“You’re welcome. You should go get ready for tonight’s celebrations. You haven’t much time.” I shook her off with a laugh.
“How right you are. Luckily, I have many ladies now to ensure I’ll be prepared with haste.” She paused and pulled something out of the pouch tied to her waist. “I almost forgot, I meant to give you this on your birthday. I never got the chance because of what happened with Grandmother.” From her hand dangled a shiny golden necklace with a pendant on it.
I accepted it from her and examined it. “Addy, it’s most beautiful!”
The pendant was in the shape of a heart with a sun etched upon its surface. At its center sat a bright red ruby.
“I’m glad you like it. I think it symbolizes the love we hold for one another.”
“’It’s perfect. Thank you.” I squeezed her in another embrace.
“You’re welcome. Now, I really must go find my ladies and prepare for the night.”
“Yes, I’ll see you downstairs.”
She gave me one of her winks as she slipped out my door, closing it behind her.
Alone in my room, I clasped the chain around my neck and slipped it under my collar. What a thoughtful gift. I would it cherish forever. I thought of my promise to Adelaide and closed my eyes, feeling a weight suddenly rest upon me. Of all she could have asked of me, she’d asked the toughest thing.
At least by her side I would be able to ignore the peers of the realm.
I double checked myself in the mirror and headed downstairs.
Colourful flowers decorated the dining hall, giving off the most wonderful aroma, an ode to life itself. The vibrant outfits donned by the people of Solis added to the delightful scene. A gentle harp song played in the background while the attendees talked casually with one another.
I observed silently from a corner until Peyton approached me. “Lady Zephyra.” He bowed his head.
“Good eve, Lord Peyton. How are you faring?”
“I am fine, thank you, and yourself?”
“Well enough. I’m coming to Noctis, if you haven’t already heard. I’m sure Adelaide—err—the queen already informed you.” It was going to be hard for me to remember to call her by title whilst in the company of others. I turned my face toward him, ending my observation of the crowd.
His eyes widened. “Truly? No, she hasn’t. I’ve hardly seen Adelaide—the queen—since the passing of your grandmother. She’s been much too busy. Tell me, what’s brought upon this decision? I know you love to spend that night at the Temple.”
“Oh…” I paused, biting my lip. “I’m sure things will settle down and you’ll see more of her. It was actually she who asked me to attend Noctis. She said she wants me by her side, and who am I to refuse the queen?”
He laughed, sensing my sarcastic sense of humour, and brushed his flaxen hair back with his hand before clearing his throat. “I’m glad you’ll be by her side. I fear she’ll be in danger of other possible suitors trying to take her hand.”
I frowned. I knew he wouldn’t be allowed to sit next to Adelaide, but for him to fear her choosing another suitor was silly. “But she loves you. And she wouldn’t take someone’s hand so easily—not without being courted first. You have nothing to fear.”
“Be that as it may, she also loves her kingdom, and if someone were to give her an offer too great to refuse and charmed her enough to make her believe she could grow to love them…” He didn’t finish that thought.
“You can set your mind to rest. I shall indeed be there, and no other man shall get close to her on my account.”
That earned me a grin. “You’re too kind.”
About to respond, my breath caught suddenly, and I forgot everything. Adelaide stepped into the hall, flanked by her ladies. She floated across the room as the herald announced her. She wore an exquisite dress of emerald green. Its square neckline showed off her slender neck, and the fitted bodice with its golden beads pushed up her bosom in a way that made me wonder why I’d chosen my own gown for its modesty. She wore her golden locks half pinned up, while the rest tumbled down her creamy shoulders and back. Upon her head rested a golden tiara inlaid with rubies and emeralds. As she hadn’t yet had her coronation, she wasn’t to wear the kingdom’s crown. Even so, her queenly title suited her. Her pink lips in a straight line, she sat down at the head of the table in a golden chair with a seat of red velvet; the one our grandmother used to sit in.
She spoke in a voice loud enough to carry, but still as sweet as bells, “People of Solis! Welcome. Please be seated.”
