Her Majesty Maria watched the dancers, charming in golden velvet. She knew the real point of the ball, having been told that on the king's orders, but arranging something like that was beyond her. She knew her limits. Later, in a couple of years, she might become capable of doing that by herself, but until then, she would learn. She would become her husband's rock and protect her family.
As if guessing his wife's thoughts, Richard gently kissed her hand.
He got lucky with Maria, he absolutely did.
***
“Finally!"
Anthony Lofrayne was genuinely happy, and he wasn't to blame. Imagine going hunting and not finding any prey. You pull the bowstring, nock the arrow, but no deer comes, no matter what you do.
Lilian Earton might not be a deer, but she was just as good at hiding from him. She never visited any balls. She never came to the palace. Even when she did, she immediately headed to Their Majesties, and it was impossible to guess how long she would stay there. Often, she left together with her husband. How was he to introduce himself to her in a situation like that? He would only succeed in making a fool of himself.
Tony knew that and was in no hurry. He waited, and his wish finally came true. Lilian Earton was there, although with her husband. She was wearing green and white, and he, white and green. A gorgeous couple...at least for the time being.
Tony smirked and went to find Horatio Alden, giving Lady Seinel a nod as he left.
The time for waiting was over. They needed to act.
***
Alden greeted Lofrayne—who was all but tingling with impatience—with a curt nod.
"Lofrayne."
"Alden. She's here."
Horatio looked around.
"You know, Lofrayne, I won't introduce you to Her Grace."
“What?"
"I'll take care of Lady Irida. The shipwright will introduce you to the countess."
"Her father?"
"He's here, too, together with his viper."
"Whom?"
"Alicia Earton. The widowed countess is a real snake, but she adores her daughter-in-law. I'll say that you're interested in Mariella's products, and the rest is in your hands."
Anthony slowly nodded.
“I suppose. Let's go."
Horatio stood up.
Alas, he had no choice. He would introduce the young man to the Eartons and Brocklend...and enjoy watching the countess pluck out his feathers.
He had it coming.
Alden didn't voice his opinion, of course. After all, he was a diplomat.
***
The reception was in full swing. Ladies and gentlemen flirted, played charades, talked, while some kept watch over their offspring, training them to go after one person or another. Social life went on, following its rules.
It had been hard for Lilian at first, but with time, she grew accustomed to that. At that moment, she was sauntering around the hall allocated for conversations with a glass of wine in her hand. She didn't want to drink, but she had to send out a message—the lady's occupied, she's not dancing.
"Lily, dear..."
It was Alicia with some guy at her side.
"Mother," Lilian greeted her warmly. "What's the matter?'
"I'd like to introduce this sweet boy to you."
It occurred to Lily that August was a bad influence on the "Old Viper." Her mother-in-law had become too soft and nice. But she couldn't very well provoke her into becoming angry, could she?
“Your Grace."
The man bowed before Lilian Earton. Lily looked at him, not especially interested.
Yes, he was handsome. So what? She had seen even better men. Auburn hair, green eyes, a strong build... Her husband was just as good-looking, just a bit older and with different coloring.
Lily snickered, but gave him a gracious smile, abiding the rules of society. Alicia was watching with a strict look: don't you dare to be difficult, dear daughter-in-law, or you'll regret it.
"Honorable Lofrayne."
Lily dropped into a curtsey and smiled sweetly.
Alicia looked at the young people with a favorable expression.
"Lilian, dear, the baron is quite interested in the latest products of Mariella Trading House. He begged me to introduce him to you."
Lily inclined her head.
“My pleasure. How may I help you, Baron?"
Tony bowed, throwing the countess a look full of burning passion—just as a test.
No reaction. Odd.
"Your Grace, I know that it's shameful for a nobleman, but I'm not very rich. My family is dabbling in trade..."
"As is mine, Sir Lofrayne," Lilian replied and shrugged, unwittingly drawing the baron's attention to the voluptuous breasts in the dress' cleavage.
