

" Oh the states really? What brings you to our humble country? " I said talking to not sound desperate to know him.

He looks me in my eyes and for once in my life. I feel like someone actually sees me , the real me not just the princess but me.

" Kat can I  call you Kat , your Highness " I nod yes and he continues " I have always love your country and once I finished my schooling. I figure it was time to follow my heart  , you know? "  

" Wow that sounds absolutely wonderful. How old are you if you dont  mind me asking." I ask him as the music begins to swell. 

" Hmm someone is quite a curious princess , I'm twenty three years old and yes darling I'm available. " He snickers 

I giggle and he spins and dips me. We dance in silence for a short few moments.

" Jasper I must ask you....." 

" Princess Katalina  our father , the king is requesting your presence. " my sister says and I realize she is standing behind me. 

I take two steps back and look at my sister Maria with angry. 

" Yes Maria , well Jasper I must be off thank you for the dance.  "  I basically whisper as Maria walks away expecting me to follow like a little puppy. 

" Princess Katalina please I have to see you again. If you feel the same way I do , no don't bother denying it meet me outside the castle gates tomorrow night. "  Jasper says so low that only I can hear. 

" Jasper don't do this , we don't even know each other. Please just go and forget about me. " I reply with sadness in my voice. 

" Easier said than done my dear but nevertheless I will be waiting for you. " He says then he kisses my hand. I smile and head to my father. 

My head is spinning and my heart feels like it is glowing. As I take my seat my eyes catch the time on the clock. It is 10:45 pm , the ball is almost over. 

"   Daughter I'm tired the ball needs to end  please make the announcement. " Father demands 

" Of course Father. " I reply  "  May I have your attention... thank you all for coming. This has truly been a delight. But sadly the night has come to an end , until next time . Be safe and Goodnight to you all. " I smile and wave.

It doesn't take long for our subjects to leave the ballroom. Once everyone has left father stands and leaves as well. 

" Well Katalina seems like you have quite the night. " My sister says a little too cocky.

What is she up too? 

" Yes the royal ball did go better then excepted. Father enjoyed himself and that is all I care about." I reply deciding to act dumb. 

It is better to act dumb then to let Maria know that I know what she is doing. 

" Of course Father is the most important person in our lives . Which is why I worry about you Kitty." Maria says with kindness. Is it real or not  ,  is the real question. 

She says it acting like she actually cares about anyone besides herself. She hasn't called me Kitty since we were six years old. 

" Oh no Mars you have nothing to worry about. I'm more than capable but thank you for caring so much. I love you. Now I really must go to my chambers. I too am quite tired. Goodnight sweet sister. " I say with the same fakeness that Maria uses.

Before she can say anything else I leave the ballroom. She won't follow me I'm sure she has always had a knack for underestimating  me. I walk to my chambers and get ready for bed. I wasn't lying when I told Maria that I am  tired. Dancing has a way of taking a lot out of you . I still have a decision to make. But once my head hits the pillow I drift peacefully to sleep. Leaving the decision making to future Katalina maybe she will know what to do.