“I shall never be loved by a man.” Princess Katherine flopped onto her bed close to tears. “No one will ever want me and Father turns away any man that asks to marry me.”
“But Katie dear, you know why he does so.” Katherine’s maid Reena, her best and only friend patted her shoulder. “By bestowing no dowry on you, the King is ensuring that the man who marries you loves you for you and not because your father is king or because of his riches.”
“I know,” Katherine muttered, “and I do appreciate Father’s concern in wanting my husband to love me for me, but look at me. She waved her hand down the length of her body. “My hair is the color of a carrot and sticks out in clumps all over my head. I have all these miserable freckles and my eyes are a horrible shade of green. And my worst attribute of all. . .” She prefaced her words with a long deep sigh. “I’m hopelessly fat.”
“Now, now,” crooned Reena. “It’s not as bad as all that. You’re pleasingly plump, to be sure, but any man worth marrying the princess will love you for who you are on the inside, not your outward appearance. Come now, let me fix your hair for you and we’ll see what we can do about those stubborn places that tend to stick out.” Reena held out her hand and Katherine accepted it, pulling herself upright.
“You’re right, I suppose. It would be better to remain unmarried as a beloved daughter in my father’s castle, than to marry someone only interested in Father’s storehouses of treasures and gold. But I am so lonely. Last night at the ball Father gave for my 22nd birthday, I watched the couples dancing, gazing into each others eyes, perhaps even enjoying a moment alone on the veranda. What would it feel like to have a handsome young man look at me like that? Would he dance me out onto the veranda and steal a kiss? I fear I shall never know what it might be like to have a man press his lips to mine.”
Reena began to brush her long, albeit red hair, and Katherine closed her eyes, enjoying the relaxing sensation. “The King’s personal valet, Albert has spread the word among the staff that no less than four suitors asked for your hand in marriage last night,” Reena whispered with a slight smile.
“Perhaps,” Katherine admitted, “But no less than four suitors left the ball red-faced when Father granted their request as long as they agreed to marry me with no dowry. I’m not so disillusioned as to think it was me they wanted. It was only Father’s money. When they learned I was to have nothing, they couldn’t leave fast enough.”
“Oh my dearest Katie,” Reena spoke as she pulled the brush through her hair. “You must be patient. The right man will come along.”
“I’ve been patient,” Katherine argued. “I’m 22 for heaven sake. Most girls are married by 17. I am forever doomed to be the princess nobody wanted.”
Ari felt his way to Tuckett’s stall and spread the pail of oats into the feed trough. “There you go now.” He spoke quietly to the steed, stroking his dark brown mane. He still remembered how Tuckett looked, even though his blind eyes hadn’t seen him since he was 10 and Tuckett was a spry two-year-old.
Ari knew his way around the king’s stable so well he didn’t need seeing eyes to do the work his father had taught him. As the king’s head groom, Ari’s father was in charge of a magnificent stable full of horses the king used for hunting parties and pleasure outings as well as pulling the royal carriages. King Phillip had been gracious enough to allow Ari to remain on his father’s staff of stable hands after his accident at the age of ten.
“It’s all right, Tuckett old boy,” he continued to croon in the horse’s ear. “You know I don’t blame you.” Twelve years ago Ari had swung onto Tuckett’s bare back against his father’s refusal to allow him to do so, and gone for a ride. Ari smiled ruefully when he remembered how invincible he’d felt on the back of the mighty steed. He’d even tried to jump the tiny trickle of a creek rather than ride through it. But Tuckett, not yet fully broken to ride, had balked at the jump and thrown him.
His head had hit a sharp stone on the creek bank and he lost consciousness. When Ari had come to, Tuckett standing over him, he couldn’t see and had to scream for help; someone to help him find his way back to the stable. His father had been angry at first, but when his sight did not return as the king’s physician had hoped, Ari had learned to overcome the disability. He could work in the stables as well as any of the other young stable boys and remained in the king’s employ.
Up until that fateful day when he lost his sight, Ari had been friends with Princess Katie. They had played together from a young age in the castle gardens, building a tree house in the old maple and enjoying snacks Cook would make for them and deliver through the back door of the kitchen. The rotund cook made the best oatmeal cookies and blackberry teacakes he’d ever tasted. But all that stopped with his accident. He could no longer find his way to the gardens or climb the trees.
Ari often wondered if Princess Katie ever thought about him and wondered why he didn’t come to play anymore, or if she’d simply found a new playmate and forgotten him. She frequently sent a footman to the stables to have a horse prepared for her to go riding, but she’d never stepped foot inside herself, as far as he knew. It was too bad. He missed her jovial manner and the fun times they’d shared together.
After an extra pat for his favorite horse, Ari moved onto the next stall. No use longing after things that would never be. He had all the friends he needed right here in the King’s stables, even if they weren’t human. Horses made good listeners, especially his good friend Tuckett.
“Dear Cook, you mustn’t feed me so well. I’ve already had two cookies and a piece of your marvelous gooseberry pie. I really should decline the warm cobbler, except that it smells so good.” Katie sat in the kitchen as she often did of an afternoon, watching the preparations for the evening meal and munching on the sweets Cook set in front of her.
“Nonsense, child” Cook answered as she stirred a pot of something simmering on the stove. “You need your energy and I enjoy spoiling you. It does my heart good to see you enjoy the things I make to please you.”
Katherine sighed and accepted the generous bowl of cobbler. What could it hurt? She was already so fat that the dressmaker frowned in disapproval every time she was measured for a new ball gown. How could it make her any thinner to skip one bowl of cobbler? “Thank you, Cook. It’s delicious.”
“Remember how young Ari used to love the cobblers? He hasn’t been at my kitchen door for many years. Did his family move away?”
Cook’s innocent questions brought back many painful memories. It was a long time ago, but Katherine recalled the events vividly. Ari had come almost daily to play with her in the garden. Oh, the fun they’d had. His father worked in the stable and Ari had responsibilities there as well, but he always made time to visit her. He was the only child her own age that lived nearby. His friendship had been so important to her.
But one day he didn’t come. Katherine wondered if he was sick or if something kept him at the stables. The next day he didn’t come or the next. Katherine sat in their tree house every afternoon for two weeks hoping to see him, but he never came. It was like he was there one day and gone the next with no explanation. She asked one of the footmen if they’d seen him and was told he’d seen Ari working in the stables the day before brushing a horse.
Katherine’s hurt feelings kept her away from the stables. She didn’t know how she would react if she saw him there, knowing he had chosen not to visit her any more. Gradually the pain had faded away, but never the memories of their good times together. Now and then Katherine had been tempted to go to the stables and see if he was still there and still remembered her, but something always stopped her. Ari would probably be horrified at how ugly and fat she had become. Better to just let the bygones be.
“You should get out of the stables now and then. A young man like you should have friends, go to social events. There’s plenty to be had at the castle, and I’m sure there are some pretty servant girls that might catch your . . .”
Ari’s father stopped mid-sentence as he caught his slip of the tongue just in time. But not soon enough that Ari couldn’t figure out what his father had been about to say. “I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but in order for me to even go to the castle, I would require someone to guide me there. Once inside I doubt any of the girls would have any interest for a man that can’t see their beautiful faces or compliment them on the new dress they’re wearing. “
“Well, yes but. . .” Father apparently couldn’t think of a way to finish the sentence. “If you ever want me to walk with you somewhere, just let me know. “
“Thank you.” Ari had never known his mother who died giving him birth. Maybe Father was as lonely as he was. Maybe he should try harder to be better company. Usually the only thing they did of an evening when the work in the stables was done was sit in their small cabin while Father read to him. Ari enjoyed the books and knew his father did too, but there was more to life.
Mrs. Carrington, the widow woman that worked in the castle kitchen had come to their cabin a few times of late to bring them baked goods or some of the delectable remnants from the latest ball or party that King Philip had given for his daughter. She never stayed long, but Ari enjoyed listening to the animated conversation between her and his father, trying to imagine if they were smiling at each other in ways that might be more than friendly. Was his father interested in her? He’d asked, but Father would never admit to it, just telling Ari he was being foolish to talk of such things.
Even as this thought crossed Ari’s mind, a knock on the cabin door caused his father to put down the book he was reading and go to answer it. Mrs. Carrington had brought them each a plate of cobbler.
“Cook made it from the peaches the orchard workers brought to her this morning. It is the last of the peach harvest for this year and she couldn’t bear to let it go to waste,” Mrs. Carrington was telling his father. “Princess Katherine ate some and assured Cook it was quite fine, but I do believe her feelings were hurt when the King declined dessert. He said he was full from eating so much of the delightful meal she’d made, but you know Cook. She wants people to enjoy what she’s made. I told her I’d bring some to you.”
