Story Time!

Author's Note: This is an excerpt from my 13,000 word story, with 

which most of you are probably somewhat familiar. Please comment, 

critique, criticize - anything that will contribute to the story's success. 

Thank you, and enjoy. 

When they reached their destination – the king and queen’s rooms –  
Katie was released and allowed to wander the sitting room while Helena  
went to find King Griffyn. When she returned not two minutes late,  
Katie’s father was at her side. The king was tall like his wife, and  
he had a beard and head of hair that was black streaked with silver.  
His eyes were pale blue, and they seemed to penetrate Katie’s soul as  
she resolutely returned his fierce glowering.
“Father,” she said with sarcastic respect, as she rose and curtsied.
He did not reply, merely crossed his arms and frowned. He seemed to be  
much larger, and (though she hated to admit it) more intimidating than  
Katie remembered. She clenched her jaw and folding her arms in  
mimicry, if only to try to convince herself that she wasn’t frightened.
“Your recent behavior has been deemed unacceptable.” He said in a low,  
dangerous tone.
“By whom, Your Majesty?” Katie was really pushing it. She knew her  
father was already angry, but it was just so tempting to be a pain.
“SILENCE!” He roared. “Do not speak until I command you to do so.” He  
was practically trembling with anger. Katie inhaled quickly and  
stepped back, defeated.
“Your recent behavior has been deemed unacceptable,” he growled,  
speaking louder now. “Naturally, the ideal consequence would be  
expulsion from the kingdom. Regretfully, we are not authorized –“ he  
hesitated and Katie knew he was thinking about Lord _______ and the High  
Council. “- to preform such an act. However, we have been permitted to  
confine you to your chambers until said behavior is amended and any  
conflicts resolved. You may now speak.”
“Okay,” Katie said, treading cautiously with carefully-chosen words,  
“May I inquire to the validness of a matrimonial act between myself  
and Prince Zachery, if such a consequence is instated?”
“Said matrimonial act will proceed, minimally affected by… absence of  
the betrothed.”
“And my lessons?”
“All regular events in which the princess partook would be terminated.”
Katie nodded curtly.
“May I be excused?”
King Griffyn frowned again, and then rang for a servant to escort her  
to her room.