“I thought we agree to be inconspicuous?” she teased when she saw me approaching her.
I smiled, “Nobody ever comes out here.”
We talked that day about her life back at Coastal City and about her parents. The way she talked about her home made me feel that I wanted to go there as well. She would sometimes asked about my own father and mother but I only dismissed the idea, and I saw on her face that it pained her when I refuse to talk about them.
“Maybe I could find a way for us to visit your home someday,” I willingly offered.
It made her so enthusiastic, “Really could you do that?”
I smiled, “I could try but I must confess that it’s going to be hard.”
She became excited that she suddenly hugged me. I was startled but the way she held me, her sweet scent, and her closeness overpowered me.
She quickly released me realizing that what she did was just a spur of the moment, and she composed herself, smiling and said, “Inconspicuous.”
My business with the Protectors continued. There would be a time that I would go with them to the villages. They still use force when searching and interrogating but I was there to make sure no one got hurt badly. Sometimes Captain Furlong would join and we act around each other like nothing happened before but it didn’t mean I had respect for him, I only needed to be here and be the eyes and ears for the Defiers. Protectors heavily patrolled the villages and towns ever since the explosives were found in the abandoned barn, but it was necessary despite that it meant more guards and patrols. I was at the First Village making sure the Protectors did their job. It was then that I saw a villager stare at me in disgust. He probably thought I was helping the Protectors, I was not mad at him though, I only felt pity. If he only knew that I was here for them. I was approaching Mr. Conolly’s house and two Protectors stood guard at his front yard. The village especially this house had lost its warmth and welcoming aura since the Protectors arrived. I went around to the barn and I was searching inside the stable and sure enough Mr. Conolly was there raking the hays.
“Mr. Conolly,” I called from behind him almost in a whisper.
Mr. Conolly turned around and was not surprised that he saw me. He wiped the sweat on his brows with his hand and silently motioned me with his head to follow him. We went further inside the barn and stayed in a corner where stacks of hay hid us.
“My Lord, this is too dangerous,” he warned in a hushed voice his face still flushed red from his work.
“This was my only chance. So are we all set?” I inquired whispering.
He didn’t answer but I saw the apprehension on his face.
“What’s the matter?” I asked sounding worried.
“It would be quite hard or even impossible my Lord now that the Protectors have doubled the guards,” he hesitantly explained.
“I’ll deal with it. That’s what I am here for. Tell the Defiers to push through, let me handle the rest,” I assured him with firm confidence.
He only nodded.
“Good! Take care my friend,” I said sincerely.
“Thank you my Lord.”
We dispersed to our separate ways making sure no one saw us as I returned to the midst of the Protectors.
CHAPTER 9: The Game
ELAINE
It has been confusing for the past couple of days. Curtis had been friendly of late and I had no idea what changed him but I didn’t mind it though, it felt uncomfortable at first but then having a friend was never a bad thing especially when I needed someone to talk to. I admit I was starting to enjoy his company and he made me happy sometimes, but I was ecstatic when he said he would try to find a way for us to visit home. That would be a day I would be looking forward to, and it was then when I decided that Curtis was actually a good man. When he told me he was a Defier, it was the farthest thing from my mind that I thought he would say. An Elite a Defier? Nothing like that had ever happened, not even in the history books. It was immensely impressive and the thought of it was overwhelming, and it had to be Curtis. He being a Defier spoke so much about his character, he had all the comfort and luxury and yet he risked everything. All his life he was living in the shadows of Andrew and his estranged father, then he finally stood up for himself and I wanted nothing more but to join him because the idea of creating change for the greater good was exhilarating.
I was staying alone in the Parlour one day enjoying my afternoon tea and biscuits placed on the coffee table in front of where I sat while watching out the window staring at the sky and the trees. Then Curtis suddenly appeared, I noticed lately our paths would meet more often than before but I welcomed his company. He was smiling when he approached and I smiled in return. He took a seat beside me as we shared the couch and a footman served him his tea. We sat there silently for a while admiring the view from outside when he spoke out of nowhere.
“So Ellie….” he began to say but stopped midsentence suddenly looking concerned, “Can I call you Ellie?” he stammered unsure of himself.
I giggled, “Yes you may.”
There was relief on his face, “How was your day?”
I shrugged, “Nothing special.”
He was grinning, “You seem bored. There must be something you want to do,” he paused, “How about something you were curious to try when you were a Beta but couldn’t?”
I was beaming and thinking then I finally said, “Well, I always wanted to try chocolates. I never tried them before. Where I came from, some people would give anything for a taste.”
Curtis chuckled, “You never had chocolates?” he said in disbelief.
“Ummm.. No. Chocolate is a luxury we couldn’t afford back home.”
His smile broadened, “Then we shall have all kinds of chocolates delivered to your chambers every night,” he declared merrily.
“Oh no that’ll be too much and too expensive,” I stated.
“Nonsense! Do you see all the useless valuable arts we have around here in the manor? I don’t think spending on chocolates would matter much,” he jested and laughed.