We followed her command and made our way to the long, rectangular table, covered with rose coloured linens and sparkling crystal vases.
Peyton, who couldn’t peel his eyes off Adelaide, accepted a chair beside me and Aunt Faya.
Adelaide began her speech. “People of Solis, tonight we celebrate life. We celebrate happiness. Though death has cast its dark shadow upon our kingdom, the light shines through once again, consuming that shadow. I hope I will be as good a queen as my grandmother was. And if any of you would ever like a word with me, I would be happy to receive you by appointment. With that said,” she paused for effect before smiling so brightly it lit up her elegant features, “let us eat, drink, and be joyous!” She raised a glass of ale, and we followed her lead.
“To the queen!” the hall boomed as glasses clanked, and ale was downed.
We consumed our delicious meal thoroughly, and the ale flowed throughout the night. Light-hearted conversations swirled around the hall. Many told funny stories of times past, whilst others, myself included, listened with contentment. After dinner, a bard told us the life tale of Queen Jelena. What a grand tale it was, bringing a smile to every face in the room. Afterward, the musicians took up a light, bouncy melody, and most people found a partner to dance with.
I stayed on the sidelines, as usual, and watched.
I kept my eyes on Adelaide, watching her dance with some short fellow with curly auburn hair, when Peyton found me again. “May I have this dance, Lady Zephyra?” Desperation shone in his eyes. He’d been subjected to share the love of his life with others. I found I couldn’t refuse him.
“Why yes, Lord Peyton, you may.” I offered him my hand. He treated me like family. I could offer him a temporary distraction from his sorrow.
As we moved to a song played with fiddles and tambourines, he noted to me, “Adelaide has danced with five different gentlemen so far…”
“Yes, but none of them are you. Why haven’t you asked her for a dance yet?” I asked him in disbelief.
“She said we need to keep our distance from each other until she’s crowned.”
“Tsk,” I tutted in disapproval. “Our laws are ridiculous sometimes. ’Tis but only a dance,” I added. “If she’s been accepting others requests, it’s appropriate for you to dance with her too. In fact, she’s probably hurt you haven’t yet asked her.”
“Do you really believe so?”
“I do.” I tilted my head down to show him I meant it.
“How foolish of me,” he laughed nervously. “I’ll ask her for the next one.”
“Good. How has your night been otherwise?”
“Fairly pleasant, except I’m distracted by thoughts of Adelaide. I’ll feel easier once her coronation has taken place.”
“As will I,” I agreed. We danced on, laughing here and there, almost stepping on each other’s feet by accident a few times, until the song finished.
“Thank you, Zephyra.” He bowed his head and released me.
“Off with you.” I shooed him away with my hands.
I watched him approach Adelaide and saw her face light up. I smiled to myself. I felt sympathy for him. Watching his lover from a distance… pretending not to be her true suitor, even though they obviously were together before my grandmother’s death, it couldn’t be easy. I supposed it was just as hard for Adelaide. I thanked Celestia for the millionth time that the crown fell to her and not me. To be queen offered no freedom at all.
Alone again, I took the opportunity to retire to my chambers. I’d had enough celebrating for one night.
Chapter 9
Adelaide convinced me to visit the seamstress to fashion me a new gown for Noctis.
“And what colour were you thinking of wearing, milady?” she asked, inclining her forehead.
“On Noctis De Celestia, we wear white,” I said with my chin up, repeating the words Gisela once spoke to me.
The seamstress wrinkled her nose. “White? That’s no colour at all. Surely, it’s not a colour of the sun.”
“Oh but it is. It’s the lightest of all colours, the colour of Celestia—and the colour I always wear on Noctis.” My eyes sparkled with defiance, daring her to deny the fact.
She sighed and dug through her fabrics. “If you truly must. Silly royals, I say. Aha! Here we go.” She pulled out some white lace, which shimmered as it hit the candlelight. “This will go nicely over some plain white silk, I think.”
“Yes! Oh yes, ’tis perfect!” I exclaimed with glee, very pleased with the fabric.