At the mention of the princess, Ari’s ears perked up. He barely heard his father thanking the kind lady for thinking of them, for wanting to ask Mrs. Carrington more questions. How was Katie? Did she have many suitors as befitted a princess? Was she still as beautiful as he remembered her with that gorgeous head of auburn hair and her emerald colored eyes, not to mention that attractive sprinkle of freckles across her creamy skin? He clamped his mouth closed for fear the questions would come pouring out.
After a few minutes, Mrs. Carrington left and his father handed him the bowl of sweet peaches with flaky crust. As he enjoyed it, he remembered similar treats Cook had made for him and Katie when they played together. They would come into the kitchen, hot and worn out from a game of tag or hide and seek. Cook would sit them down and pour ice cold glasses of milk fresh from the spring house and dish up huge sized servings of the cobblers, pies or cakes she’d baked, the aroma still wafting through the kitchen. If he hadn’t been a rapidly growing boy at the time, surely he would have put on a few pounds.
Maybe one of these days he’d take his father up on his offer to take him to the castle. He could go to the kitchen and visit his old friend Cook. Maybe she’d have something sweet for them to sample, just like when he was ten. Except that Princess Katie wouldn’t be there. She must be busy with suitors, balls and the like. He was pretty sure he’d have heard about it if she married, though it was surprising that she hadn’t yet. They were near the same age if he recalled correctly.
They hadn’t told her yet she couldn’t go riding. Katherine half expected every time she asked for a horse to be prepared that the footman would come back with a refusal from the groom. Was she large enough it was too much work for the horse to carry her? No, she decided. She was certainly overweight, but not yet as heavy as some of the men who went on her father’s hunting parties. Anyway, the smaller ponies she’d ridden as a child had been replaced by larger, stronger mounts. The horses she usually rode didn’t seem to mind her extra weight.
Today would be a perfect day for riding. The sun was shining, but the late fall temperature was comfortably cool. Maybe Cook would pack her a picnic lunch to take along. Reena helped her change into her riding clothes, and in response to her request, brought back enough food from the kitchen for at least four people.
“I can’t locate a footman, though,” Reena told her. “The valet says your father has most of them accompanying a large party of travelers from Harrington Place into the cities. Madam Harrington requested use of his carriages and footmen for her planned outing for her guests.”
“Oh dear, I hope there are still some horses available for riding,” Katherine mused.
“Yes, there should be. It is the driving horses that pull the carriages. Most of the individual mounts should still be in the stables.”
“When was the last time you’ve been riding Reena? Would you like to go with me?” It would be pleasant to have Reena along.
“If it pleases you, Princess, however Mrs. Carrington did ask for my help in harvesting the last of the garden vegetables this morning. I suppose I could tell her you require my presence instead.” Reena seemed a little hesitant.
“No, no, of course you should help Mrs. Carrington. I’ll be fine by myself. I’ll just step down to the stables and have one of the grooms saddle a mount for me. “A knot of nervousness wound itself around Katherine’s stomach at the thought of venturing to the stables.
Reena left her to help in the garden, and Katherine considered changing her mind about going riding. What if she encountered her childhood friend in the stable?
“That’s ridiculous,” she muttered to herself. Ari was probably not even in the employ of the castle any longer. By now he would have found a nice girl, married and settled in one of the peasant worker homes to raise his family. Perhaps he’d moved away to the cities or joined her father’s army. Many of the male children of the servant’s did that when they came of age. Anyway she was the Princess. It was the stable groom’s job to see to her riding needs. She held her head high and stepped out the door, picnic basket in tow.
“I’d like a horse prepared, please.” The familiar voice was unmistakable. Princess Katie was in the stables. Ari stepped a little further back into the dark recesses of Tuckett’s stall. Dawson had been there a few minutes ago. Surely he would see to the Princess’ request.
A sigh of relief escaped him when he heard Dawson reply. “Yes ma’am, right away Your Majesty.”
His next words were like a kick in the gut. “Hey there, Ari, bring out Penelope for the princess.”
Did she know his name? Would she recognize him? Did she know he couldn’t see? There was no time to wonder. Dawson and Katie were waiting. He left Tuckett’s stall and entered the one next door. He slipped the bridle over Penelope’s head and led her out into the wide alleyway.
“Thanks, hold her now until I can get her saddled.” Dawson was moving about, spreading a blanket on the horse’s back and then lifting a saddle from the wooden blocks and laying it across Penelope’s back. Ari couldn’t be sure where the Princess was. He heard nothing. Perhaps she waited outside the door to the stables. He stood silently praying.
He jumped when her voice sounded right beside him. “What’s the matter Ari? Don’t you recognize your old friend? I know I’ve changed a lot.”
Her voice sounded so dismal. He swallowed the lump in his throat. “Princess Katie, er uh, Katherine. Of course I do. How have you been?”
“I’ve been fine. And you, Ari?”
“Good as ever,” except that he couldn’t see. Did she know? His father said it was hard to tell he was blind if one didn’t already know. He had learned to focus his eyes even when he could not see anything to focus on.
“Um, perhaps you would like to go riding with me? Cook has packed more food than I could ever eat, and I should like a companion for my ride. Would you mind?”
Mind? Why would he mind? Except that he couldn’t. How could he explain that the only horse he trusted enough to ride was Tuckett? How could she know that she’d have to lead the way because he couldn’t see?
“I um, better not,” he stammered. “I have much work to do.”
“Aw go on.” Dawson’s voice sounded a little envious. “Our job is to please the Princess, and if she wants you to go riding with her, I’ll saddle Tuckett. I’m sure your father won’t mind.”
“All right then.” Had she caught on yet? Didn’t she wonder why Dawson had to saddle his mount for him?
Before he knew what had happened, Dawson had put the reins in his hand, helped him guide his foot to the stirrup, and Tuckett was heading out the stable door. Apparently, Katie was in the lead as Tuckett seemed to be following Penelope. He had to say something, if only to save her from being mad at him for taking her for a fool when she did find out.
“I can’t see, you know.” The words blurted out of his mouth and for the life of him he couldn’t think of anything else to say once they’d settled into silence.
“I see,” her words were as ironic as they were obvious. “I mean, I guess I figured that out when the other groom had to help you get in the saddle. What happened, if you don’t mind me asking?” Katherine’s heart skipped a beat. If he couldn’t see her, he didn’t know how unattractive she had become. Perhaps. . .
“I was thrown from a horse when I was ten. I have been blind ever since.“
Ten? The same time he had stopped coming to visit her? That was why then. It hadn’t been a personal affront.
“I’m sorry.” What else was there she could say?
“Don’t be sorry for me. I have a good job and a good life due to the kindness of your father.”
“My father knows of this and he didn’t tell me?” Katherine wasn’t sure how to react to this bit of news.
“Maybe he didn’t know you even knew of me,” Ari defended. “I’m not sure your father knows of me personally, except that I am the son of his head groom.”
“Maybe.” Katherine had too many questions to continue talking about her father. “How do you manage to work in the stables and ride? Have you no education past the age of 10? You appear strong, tanned by the sun and a hard worker. Do your parents not wish to mollycoddle you as I believe mine would in the same circumstance?”
“I was very familiar with the stables at the time of my accident. It just took a little bit of self-confidence for me to know I could still do some of the work like feeding, watering and grooming, even though I no longer had my sight. I work hard every day, and in the evening my father reads to me. He taught me how to do sums in my head and sign my name legibly when I find it necessary to do so. He is most concerned that I remain able to care for myself when he is gone from this life. Mollycoddling is something I’ve never experienced. My mother died at my birth, you know.”
She’d forgotten that. “Same as me,” she whispered. It was a fact and a heartache they both shared that had bound them together as youngsters. The difference now was that Ari’s father made sure his son was strong and independent while Katherine’s father had quite simply, mollycoddled her. She’d always known this was so, but never seen it with eyes quite as open as what she did now.
“My father indulges me too much,” she confessed. She should tell him all. If she didn’t someone else would. “He sees to it that I have everything I want including too much food. I have grown quite plump and ugly since you’ve seen me last.”
The moment of silence following that comment was too much for her to bear. “Shall we stop here? It looks like a good place to have our lunch.”
Ari nodded. “I’m sure it’s fine, however I will not share the lunch meant for you. I will wait to eat until we are back to the stables.”
Katherine laughed as she pulled on Penelope’s reins and dismounted. “Have you forgotten how well Cook feeds me? I’m quite certain she has packed not only enough for you and me, but for the birds and squirrels to have their own feast once we are through.”
Trying not to seem nervous, she took Tuckett’s reins and tied him to a tree near fresh grass and the creek water, then put Ari’s hand on her shoulder so he could dismount. Once he was off the horse she took him by the hand and led him to a shady spot, surprised at the sparks that seemed to flow between them where their hand’s touched.
She spread the blanket she’d brought on the ground and told Ari he could sit down. At first, he refused to eat with her until she was able to show him what a great plenty there was, and then he ate willingly. He was so handsome, however, it was hard to take her eyes off him and Katherine spent more time watching Ari than actually eating. Somehow she wanted to tell him the things that led up to her present circumstances.
