Joanna?” He turned to view her.
“I am afraid that I do,” she said.
“I wish I shared your confidence in it. To me it is not a word, but rather a
dream.”
“Then I wish for you that dream.” She let go of his arm and faced him directly.
“If only it were that simple. I suppose it could be as simple as a peace accord?”
“I hope that peace endures between the kingdoms. Do you?”
“If I desired to conquer another nation, I would surely succeed. I have learned
that enemies become quick friends once the threat of war is evident, Queen
Joanna.”
“Then I will take heed.”
“I feel that peace is a fickle thing, like women.”
“I have known women to be fickle as well as men, and I have known women
and men who are true. It is entirely the character of the person, I believe.”
“Then I stand corrected.” The Duke bowed to her.
“Good night.”
*
The night of the formal ball arrived and it was a splendid sight to see. The
Royals wore the latest fashions and the ladies wore their crowns full of diamonds.
A crystal vase full of white roses greeted the guests at the entrance to the
Ballroom.
The ball was in full swing but no one had asked Joanna to dance. She supposed
she would sit instead of dance and the gossip the other royals threw her way stung
her. She married a commoner and she would pay the price. Joanna thought of
David. What she endured for him seemed small compared to his love for her. She
would have given up everything for him. The sadness choked her for a moment
and then she composed herself.
Joanna saw her uncle, the Grand Duke. He approached her and bowed, and he
asked her for a dance. She was redeemed. If the Grand Duke of Cline asked her for
a dance, then everyone would take note.
The dance floor was made of hard maple wood buffed to a shine. The room
contained many mirrors that made it appear larger than it was, although it was
already large and could fit many dancers comfortably. Glass chandeliers hung from
the white ceiling and the mirrors on the walls reflected the light of the candles. A
large fireplace adorned with white marble heated the room. The arches rose up into
the ceiling and the windows lined the outside wall. Three doors led to private
terraces. Joanna was impressed with the castle’s beauty.