“Cora, ondine are exceedingly rare. I only know of a handful.” Fynn answered.
“There’s something about you, a glow?” Dorian proposed. “Maybe the way you smell is a little different. I could tell right away that you weren’t some common mer.”
“I can’t even do anything special besides sleep really well.” I said sarcastically. “And I had to have help falling asleep today so…” I gestured to myself, “super impressive.”
“There’s more to it Cora.” Fynn began when the car stopped.
“Main entrance is fairly crowded with partygoers, should we go around the back?” The driver asked.
“Yes.” Fynn and Dorian responded in sync.
“I still don’t see why he even wants to talk to me. Let alone why I had to come here to do it. And I think a party sounds fun. As long as no one is trying to magic me.”
“There are some things that need to be discussed in private.”
The driver took us away from the bustle of cars and crowds and around to a quiet entrance free from the commotion of the party. There, men in formal attire greeted Fynn with little more than a nod and the three of us headed inside, the driver or someone else left to gather our luggage. The castle was aglow in light as we walked down the stone corridors. Fynn led the way turning this way and that with confidence. Dorian hung back, a few steps behind me as we walked. They were quiet now. Their joking and light behavior gone for the moment. They seemed more like security guards than friends. And I wondered, were they trying to guard me? From what?
As we turned yet another corner we were met by a strong looking man in a suit and an athletic woman dressed in a revealing red party dress.
“Hello Fynn.” While Fynn didn’t respond to her I could hear Dorian from close beside my shoulder.
“Hi Ell. Enjoying the party?”
“Always.” She answered but kept her eyes on Fynn. “King wants you to bring her in.”
“I’m surprised he even knows we’ve arrived. I thought he’d be a little distracted with his party.”
“As if you could pass through the barrier without him noticing. And besides, it’s not a business meeting, it’s a party. He wants her as a guest.”
“Does he think that’s wise?” Fynn spoke with unusual tension in his jaw. I wanted to speak for myself, but I still didn’t understand what was going on.
“He feels it will provide excellent cover for the future. And what’s more, it wouldn’t be much of a party if you weren’t performing.”
“Is that what he said?” Fynn remained stiff, but here Ell smiled.
“I don’t think it will matter much once you’re in there. Too many eyes will be on you for you not to perform.”
“We’ve been traveling all day; we’re not really dressed or ready for a party. Let alone a performance.” Fynn hadn’t relaxed, but Ell seemed content that she had won and began to walk toward me. She reached an arm around mine.
“No worries I’ll get our little princess ready.” I looked to Fynn, startled. Would he stop her? He took a step closer to my open side and spoke into my ear.
“You’ll be fine with Ell. She’s my least favorite person here, but she’s not a threat to you. Do me a favor and don’t give too much weight to what she says. She has some authority here, but… just get ready quickly and I’ll meet you in there. Stay close to the big guy, he’ll keep you out of trouble.” He looked at Ell again, his black eyes menacing. “No detours. And keep your opinions to yourself.”
Ell gave a sarcastic pout, wrapped her arm around mine more tightly and led me away at a brisk pace. She sighed loudly.
“I feel better already, how about you?” She patted my arm. “What a poor escort for someone such as yourself. Don’t you worry, I’ll take good care of you from here on out. And we can avoid the rabble.” She seemed genuine and I was genuinely confused at her change in attitude. Whatever she held against Fynn; she didn’t seem to hold it against me. In a moment we were in an elegant dressing room with large mirrors and bright chandeliers. She led me to a large wooden wardrobe.
“You’ll have to forgive me. I had so little time to prepare. For some reason I wasn’t informed of your arrival until you practically walked ashore.” She threw open the doors of the wardrobe to a glittering assortment of dresses. “I wasn’t even given your size! But don’t you worry, we’ll have you elegant in a snap.” She ran her hands across a variety of dresses that made me feel more nervous than I had since we arrived. If she wanted to dress me like she was dressed, I would never leave that room. It had taken Zoya weeks to get me to wear anything that favored form over function. I still preferred my one-piece swimsuit at the beach. If Ell’s dress was any indication of how she planned to dress me, I would die of embarrassment if Fynn ever saw me dressed like that. She looked me over slowly from top to bottom, assessing my shape. She landed on something white and simple looking and I took courage. No sequins at least.
