Page 18 of Once Enchanted
Dizziness assailed her at first, and she steadied herself. After a few seconds, she was able to move. They all walked into the large dining room, and she noticed her parents watching her with a wide-eyed stare. Her father’s forehead was creased; worry lines marred his aging face. It surprised her to see him this way. Wouldn’t he be excited to know she was diligently trying to know Prince Ormond as her father had wished?
During the meal, not a lot was discussed between Clarissa and the prince. Not verbally, anyway. She gazed at him quite a bit as if seeing him for the first time, and he returned the gesture several times. Her parents talked with the queen, and even asked Ormond a few questions, which he answered with a surprisingly strong voice, but none of that made a difference for her. She was mesmerized by this man and couldn’t wait to be alone with him and get to know him better.
The evening passed quickly, and soon Prince Ormond and his mother prepared to leave. He stepped up to Clarissa, took her hand, and placed a kiss on her knuckles. Her heart fluttered again as trickles of delight danced up her arm.
“Princess, it was a pleasure to be in your company. I hope I’m invited to return to further our acquaintance.”
Nodding, she grinned. “Most definitely. I eagerly look forward to our next visit.”
As she watched him and his mother leave, she sighed heavily. She prayed he didn’t keep her waiting for very long until his next visit. She would definitely go insane with anticipation.
After a few minutes, her father cleared his throat loudly, pulling her out of her dreamy imagination. How long she had been staring at the door after Ormond left, she didn’t know. Embarrassed, she turned toward her father. He aimed a scowl toward her. “What?” she questioned.
“Was that display necessary?” he snapped.
What kind of question was that? And why didn’t he approve of her actions? “What are you referring to, Father?”
“I cannot believe your exploits this evening. I thought your mother and I raised you better.”
She gasped. “Father, I don’t understand you. What did I do wrong?”
“My dear,” the king shook his head, “I realize you are doing this to please us, but you overstepped the boundaries this time.”
Clarissa rubbed the ache growing in her forehead from the confusion filling her. “Why do you think I overstepped the boundaries?”
“Because of the doe-eyed expressions you gave him, and the flirty way you clutched his arm so closely as you walked into the dining room, practically throwing yourself at him,” her father said with a gruff voice. “We are aware Prince Ormond is not what a girl would consider...um, handsome, but you acted as if he were the most perfect man who walked the earth.”
“Father, really, I don’t understand you.” She threw her hands in the air and walked to the fireplace, stopping in front and watching the low burning embers. “I’ll admit, Prince Ormond was a little shy and clumsy at first, but once I saw him up close, I couldn’t believe how handsome he was.” She smiled with remembrance. “What a sweet man, and such a charmer. Don’t you think so?” She ended with a dreamy sigh, looking back at her parents.
“Are you jesting?” Her father’s voice rose. “You think he wassweet,charming,andhandsome?”
“Now Frank,” her mother chided softly as she patted the king on the arm. “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”
Clarissa’s father shook his head. “They’d have to be a blind beholder, that’s for certain.”
“Father!” she gasped. “I’ve never known you to be that rude before. I’m surprised you couldn’t see what I did.”
The king and queen traded wary glances before looking at Clarissa and shaking their head. She flipped a hand in the air. “Well, I did, and that’s all that matters, correct?”
“Are you telling me,” her father walked to her, “that you really did enjoy Prince Ormond’s company?”
“Yes, I really enjoyed it, and I hope he calls on me again.” Heat crawled up her cheeks. “I also felt he was attracted to me.”
Shaking his head slowly, her father frowned. “I suppose if you felt a spark between you, who am I to judge?”
“Was that all you were worried about?” Clarissa asked.
“Yes, my dear.” Her father cupped her face with his large hand. “I thought you were just acting overly nice to him to make a point with your parents. But if you really like him—”
“I do,” she added. “And I would like to see more of him. In fact, I’mseriouslygoing to consider him as a potential husband.”
Her mother smiled and stroked Clarissa’s cheek. “Whatever you wish, my dearest daughter.”
“This is what I wish.” Clarissa nodded, finalizing the conversation. “Now if I can be excused, I’d like to return to my room.”And daydream about my prince.
“Uh...all right,” her father shrugged. “But we shall talk more of this in the morning.”
As she made her way to her bed-chambers, Clarissa smiled fully. Excitement danced in her chest, and she decided that if Ormond didn’t come see her tomorrow, she would seek him out. Something inside of her told her that he was the man she needed to marry.
