Quarter to Midnight

Kenna could hardly contain her excitement. In a few short hours, her father would announce her betrothal. All of the king’s most loyal noble families had been at court for the last fortnight to meet the princess. Kenna was under no delusion that she could have her pick of husband. The Queen had told her daughter she did not get to choose her fate since she was a small girl. Marriage contracts were always drawn up by a girls father.

Kenna wasn't the only young woman with dreams and preferences when it came to marriage. Most of the young men at court had seemed nice enough, but there was only one that made her heart race. Lord Benton’s son would be her pick. With his rich chocolate, brown wavy hair, and piercing sea foam green eyes, to his impressive physique, the future Lord Benton was everything she could hope for her betrothed.

It was half past four, and the ball would not start until after the formal dinner at 7 pm. Her lady’s maid was shooing her into the bath to begin preparations for one of the most important evenings of her life. Her bath was luxurious, having both rose and lavender oil. She was loathe to exit the relaxing bath.

For the next hour, her lady’s maid and other servants began to dress her and arrange her pale blonde hair in the latest style. Kenna was so very excited it was hard to sit still. Although looking forward to the announcement, she was apprehensive as to who her father would announce during the ball. She had made her wishes known to her parents but understood other suitors offered better alliances for her father’s kingdom.

Anybody but Lord Winston would do. He had a violent reputation and an awful temper. Kenna did not wish to be stuck in a loveless or violent marriage. She wished for a marriage with at least mutual respect and prayed for mutual affection.

Kenna had been so lost in her thoughts that the ladies began to fuss at her. She did not want to embarrass her father by appearing late. After a moment of hesitation, she chose her favorite pale blue slippers to go with her gown with the same color embroidery. Her maid adorned her neck with a recent diamond necklace gift from her mother with matching earrings.

The final touches were the pale blue and ivory flowers in her hair, which completed the ensemble perfectly. All she was missing was a jewel-encrusted tiara, but those who reserved for those of royal blood who were either betrothed or married. It would not be long now before she too could sparkle like the night sky with jewels adoring her beautiful head of the palest of white blonde hair.

Dinner was an easy affair and was over more quickly than Kenna could have imagined. The ladies in attendance returned to their rooms to touch up and get ready for the dancing portion of the evening while the men stayed below with their whiskey and cigars. The clock showed it was almost a quarter after 10 PM. Less than 2 hours before she would learn her fate.

No one could have predicted what would come in about an hour. The ball appeared to be going splendidly at first, with the gallantly dressed men swinging maidens across the dance floor. From the balcony, the floor below appeared more colorful than even the best-tended gardens on their palace estate. Kenna was thoroughly enjoying herself meeting and dancing with men most suited for a marriage alliance.

Still, no man present had caught her attention like Lord Benton. She had the pleasure of dancing with him twice already this evening, and a third would only set tongues wagging. Lord Benton walked Kenna towards the refreshment table where her friends were waiting when, all of a sudden, a hush fell upon the partygoers, and all conversation ceased. The most striking man to grace the ballroom appeared at the top of the grand staircase.

Whispers began to hum throughout the ballroom, all wondering the same thing. Who was this striking man, and where had he come from? Kenna blushed when she realized Lord Benton may finally have competition for her affection.

“Please forgive my interruption to this fine ball, I am the Duke of Kingston and I have come a great distance for the chance to have Princess Kenna’s hand in marriage.”

Kenna’s mouth hit the floor and there was an audible gasp from all those present. She had not a single intelligent thing to say in response and was so grateful her father was there to answer on her behalf.

“I do not believe we have had the pleasure of becoming an acquaintance of yours, Duke Kingston. We can discuss terms of my daughter’s betrothal in my study if you wish.”

And just like that, Kenna’s destiny was charged within a supercharged span of 3 to 4 minutes. She glanced at the clock and was shocked to find it was already a quarter past 11 PM. Her father had less than half an hour to determine this man’s worth and integrity. Kenna sent up a small prayer that her father would make the best decision for her future happiness first and then benefit the kingdom next.

The men entered the ballroom just 2 minutes shy of promised announcement at 11:45 PM. Kenna had hoped she would get to speak with the man and her father before the announcement. How unfair it was to learn her fate as the same time as their subjects. She could not decide who’s name she wished her father would speak – Lord Benton or Duke Kingston.

Gripping the hands of her mother and sister, Kenna’s body trembled in anticipation. She could feel small streams of sweat trickling down her back as her forehead began to dampen. Please be good, please be good.

“It is my great honor to announce that my daughter, Princess Kenna, shall marry Duke Kingston in 3 weeks.”