What a bosom! Now that was truly scrumptious. He could hardly keep his hands to himself.
With an effort, Tony remembered the topic of the conversation.
"I would like to discuss importing Mariella wares to Avester."
"That's not a conversation for a ball," Lilian said, although she didn't mind discussing trade.
Their products weren't widely sold in Avester. Both the Eveers and Ativerna weren't well-liked there, but losing such a market hurt. Maybe she could try to make arrangements? A sale fee was better than a big fat zero.
"I'm ready to talk business at any time you'd like."
"The day after tomorrow at Mariella. I'll be there in the afternoon. Come when you like."
"Thank you, Countess."
Tony bowed, deftly grabbed the countess' hand, and imprinted a passionate kiss on it, also releasing the lady of her glass of wine.
"Could I heave the pleasure of a dance?"
He hadn't been walking around the room without a plan; he was leading Lily toward the dance floor. The music swelled, and the baron offered Lilian his hand. Lily didn't like dancing, other than maybe with her husband. After all, she hadn't studied it since childhood, and Countess Earton's body wasn't especially nimble, either. Good partners such as the late Duke Falion, Jerisson Earton, or His Majesty, could smooth things over, but others... No, Lily hated dancing with strangers, but how could she refuse? What if she managed to lock in a lucrative contract?
As ill-luck would have it, Jess was nowhere to be seen.
Baron Lofrayne watched her with mild amazement. He wasn't used to a reaction like that. A handsome and well-mannered nobleman...what else could women want, whether married or not? Nothing! Just show them the prey, and they would rush to trail it, hot on its scent.
But Lilian Earton didn't seem especially enthusiastic. Actually, she seemed to pull back; the baron saw that. But why? He was curious. Could it be he had finally found a worthy catch?
Finally, Lilian put her fingers into Anthony Lofrayne's palm. The baron couldn't help but admire her hands. Narrow wrists, long fingers, well-manicured nails, an emerald ring—an Earton family heirloom—and an elaborate bracelet on the other arm linked to the rings by a fanciful plaiting. Was that Mariella's production? Most likely. It looked nice and emphasized her white skin and delicate hand. The other ladies seemed interested, too, as they watched it with keen interest.
Well then, Countess Earton clearly knew how to match jewelry.
"Baron—"
She was a good dancer. However, to the baron's surprise, she did nothing but follow the motions. During a dance, one could tell a lot with simple movements. A smile, a suggestive glance, a gesture, a lingering touch, hot fingers that slid just an inch above where they should have stayed... A dance was the perfect way to show one's genuine feelings! To hint, to invite, to ask your partner...
Indifference was the only feeling radiated by Lilian Earton. She was calm, cold, and impassive. She smiled because she was supposed to. After all, if the lady didn't, it meant that her partner was bad, which could be construed as an insult. She danced like a wind-up toy—no unnecessary gestures, not even a look. Her green eyes, so bright, were hidden under her thick eyelashes. She wasn't playful in t
he least. Not a chance.
The baron tried giving her a scorching look, but what could he hope to achieve? She didn't seem even to notice him. Even his charming smile had no effect. Maybe he could try talking?
But Lilian Earton beat him to the punch.
"Nice weather today, isn't it, Baron?"
“Yes, Your Grace."
"This spring is unusually warm. Do you think we're in for a hot summer?"
"I hope so, Your Grace."
"We'll have a good harvest..."
Polite phrases that meant nothing. It took some time for the baron to realize that he was being ridiculed. Or was he? Maybe that wasn't her idea of mockery? Everything seemed quite proper. She was keeping up a civil conversation, but still, he felt taunted. How could she do that to a man who...hmm?
Actually, what was he to Lilian Earton? Just a man. Just a person. The baron realized that his charm didn't work on the first try and decided to increase the pressure.
So what did women like best? Exactly. Talking about themselves. Let's offer such an opportunity to Her Grace. The baron perked up and started talking about the weather.
