The queen’s caring smile never faltered—even as many times as Clarissa argued with her. She crossed the room to stand beside Clarissa. “Yes, I agree, but your father is in a terrible fit this morning, and we cannot keep him waiting.”
Kimberly tied the sash around Clarissa’s waist before hurrying to the vanity to snatch the hairbrush. Clarissa sat on the chair and pulled on her stockings while the maid brushed out the tangles in her knee-length tresses.
“Why is Father in such a dither this morning?” Clarissa wondered. “He seemed fine last night when I talked to him.”
The queen shook her head. “He hasn’t said for certain, but I’m assuming he’s upset because the daughter he sent across the sea for a year didn’t obtain the husband he’d hoped she would.”
Clarissa widened her eyes. Her mother couldn’t be serious. “Father is upset because I returned without a husband?”
“Yes, I believe so.”
“Why, that is just...just...ridiculous.”
The queen stepped directly in front of Clarissa and arched an eyebrow. “Ridiculous, you say? I don’t think so, especially since that was the main reason your father allowed you to visit your cousin’s kingdom, and yet you returned without a man. Tell me, my dear. In the whole year you were gone, did you findanyman worthy of your love?”
Closing her eyes, Clarissa groaned inwardly. She’d forgotten the reason her parents agreed to let her visit Fiona. Well, she’dalmostforgotten. In the back of her mind, she had known what her parents wanted. Yet, once she and her cousin had started doing things together, the idea of marriage vanished. Besides, Clarissa hadn’t felt like getting tied down to a man. Now, one year later, she held the same indifference toward the idea of marriage. She wasn’t old. There was still a lot of life to live.
“I met a few men during my stay,” she said hesitantly, “but none who could hold my interest.”
Her mother’s smile disappeared as she rubbed her forehead and closed her eyes. “Then I worry what your father will do now.”
The expression on her mother’s face made Clarissa’s heart race. Not often did the queen appear so worried, and, knowing she was to blame, Clarissa felt ashamed. “What do you think Father will do?”
The queen exhaled deeply before opening her eyes to focus on her daughter. “I think he’s going to take control of this situation and find you a husband himself, quickly.”
Panic gripped Clarissa’s chest, nearly suffocating her. “No! He wouldn’t do that...would he?”
“Yes, my dear, he would,” her mother said softly. “Your father’s health hasn’t been the best lately, and he’s looking toward the future: he is wondering who will take over as king once he is gone.”
“He’s...dying?” A sob caught in her throat as tears stung her eyes.
The queen offered a sympathetic smile and stroked Clarissa’s cheek. “Oh, my dear. We cannot live forever. Eventually, both the king and I will grow old and die and the kingdom will go to you and your husband.”
“Yes, I know.” Her voice squeaked. “I had hoped it wouldn’t happen for quite some time.”
“We can only pray it is several years away. But, my dear,” her mother said softly, “we still need to start preparing for it now. Do you understand?”
Clarissa’s mother stared at her with her deep turquoise eyes—eyes that Clarissa had inherited. She just wished she could have inherited the queen’s patience and understanding as well. “Yes, I do, and I won’t drag my feet any longer.”
“Good girl.” The queen patted Clarissa’s head. “As soon as you’re finished, come down to the dining room and have breakfast with your father and me.”
“I will.”
The queen offered a caring smile before leaving the room. Clarissa’s frown deepened. Gloom shaded her like a heavy rain cloud hovering just above her head, threatening to burst and soak her clean through at any moment. Her carefree life was over. She had to get used to the idea of finding a husband. The saddest thing of all was that she hadn’t had many beaus over the years, and the men who’d courted her were always lacking. Her father was a great example of the kind of man she wanted as a husband, and unfortunately, all of the men who had courted her had failed miserably to measure up. They were just not as perfect as her father. They were not worthy to become king.
With a heavy heart, she stared at her reflection in the mirror as her maid continued to brush her long hair. She would follow her father’s wishes, even if she didn’t like it. If he died before she married, who would be king? Titles as grand as her father’s didn’t pass to women. A male was the only person who could inherit it, yet Clarissa was the only child. Her father had a brother, but he was as trustworthy as a thief, so he certainly shouldn’t become king. No, she needed to do this for her family...for her kingdom.
Sighing, she folded her arms, wishing Kimberly would hurry, even though Clarissa knew how long it took to style her hair. Long hair was something her father had always wanted her to have, and she couldn’t deny him that wish, although a lot of the time her hair was bothersome, and more often than not, she considered cutting it.
After a while, Kimberly released an exhausted sigh and stepped back. “There, Princess. You are finished.”
Clarissa studied the thick braid that had yellow ribbons woven throughout, and smiled. “It looks wonderful, thank you.” She stood and faced the maid. “I bet you missed me while I was gone, especially my hair.”
Kimberly nodded. “In fact, I did. I’m glad you’re home safely.”
Clarissa walked out of her bedroom and down the wide stairs toward the lower level of the palace. Servants were busy polishing the silver, waxing the floors, or washing the windows. They all greeted her with a smile and welcomed her home. When she entered the dining room, her mother was the only one sitting at the table.
“Where’s Father? Didn’t you say he wanted to talk to me?”