“I am not married, you know. My father insists I am to have a husband who loves me or none at all. He has granted me no dowry.”
“But surely some young man would be honored to have you as his wife, even with no dowry,” Ari rushed to assure her. “Your father is a wise man.”
“I suppose so, but it is still lonely. No man wants me when I am so unattractive.”
“That’s nonsense,” Ari told her between bites. “A bit of plumpness on a woman is very attractive, and as I recall you have the most beautiful color of hair and eyes as bright green as emeralds.”
Katherine wanted to laugh, but she dared not. “Indeed, my hair is red and my eyes are green. Most men wish for a wife with blonde hair, blue eyes, and fair skin, not a red head with a nose covered in freckles. “
“Ah, yes, as if they were scattered from a salt shaker full of beautiful sprinkles that serve to enhance your cream- colored skin, soft as a goose down pillow.” Ari felt for her hand, and she let him take it in his, holding it against his cheek for a moment. “Lovelier than ever, by my estimation.” He dropped her hand back onto the blanket.
“You must learn to appreciate your attributes which are many instead of concentrate on your flaws, which are few.”
“Thank you, Ari, but I must tell you that I am more than a little plump. The royal dressmaker says I am downright fat.“ There. That truth was out.
“And what has that to do with your heart?” he asked. “A man should love you for what is on the inside rather than your outward appearance.”
“If that man exists, I hope I meet him soon,” Katherine mused.
“You shall,” Ari assured her. “God would not have put such a desire in your heart for a loving husband if He were not to grant it in His good time.”
Katherine hardly knew how to respond. It had been a long time since she’d prayed or even thought about God. And yet, poor blind Ari who had been through so much misfortune seemed to be as close to Him as ever.
“It is time we should head back, I think,” Katherine offered. A rather lame response to such a profound statement, but she didn’t know what else to say.
Despite all his efforts to put his lunch with Princess Katie out of his mind, Ari could think of little else. It had been glorious to hear her voice again, share a conversation of such an intimate nature and to imagine how beautiful she surely must be despite her words to the contrary. Anyway, he didn’t care. All he could see was the beauty of her heart and that spoke far louder to him than her appearance. Being blind had taught him important lessons about what truly mattered in life.
The thought of Katie haunted Ari while he worked, while he tried to listen to his father read, even while he slept. Would she return to the stable? Would he see her again?
He needn’t have worried. Two days after their picnic lunch, Princess Katie ventured back to the stables and asked for him. He heard her voice as he brushed a horse within a stall. One of the stable boys directed her to where he worked and she greeted him with a bright “Hello Ari, It is your friend Katie come to visit you.”
She needed no such identification as her very voice sent tingles down his spine. He sent a smile in the direction of her lovely lilting voice. “Princess – how very good of you to come see me. Are you wishing to go on another ride today? I can ask one of the grooms to prepare a mount for you. . .”
“No, no today I just wanted to visit you,” the princess replied. “Is there a place we can go to talk? Privately, I mean.”
“Of course.” He reached out a hand and she placed hers into it. He could stand there all day just holding her hand, but he must keep his wits about him. He led her to the small cabin where he lived with his father just behind the King’s stables and motioned toward one of the wooden chairs his father kept on the small landing in front of the cabin. It was pleasant to sit there in the cool of a summer evening.
He heard the rustling of her taffeta gown as she sat and moved to the other chair and seated himself quite as if he saw it.
“It is rather chilly today. Are you warm enough Your Majesty?” he asked, not quite sure what he would do about it if she wasn’t.
“Oh yes, quite. I have a warm shawl made of yellow wool wrapped around my shoulders and I am quite comfortable. But please, do call me Katie as you used to when we were children. I much prefer it.”
“Yes, Katie. I prefer it as well. Was there something specific you wanted to talk to me about?”
“Um, well, yes. I have spoken to my father about you. He was aware that his chief groom’s son suffered from blindness due to a riding accident, but somehow he didn’t realize you were the same boy that was his daughter’s playmate all those years ago. He has offered the best physicians in his kingdom to examine you and see what might be done. If there is a chance your blindness could be counteracted. . .”
Here Ari felt it necessary to interrupt her. “I have been to all the physicians. None can help me. Besides, I am content in my present situation as Paul urges us to be in Phillipians. I don’t expect to ever see again, but I thank God for my job and my many blessings, such as they are. I do thank you for your concern, however.
He imagined the expression that must be on her face as she sat silent. Was it so important to her that he be able to see? It had ceased to be important to him long ago.
“I just wanted to help however I could.” Katie’s small voice was full of her concern for him.
Ari took a deep breath and summoned every ounce of courage he had within him to make his next statement. “The greatest and best thing you can do for me is to be my friend. Would you be my friend, Katie?”
There was no hesitation. “Of course I will, Ari.” Her voice was what he could only describe as joyous. “That would make me very happy.”
“Then you will come visit me at the stables from time to time?”
“Certainly. And I will come to help you walk to the castle sometimes too. It’s not all that far, and I’m sure you could do it if I held your hand.” Excitement made her voice quiver.
At this moment Ari felt he could do most anything if Katie would but hold his hand. “I should very much like to call the Princess my friend once again.”
“I want to be your friend, Ari, but you must do your best to forget that I am the princess. I am but a lonely fat girl that needs a friend.”
“And I am a blind stable boy that also needs a friend. We shall get along quite well I think.”
Though he well knew the way, he let Katie take his hand as they walked back to the stables.
“And you will come back soon?” he asked hopefully as she bid him goodbye.
“Tomorrow, if that is all right with you,” Katie answered.
“I shall look forward to it.” Ari grinned as he went back to his work. It had taken a very long while, but his deepest, most personal prayer had been answered. Katie was back in his life.
“Oh, Princess Katherine, wherever have you been? The most tragic news has befallen us.”
Reena’s face showed evidence of tears. She wrung her hands as Katie approached.
“What is it, dear Reena? Please tell me.” Had something happened to her father? Katie could not bear that thought.
“It is Cook. She collapsed in the kitchen just as she was taking a cherry pie from the oven. The physicians have been called. They are with her now.”
Katie clapped her hands to her cheeks in dismay. “Oh my, poor Cook. I do hope she is not still lying on the hard kitchen floor.”
“No, she was able to get up after a few minutes and was helped to her bed. But, Princess, she kept clutching at her chest in the most terrifying way. What are we to do?”
The answer was clear to Katie, but the words coming out of her mouth surprised even her. “We shall pray. Come let us go to the chapel.”
After leaving word with one of the distraught servant girls where they could be found, Katie, Reena and several more of the servants took seats in the tiny chapel located behind the main castle. Katie was startled to think how long it had been since she had entered this place that used to be so special to her. Silent prayers fell from her lips as she stared at the painting of Christ positioned at the front of the room. “Please help her Jesus,” she murmured. “Please lay Your healing hands on our dear Cook and let her be well again.”
Katie wasn’t sure how long they sat in the chapel praying, but when a servant girl softly tapped on the door, she looked up instantly. Had there been news?
“Pardon me, Princess,” the girl stammered. “The physicians are finished examining Cook and are ready for an audience with your father the King. He has requested that you be present.”
“Of course.” Katie followed the girl out of the chapel, and upon entering the castle was ushered into her father’s private library, which he often used as an office.
“My dear girl.” Her father hugged her and helped her be seated near his large upholstered chair where he could hold her hand as they heard the report.
“Show them in.” Two footmen at the door left to do his bidding and a moment later three bespectacled doctors faced Katie and her father. Their faces appeared grim.
“Will Cook be all right?” Katie couldn’t hold back the question, undeterred by proper protocol in a situation like this.
The first man nodded at her, then spoke. “Mrs. Pimigooden is resting comfortably.” Katie stole a glance at her father. If she had ever known Cook’s real name, she’d forgotten it long ago.
“In our opinion she has suffered a mild heart attack.” the doctor continued. “Apparently she has had some symptoms leading up to what happened today, but told no one.”
Katie stared at her hands clasped in her lap. A heart attack? That was serious. Why hadn’t Cook told anyone she was not well?
“What can we do for her?” the King asked.
The second doctor spoke. “Rest is what will help her the most. She must be relieved of all her duties and given ample time to recover.”
“Of course, of course,” the king muttered.
Doctor number three spoke up. “Mrs. Pimigooden informs us that she has a daughter living in Begonshire. She should like to recover there amidst her five grandchildren that she hasn’t seen in quite a long while.”
“I’ll make arrangements for a carriage right away, and see that she arrives safely. She is able to travel?” her father asked.
“Yes, with plenty of rest breaks along the way. See that you employ your smoothest gaited steeds for the task and several footmen that can aid her along the way. A female nurse to attend to her needs will be necessary as well.”