“I’ll add some gold and rubies to accent it. Yes, I can picture it in my head. You’ll definitely stand out.” She patted my shoulder, speaking those last words into my ear.
“Oh…” I was at a loss for words. While I wanted to wear white, I didn’t wish to draw attention to myself. Unfortunately I had no choice. I had to wear white. “Perhaps you can make it quite modest then?”
“Nonsense! Leave it to me. I have your measurements. Come the day before Noctis so we can ensure no adjustments need to be made.”
I sighed, resigning. I knew arguing with her would prove pointless. The seamstress was as stubborn as a mule. “Gratitude, Madam Seamstress.”
“Of course. Let yourself out. I must get to work.” Her wild, silver-streaked flaxen hair bounced with her as she bobbed a quick curtsy before she turned her back on me.
I slipped out the door and scrubbed my hand over my face, both nervous and excited about the gown she’d create.
As promised, I waited outside the seamstress’s door the day before Noctis, voices murmuring from within the room. The door opened, and Adelaide emerged with one of her ladies.
“Zephy! Here for your fitting too, are you?” she beamed.
“Why yes, actually.”
“I daresay, Madam Seamstress has magic fingers. She’s created me an extraordinary piece for the night,” she exclaimed with rosy cheeks and a big smile.
“Wonderful! What does it look like, if I may ask?”
“It is a surprise, dear cousin.” She fluttered her lashes at me and laughed. “What does yours look like?”
“It is a surprise,” I repeated her words.
“That’s what I thought.” A dazzling smile lit up her face. “You best get inside and see Madam Seamstress. She’s an impatient woman, that one.”
“Right you are. Good day, Your Majesty.” I bobbed a quick curtsy.
“Oh please.” She rolled her eyes.
I chuckled and pushed the seamstress’s door open.
“There you are! I have much work to do today. Come, come. Stand over here. I’ll bring out the dress.” The seamstress waved me over with one of her plump hands.
Though short with soft curves, she was one of the most intimidating women I’d ever met. I did as she bade me, waiting while she disappeared to the back of the room. I stared at my reflection in the mirror placed in the middle of the room. My body no longer looked awkward and lanky. I was taller than many of the women at Solis, but I had the womanly curves that men desired instead of the sharp edges of my youth. I wrinkled my nose at my fire red hair.
As I continued to contemplate my reflection, the seamstress came up from behind, holding my new gown in her hands. I turned around and gaped in awe as she held up the stunning dress of white silk with gold ribbon sewn on its edges. Over the skirt was a layer of the shimmery-white lace we’d chosen, and down the bodice, a row of red rubies sparkled.
“Don’t just stand there and gawk at it. Try it on.” She pushed it toward me.
I shook myself and did as she ordered, disrobing down to my undergarments before stepping into the gown and turning around for her to tie the stays. “It is most wonderful, Madam Seamstress, but—are you sure it is not more exquisite than the queen’s own? It would not be acceptable for me to out-dress the queen.” I bit my lip. I didn’t want to offend her.
“Psh,” she waved a hand in dismissal, “of course not. What do you take me for? I would be blamed if you outshined her. The queen’s dress is as exquisite as yours—even more so.” She smiled to herself, nodding, as she complimented her work.
“Very well. Oh!” I spun around, looking at my reflection in the mirror. “It fits perfectly!”
“Here, put this on.” She handed me a sheer white shawl to wear around my shoulders. It complimented the gown perfectly.
She eyed me with approval. “There, that should do. You did say you wanted to be somewhat modest.”
“’Tis lovely,” I replied. The dress did accentuate my bosom more than I would have liked, but what could I say? She had done a marvelous job. As modest and hidden as I liked to remain, I was still a woman, and I was pleased with my new gown.
“I’m pleased you like it, milady. Now that we know it fits, I must see to the other ladies. So if you don’t mind, I would ask that you take the gown off.”
“Yes, Madam Seamstress.”
She assisted me with undressing and helped me back into my peach day dress.
