Cats Triumphant Read Online Free Page B

“The promenade of welcome is over. Come and change into your feast dress.”
    Briar Rose picked up Marco in her arms and followed her godmother with alacrity into the White Tower where her chambers lay. Bruno and Humberto trotted along behind. “I’ve never seen such beautiful things, nor had so many dresses to wear. I hardly know what to do.”
    “People will always tell you what to do,” Marco said, nestling close to her sweet-smelling hair. “It’s knowing what is proper for you to do that is difficult.”
    “So what is proper for me?” Briar Rose asked, as violet-clad Lavinia and blue-clad Nocila helped her out of her cream-colored day dress and into the deep red feast gown.
    “You are to marry a prince, and live happily ever after,” Marco said, playing with the laces of her bodice before Daffodil snatched them out of his claws and pulled them tight around the girl’s waist. The fairy godmothers finished fastening her dress and laid a crown of gold on her gleaming hair. Bruno looked up at her adoringly.
    “You are so beautiful,” he said.
    “Every detail perfect,” Humberto squeaked. “This will be your night of nights.”
    Briar Rose knelt and impulsively gathered her three furry friends into her arms. “If anything would happen tonight to change our friendship, I would die,” she cried.
    * * *
    On a fanfare of trumpets, Briar Rose sailed into the great hall. Everyone at the open square of long trestle tables rose and bowed as she passed. The girl’s eyes shone as she beheld the brightly-colored tapestries and hangings depending from the rafters. Bunches, garlands and swags of roses decorated every table. Sweet scents and delicious aromas filled the air. Two gigantic sugarwork subtleties showing the princess as a flower nymph and as a queen enthroned in glory stood at the high table. Her father the king, whose long oval face and sweet, noble expression she had inherited, stood to the left of an empty chair with a high, carved back. Her mother, whose golden hair and large blue eyes were echoed so faithfully in her lovely daughter, stood to the right.
    The three godmothers flitted along just above the floor to the head table. Their fellow fairies were seated in tall gilded chairs to the left of the king and his courtiers. Briar Rose curtsied to each one in turn. Marco saw the gaunt Black Fairy, Desdemona, her ebony cloak spread out around her like a filmy shadow. Briar Rose paid her an obeisance as she did to all the others. Marco went on guard as soon as he saw Desdemona. She paid him no mind, having as little respect for animals as she had for humans.
    “Your majesties!” Daffodil announced as they came to the center of the grand table, her high voice pitched to reach every corner. “We are pleased to present your daughter, the Princess Briar Rose!”
    Cheers and applause burst out throughout the room. The king and queen stretched out their hands. Blushing, the girl circled the table to take the seat of honor. As soon as she sat down, the room quieted.
    “Let the feast begin!” the king announced.
    Jesters and jugglers bounded out of the side halls to begin their capers in the empty square at the center of the room. Servers pushed in, carrying heavy platters of the finest meats and breads, pies and vegetables, fruits and salads. As soon as they’d stuffed a few chunks of meat in their mouths, Briar Rose’s suitors made excuses to approach and speak to her. A few, Marco observed, were rude enough to try and offer proposals of marriage on the spot. The king looked like thunder, but the girl had been well prepared by her guardians.
    “I am honored by your offer,” Briar Rose said to each with cool sweetness, “but I must say no at this time. You must give me time to get to know you before I decide.”
    Some of the princes took the refusals like gentlemen, but others glared openly at her. Marco noted who might be trouble later on. He kept close watch, vowing that nothing bad would happen to her