Turning to wrap herself deeper into the covers, she heard a soft pattering of steps in the room. Maisie slipped onto the bed quietly. “Miss Kira...Miss Kira...it's awfully late. We've usually done your hair by now.” Maisie put one hand softly on Kira's turned shoulder. “Are you feeling alright?”
Kira turned over slowly, not bothering to hide her bruised cheek. “Oh dear...” Maisie's eyes widened in horror. “What happened? Who did this to you?” Maisie was a flurry of anger and motherly concern, softly brushing a tangled strand from Kira's eyes.
Kira sat up and let her body collapse against Maisie's shoulder. Maisie wrapped her arms tightly around the other girl, feeling her body go limp. “It was the pirate.” she whispered blankly. Her eyes stared straight ahead, glazed over in listless detachment.
“The pirate...? You mean the pirate who kidnapped you?”
Kira barely nodded. “Oh dear....” Maisie hugged her tighter, trying to soothe her with soft, comforting words.
“Don't worry, Miss Kira. Everything's gonna be alright. Captain Marcus will never let anything happen to you. I know it to be true. Once he finds out what this bastard has done, it will only be a matter of time before that pirate leaves this world.”
“I just wanted him to love me.”
Maisie stared up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to blink away the tears that were threatening to overwhelm her. She felt such a kinship with this girl and now her heart ached at the brokenness she saw in her.
“Does he know? Have you ever told 'em?” Kira shook her head and bit her lip hard. How could she tell him? He'd only laugh in her face. He was engaged and she was merely the last bit of fun he'd tell his friends about.
“He doesn't care about me. I'm just a dock girl. And besides, Luciana made it clear I'm not really even his type.” Kira cursed herself for sounding so pitiful. Her body felt broken and all she could think of was lying in Marcus' arms. Oh, how she longed to be close to him.
“I've seen him look at you. It's not the same as how he looks at Lady Luciana. And what other girl in the world has Captain Marcus O'Hare looking out for her? Why would he do that if you meant nothing to him?”
“I don't know... I'm so confused. I was doing so good at resisting his charm. I finally felt like I was winning this stupid game that these people play. But now...one bad night and all I want is to go running to him.”
Maisie smiled a wistful smile. “That's what love does to people, Miss. Not a-one of us can outwit love.” Squeezing Kira's hand, Maisie soothed, “Maybe you shouldn't try.”
Kira felt a sudden resolve move through her. She wiped her tears away and untangled herself from Maisie's arms. “Thank you, friend,” she said, kissing her on the cheek.
Kira stood up gingerly, feeling an ache in her muscles and began to get dressed. “Let me help you, Miss.” Maisie helped her slowly dress for the day, watching Kira's usual spirits gradually return.
“You've got to tell him.”
“I know,” Kira said with a sigh. “I will when I see him at the ball.”
Kira silently kicked herself for making such a plan when Sir Richard was so excited to escort her. Still, she knew Richard would never have a chance if she didn't make sure that Marcus felt nothing for her. She'd spend the rest of her life distracted if she didn't tell him the truth.
“Oh look, there's that girl I met just a few weeks ago.” Maisie smiled her eager, honest smile as Kira smoothed her hair back. Kira smiled back at her.
“I won't be a chicken. No pirate can stop me, and neither can some silly sailor.” The two giggled softly before the mirror, both relieved to be laughing once again.
The Royal Ball
The entire house was bustling with excitement on a pleasant Saturday afternoon. The Royal Ball had everyone in London talking and Luciana demanded only the best preparations for the evening.
She had dressmakers there for final fittings, ready to pick one gown out of many for the occasion. The front parlor had been turned into a fitting room and now it was abuzz with activity.
“No, not that one,” Luciana insisted, pointing to a silk chartreuse gown with a look of disgust. She was standing on a small stage in the middle of the room, while dressmakers adjusted the fit of an elegant champagne-colored gown. Still, around her, there were at least half a dozen other options, waiting to either be disposed of or chosen to shine for the evening.