“Try it on.” She handed me the dress and looked on eagerly. I looked around for somewhere to hide while I changed.
“Um, I’ve been traveling all day.” I tried to be inconspicuous as I sniffed to see if I smelled bad from the trip.
“Oh, ha!” She clapped one hand over her mouth. “You smell unusually pleasant for the travel, but if you insist. I’ll have to ask that you hurry.” She led me to a door at the back of the room, inside of which there was a shower surrounded in clear glass with three different jets coming from the ceiling and six coming from the wall. The room was walled in stone like the rest of the castle. A large mirror lined the opposite wall, above a deep vessel sink. The floor of the shower was paved in river rock. Thick towels hung on rods and a plush robe hung next to the shower door. Ell seemed proud of the display and smiled as she gestured to the room.
“Everything you need will be in here. Please avoid the temptation to take your time.”
“Right.” I answered as I entered and closed the door behind me. As if I could rush this. Still, I tried, for Fynn’s sake. Stepping under the shower that felt like my own personal waterfall I felt a faint stirring in me. Part of me felt like I belonged here. In my own personal waterfall. It almost hurt to turn off the hot water. What could be more pleasant than this, really? Once I was out of the water, it was easier to hurry. Ell approached me and she seemed to want to dress me herself, but I made it clear that I could and would be dressing myself, without an audience. The dress was an off-white satin with a bitted bodice and a high neck, it opened at the waist in pleats that were reminiscent of a fish tail, the dress came to just below my knee and I was relieved. This I could do.
“Perfect!” Ell had practically cheered as she went in a flurry to fuss around my hair. My hair hung in loose waves after my shower and I manage to convince Ell that one glittery barrette holding back one side of my hair was sufficient. It was a strange turn of events, this woman who had seemed so scornful in front of Fynn was now so doting in front of me. I wondered that she had frightened me at all.
“Let’s not keep them waiting.” Ell said flourishing her hand toward the door. Outside the door was the large dark-haired man standing stiffly, he didn’t speak, but followed behind silently as Ell led the way down the hall. I felt strangely nervous now. A sense of déjà vu coming over me as we walked down the hallways, following Ell as she led the way. I remembered my first night at Oran’s castle and the ball there, and the charity ball back home, they had seemed so far away, but now they were brought to the front of my thoughts.
Would this be like either of those occasions. With the charity ball I had been working, not participating, hardly having the time to catch a glimpse of the real party. At Muria Castle I had attended the ball the first night, and while I was able to dance, I wasn’t heading to speak to some king. At the time I hadn’t even realized Muria Castle had a prince. I ran may hands down the soft fabric of my dress, trying to calm my nerves. Ell practically bounced as she walked, as if her high heels were as easy as bare feet. I liked the way my heels made my legs
look, but I was certain that I would be begging for a pair of sandals in no time. I looked eagerly around every turn for some sign of Fynn, without success.
“Which way is Fynn’s room?”
Her tone showed a hint of annoyance. “Don’t worry about him, we’ll see him soon enough. I’m sure.” Her dark hair bobbed as she walked briskly ahead of me. I couldn’t help but to be impressed with her speed and elegance in those heels.
The sound of music grew louder as we walked, a woman’s voice carried through the stone hallways. Topiaries with white flowers lined the walls now, intricately carved wooden chairs and side tables decorated the occasional nook. We entered a large foyer. The ceiling was easily three stories high with an ornate crystal chandelier sending sparkling light down on the walls and flower arrangements. Ell slowed and looked back at me for the first time. The music slowed as the song came to an end.
“Ready?” She asked with a twinkle in her eye as she took my arm in hers. To anyone else we would have looked conspiratorial as she leaned in a mischievous smile on her face.