Her father nodded to the footman at his right, who left the room to make the arrangements.
“May I see her?” Katie asked. “I should like to wish her farewell and a speedy recovery before she leaves.”
All three doctors nodded. “She has asked for you, Your Majesty.”
Katie went to Cook’s room accompanied by Reena. With many tears and well wishes, Katie bid her friend goodbye. Cook squeezed her hand. “It is good that this has happened. Mrs. Carrington will make a fine replacement for me in the kitchens. Perhaps she will take care to provide healthier food for you in the future.”
“But Cook, I love the things you make for me.” More tears spilled from Katie’s eyes.
“Alas, my child, not as much as I love watching you enjoy them. I think perhaps once I am gone from here, some of the effects of too many sweets will leave your body. Perhaps you won’t end up as round as me.” Cook patted her own protruding belly. “Do forgive me, my child. What I have done, I have done for love of you, precious girl.”
The servants arrived to help Cook to the carriage. Her bags had been packed and she would leave immediately. “Write to me,” Katie begged. “I shall miss you so much, Dear Cook.”
And with that, Cook was gone. The castle seemed so empty without her. Katie and Reena said more prayers on behalf of Cook and retired for the night after supper on a tray served by Mrs. Carrington. Most of it went uneaten, Katie’s worry over her friend Cook causing lumps in her throat she couldn’t quite swallow.
As promised, Katie went to the stables the next day to visit Ari. He had not heard of Cook’s malady of the day before and was quite disappointed to hear she was gone to her daughter’s home in Begonshire.
“I should have liked to have talked to her again and wished her well,” he lamented.
“We will pray for her and ask that you be given that chance,” Katie answered. And they did. They knelt together in the stable and asked God to bless Cook, heal her and bring her back to them one day.
Ari couldn’t ever remember being this happy. Katie came to the stables nearly every day. Sometimes they just talked for a few minutes. Other times they went for a ride on horseback. Now and then they went for a walk. They moved slowly while Katie watched for obstacles that might trip him or cause him to stumble, but she always held tight to his hand. These were his favorite times. Anything that involved Katie’s touch was a wonderful moment.
Once he asked to “see” her face. She agreed and stood still while he used his fingers to roam over her features, feeling the gentle indentations where her dimples said she was smiling, and swept over her hair feeling the soft curls winding against her neck. That was all it took to convince Ari she was lovely. Absolutely beautiful.
“But Ari, can’t you feel the plumpness in my face. Can’t you tell how fat I am?” She asked it often.
Ari’s standard answer was, “and what has that to do with your heart? Your inner beauty is all I care about Katie, and that I can see perfectly. You are beautiful.”
They grew closer. Ari began to think himself in love with Katie, but he dared not speak of such a thing. She was the princess and he was but a stable boy. And a blind one at that. No, he must keep his feelings of love to himself. It would never do to confess them to her.
And yet Katie continued to speak to him of her wish for a husband, a man who loved her, uncaring of her appearance. The closer they grew in their friendship, the more Katie confided in him about the longing in her heart. Should he tell her how he loved her?
No, it could never be between them. Such knowledge would only serve to put a wedge into their friendship, something Ari treasured. He would not risk losing that for something he could never have.
“Ari, won’t you come to the castle with me today?” Katie’s voice surprised Ari out of his reverie. “My father has invited you to tea in the library.”
“Of course I will come.” Ari was a bit terrified of actually meeting the king and being in his presence, but no one in the kingdom would dare refuse such an invitation. Besides, Ari looked forward to any opportunity to be with Katie. “You are invited as well?”
“Of course. Mrs. Carrington is making some special scones for the occasion. I certainly miss Cook’s pies and cakes, but the food Mrs. Carrington produces seems more wholesome, somehow. My stomach doesn’t get upset the way it did when full of sweets. “
“I’m sure you miss Cook, but that can only be a good thing to enjoy healthier foods. When should we leave?”
“Now, I think. We can take our time with the walk. It’s chilly today, but we’ll be warm enough, don’t you think?”
Ari smiled. “Yes we will.” His heart was always warm when Katie was with him. “Do you know why your father had invited me to tea?”
“I suppose he just wants to meet the man I am spending so much time with lately. He mentioned he would like to commend you for your hard work in the stables, and that in spite of your blindness.” Katie paused. “You don’t mind, do you? Talking about it, I mean.”
“No, not at all. I have long since accepted my fate and learned to live with it. Being blind is simply a fact. I do notice that at times it seems to make other people nervous. I hope your father won’t feel that way.”
“He won’t,” Katie assured him. “My father is very understanding. Kind too.”
“I know,” Ari agreed. “I truly admire his wisdom in choosing a suitor for you.”
Katie put his hand to her face so he could feel her grimace. The gesture made Ari laugh.
“And so do you,” he challenged. “You would not want to be married forever to someone who only wanted your riches or royalty.”
“Yes, my dear friend. Right as always, just like my father. I am in no need of a husband if he does not love me. However, I do fear I will never find a man who loves me for me.” Katie’s sigh communicated her frustration as they walked along.
“He may not be as far away as you think.” Ari dared say no more, but Katie’s hand entwined with his squeezed a little tighter.
It was a good question Ari asked. Katie answered with what she believed was true, but why did her father really want to meet with Ari? Was there some underlying reason besides just wanting to have tea with his daughter’s friend? She would soon find out.
“Come in, come in,” the King called out when Katie tapped on the library door.
Ari’s hand still fastened securely in hers, Katie opened the door. “Hello, Daddy,” she called. “We’re here.”
“And just in time,” came a voice behind her. Mrs. Carrington entered with a tray containing tea and scones, a dab of fruit preserves alongside. “Sit down my loves, and I’ll pour you a cup.”
Katie guided Ari to the small round table with four chairs around it. She pulled one out for Ari, helped him sit, then sat beside him. Her father sat across from her, next to Ari.
“Sugar or cream?” Mrs. Carrington asked as she filled Ari’s cup with the steaming brown liquid.
“No thank you, ma’am,” he answered.
As Mrs. Carrington poured tea for them, Katie watched her father carefully pick up Ari’s right hand, place it in his and then give it a firm shake. “Thanks for humoring an old man by visiting today. Katie and I have taken to having our afternoon tea together, but it surely is nice to have you as our guest today.”
“Thank you, sir, er I mean, Your Majesty.”
Uh oh. Ari was nervous. In fact, if she had to admit it, Katie would confess to being a little nervous as well. She couldn’t be certain why Ari was here.
But as they enjoyed their tea and freshly baked scones with blackberry jam, Ari visibly relaxed as her father expertly maneuvered the conversation to allow him to feel more comfortable. Katie was proud of the way Ari handled his tea cup and plate with the scones just as if he could see them.
“I talk regularly with your father, Ari,” the king remarked. He keeps me updated on the happenings in the stable. Lately, he tells me that my daughter visits there quite often.”
Ari twisted his napkin in his lap, but said nothing. Katie wished she could reply for him, but her father’s comment had been directed towards Ari.
“Um, yes,” Ari finally answered. “It is my joy to have Princess Katie in the stables. She has a special affinity for one of the pleasure riding mares. She and Penelope get along famously.”
Katie’s father gave her a wink. “I suspect there is another attraction for her in the stables other than a horse.”
Ari’s face went beet red. “Daddy,” Katie protested. “Of course I go there to see Ari. We are friends.”
“The king smiled, rather smugly Katie thought. “Katie darling, as soon as you’ve finished your tea, leave Ari and I alone for a bit. I’d like to chat with him privately for a moment.
Ari’s stomach tied in a knot making him wish he hadn’t eaten that second scone. What in the world could the king want to talk to him about that he didn’t want Katie to hear?
Katie’s hand touched his shoulder as she rose and left the room. It was her way of reassuring him. Unfortunately it did little toward that end. Ari waited, trying not to look nervous.
“Calm down, son. I’m really not that scary you know.” Apparently he’d failed at that.
“What did you want to speak with me about, Your Majesty?” Ari was thankful he could smooth out most of the tremors in his voice.
“You like my daughter.” It came out as a statement, but somehow Ari felt the need to answer.
“Of course I do. We’re friends.” Tremors were back.
“But I’m thinking perhaps you’d like a little more than a friendship. Maybe some romance?”
Ari felt his face grow hot again. How did he answer that?
“Never mind,” the king went on. “Be it as it may, I just wanted you to understand that any young man with designs on my daughter needs to know that I will not consent to any marriage where a dowry is expected or required. I love my daughter, but I will give her to no one unless it is for the reason of true love.”
Ari drew a slight sigh of relief. “I know that to be true,” he answered. “Let me assure you my friendship with Katie is not dependent on any thought of wealth or royal titles. I truly like her and enjoy her company. We were playmates as children, you know.”
“I do know, and glad to hear it, son,” the king answered. “I don’t want my daughter hurt.”