Kira snuck down the stairs cautiously, berating herself for being so curious. Still, she couldn't help it. She'd never been to a fitting and had certainly never been able to pick her own dresses down to the finest detail. She watched in awe as Luciana commanded the room, accepting no excuses from the eager-to-please minions who surrounded her.
A wave of dread overtook her when she heard Luciana's voice call her name. “Kira, darling, I see you. Don't be shy. I'm sure this is all very foreign to you.”
Kira was disgusted with herself for getting caught, but what could she do now? She was a grown woman, it wouldn't do to be seen racing up the stairs after Luciana had called to her.
Straightening her dress, Kira tried her best to walk down the stairs in a carefree manner. But when she reached the parlor, her wide eyes gave her away. Everything was so stunning, so incredibly lavish.
Luciana herself looked like a goddess, wrapped in the silkiest looking creation she'd ever seen. The bodice was adorned with lace and an intricate panel of maroon applique flowers. Kira sighed. Would it be obvious to the world that she didn't belong at the ball tonight? Because she certainly felt her status in that moment.
“Oh, goodness, no. That's wrong, all wrong.”
Kira tightened at the demanding sound of Luciana's voice. The dresses were beautiful but she wanted an excuse, a reason to slip away from Luciana's spiteful glare. As if hearing her silent plea, Maisie appeared from the main hallway with an excited smile on her face.
“We must get you ready for the ball, Miss Kira!” Her enthusiasm was far beyond anything Kira had been able to conjure up, even though she was admittedly excited to attend her first ball.
“You're going to the ball?,” Luciana reeled, making no efforts to conceal her look of outrage.
“Yes, Luciana, I am.” Kira smiled to herself, enjoying the panicked look in Luciana's eyes. If Luciana wanted to be the belle of the ball, she could. Kira just wanted to get through the night without finding herself in knots at the sight of her with Marcus.
“Maisie's right, I best get ready now.” With a spring in her step, Kira whirled towards the massive staircase with a quiet smile. Maisie had saved her. Kira could have kissed her!
* * *
“This is the dress,” Maisie declared, holding up the glorious purple and emerald gown with a lavish train. “No one will be able to take their eyes off you!” Maisie held the dress to her body and whirled around. Her gray eyes were wide with wonder.
Kira laughed at Maisie's theatrics. “I'm just so worried I'll stick out like a sore thumb. I've never been to a ball and a hardly know a thing about dancing.”
Maisie reverently laid the gown on the bed, then took Kira's hands. “Like this...” She slowly moved through the steps, demonstrating the minuet. “Ahh...noo, I keep messing it up.”
“You'll do just fine, miss. Don't worry. Just try again.” The two girls danced across the ornate rug time after time until Kira felt she understood the steps. Some of her anxiety was beginning to ease. “Where on earth did you learn this, Maisie?”
“Oh, you know. Once I got to accompany Lady Kensington to Paris for shopping and there was a ball.”
“You went to a ball?”
Maisie chuckled, “Well, I wasn't supposed to be there, but Miss Luciana was feeling faint and so I had to be on hand. She wouldn't hear of missing the ball. I spent the whole night imagining it was me glidin' across that magnificent floor.”
“And now I get to go. Oh, Maisie, I wish you could come! I don't deserve any of this, it's all just a big accident.”
Maisie smi
led. “Well, I'm not sure that's true. Captain Marcus must think mighty highly of you to make a way for you here in London.” Kira felt herself blushing.
“I shouldn't say this, really, miss, but I heard Lady Luciana speaking with Lady Regina the other night.”
“Oh,” Kira asked, averting her eyes so Maisie couldn't see her interest.
“Yes, miss. I think she hates you something awful. She said she's only allowing you to stay here because she doesn't want Marcus to think badly of her.”
“Oh,” Kira laughed, “Well, I could have told you as much as all that.”
“Well, that's not the worst of it.” Maisie paused momentarily, feeling guilt over sharing so much. “Oh goodness, I really shouldn't say.”
“Don't do that to me, Maisie! What is it?!” Kira's curiousity was piqued and she could feel herself tensing up with worry.
“I think she may be plotting against you.”