“I guess.” The music started up again and a man began to sing with a vague familiarity. I really wished that Fynn were with me, I hadn’t planned to be separated from him. I had relied on the idea that he would lead me through all of this. As it was, I didn’t have much of an option and I wasn’t going to let it get to me. I stood a little taller and smoothed my hands down my dress. Lifting my chin ever so slightly, I let Ell lead me into the ballroom.
The enormous ballroom opened out onto a deep balcony where the band was set up. The room was lit with warm candlelight from chandeliers and wall sconces. Carved wooden chairs surrounded two walls and to my left stood a raised platform on which sat three thrones. Of the three heavy wooden thrones only the center was occupied, and this by a man who appeared to be of middle age. My cheeks flushed uncomfortably. I had never seen a man of his age who was so beautiful. I felt embarrassed to find him attractive. It must be Oran’s father. Clearly looks ran in the family. The man’s sandy blonde hair was long and pulled back in a loose ponytail at the nape of his neck. I felt like I ought to look away instead of in his direction, his beauty was intimidating. He sat comfortably watching the partygoers spin around the room.
I turned my attention to them as well. Well-dressed men and woman spun and glided around the room. I had a brief memory of the dances I had attended in school, how silly the dancers looked in my memory by comparison. My eyes followed a spinning couple as they moved toward the balcony and my eyes settled on the man singing there. He was dressed in a fitted gray dress shirt that was left open at the top and black pants. The sleeves of the shirt were rolled up, flattering his strong forearms. His brown hair was smoothed back in a way that I had never seen on him before, but I knew his black eyes in an instant. Fynn.
His eyes were on me, had been on me, since probably before I spotted him. A vague recollection teased at my memory. A different place and time, but the memory of him like this was there. Singing in front of a crowd of fawning women. And not just the once, more than once. Could it have been him? Back at the gala as well as at that first dance at Oran’s castle? I was unaccustomed to seeing him like this, but the more I stared the less doubt I had.
Beside me Ell scoffed.
“Yes, I guess he’s good at it, but that doesn’t change anything.”
She drew up her eyebrows, annoyed at my watching him. I only turned to see her face for a moment, I wanted to watch him. I felt my face lift in a smile as I stared. What was he doing? Why had we never talked about this part of his life before? I didn’t want to look away, but Ell was there, tugging me gently away. Toward the king. My attention snapped back as I realized what was happening. The intimidating beautiful man. The king. I felt certain that it was wrong to think about how nice he looked. I searched for anything to look at that wasn’t him while we walked toward the king. The empty throne to his side was my best bet. My chin was still held high without the risk of uncomfortable eye contact. The problem with this was that I wasn’t aware of his reaction to seeing me.
As we drew close to the throne, I found the courage to look up again. The kind was looking down at me with a warm smile.
“Welcome, Cora Reed.” While his greeting was friendly, I was left confused as to how I ought to behave. I didn’t really know how to curtsy. Bow? I settled for nodding my head slowly.
“Your highness.” That was right, wasn’t it? That was how one ought to address royalty? I had given so little thought to being respectful or showing deference to Oran in the time that I had known him and I was feeling ill prepared. Maybe I shouldn’t start now. Ell had taken a position standing to the right of the king on the podium.
“I trust Fynn got you here without incident?” I only nodded, still unsure of how to behave. “And what do you think of my party?”
“Everyone seems very elegant.” I looked over my shoulder and caught sight of Fynn again. “I’m fond of the music.”
The king gave a wry smile. “I’m sure you are. He’s immensely popular these days. Are you given to much singing?”
“I’m not.” A spark of panic fluttered in my stomach. He wouldn’t expect me to sing up there like Fynn, would he?
“Pity. Though I’ve heard you have other useful abilities. We can discuss those tomorrow, for now, enjoy the party. Please dance and mingle.” It felt more like an order than a request, yet I stalled.
“I was given the impression that mingling wouldn’t be in my best interest.”