“You have nothing to fear from me. I wouldn’t hurt Princess Katie for the world.”
Ari tried to put as much sincerity into his words as he could without giving away his true feelings of love for Katie. If the king knew how Ari, the blind stable boy, had gone and fallen in love with the Princess, he might be run out of the kingdom.
“Another scone?” the king asked.
“No thank you.”
“That’s all then, Son. Pleasure having you here. My Katie’s friends are welcome here anytime. You remember that now.” The King’s chair scooted backwards indicating he had risen. “Give me your hand and I’ll take you out to the main hallway. No doubt Katie is there waiting for us, wondering what sort of man-to-man talk we’ve been having. “
Ari stretched out his hand and felt the King take it in his. “My daughter needs friends, Son. I appreciate your friendship towards her. “
“We all need friends,” Ari answered. “I am happy to be considered among your daughter’s.”
Ari let himself be led out of the room where tea had been served, and soon he was back in Katie’s company, his hand entwined in hers as she led him through the castle.
“What did he say to you?” she wanted to know as soon as they were far enough away as to not be overheard.
“He asked my intentions toward you and made sure I understood about the no dowry thing.” Ari didn’t quite know how Katie would take that, but she only laughed.
“My father is so protective. Of course you already knew about it so you weren’t surprised. I do hope he didn’t embarrass you, though.” Katie continued to pull him
along, either not noticing his discomfort or ignoring it.
“No, not at all. I assured him we are good friends and I’m not looking for any dowry.”
Katie laughed again. “I’m glad we’re friends Ari.”
“Me too,” he answered. And he was. But his heart did ache for a little more, just as the king had guessed.
“Do you think it’s possible to be in love with someone that was first your friend?” Katie posed the question to Reena as she brushed her hair that evening.
“Of course. I have always heard that being friends is important in any marriage.” Reena answered. “My Jackson and I were friends before we ever fell in love. We’re still friends even though we’ve been married almost five years now.”
Katie wanted to confide a little more in Reena, but to be perfectly honest, she wasn’t exactly sure enough of her own feelings that she could go tell someone else about them. Maybe she was falling in love with Ari, or maybe she wasn’t. Tea with her father today had made her think about things that hadn’t really occurred to her before now. Was it obvious to her father how she felt about Ari? Is that why he had asked those questions?
“Are you in love, Princess?” Reena’s question came as a surprise from the unpretentious, soft-spoken handmaid.
“I don’t know,” Katie answered honestly. “I’ve never felt this way before.” Was her heart laid so bare even Reena could read her secret thoughts?
“Forgive me for asking, Princess, but I have noticed a certain change in you of late. I’m not quite sure how to describe it, but you seem happier somehow. I have wondered if your friend Ari might be behind this. If so, I am pleased for you.” Reena continued to brush her hair.
“And you wouldn’t say anything to anyone about this?” Katie knew Reena would not betray her, but she had to ask.
“Of course not, Princess. My heart remains as loyal to you as ever. I am only glad to see you smile on occasion rather than the gloomy sadness that seemed to settle over you after your birthday ball.” Reena laid the brush down. “There’s something else I’ve noticed too.”
“What would that be?” Katie asked, curious as to what Reena might mean.
“You have lost weight,” Reena answered, her brown eyes full of merry sparkles. “It is quite remarkable, actually.”
“You really think so?” Katie was delighted. She had suspected her clothes were fitting looser and that she seemed to have more energy than before, but she hadn’t dared to hope anyone else might notice. Was she really losing weight?
“Oh, yes. Most certainly. Now that you no longer sit in the kitchen every afternoon eating whatever Cook put in front of you, it has really made a difference. That and the fact that you walk to the stables most everyday and get more exercise than you used to. I think Mrs. Carrington’s cooking is having a very good affect on you.”
Katie nodded. “Mrs. Carrington is a wonderful cook and I love the meals she prepares. The vegetables from the garden that she put into jars for the fall and winter taste so good I hardly miss the sweets. And the fruit muffins she serves for breakfast have replaced the eggs and sausage I used to eat every day. I do feel better, too.”
Reena gave her a big smile. “You still have a ways to go, of course, but all the staff has noticed the change in your appearance. Have you heard from Cook lately?”
“Yes, I had a letter from her just a few days ago. She is recovering well and enjoying time with her daughter and grandchildren. “ Katie’s smile disappeared. “She tells me she is thinking of not returning to the castle, but living out her years in Begonshire. I certainly do miss her.”
“As we all do,” Reena assured her.“ Go to bed now Princess. Tomorrow is another day and it will be here soon. Would you like me to help you change into your nightgown?”
“No, I’ll do it. Thank you, Reena.” Katie hoped Reena understood she was thanking her for much more than her offer of help. Yes, tomorrow was another day. Another day to spend more time with Ari.
“How was your time at the castle?” Ari’s father asked that evening as they ate their simple supper of bread and soup. Mrs. Carrington had visited their cabin many times recently, bringing leftovers from the Royal Family’s supper table, always tasty and never sugar laden like Cook had a tendency to produce. Ari wondered again if his father and Mrs. Carrington were even better friends than he’d thought.
“It was quite fine, Father,” he answered. “The King enjoyed tea and scones with Katie and me, then talked to me privately to learn what sort of relationship I had with his daughter and assure me that no dowry was available to her future husband.”
His father laughed. Ari almost took offense at his merriment, but he understood the irony of the blind stable boy and the Princess. He understood it all too well.
“And what did you tell the king?” he asked.
“That Princess Katie and I were very good friends, but that I had no romantic notions towards her.” Ari squirmed at the almost-lie.
“Yes, when I make my bi-weekly stable report to His Majesty, he always asks after you and tells me how he appreciates your friendship with his daughter. He has shared with me as well his decision regarding the dowry. I actually think it very wise. More fathers should do the same.”
“Perhaps,” was all Ari could say. It seemed to him that a father so concerned about his daughter’s happiness in matters of the heart should also be concerned about her happiness in riches – and yet was there really a way to assure both? He couldn’t think what it might be.
The next day Katie came to the stables as usual, though perhaps a little earlier than normal. She told him she carried a basket and blanket.
“Do you want to go on a picnic lunch with me?” she asked. “Mrs Carrington packed some food for us and it’s a beautiful day even though Christmas will be upon us soon.”
True. For early winter the day had dawned brilliantly and an unseasonable warmth penetrated the chilly air. A picnic with Katie sounded most pleasant.
“I should like to,” he answered. “Let me ask my father if it is all right if I leave the stables for a time.”
His father’s voice boomed from behind him. “Good morning Princess Katie. My son is most welcome to accompany you on your outing, though he is good to seek my permission first. We can’t have him slacking his duties, now can we?”
Ari grinned. He knew his father considered it his duty to carry out every whim of the Royal Family, even if it involved giving one of his stable hands the afternoon off.
“I’ll have Penelope and Tuckett prepared,” His father continued, his hand now on Ari’s shoulder. “You two go enjoy the fine lunch Mrs. Carrington made for you and enjoy the afternoon.”
“Thank you, sir. We shall.” Katie’s answer was cheerful and bright. Did she look forward to spending time with him as much as he did?
“Have a lovely day,” his father called behind them as Ari and Katie started out.
“Where are you taking me today?” Ari asked
“How about the old cobbler’s shack?” Katie suggested. There is a beautiful pebble beach just above the creek bed. We can eat there and listen to the stream burbling while we talk. What do you think?”
“Perfect,” Ari answered. He remembered the shack where Cogston the old cobbler used to live. Cogston had been considered somewhat of a hermit, preferring to spend his time alone. He lived on the outskirts of the castle grounds, leaving his house only when he needed supplies or had shoes to deliver per orders of the king. He had been considered the finest shoemaker in the land before his demise several years ago. His shack still stood as a reminder of the old man and his fine, skilled leather work.
“It’s rather a long ride, I know,” Katie commented. “But we have time and I should really like to see the place again.”
“Then we shall,”Ari confirmed.
They rode a long while without talking, but Ari could hear Penelope’s hoof beats just ahead of Tuckett’s. As long as Katie was ahead of him, he would follow. Katie didn’t know that Cogston’s shack was the place he and Tuckett had that accident that rendered him blind. But what difference did it make? The place had nothing to do with what happened and it wasn’t like he could see the spot where it occurred. Old Cogston had been the one to pick him up off the ground, load him in the back of his wagon and take him back to the stables. Ari remembered how frightened he had been that day, not being able to see where he was or what was happening. Old Cogston hadn’t been very sympathetic either.
“Hush that whining back there, boy,” he’d called out from the wagon seat. “Fine pair of boots you’re wearing, son. I must remember to compliment your father on his choice of cobbler.”
Cogston had laughed at his own joke, but Ari hadn’t found it amusing at the time. Today, he smiled. Not so much at the old cobbler’s words, but at his gruff ways and manner that covered over one of the kindest and gentlest hearts one could ever hope to meet.