“It wouldn't surprise me even a little bit.”
Kira's nerves started to get to her as she considered the thought that the events leading to this evening might all be an elaborate ruse by Luciana.
“Surely, she's not so bad as that. Besides, Maisie, she all but told me she knew Marcus would never want me. There's no way she'd bother with me now.”
Maisie sat down on the bed next to Kira. “I just don't want this night to be upsetting for you. I want you to have what every girl like you or me ever dreams of.” Maisie smiled sweetly, then gave Kira a sisterly hug.
Kira felt emotion overtake her and she suddenly wished she'd grown up with a sister just like Maisie. “Ah,” Kira sighed, wiping away a tear.
“I will go and I will have the best night of my life, Luciana or not. Thank you, dear Maisie, for being such a sweet friend. I'm so glad I found you.”
Maisie lapped up the affection like a delighted puppy, smiling with wide eyes and then hugging Kira even tighter. “Never thought I'd 'ave a friend who went to balls...” Kira laughed loudly and the two of them fell back in laughter.
* * *
Marcus drew a breath as Luciana slid down the stairs, dazzling in an elegant sea blue gown. She was perfect as always.
“Marcus, darling, you look so handsome.”
“I was just about to tell you how stunning you look. As always.”
Luciana wrapped herself around Marcus with a tempting smile, then kissed him softly. “I do hope we can put the argument we had on your return behind us.” She smiled coyly, leaning into him. “You mean far too much to me to let a silly misunderstanding get in the way.”
“Of course.”
“Also, I was hoping we could set a date for our nuptials. Everyone is dying to know when the most enviable couple in town will be married.”
Marcus swallowed hard, envisioning his life once he was married. There would be no more slipping, no more distractions. There could definitely be no Kira.
“Darling?” Luciana's violet eyes were flashing up at him, annoyance apparent.
“Yes, dear...Of course, we can set a date. The sooner the better,” he said hastily. Luciana practically purred like a very pleased cat, wrapping her arms even tighter around him. “Wonderful! You've given me everything I've ever wanted. But you do know this...ward of yours will have to go. Father was just saying it wouldn't do to have her living in our home when we're married.”
Marcus highly doubted that, but said nothing about it. Lord Kensington had a heart of gold and was unlikely to see a young girl thrown out on the streets.
“Yes, of course, when we marry, we'll find an appropriate place for her to live.”
Luciana looked vexed and her eyes narrowed ever so slightly. “When we are married?”
Marcus could see it wasn't a question, but a trap. He felt a moment of anger over her manipulative tactics. As much as he enjoyed her charm and her irresistible beauty, her need to control provoked his anger. He was a man, not a child to be led around by the hand.
Untangling himself from her grasp, he turned and walked to the door in irritation. “When we are married.”
Luciana let out an outraged sound, expressing her dismay. She pulled up the hem of her skirt and jaunted angrily past him to the carriage. Marcus sighed, shaking his head. If she were going to be his wife, she'd have to learn he was the one in charge.
* * *
Sir Richard had been dazzled when Kira had slipped down the stairs in her glorious purple gown. Maisie had curled her hair into luscious ringlets, then pulled it up into a stunning updo. Now they were riding to the palace and Kira could feel butterflies in her stomach.
“I've never been to a ball before,” she admitted shyly.
Sir Richard sat across from her, stunned by her effervescent beauty. “Well, then it's a first for both of us. I've never been to a ball with such a captivating beauty.” He smiled cheekily, his dark eyes full of mystery.
“Well!” Kira blushed.
“What are your plans for life after you leave the Kensington home?”
“Oh goodness, I don't know. I spent my whole life on a dusty little dock on the far coast. Being here in London feels like everything I ever hoped for.”
“Everything?” He asked teasingly.
Kira felt herself blushing even redder. “Really, Sir Richard. You are such a flirt!” Kira shifted awkwardly in her seat, aware that his handsome gaze had not left her face.
“I honestly just wanted to live with my father for as long as possible...He was sick, you see.”
Richard's eyes narrowed. “And now?”