***
If Lilian had a dream, it was ridiculously small. To sit down, remove her horrible shoes (even the best of them were fated to start chafing at some point), and take a few minutes' rest. Usually, during balls, she fled to a balcony or the garden and stayed in a gazebo.
In Ativerna, one's privacy wasn't to be infringed upon; she wasn't scared of anything. It should be clear that if a woman was alone, she wasn't just feeding mosquitoes but waiting for a suitor. Of course, some loved eavesdropping, but Lily never actually expected anyone to come. If people wanted to look at her sitting and relaxing, let them.
But what was she to do in the middle of a dance? Why the hell had that baron latched onto her? They had already agreed to meet later. Beat it! The lady's tired. Begone!
In her head, Lily wished diarrhea on him, but alas, it didn't work. Worse, the baron bowed and seemed intent to continue getting on her nerves.
"May I offer you refreshments, Your Grace?"
"No, thank you," Lilian said, brushing him off.
Those wouldn't be refreshing as much as bladder-filling. Famously, water would always find a hole. It might be unromantic, but she had no desire to sweat or start looking for a privy. That said, lately, things had changed, and ladies and gentlemen could look forward to chamber pots in lavatories with helpful maids and manservants to adjust their outfits.
Ativerna had already reached that level, but it still had a lot to be desired regarding hygiene, and Lilian had been squeamish enough to dislike public toilets even back on Earth.
"Maybe you'd like to take a walk in the garden?"
She would, but alone. Why was he so hell-bent on bothering her?
Lily stared closely at the pretty boy. What do you want from me, buddy? Or are you just trying to start a business conversation?
Well, she wasn't going to start talking about that at a ball. It didn't make sense. She would have to show samples, arrange a demonstration...that would give her an advantage.
"Thank you, sir. This dance was a true pleasure."
Etiquette said that after hearing something like that, a man should understand everything and take his leave. This one didn't. He kept offering her sweets, a walk to the balcony, another dance...
When Jerisson returned, Lily almost threw herself at him. At last! She almost wished diarrhea on Richard, too. How long could they talk? Didn't they get enough chances to talk? They had no shame!
***
Jerisson looked at the woman with a measure of interest. She gave him a charming smile.
A backwards dance hadn't been known in Ativerna before, but Lily suggested the idea to Angelina and Joliette, who introduced it to the society.
Each ball always had a few dances where ladies invited gentlemen, and Horatio Alden had made use of the opportunity by deftly intercepting a lady headed to the count and pushing Irida instead.
Unfortunately, Lily was nowhere in sight, and the lady had already curtseyed, demonstrating her ample breasts, and gave him a suggestive smile, fanning herself and hinting at furthering the acquaintance. He had no right to refuse.
Jess let out a sorrowful sigh (fine, it wasn't that sorrowful—he was only invited to a dance, not having his ears cut off) and gave the lady his hand. A slow, beautiful tune played, and couples floated across the floor.
“Count Earton."
"Forgive me, my lady, but I don't know your name."
"Irida. Lady Irida Seinel."
"Are you from Avester?" Jerisson smiled, keeping up the conversation.
"Oh, yes, Count. I'm from Avester. I decided to unwind after my husband's passing and came to Ativerna with the ambassador party."
"I hope you like it in Ativerna," Jess said, tiptoeing around the reason for the lady's arrival. A random stranger never came with the ambassadors. She was either a spy, someone's relative, or a slut, no other options. In any case, getting involved with her would be unwise, even if he wanted to.
But he didn't, not in the least. She did have nice breasts, hair, and eyes, altogether reminding him of a cute fox, but... He felt no desire for her. He could look her over, even with some interest. After all, being full didn't preclude one from examining the menu. But anything more? No, thank you.
Next to Lilian, Irida looked flighty, dull, fake, and artificial. Rather dumb, too. A smart woman was a rare catch, and if Jerisson had been lucky enough to find one...would he trade her for a half-wit only capable of praising his intellect?
