For Mary

Chapter Two

Chapter Two: The Odd Broach Out

The ball would be held at the end of the week, leaving one week after before Decebal’s birthday, meant for deciding, celebrating and preparation. Having only one week to prepare for such a lavish event had the entire castle in a frenzy. Plans of food, decorations and music had to be made. The actual food, decorations and music had to be prepared. A guest list had to be written. Invitations had to be sent out. However, while the staff was practically spinning in their shoes, Wilbur was always calm and collected, for he was truly the puppeteer in all the madness.

Prince Decebal made a point to be unreachable during this week. Daily he snuck out of the castle in commoner dress and spent hours in the local market, surrounded by his unsuspecting subjects.

On the third day of this week of planning Wilbur managed to catch Decebal right before he left for the day. He was determined to involve the Prince. It was his own ball after all! Wilbur asked the Prince to find a small gift he could mail with the invitations. “A wearable pass to the ball, if you will”. Decebal did as he asked, but only because it didn’t require him to remain in the castle for the afternoon.

The market was bustling on this day. The sun beat down on the bright red bricks that made up the center of the Kingdom. It was full of carts, venders and vibrant colors. Anything could be found from spices to perfume, fish to fruit.

Moving past a cart lined with fish and hanging geese, Decebal came upon a cart laid out with small dried flowers. Picking one up he discovered they were brooches. He ran a finger across the beautiful, violet petals. A bright yellow piece caught his eye and he reached out for it.

Decibels heart stopped in his chest. Raising his gaze, his eyes locked onto what could only be an angel. Her raven hair encased her neck and shoulders in curls and her green eyes shone bright through her curtain of bangs, wide and enchanting.

They had both reached for the bright yellow brooch, hands grazing for only a moment. She backed away with apologetic eyes. It was clear she did not realize who he was and Decebal felt his body relax with ease. People tended to act unlike themselves when in his royal presence and he couldn’t bare being lied to by such an angel.

Bowing politely, but deliberately in a clumsy manner, Decebal introduced himself to the young woman as Dius, a baker visiting his mother. He explained that he had stopped at this stall to pick up a gift for his sweet mother before arriving at her small cottage right outside the kingdom.

The girl politely curtsied, nimble for a peasant, but she did not offer her own name. Decebal, groggy from her beauty, asked if she liked the yellow brooches or the violet ones better. The young woman simple stared at him with her large eyes, suddenly filled with sadness and a touch of frustration. Her lips were pierced, but it not in anger it seemed.

Suddenly it dawned on Decebal and he felt not only foolish but crude. “You cannot speak can you?’ His question was both sad and gentle for not only did he pity her, but his own ears as well. He knew that someone as lovely as her must have had a beautiful voice to match.

The young woman shook her head with a soft smile. She picked up the yellow brooch and held it up, her eyes suddenly vibrant. She looked to the brooch, nodded and handed it to him, making it very clear of her preference.

Decebals face was now painted with joy. This girl could not speak a word to woo him and yet he was captivated by every smile and gesture. Remembering his duty assigned by Wilbur Decebal asked her to wait a moment. He then bought a violet brooch for each of the invitations and one yellow brooch. The shopkeeper eyed him in a sly way, but he made sure to pretend he hadn’t noticed.

Once the sell was complete Decebal turned back to the woman. “May I give you a gift?” The fair woman nodded, her lips bent ever so slightly in a shy smile. She allowed Decebal to pin the yellow, flower brooch to her dress and bowed her head in thanks.

“Please don’t be startled, but I lied to you. I am actually the Prince. Prince Decebal.”, Decebal explained, “This is an invitation to the ball at the royal palace. Will you go?” He tried to hide the pleading in his voice, but no begging was needed. At first her eyes had widened in slight surprise, but they settled.

After a very short look of reluctance the girl nodded and curtsied before making her leave. Decebal stood by the cart for a moment more, watching her in wonder as she moved on to other stalls. After a few looks from the broach seller he caught the hint and headed home, light-headed with glee.