“And now he's dead.” Kira felt her throat tighten. Had she even said it aloud?
“Oh, I'm very sorry.”
“Thank you. It's...it's just...” Kira flashed her liquid blues eyes in his direction, while tears pooled in them. “Sorry,” she fanned herself, trying to overcome the show of emotion.
Suddenly, Sir Richard had moved over to her side of the carriage and was holding her hand.
“Oh...thank you.” She looked up shyly, unsure of what she would see when she did. The concerned look in Richard's eyes startled her.
“I know that I am only just beginning to know you...” he said cautiously. “But I want you to know...I don't think any woman has ever made a bigger impact on me. Just know that you will always have at least one friend in London.”
Kira felt her eyes well up again and she tried to blink the tears away. In an impulsive moment, she leaned over to kiss Richard's cheek, grateful for his kindness.
“If I'm being honest, I might hope that you'd give me leave to pursue you for more than just friendship.” Richard's throat tightened and his words came out in a low growl.
“I..I...” Kira glanced up at his furrowed brow, his eyes fixed on her. “Of course...of course, you can. I would be...honored, Richard.”
They rode the rest of the way in silence, Sir Richard resting his hand on hers. Kira felt her body tightening as they approached the palace. She'd been so sure that confessing her feelings to Marcus was the right thing. Now, she felt certain it would only throw her world into more chaos.
Sparkling Halls
Kira felt her breath catch as she stepped into the huge ball room. Dozens of beautiful women in radiant colors were twirling around the floor with elegant, distinguished-looking partners.
The room was lavish, boasting intricately designed ceilings and walls covered in gold, with stunning columns at the numerous entrances. Kira's wide eyes searched the crowd, in awe of the beauty and luxury she saw before her.
Her heart jumped when her eyes locked with a pair of sparkling green ones. Kira could have melted into the floor. Marcus was standing there, looking as regal as ever with his Naval uniform on.
His hair was swept back into a tight ponytail, and his face looked so incredibly masculine. Kira felt her whole body ache. She had to tell him. She had no choice. Suddenly, a female figure wrapped in sea blue blocked her view of him. Luciana.
Of course, she looked more beautiful than she ever had. She
commandeered him with ease and they swept across the dance floor. Kira watched them dance the minuet for a few moments when Sir Richard came up behind her.
“M'lady...” he put out a hand with a boyish smile.
Kira let him guide her onto the floor, watching her steps carefully as they began to dance. “Are you alright, Kira?”
No, Kira thought. The truth was she was distracted beyond herself. But she couldn't say that. Not to him.
“I'm just nervous I'll make a fool of myself.”
“No...of course, you won't.” Sir Richard whispered, leaning closer to her ear. “I won't let you.”
They floated across the dance floor for some time, then Sir Richard went to get a drink for them both.
“You look beautiful, Kira...”
Kira jumped when she heard Marcus' deep voice. Her eyes flashed up to see him approaching her from the side. “Thank you...”she whispered, feeling her throat giving out on her.
“Where's, um...Luciana?” Kira realized she was squeaking and wanted to kick herself.
He smiled tightly. “She's wrapped up in her socializing duties. So many people to speak to.”
“Right..I imagine...” Kira felt herself growing faint, her insecurities threatening to overcome her. “Honestly, I don't even know what I'm doing here. All these gorgeous women, so sophisticated and proper. I've spent my whole life living on a dock...”
Marcus's eyes trailed down her face, noting the pained look in her eyes and the way she chewed at her lip nervously. She didn't realize how glorious she was, what a breath-taking sight she made.
“Don't be silly,” he whispered lowly. “You've got more class than most of the people here. They live for the attention, the gossip, the meaningless titles and recognition...I've seen you...”
Marcus breathed in heavily, “I've seen you make the best of a terrible situation, without a complaint or a groan. You are something altogether different from these people, and that's not something to be ashamed of.”
Kira looked up into his green eyes with surprise, noting the depth of emotion she saw in them. There was a tenderness on his face that was breaking her heart. “Oh God...I can't do this...” Kira fought back a tear and then slipped through one of the columned entrances.