I laughed with him, and Curtis waved at a footman who was standing silently nearby and he hurriedly approached us.
“Please have someone deliver all kinds of chocolates to the Lady’s chamber,” he ordered grinning.
“Yes my Lord,” the footman obliged, bowed then left the Parlour.
As soon as our laughter died down, we both reached at the same time for a biscuit when our hands accidently brushed against each other. The moment we touched I could feel myself suddenly becoming alive, like a bolt of lightning was running through me. We stayed like that for a while staring at each other. I felt myself blushing and was confused of what was happening but I didn’t want to take my hand away just yet. Then I felt nervous and pulled my hand away quickly when I realized the footman was returning. We sat there silent like nothing had happened while we tried our best to hide our look of bewilderment and delight. The footman stood in front of Curtis unaware of what happened.
“My Lord, a letter for you,” the footman formally presented it to Curtis which he accepted, and then he bowed then stood at the corner.
Curtis opened it, the envelope had two contents, an elegant looking card of dark gray color that glittered and shone, and a small note. I saw a seal and it was a head of a Ram at the back of the card when Curtis read it at the other side. His face lit up as his eyes scanned through the words then after that he read the small white note that came with it. He finally looked at me elated by what he just read.
“What is it?” I curiously inquired.
He briefly laughed, “Ambrose had been matched, and we’re invited to the ceremony” he excitedly announced.
My face dropped when I heard what he said. It was not because Ambrose was matched but because it meant I had to go to another ceremony then a banquet would follow which I never had the desire to relive that agonizing event full of Elites.
“And guess what?” Curtis continued excitedly holding the small note up, �
��The Crowned Prince would be there.”
I groaned, the Crowned Prince was heir to the throne and a Sovereign. If the Prince was going to attend then the banquet was going to be extremely extravagant and more superficial Elites were going to be there.
“What’s the matter?” Curtis face became worried when he noticed my expression.
“I can’t go to another banquet, it was hard for me then and it’s going to be harder for me in such a larger setting” I anxiously objected.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be there with you this time,” he tenderly assured me.
“But we will be the laughing stock of everybody. This has more intimidating people, and I was not made to attend such lavish party at this magnitude,” I explained further worried of our fate.
Curtis sat there without saying a word. I hope he understood what I meant and that I didn’t ever want to go. I was uncomfortable with his silence until he finally spoke.
“I have a plan,” he calmly declared, “I know the Elites are going to be talking about us at the banquet especially about you. Yes they will test and intimidate you, asking you questions or fishing for your opinion until they will find a flaw in you.”
His words were not helping or comforting me at all and it only aggravated my fears.
“But….” he continued, “instead of cowering and fearing to be judged, let them judge you then, but you’re going to impress them. Catch them off guard, they won’t be expecting it.”
“Impress how?” I asked confused.
“With everything you already are. Your charm, your beauty, your strength, and the advantage that you are different from them. You were Beta that rose to the ranks of the Elites,” he explained confidently.
“I don’t know. How can I be charming when I’m panicking? And you know very well I am never charming especially around Elites,” I declared feeling hopeless.
He smiled, “Don’t underestimate yourself Ellie. Just play their game and they will adore you.”
I sighed defeated, “I don’t have a choice do I?
“You can do this Ellie. I won’t leave your side.”
“I don’t even know what to wear,” I said feeling depressed.
“Not to worry, Miss Pattilyn would take care of it,” he assured cheerfully.
There was no way out of this so I guess I had to play the part. This was going to be a game for the Elites of predator and prey, and I was pretty sure I was the prey.
I was at the stables brushing the horses. Mr. Witherson was not happy that I was there at all as he kept on complaining that a Lady should never brush a horse and that it was his job. I only laughed at his gloomy disposition and teased him that I was no Lady and that I was more than happy to help him. While I was brushing a brown mare, Miss Pattilyn came.
“AAhhh… My Lady, glad that I finally found you! You have an appointment today with Mrs. Rouge.”
“Mrs. Rogue?” I asked while brushing.
“Yes my Lady, a fashion designer one of the best. Lord Curtis instructed me to call her and have her come to have you fitted for your banquet gown,” she declared excitedly. I almost forgot about the gown, the thought of the coming banquet made my stomach squeeze.
I followed Miss Pattilyn to the drawing room and when I entered, an attractive very high fashion slender woman with short blonde hair and she looked like she was in her forties greeted us with a huge smile.
“My Lady,” she curtsied then gracefully took my hand and held it, “It’s an honor to have finally met you, I have heard so much about you,” she said in a sultry voice with a hint of foreign accent and she was genuinely smiling but all the while subtly examining me from head to toe, and there was a brief disappointed look on her face when she realized that I was only wearing beige riding pants, white shirt, and black riding boots, improper for a Lady when receiving guests but she kept on smiling after nonetheless.
“Shall we begin?” she happily asked.