“We’re here,” Katie’s voice finally announced.
Air feels colder than it did,” Ari remarked. “And the sun is no longer shining as intensely as before.”
“All true,” Katie confirmed. “There is a bank of low hanging clouds off to the north. I do hope we’re not in for a storm, and us so far from home.”
“Do you think we should go back?” Ari asked, suddenly concerned. “I don’t want to risk you getting cold or wet and taking sick because of it.”
“Nonsense,” Katie responded in a flippant tone. “I am healthy as a horse and I’ve brought my shawl in case it’s needed. We can spread our lunch over there on the south side of the shack where the wind is not quite so brisk.”
He could hear her bustling about preparing the spot. “Come now Ari,” she coaxed taking his hand. “Sit down right here. I’ve prepared a plate for you, and when we’ve finished our sandwiches and boiled eggs, Mrs. Carrington packed us a special dessert of dried fruit and hard cheese. It looks delicious.”
Ari sat where she showed him and she thrust a plate into his hands containing a thick sandwich and two peeled boiled eggs. “Would you say a prayer over our meal?” she asked.
“Ari bowed his head. “We thank you Lord for this bounty before us, for Your love and protection over us and for this time Katie and I can be together. Amen.”
They ate in relative silence, enjoying the good food, but Ari felt the wind picking up and it seemed to be growing colder.
“Are you wearing your shawl?” he asked. “It’s getting colder.”
“Yes,” she answered, “a slight concern in her voice. “It’s actually grown quite gloomy. Do you think it might rain?”
“If it does, perhaps we can take shelter inside the shack,”Ari mused. “I suppose no one’s been in there for many years.”
At his words, a few icy drops fell on his upturned face. “Are the horses under shelter?”
“They’re tied to trees just now, but Cogston’s barn is still standing. I’ll see if I can bring them inside.” Katie left the blanket and Ari could hear her footsteps and the hoof beats as she urged the horses inside the ramshackle shed. If it was like he remembered, the building barely stood, but it would keep the animals dry if need be.
He felt Katie’s hand on his shoulder. “We should go inside. The sky looks like it could let loose torrents of rain at any minute.” He stood, took the blanket and food basket she thrust into his arms, then let her lead him through the door of the shack.
It must have been years since anyone was in here. A thick covering of dust settled over everything inside the cabin. Still, the log walls appeared sturdy. Katie tried not to think about what sort of creatures might be lurking in the shadowy recesses of the little four-room building.
“Is there any place for you to sit?” Ari asked. “I don’t want you to grow tired if we have to be here for a while.”
“There are a few pieces of furniture here, but everything is very dusty. Oh, here, let me try this.” A once-white sheet covered the old sofa. She carefully folded it up so as to let as little dust as possible escape. Still, she sneezed at the action. The sofa looked decent enough to sit on. Katie led Ari to it and sat down beside him.
The rain was pounding on the roof now and Katie shivered. “It almost sounds like there might be pieces of ice in that rain. More like sleet. So hard to believe that could happen when this morning was so lovely and sunshiny.”
“Yes, but it is winter and to be expected,” Ari answered. “Maybe we weren’t wise to venture this far today.”
“Perhaps not,” she agreed, “but we’re here now and I suppose we should make the best of it.” Katie shivered again.
“Wrap up in the blanket,” Ari urged her. “Try to stay warm.”
Dare she ask him? Yes, this was about staying warm, nothing else.
“Hold me in your arms, Ari, and wrap the blanket around us both. It will keep us both from shivering in this cold dark place.”
Ari did as she asked with only the slightest hesitation. Katie closed her eyes and tried to memorize how it felt to be this close to him, feel his breath on her cheek and his fingers travel up and down her spine. She had never felt warmer.
How long they sat there like that, listening to the pounding rain, Katie couldn’t have said. What she did know was that she didn’t want it to end. But the rain began to lessen. Should they try to leave now?
“We’ll wait a bit longer, I think,” Ari mused as if he knew her thoughts. No sense in getting wet to go with the cold if it’ll stop completely before too long.”
Katie nodded against him, then lifted her head to look into his eyes, forgetting for the slightest moment that he couldn’t look into hers. The motion brought their faces close and Katie drew in a gasp as Ari’s lips touched hers. The slightest yet most sensual touch she had ever felt.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered.
“No,” she begged. “Kiss me again.”
He hesitated. He must think her wanton. But then his lips found hers again, and Katie experienced her first real kiss, something she had dreamed of but never thought would happen.
Oh, the joy, the tingles, the feelings that poured through her lips to his and back again. It was like nothing she’d ever experienced. She wanted to keep kissing him forever.
But Ari pulled away. “We mustn’t, Katie.” His voice was ragged.
“Why not?” she silently pleaded with him to understand how she wanted this, how she was realizing emotions within her she didn’t know existed.
“Because you’re the Princess and I’m just the stable boy,” he whispered, longing evident in his voice.
“But Ari, I love you.” Katie could hardly comprehend those words came out of her mouth and yet there was no doubt she meant them with all of her heart.
“And I love you, my sweet Katie.” Ari kissed her once more. “But I must forget those feelings and so must you. “
“Never,” she vowed. Now that this was spoken between them, she would never, could never, forget the sweet kisses and words of love.
But Ari rose from his seat on the sofa, shaking the blanket from his shoulders. “Put things as you found them and go get the horses. I’m sorry I can’t do that for you.”
“Ari. . .”
“Please, Katie. Don’t make it more difficult than it is.”
She did as he asked. The cold sleety rain had all but stopped and the sky was clearing. Katie guided his foot to the stirrup and Ari mounted Tuckett. Glancing back, she made sure he followed and headed back towards home, torn between wanting to stay with him longer and wishing to be alone in her room where she might cry in private at his rejection of her love.
The ride back was silent except for the clopping of hooves beneath them. Once they reached the stable, Ari’s father and Katie’s father both came running out to meet them, calling to them in voices filled with relief.
“You’re back. Praise God. Did you get caught in that storm? We were so worried about you.”
“We are fine,” Ari assured them. I believe Tuckett and Penelope will be glad to get a nice rubdown and a bucket of oats, though.”
“Yes, Ari took very good care of me. We were at Cogston’s shack and it made a good shelter while the cold rain fell.” So much more than shelter, but she couldn’t think about that now. The last thing Katie wanted to do at the moment was let her father or Ari’s see what must be radiating from her expression. Love, confusion, disappointment, joy. It was all so mixed up. She needed to go home and think about what had happened.
“Will you take me home now, Daddy?” she asked.
“Of course my dear. The carriage is waiting.” Her father helped her dismount and then took her arm.
Carriage? She would prefer to walk. It was such a short distance and her body felt cramped and miserable. She allowed him to lead her to the carriage surrounded by six footmen who rushed to open the door for her and help her be seated. Such a silly waste of time and effort. But such was the life she was born to. Such was the life she would live. Live without Ari, the poor stable boy. At that moment, Katie felt her heart break in two.
If only he hadn’t given into his emotions and kissed Katie. But Ari had and now he had to live with the consequences. And what were to be those consequences? Katie hadn’t come to the stable for three days now. He missed her terribly, yet was also glad, for what would he say to her? Would they act as if the kisses they shared had never happened, never mention them again? Should they talk about it and clear the air between them? Most of all what of their confessions of love for each other? Ari didn’t even know how to think about that. And yet, he couldn’t stop thinking about it either.
There was nothing to do but wait. He couldn’t go to the castle and ask to see Katie. He rehearsed in his mind what he might say if he did, but that was an exercise in futility. He thought about sharing what had happened with his father, but remembering the way he had laughed when he mentioned the king’s warnings to him, Ari decided it was best not to talk about it.
That evening Mrs. Carrington came to their door with something for their supper. Ari heard her talking to his father in low tones, but didn’t pay attention until his father called him to the supper table and suggested they have a talk.
“Mrs. Carrington tells me that Princess Katie has taken to her room and not come out for the past three days,” his father told him. “Her father is perplexed and worried.”
“Is she ill?” Ari prayed his fears about Katie becoming sick from their cold and wet ride hadn’t become reality.
“No, she is fine. Just prefers to keep to herself it would seem. This has been going on since the day you two were caught in the storm. Do you have any idea what this could be about?”
Ari shook his head. “No, but I am concerned for her.”
“Yes, so are we all. The king has asked us to attend the Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow evening in the castle. He is in hopes that our, or rather your presence will entice the Princess to leave her room and dine with us. I have accepted the invitation.”
Ari’s hand froze, the fork halfway to his mouth. Christmas? The castle? Would Katie come to the dinner table to see him or was he the reason she’d withdrawn? There was no way to know. He must go with his father to dine at the castle tomorrow, come what may. He would do some intense praying between now and then. What would God have him do?