“My son is not in his right mind and is overprotective at present. You needn’t worry. And beyond that, I am confident that for your sake going forward it will be advantageous for you to get to know as many people as possible, my dear.” I turned and looked out at the crowd and all of the unfamiliar faces. How was I supposed to casually go and join them? I turned back to see Ell speaking into the king’s ear, he nodded and looked again at me. “Forgive me Cora, I apologize for not realizing this sooner. You should have been announced, but you came after things had already gotten started. As you’ve never been introduced into present company, allow me to help you get started.” He looked out into the throng of people and making eye contact with a black-haired young man he made a slight gesture of his hand and the man was quickly standing beside me.
“Jack, I would like to introduce you to Miss Cora Reed, great-grand-daughter of her majesty.” My eyes widened in confusion, staring agape at the king. What was he saying? “Please help to introduce her to present company, I am confident you will take excellent care of her.” Jack made a small bow, a fist to his chest and turned to face me, a comfortable smile on his face. He extended one and to me and asked, “Would you do me the honor of this dance Miss Reed?” I glanced quickly at the king and Ell. Ell looked encouraging and the king looked contented.
“O-of course.” I answered returning to look at Jack. I placed my hand in his and he led me out to the center of the dance floor in a smooth motion. Without hesitation Jack began twirling me gracefully around the dance floor. How easy it was to dance with someone who knew what they were doing. He spun me back in to dance in a closer position and began to speak, still gliding gracefully around the room.
“When did you arrive at Cainhorn Palace Miss Reed?”
“Oh, just in the past hour or so. I really wasn’t prepared for this.”
“That is difficult to believe, Miss Reed. You look perfectly put together.” He scanned my appearance, more in assessment than anything else.
“Well, thank you. I had help.”
“Naturally.” He smiled and spun me out again. I didn’t feel that there was anything natural about an able-bodied girl in her twenties needing someone to get her dressed. Bringing me back in close he spoke again. “I was unaware that her highness had any living relations beyond her daughter. Is Zoya your,” he paused calculating, “grandmother?”
I made mental calculations of my own. What was this man saying? I had never considered that Zoya’s mother might be alive, had n
ever thought that I might have a living relative older than my own deceased grandmother. My head spun connecting the dots.
“No,” I finally answered, “Zoya is… was my grandmother’s sister.”
“I see.” He dropped his gaze thoughtfully, still sliding gracefully across the dancefloor. We had moved around the edge of the room and were now nearing the balcony side where Fynn stood singing. I tried to catch a glimpse of Fynn while we spun past. Had he known? Of course, he had. Why had he never said anything? His eyes were on me as we passed, a hint of concern as I spun away, and I tried to give him a confident smile over Jack’s shoulder. Jack had looked up again and followed my look.
“Would you like me to introduce you when he is available? I am at your service Miss Reed.”
“Just Cora, is fine.” I smiled. “And I already know Fynn. We arrived together.”
Jack’s eyes narrowed, and he looked again at Fynn and then me, making some further mental calculation. The song ended and Jack extended a hand to lead me away from the dance floor.
“Would you care for anything to drink or eat Miss Reed?” He led me over to tables covered in an assortment of deserts. Three tiered cakes, tarts, scones, pies, pudding, cookies, individual servings of colorful fruit cups, my mouth watered. Beyond that were other tables with more savory options. I decided I was in fact hungry, but before I could respond a throat cleared behind us. Jack and I turned to see a man with broad shoulders and a well-trimmed beard.
“Jack, would you do me the honor of introducing your companion?” The man’s blue eyes sparkled.
“With pleasure, Alec, this is Miss Cora Reed, personal guest of his majesty and near relation to the queen.” I wondered if he had already forgotten what the connection was or if he was trying to keep it simple. “Miss Reed, this is Alec Roen, captain of his majesties royal guard.”
“Nice to meet you.” I sputtered, again wondering if I should learn how to curtsy.
Then We Fly Page 13