Two of her assistants, one male the other female, ushered me in front of a full body mirror that they set up. The female assistant took my measurements while the male wrote it down. Meanwhile Mrs. Rouge was studying my figure, and talking about the right kind of design and color and the fabric to use that would suit me. I didn’t understand what she was saying though since fashion was never my forte so I just smiled each time she said something to me. After they took my measurements, the assistants opened a large black metal suitcase where they took out rolls of very fine fabrics of different colors, and placed one and sometimes two against my body while Mrs. Rogue watched while deciding which was the best.
“Hmmm… not that one June, maybe the other one,” she suggested crossing her arms.
The female assistant returned the fabric she was holding then took another, this time it was of a certain shade of blue and placed it against me.
“Perfect! Don’t you agree,” Mrs. Rogue looked at me waiting for my confirmation.
“It’s beautiful,” I agreed as I felt the fabric so soft, light, and cool and the shade was beyond elegant.
“The color looks stunning on you my Lady,” Miss Pattilyn complimented.
“I agree,” Mrs. Rogue nodded contented, “Francis,” she was referring to her male assistant who approached and held my hair up gently as she studied my face.
“She would look absolutely gorgeous with her hair up and make up on,” Mrs. Rogue stated to Francis as she continued to stare and study my face.
“Well! I think we’re done here,” she declared and gave two continuous brief claps.
June and Francis then packed everything back to the large suitcase and folded the mirror, and while they were packing, Mrs. Rogue stood closer in front of me and gazed smiling, “Oh my dear, I am sure she would have been so proud of you if she was here,” she said softly and sincerely as I could smell her sweet flowery scent.
“I am sorry but who do you mean?” I politely asked.
“Why Lady Loren of course. She was a good friend of mine and I made all of her banquet gowns,” she gently answered, “and soon you’ll be wearing one of mine, and with it you will represent change.”
CHAPTER 10: Blackard
CURTIS
Ambrose’s wedding was today, and I couldn’t help but feel happy for him that he was matched and I hoped that he agreed with his mate. I was looking forward to seeing him again but I was anxious for the banquet. I shared Ellie’s nervousness and I was not going to tell her that when she needed my help the most, but I believe in her though. I was the first one to arrive at the manor’s shuttle dock. As I waited outside a silver shuttle’s entrance, I observed that the household was busy today as they prepared for our departure. Footmen were placing our luggage on the shuttle that would take us to Blackard, and Mr. Thistle was giving the orders to everyone trying to keep them on schedule. Then Ellie arrived shortly after, wearing a lavender and white long sleeved dress looking more stunning than the flower itself. Mrs. Pattilyn followed behind her carrying some of her personal bags. Ellie stopped in front of me while Miss Pattilyn proceeded to enter the shuttle. I gave her my warmest smile and I could tell that she was nervous today.
“Are you okay?” I tilted my head.
She sighed, “Is there any way I could cancel this trip?”
I chuckled, “It’ll be fine. Just enjoy this. Have you ever been to Blackard?”
“I’ve never been there,” she replied shaking her head.
“So have I. I guess this would be an adventure then. Isn’t it exciting?” I declared enthusiastically.
She finally smiled, “I am a bit excited to go there,” she admitted.
“I’m sure we’re going to love it there, I heard it was a beautiful place.”
“Are you trying to cheer me up?” Ellie teased grinning.
“Maybe… is it working?” I teased back.
She let out a small laugh and I could feel myself melting for her.
Andrew arrived with Katherine beside him and Mr. Logan followed behind. Our mood changed when we saw An
drew. Ellie was glaring at him and I watched as they approach the shuttle entrance.
Andrew sneered and mockingly said, “Little brother, you and your little bird there are going to be the entertainment at the banquet.” He laughed as they entered the shuttle.
“Ignore him,” I suggested to Ellie who didn’t say anything.
We entered the shuttle shortly after. Some of the members of the household accompanied us including Miss Pattilyn and Mr. Thistle who took their seats in a different chamber. Ellie and I took the couch seat facing each other with a circular table in between us at the far corner of the shuttle away as much as possible from Andrew. I knew he was invited as well, so were the rest of the wealthy and powerful Elites in the Empire, but I was not going to let him spoil this trip for us. We stayed in one area in the Elite’s chamber in the shuttle. Our chamber was more like an elegant living room with expensive carpets, large couches, and wooden tables, and large glass windows that you could almost see everything outside. The shuttle started to ascend bound for Blackard. Ellie was looking outside the window as we flew and while she had not notice, I couldn’t resist admiring her long lashes, flawless skin, her perfect elegant jawline and red lips, and those amazing green eyes that sparkled as the light of the sun touched his face, and I would quickly pretend to look down whenever she would try to glance at my direction. Mr. Thistle and some Footmen came in to serve us different varieties of Hors D’oeuvres on round trays each type more colorful and elegant and wine was served in clear stylish glasses. Ellie was delighted when she saw what they were serving that she had difficulty choosing.
“We should make a toast,” I happily declared while holding my glass.
Her eyes were beaming as she glanced at me smiling, “To what?”
“Hmmm… How about to us? Whatever happens at the banquet, we stick together,” I willingly suggested.
“I like that,” she agreed.
“To us,” I raised my glass towards her.
The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1) Page 15