By the time Ari and his father arrived at the castle, Ari knew what he had to do, but he was nervous. Nervous enough to be considered fearful, perhaps terrified. His father had no idea of his plans, but Ari would carry them out regardless.
Mrs. Carrington met them at the door and showed them to the large table in the huge dining room. The table could have easily accommodated a few dozen people and it felt strange to be one of just three occupants. Yes, the king informed them that Katie had not arrived for dinner even though she had been told of the plans to entertain Ari and his father. It was what Ari had expected. Even Christmas could not change her mind.
Dinner proceeded, a delicious meal prepared and served by Mrs. Carrington. Again Ari noticed by the conversation and movements around him that Mrs. Carrington tended to spend more time hovering at his father’s shoulder, ready to serve him extra helpings or keep his water glass full. There was something between them, Ari was almost sure, which made what he had to do just a bit easier.
As they finished dessert and were lingering at the table with cups of tea or hot coffee, the King once again chose to voice his apologies for his daughter’s absence. “I don’t know what’s gotten into her, the king was saying. “I thought sure the prospect of dinner with you folks would bring her around.”
Ari’s knew this was his chance. “Pardon me Your Majesty, but it is possible I might know why your daughter refuses to leave her room. Might I be so bold as to request private audience with you so that we may speak of this matter?” Ari’s voice was shaking. His hands were shaking even worse. Nevertheless he was determined.
“Certainly,” the king answered.
A bell rang and Mrs. Carrington’s voice answered immediately. “Yes, Your Majesty. What can I get you?”
“Nothing but company for our friend Arman here. Sit with him and keep him company while the young lad and I adjourn to the library.”
“Yes, of course.“ Ari almost smiled imagining the expression on his father’s face just now. Did he have any inkling of what Ari was about to say to the king? Or was he so enthralled over Mrs. Carrington’s ‘company’ that he really wasn’t wondering about it at all?
Ari felt the king’s hand on his shoulder so he stood and let the older man take his hand. He was led to what seemed to be the same room he’d been in when he and Katie had tea with her father. A fitting place for the discussion that would take place.
Ari breathed a prayer for courage and the right words to say, then he opened his mouth and began.
Katie couldn’t decide what to do. She wanted, no yearned to see Ari. And after all, it was Christmas. Should she consent to having dinner with them? But now that she understood how much she loved him, his words telling her that it could never be left her wavering between sadness and anger. Who was Ari to decide who she could love? She would be happy living in a hovel if Ari was there. They could set up housekeeping in Cogston’s old shack and all it would take to make her ecstatic about living there was having Ari beside her.
Who cared about being poor? All Katie cared about at this point was Ari. She wanted to taste his kisses again, hear his words of love. How could she convince him that riches did not matter to her?
Perhaps she should have gone down to dinner. Ari couldn’t see that her eyes were red from crying, but he could hear the love in her voice when she spoke to him. Maybe they would have a chance to be alone, a chance for her to reason with him.
But she stayed away for the same reason she’d stayed away from the stables the last three days. Ari had to come to his own realization that he loved her enough to at least ask her if she would consider being poor with him simply because he couldn’t live without her. And if he didn’t love her that much, well then, she’d best know it now. She pulled the bell string by her dressing table.
After a soft tap on the door, Reena entered. “How may I assist you, Princess? Will you consent to a supper tray being brought to you? Perhaps I could help you dress and arrange your hair so that you could yet join the guests at the holiday table.”
“No, no, none of that.” Katie reached for the hand of her faithful maid. “Sit down with me, Dear Reena. May I confide in you?”
Reena nodded. “You know you may tell me anything and I will never breathe a word of it to another soul without your leave to do so.”
“Yes, I do know.” And with that Katie proceeded to tell Reena the whole story of what had transpired that day at the Cogston cabin while the rain and sleet hammered down outside. She left nothing out including the feel of Ari’s kiss, their confessions of love and the awful moment when Ari told her they could not be together because of their stations in life.
“And that is why you’ve been hiding in your room the last few days?” Reena’s words were gentle with no hint of chiding in them.
Katie nodded. “I haven’t been able to face the thought of life without Ari, and I guess I have been hoping he would feel the same way.”
“And if he does, what is it that you expect him to do when you will neither visit him in the stable or come to the table when he is in your own home? How is he to communicate his feelings to you?”
Surprised, Katie looked at her friend and almost laughed. “You know, you’re right. I’ve left him without options. He can’t even have a letter sent to me without asking someone else to write it for him, and he would never betray me like that. Perhaps I’ve been wrong to avoid him. But Reena, what if he doesn’t feel the same? What if I see him and we talk and he tells me we have no future together? Why should his answer today be any different than it was three days ago during the storm?
“Perhaps his answer will not change, but wouldn’t you prefer to know? Wouldn’t it be better to let him feel your love for him in your touch, hear it in your words, and let him make his own decision? If he can live without you, then you don’t need him. If he can’t, you want to show him that you are willing to give up wealth and royalty for the sake of love.”
Reena’s words contained great wisdom and truth. Katie couldn’t run any longer. She had to face this, whatever the outcome.
“Then yes, Reena. Find something festive for me to wear and see what you can do with my hair. I need to go downstairs and be with the man I love.”
Ari wasted no time with pleasantries but got right to the point. “Your Majesty, I am very much in love with your daughter, and I believe she loves me too. With full understanding of her lack of a dowry, I respectfully ask you for her hand in marriage, should she consent to accept a poor man such as me.”
Again, Ari wished he could see the expression on the face of the one who heard his words. He waited in tense silence for the king to answer.
“Granted.”
It was one word. Only one little word, but it made Ari want to jump and shout. Now if only Katie would have him. If only he could find a way to see her so that he might ask for her hand and her heart.
The bell rang and someone entered the library. “Yes Your Majesty?”
“Albert, my daughter’s presence is required this instant. Find her maid or whomever it takes, but tell her the King wants her here immediately and I will not accept any more refusals on her part. “
“Yes sire.” The door closed again.
“If I may, Your Majesty, I should like my father present when I ask Katie to be my wife.” Ari wondered if the king even heard him as there was no response, but then the bell rang again.
“Fetch Arman Higdon from the dining room. Mrs. Carrington too, if she’s still there.”
“Right away your Majesty.”
Ari started shaking again. If he had been nervous asking King Philip for Katie’s hand in marriage, asking Katie herself was terrifying. Would she come to the library as summoned or would she refuse? What if she didn’t come? What if she did?
The library door opened again. Who was it? Father? A servant? Katie?
“All are here now, Ari,” King Phillip said. “You may proceed.”
Where was Katie? He didn’t even know what direction to face.
“Princess Katie?” His voice sounded hesitant, even to him.
“I’m here Ari.” He heard her cross the room, stop in front of him and take his hands in hers.
Ari lost no time in sinking to one knee, trying his best to focus his eyes where her face might be. “Princess Katherine of Cresthaven Moors Castle, daughter of His Majesty King Philip, I am but a humble stable boy, poor and of no social status. My eyes are blind, but my heart is full of love and devotion for you. I have received your father’s permission to ask you to be my wife. I wish I had more to offer you, but what I do have, my heart and my love for you is yours. Will you marry me, Katie?”
Katie couldn’t have been more surprised or more filled with joy. Her hands shook in the firm hold of Ari’s, but her words did not falter.
“Yes, Ari Higdon. I will marry you. I will gladly become the wife of a poor man that I may spend the rest of my days by your side.”
The room filled with shouts of joy and celebration, but Katie was oblivious to everything but the man in front of her. He rose to his feet, took her in his arms and kissed her soundly. Then he embraced her, holding her tight in his arms, yet with gentleness and love.
The man she loved with all her heart was to be her husband. It was all she’d ever dreamed, ever wanted.
“But where will you live? There is not room for another person in our small cabin,” Ari’s father asked. “Perhaps I should move out and live in the stables until such time as a new cabin can be built.”
Katie didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to oust her father-in-law-to-be from his living quarters, but neither did she want to begin her married life in his two-room cabin.
Her father cleared his throat. “I believe I have a solution to that dilemma.” She watched those gathered around her and Ari as all eyes turned to the King. She loved her father, but at this moment, the moment he had finally granted her desire for a husband who loved her, she hoped he might at least offer them a small sum with which to start out their married life. Surely he could relent just a little.
“I have a confession to make,” the king went on. “For several years now I’ve entertained many young men, in this very room, each seeking my daughter’s hand in marriage. I have made it no secret that my test, if you will, to learn who truly loves my precious Katie, is that I offer no dowry for her marriage. Until this day I have never had a man still wish for the marriage once he learned of that condition.”
“It has always been my hope that a man would love Katie for who she is, not for riches and honor. Now she has found that man and I am pleased to say that although Katie goes into this marriage with no dowry, I shall bequeath my fortune and my crown upon her husband. As long as I am alive, young Ari will be afforded all the privileges of the only son of the king, and at my death, my throne passes to him.”