“I thank you kindly for this new gown. It is an amazing work of art.” I smiled at her, touching her hand to show her my appreciation.
“I enjoyed creating it, milady. I’ll have Awyn bring it to your chambers on the morrow.”
I nodded and left her to her next customer.
Two more ladies awaiting her services giggled and whispered to each other as I walked away. I felt instantly sick to my stomach. Are they whispering about me? I could only imagine. Having stayed away from the celebration for so many seasons, they probably speculated I would be attending Noctis tomorrow night with me visiting the seamstress on this day. Gossip around the palace spread like wildfire, but I’d hoped my attendance would go unnoticed until the night of. I hated being someone of high status. All I wanted was a commoner’s life that no one else cared about. Perhaps I should be careful what I wished for…
Chapter 10
Awyn pulled tight the laces on the back of my corseted bodice until I could barely expand my lungs.
“I can’t breathe,” I managed to choke out.
“’That’s the price of beauty, my lady.” She grinned at my reflection, tying the laces in a bow. “There. You look wonderful!”
Indeed, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. Adelaide’s gift rested between my collarbones. I had paired ruby droplet earrings with the delicate necklace… Awyn’s advice. They caught the light as I moved my head, causing them to glimmer. My hair was in curls and twists and pinned up elegantly. I used the powder that was fashionable among ladies to whiten my face and colouring from rose petals to redden my lips. I looked like a woman in her prime. Too bad I didn’t feel as confident. Anxiety dug its claws in deep. Perhaps I could pretend it away.
“Here. Rub this on your neck and wrists.” Awyn handed me a bottle of lavender scented oil.
“Thank you, Awyn. Are you sure you can’t attend the celebration tonight?” I asked her with a pout.
“Oh no, my dear, I’m going to have a nice meal with some of the other handmaidens who have stayed at the palace, and then I’m going to the Temple to give my thanks.”
“I envy you. Would that I could go to the Temple—”
“Hush now,” she cut me off. “Tonight you may give your thanks to our goddess by celebrating in her name and by being there for our queen. I shall be asleep when you return from the great hall. I will set out your night dress for you. Do you think you can manage on your own for tonight?”
“Yes. Thank you, Awyn.�
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“Good. You should be on your way. You don’t want to be late, lest you make a scene.”
I certainly did not want that, so I heeded her words and headed for the great hall, my silk slippers soundless on the stone floor.
I came upon the doors to the great hall. Two guards noticed me and opened the grand doors to the hall to allow me entrance, both bowing as they each held a door.
This time, I entered without my parents, and my name was announced solely.
“Lady Zephyra Caldura! Daughter of Mirrabel Caldura and Lucian Caldura, cousin of Queen Adelaide,” the herald boomed.
Heads turned as I descended the staircase.
My cheeks warmed, and I forced myself to focus on the room instead of the people it contained. Outside of the sun-shaped window, rays of light beamed in, casting a golden ambience throughout the whole hall. I noted the deep red linens covering the tables scattered with golden dishes and candlesticks. To the left side of the room sat a large dais decorated with intricate celestial moons, stars and suns—a platform for the throne and three other chairs perched in front of a rectangular table. I smiled inwardly, knowing I’d claim one of those chairs.
I turned around to find my mother standing with a couple of other ladies of the realm. Her piercing green eyes bore into mine before she put her nose in the air and turned her back. I wondered if she was shocked I’d finally decided to go back on my promise to her that I would never attend another Noctis De Celestia celebration. Or mayhap she was jealous that the queen favoured me. I shoved her from my mind, wondering where my father was.
As if he could hear my thoughts, he appeared at my side with his mistress. “Zephyra? I thought I’d heard you were attending the celebrations this spring. I hadn’t believed it though.” I hadn’t spoken to him since my grandmother’s death ceremony.
His mistress excused herself, leaving us to chat up another lady.
“The rumours were true. Here I am.” I grinned and then added, “I only came for Adelaide. She basically begged me to come after Grandmother’s death.”
The Elemental Diaries - Complete Series Page 8
