Katherine must court

Princess Katherine rushed from her room. Her maid bowed her head, then smirked after Katherine was gone. She decided to shadow the princess and enjoy the curse she was under. How she would love to watch if Katherine the great, Katherine the cruel was brought low! She waited a few moments, then silently trailed after Katherine.

Katherine, unaware that her maid was nearby, rushed to the great hall. Court was being held, and she had told her father she'd be available to him. The king was not someone you'd want to displease, his temper was legendary. As the oldest daughter, she had the greatest responsibility she knew. Her husband would probably one day sit on the throne, and she intended to run things when that happened! That meant networking with all the nobles and lords, earning their favor, or if that failed their fear.

She was on her way to court when her father's vizier appeared coming the opposite way.

"Princess Katherine!" He said. Normally Katherine barely noticed the vizier. Today was different however. He was the first man to see her, and she instantly became nervous. What if he noticed her girdle, or the looseness of her top? What if he noticed the changes to her body? For the first time in years, she became nervous and tongue tied before a man.

"Yes? Uh.. what? What do you want?" She stammered, fidgeting with her top.

"Your father just sent me to get you." He said. "The Prince of Amberily is here. He just asked your father to court you. The royal family of Amberily would be a powerful ally. Your father wants you to meet the prince, see if you like him. Try to keep him pleased, though your father will of course leave the choice of suitor to you."

"Oh." Was all Katherine could muster. Why today of all days? The vizier led her to the garden. There, waiting eagerly was the prince of Amberily...