Katie couldn’t quite believe what she’d just heard. Her father had this planned all along, but never told a soul until she had found the man who held her heart. She would have Ari and her royal life as well. One day she would be Queen.
She left Ari for a moment to wrap her arms around her father. “I love you, Daddy,” she whispered to him, heart full.
“And I love you my child, more than anything. I hope you understand. I had to be sure you would both consent to nothing just to be together before I could give you everything.”
She nodded, too overcome by emotion to speak. Ari’s father brought Ari to them and the King included him in their embrace. “God’s blessings, my children.”
Katie’s wedding day the following spring was all she ever dreamed it would be. The dressmaker had outdone herself, pleased that Katie had decreased more than three sizes since her birthday ball. Standing at the front of the chapel with Ari, Katie felt almost pretty for the first time in many years. Her gown of lace was beautiful and Reena had tamed her hair into a lovely coil filled with fresh white apple blossoms from the orchard.
They spoke their vows with only a few family members present, but later there would be a huge party on the front lawns of the castle with the whole kingdom invited. Katie had never been happier, and she knew Ari felt the same. If only he could see all this.
But no, it was best this way. She wasn’t a beautiful bride, she still cursed the fat that seemed to cling to her body, but Ari couldn’t see it. He swore he didn’t care and Katie believed him. Still, it was a small relief to know her husband didn’t look upon her flaws.
Ari’s father had asked Mrs. Carrington to marry him. There was to be a ceremony in two month’s time to wed the couple. Arlan would stay on as head groom and Mrs. Carrington, soon to be Mrs. Higdon, would remain as head cook. Katie was glad as she had come to love them both.
Today would be a day she would never forget. And tonight. . . well, Katie had a feeling tonight would be unforgettable as well.
Ari held his new wife in his arms and didn’t care if sleep ever came to him that night. It had been a grand and glorious day. Katie lay sleeping beside him after his first opportunity to show her how much he loved her with all his body, heart and soul. Never would he stop giving thanks to God for all He had blessed the poor blind stable boy with.
He gently touched Katie’s face. She was beautiful. He knew she was. He softly caressed the tresses of hair laying against his bare chest. He imagined their lovely auburn coloring and the way it set off her jade green eyes and soft creamy skin. He tried to picture how she had looked in her gown of white lace as she stood beside him and pledged her life to his.
King Philip had given him Katie’s mother’s wedding ring, which he had put on Katie’s third finger during the ceremony. His own mother had not had a wedding ring, but his father assured him they had been blissfully happy together. If only his father’s upcoming marriage would make him as happy as Ari’s had made him.
One day Ari would be ruler of this kingdom. It was a great responsibility, but he looked forward to it. Until then, King Philip would mentor him, teaching him the ways of a fair and just monarch that reigned with the well-being of his people always at the forefront of his purposes.
Perhaps one day he and Katie would have children of their own. A son that would grow up to also be king. Ari sighed from utter bliss. God had truly blessed him.
Next Christmas Eve:
“Would you like to go riding today?” Ari asked Katie as they lazily lingered in bed early one morning.
“Yes, that would be lovely.” She kissed him on the end of his nose. “Unless of course you’d like to just stay here all day.” He loved it when she teased him like that.
“As tempting as that sounds, my beautiful princess, I believe we must get up and show our faces about the kingdom. It is Christmas and a gala has been planned for this evening. It would be rude of us to miss the party.”
“Alas. Yes, I suppose you’re right.”
Ari laughed knowing Katie was as excited about tonight’s festivities as he was. They planned to announce the upcoming birth of their first child due to arrive in early summer. Ari couldn’t wait.
“Let’s go riding then,” he urged her. “Penelope and Tuckett need the exercise. You think you and the baby will be all right?” Ari tried to make sure Katie remained as healthy as possible while she carried their child. She wasn’t showing yet, but he was looking forward to the day when he could first feel the gentle rise in her belly that meant their child was growing there.
“Of course we shall be fine and I should love to go riding.” Katie hopped out of bed and began to ready herself for the day. Ari followed suit.
After a light breakfast of toast and fruit, they made their way to the stables. The horses were saddled and bridled for them and soon they were on their way. They had decided to ride to Cogston’s cabin again. They hadn’t been there since the day they were caught in the storm.
“Perhaps we shall be caught in a storm again.” Ari teased as they rode along.
“And if we are do you promise to hold me close and kiss me over and over until the storm ends?” she teased in turn.
“I promise to hold you and kiss you silly whether we encounter a storm or not,” Ari responded. “I do hope Mother Elizabeth has packed some of her apricot jam to go with our biscuits today.” Both Katie and Ari called the previous Mrs. Carrington Mother Elizabeth now that she was married to Ari’s father.”
“I’m sure I saw her put some in the basket,” Katie assured him. “As if she doesn’t have enough to do with getting ready for the party tonight.”
It was such a glorious day to be bantering back and forth, riding in the cold air and sunshine, and anticipating the party to celebrate the holiday.
Upon arriving at Cogston’s shack, Katie spread the blanket on the ground there under the trees where they would eat their lunch. Appetites soaring, they delved into their picnic basket to find fresh biscuits, the coveted apricot jam, along with crunchy sugar snap peas and a bowl of juicy red strawberry preserves from last summers produce.
“I’ll go get us some more water from the stream,” Katie said picking up the leather cask they both drank from.
“No, you stay here and rest. I’ll get the water,” Ari told her.
“But. . .”
“Don’t worry,” Ari insisted. “I can hear the creek. It’s not far.”
Katie laid back down and upon his return Ari lay down beside her, holding her in his arms and showering her with kisses just as he had promised.
“We’d best go back a little early,” he finally told her. “We will need to bathe and dress before the party tonight.”
Katie agreed and they picked up their blanket and basket. She helped Ari into Tuckett’s saddle and off they went towards home.
As they rode along, Ari enjoyed the gentle breeze, the sweet scent of the orchards and the lilting sound of his wife’s voice as she sang to him. What could be better than this?
Just then Tuckett stumbled. Ari, in his relaxed position in the saddle, could not stop himself as he was thrown unceremoniously over the horse’s head. The last thing he remembered before the world went black was Katie’s shrill scream and smacking his head on something hard and sharp.
Katie jumped off Penelope and leaving her ground tied, ran back to where Ari had fallen. As fate would have it, there were some large stones in the path and Ari seemed to have hit his head against one of them. A cut on his forehead oozed bright red drops of blood. He lay motionless and silent.
Oh why hadn’t she been paying attention? She could have warned Ari about the stones. He could have been ready to catch himself when Tuckett’s foot stubbed against one of them. Now what should she do?
The brook still gurgled nearby. Katie yanked the ascot off from around her neck and ran to the water, soaking the cloth, then ran back to Ari, holding the cold wetness against the cut on his head, all the while pleading with God to help her. To help her beloved Ari.
“Ari, darling Ari, please wake up,” she begged. They were still too far from home to call for help. If she rode there to bring help back for Ari, it would mean leaving him alone while she was gone. What to do? What to do?
“Oh Ari, I love you so much. Please wake up.” She kissed his lips, still holding the cloth to his forehead.
Wait, was that movement? Indeed, Ari was stirring. “Wake up, oh please wake up,” she whispered. “Wake up my love.”
Ari’s eyes opened and he smiled. “Hush sweet Katie. I am fine.” He closed his eyes and opened them again. He sat up, though Katie tried to push him back into a prone position.
Ari turned his head right and left then seemed to look directly at Katie. His eyes moved up and down from her head to her feet and back again, quite as if he saw her. A grin split his face.
“What is it, my darling? Are you hurt? Shall I go get someone to help you?” Katie was almost more frightened by the broad grin spread across Ari’s face at a time like this than she had been by his unconsciousness.
“Katie, my dearest, I am fine. Don’t worry yourself.” Ari took her hand in his, allowing the ascot to fall to the ground. “But do tell me, my love, why you have been insisting you are fat and overweight when you have the most beautiful figure I‘ve ever seen?”
“ I. . .well. . . I know I’ve lost a lot of weight this past year, but. . .”
Katie stopped here unable to utter another word. “Ari – can you – is it true?”
He hugged her tight. “Yes my love. I can see again. I can see.”
That evening before all their guests, Ari and Katie made two announcements. They told everyone in attendance of the miraculous return of Ari’s sight, a real Christmas miracle, and of the anticipated arrival of their first child. The crowd of people cheered and rushed toward them to hug and congratulate them.
But Ari pulled Katie aside, away from the throng and kissed her quite as if there was no one in the room but them. “I love you, my beautiful, lovely wife,” he whispered in her ear.
Katie smiled and kissed him back. “and I love you my darling Ari, my very own miracle sent from the heart of God. Merry Christmas, my love.”