That would be just vulgar! No, Jess would never stoop to that, and Lilian would never forgive adultery, either, if she learned about that...and she would, he knew.
In the meantime, the lady kept chirping. Jess kept the talk going, but no more than that. Any woman knew when a man was interested in her, no exceptions, and also when he wasn't. Irida understood that Jerisson wasn't, but she still kept on trying. Or she would have, if she hadn’t lost her chance.
It was Jerisson's turn to invite her to the next dance, but he politely escorted her to her place and disappeared to Her Majesty. Apparently, the queen needed urgent counsel...
***
"Who is that shaggy cat?"
Jess winced.
"Your Majesty, what kind of language is that?"
As her savior and friend, he could take certain liberties. Maria never took offense—she even liked it. After all, she wasn't just the queen but also a girl missing her family.
In a way, Jess and Lilian became the replacement for the latter. Edward had only encouraged that, knowing that he was mortal and needed to leave Richard to someone else.
Let a brother watch his brother's back, but the queen needed a friend, too: loyal and incorrupt.
Lilian Earton was just like that. Why not use an opportunity when it came knocking?
"That's right; I shouldn't insult cats. They are cute and smart creatures," Her Majesty agreed. "So who is she, Count?"
"How should I know? She's from Avester, and she keeps giving out hints..."
"Good thing Lily didn't see her."
"That's right."
Lily would never make a scene, but what kind of revenge could she plot? Jerisson wasn't sure, but he wasn't about to find out. An international conflict was the last thing he needed.
"I've already asked Cantar to occupy her."
Jess beamed. Elon Cantar, a leir and a member of the royal guard, was a renowned lady-killer. Being refused only emboldened him. In all fairness, he never blabbed about his conquests, but he always got his way. Well, almost. He never preyed on his friends' wives, sisters, and daughters, and he also knew who shouldn't be approached. That's why he still was healthy and unhurt, without any bits missing, despite the husbands who wished to strip him of his most important parts numbering in the hundreds.
Jess was glad that Elon had never set his sights on Lilian. He wasn't worried for his wife, but Elon was a good guy, and he had no d
esire to learn what part of him the countess would cut or rip off. The only thing certain was that no good would come of it.
Maria had just unleashed the lady-killer and alluded that he could get away scot-free. One could only feel for the Avesterian girl. In the meantime, Jess really needed to find his wife. He suspected that Lilian was deathly tired of the ball—and he wasn't mistaken.
***
The baron saw Lilian Earton all but jump at her husband. The smile he had gotten during the dance turned out to be only a pale shadow. Back then, she was smiling only with her lips, but when she saw the count, the woman lit up.
She smiled at her husband and the king and dropped into a curtsey, from which His Majesty immediately raised her up, looking at Jess.
“May I?”
“Lilian?”
"Your Majesty, we're all your humble servants."
They forgot the baron as if he wasn't there. He, however, observed and took notes. That clearly wasn't the way one treated royalty. Maybe she was Richard's mistress? Hmm...that was possible, and it also explained her paying no notice to Lofrayne. Who'd risk their status at court?
Or maybe she wasn't. The baron closely watched them on the dance floor, but there were no signs of intimacy. Yes, Lilian Earton seemed much more at ease with His Majesty compared to the baron, but that was all. No touching, no signs, no flirting...the baron had seen women trying to attract men's attention many times and could recognize that automatically. There was nothing between them.
Her Majesty was calm as she watched them, too, and easily accepted Jerisson Earton's invitation to dance. It didn't seem like there was anything between those two, either, at least, at first glance.
Could she be a former mistress? That was possible, but it also meant that Lofrayne had a chance. Or did he?
The baron pondered his prospects, then gave up and decided simply to enjoy the evening. Unfortunately, he couldn't simply pick himself a pliable woman, focused on Lilian Earton as he was. If he set his eyes on anyone else, she would learn that in a heartbeat.
A New World Page 9
