Patricia did not know what to say. She was still recovering from her encounter with the cat, and now she was in the prince's arms.
The prince's smile widened as he tucked a rebellious strand of hair behind her ears. "This one is beautiful... I believe you are one of my concubines? What is your name?"
Patricia did not enjoy his touch. She moved to loosen herself from his grip gently. She bowed, "My name is Patricia. Concubine Patricia, my prince."
"You may rise," the prince said. He turned to the other women who were already standing. They had been standing ever since they noticed his arrival. "Be at ease," he said.
Patricia felt odd. Yes, she had wanted to see the prince. She had wanted to secure his attention. But not like this. Not before so many people.
She had heard much about jealousy in the palace. She knew the other women would not be happy with her because of what they had witnessed.
The prince noticed Patricia was still deep in thought and whispered in her ear, "Are you still thinking of the way I caught and held you now? Do you want more? That's not wrong; you are my concubine. But you must learn decorum in front of others. Don't just stand there staring at me. Gazing at me as if I wear something you own. Go and take your seat at the back with the other lowly concubines."
Patricia's hands balled into fists. She would have given the prince a piece of her mind. But she knew she had to be careful. He was the crown prince of Lafenia. One word from him, and she would lose her head.
He noticed her tension and continued, "And be good. No more running around after startling my mother's cat."
"Oh! The Queen's cat?" Patricia gasped.
"Yes, the Queen's cat. I do not like to repeat myself. But since you are new, I will. Go and sit down with the other lowly concubines."
On hearing his words, she did as he directed. She noticed some of the women were shooting her daggers with their eyes.
Prince Edward walked towards his mother and bowed, "Mother, how are you?"
"Rise, my son. Have a seat." She was frowning. "Bring tea for the prince," the queen said to her maid.
Edward smiled as he drank his tea.
"All your wives and concubines have come to see me. They are such lovely ladies. I believe you will get to know them in time," the queen said.
"Yes, Mother," he responded.
Prince Edward gazed at Perry. "Crown Princess... I want to have dinner in your place. Tonight."
Perry rose and bowed, "Your Highness is welcome anytime."
Prince Edward dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out a small jewel box. "Crown Princess, this is for you."
Perry took it from him, and their hands touched. She loved the feeling. She opened the box and peered inside. She saw a matching diamond necklace and ring. "I am grateful, my prince."
"I am glad you like it," he replied. Perry sat down.
***
By noon, Patricia was in her room. Lisa and Pamela rushed to sit by her.
"So, how was it?" Lisa asked.
"How was what?" Patricia was trying to understand Lisa's question.
"You don't get the question?" Pamela asked as she rolled her eyes.
"Lisa, get up. Let us show Patricia."
Lisa stood, and together, they acted out the scene of how Patricia had fallen into the prince's arms and had stayed there for about five minutes talking to the prince in whispers. When they were done, Lisa said, "Girl, that was great. You got noticed by the crown prince so fast."
"Yeah, you are lucky. I wish I could step on a cat that would attack me now. Maybe the prince will magically appear before me and take me in his arms," Patricia said as she giggled.
"Catch me, Pamela, catch me," Lisa said as she began to spin.
Pamela caught her, "You are beautiful," she said, mimicking the prince.
They burst out laughing. Patricia saw nothing to laugh about. She had just spoken to the most arrogant man she had ever met in her life. And these ladies believed it was something wonderful?
"Patricia," Lisa called. "Now that the prince has noticed you, do you think we will get better food? Better clothing? Better opportunities?"
Another question was thrown by Lisa, "Do you think the crown prince will send for you soon? Do not forget us when you begin to enjoy all the wealth and glory of the palace."
The three ladies heard a laugh from the door and turned. The person laughing stepped into their room, followed by four maids. Patricia recognized her. She was Eva, one of the prince's side consorts.
The three ladies who were previously chatting freely became afraid. Their eyes were full of terror. Had she heard their entire conversation?
Eva cleared her throat before addressing them. "I wanted to see the woman who was so brazen to get the prince's attention in such a despicable way by stepping on the cat of our dear queen. I wanted to see how capable she is. But I come here to see that the people who share this little, ugly room with her are more disgraceful than she is... Why aren't you all bowing? I am a side consort! You all are lowly concubines! Give me some respect."
The three women were so scared they had forgotten to bow. They hurried to their knees.
"Side consort, we were only jesting. We meant nothing harmful," Pamela replied, shaking.
"But I am offended by your words. What if I decide not to take your words lightly? What if I do something to punish you?" Eva said as she found a place to sit.
Pamela began to shake and then she bowed her upper body, placing both hands on the floor. "Please, do not punish us. It will never happen again."
Eva rose to her feet, enjoying Pamela's outbursts. "You have a big mouth. But you have so little courage." Eva walked closer to Pamela. "As the prince's side consort, I have the responsibility of teaching concubines, so that they will learn how to stay in line." Eva lifted one foot and planted it on Pamela's hand. She pressed on it.
Pamela began to weep.