I took his arm and felt his muscles tense and ripple under the arm of his suit jacket. My heart skipped a beat and then wildly pounded in my chest. A slight warm breeze blew through the evening air, sending his scent to my nose. Hmmm, divine. He smelled of masculinity and exotic spices.
Rachel had no guard as she was not a potential, simply eligible. She trailed behind us, walking alone. I stopped, allowing her catch up to Faric and me. “Would you mind serving as an escort to Rachel as well? Mr. Wesley, her brother, is going to meet her at the ball but is in charge of the music, so he can’t escort her this evening,” I pleaded. He looked at me with his oceanic eyes and smiled and extended his other arm to Rachel, who smiled and took it gratefully.
“Two beautiful ladies? Must be my lucky night.” He smirked then added, “I must be a rose between two thorns!” Which quickly earned evil looks and playful punches from both of the true roses of the evening.
The group of non-potential eligible women were introduced first by Councilman Rileck, a short, plump bald man who enjoyed the sound of his own voice way too much. The non-potential eligibles, a group of seven, huddled together at the side of the stage opposite us, and they crossed the stage one at a time as their names were announced, pausing to give the gentlemen in the crowd a good look at them before returning to their group.
If their looks could kill, the fine fabric of our dresses would lie on the ground, soaked with crimson. We were clad in amazing dresses and beautiful jewelry. No doubt they were wearing their best linen gowns, perfectly pressed. Their hair was beautifully curled and braided, but their sneers and snickers revealed their jealousy or hatred. Or both.
Rachel was the last of the non-potentials introduced. Councilman Rileck took her hand and kissed her knuckles. She bounced up to the front of the stage, beaming with excitement, waved to the crowd of sixty or so eligible men who gazed at her before she retreated to the side stage to meet back with us. Gross. They looked at her as if she were a piece of meat.
“Gentlemen, a few words before we introduce you to the potential chosen of this year’s class...if you will. We pray and implore our mighty God in Heaven to grant us our ardent plea that the chosen be presented to us this year in the form of one of these lovely creatures. Please consider any woman eligible for marriage and feel free to dance with her when your turn comes around. You may even apply for her hand tonight, if you so desire, and I bet a few of you will. You will have two weeks to make application. Failure to do so will disqualify you from seeking marriage approval this year. Without further hesitation, our first potential chosen this year, I give you, Aria,” he said, sweeping his arm forward.
In typical Aria fashion, she sauntered down toward the front of the stage, pausing in front of the men. She puckered her pouty red lips and blew a kiss into the crowd, earning several whistles and cat calls. I wondered if any man here hasn’t gone a round or two before with her anyway.
Shaking my head, I snapped myself out of those negative thoughts as Lil’s name was called. Lil strode confidently to the front of the stage and paused, assessing the crowd of men just as severely as they seemed to be assessing her. She also received some whistles, which enticed her beaming sprite-like smile out from its hiding place.
My heartbeat resounded in my ears as I awaited my introduction. Councilman Rileck cleared his throat and said, “And last but certainly not least, feast your eyes on the stunning and sultry Solara!” His pudgy fingers clasped mine and guided me onto the stage. Sweat beaded on his forehead, which was a bright red color, matching his bulbous nose. He smelled of vinegar. I was almost numbly nervous. Did he just describe me as sultry? Put one foot in front of the other, Solara. Do not fall on your face.
Then the words he said sank into the folds of my brain. Sultry. I decided to try to conform to the description, giving a flirty and hopefully sultry half-smile, lifting one eyebrow and placing one hand on my hip as I paused before them. All eyes were on me, which was a first.
Glancing into the crowd, I saw a familiar set of beautiful green eyes staring back at me shrouded in surprise and amazement—probably from the sultry side of Solara that had only revealed itself tonight. Wesley. Wes. Is he making application? My heart fluttered as I walked back, pondering the same. Breathe.
While the councilman further explained the application process and motioned to tables that were manned and set up with the necessary papers, I scanned our beautiful surroundings.
It looked as though the large open space of this building was intended for banquets and balls. The floors of dark brown wood were polished, reflecting the twinkling lights pouring over the large space by the ornate candle-filled chandeliers that hung from each of the beautiful broad wooden crossbeams spanning the massive space.
Small planted trees were situated around the room’s perimeter along with an assortment of beautifully colored potted flowers. Through the maze of intricate floral notes, I caught the scent of jasmine, my favorite. Cream-colored candles squeezed onto every sconce and filled all available space in the window ledges. Ethereal. Beautiful. Breathe.
A waiter approached, dressed in a simple white frock and brown pants and offered each of us a beautiful curved glass of red wine. The crimson liquid swirled thickly in the glass as I pulled it toward me. I was never allowed to taste wine and was unsure of what to expect from both its taste and potential intoxicating effects. Nervously, I glanced at Lil, who shrugged her shoulders and took a sip. Aria took her glass, shot us a look of disgust and sauntered away.
Upon seeing Aria’s retreat, Rachel smiled and said, “Ladies, good luck, and I pray that each of us is awarded a handsome young man who will fulfill all of our desires and attend to our every whim, constantly doting his love upon us for the rest of his existence!” She threw her head back laughing and held the glass out in expectation. Clink! Clink! Clink! We laughed nervously, and I agreed wholeheartedly with the handsome and young parts. There were some old men apparently eligible, and they seemed all too eager. Gross.
The smell of the crimson liquid was woodsy and yet somehow floral at the same time. I inhaled the aroma as the intoxicating drink slipped past my lips, invading all of my senses simultaneously. It was unlike anything I had ever tasted and quite wonderful. I tried to drink the first glass quickly, silently begging that it helped me dance gracefully, and helped me be pleasant despite the circumstances. It wasn’t marriage I craved. It was freedom.
Ladies, please take your places in front of the stage, and we will commence this evening’s introduction ball with a waltz,” the councilman loudly announced as he dramatically motioned us toward a set of wooden steps leading off the stage to his right was already in position when we arrived of course. We filed into a line, the non-potential eligible women trailed behind me, snickering and giggling. I rolled my eyes trying to focus on being cheerful and what else was I supposed to be—oh yeah, sultry.
The musicians set up on the stage behind us and began tuning their instruments as the organizers began the process of sifting through the eligible gentlemen, placing them into queues for each eligible woman. The potentials had the longest lines, and one line seemed much longer than the others. Probably Aria’s.
Glancing at Lil and Rachel nervously, they seemed to be happy and giggling, laughing about how much fun this was and how wonderful the wine tasted and how beautiful the room was and how exciting it was to be out of the fortress. Rachel has always been free but seemed empathetic all the same. I tried to force a smile toward them in a feeble attempt to join their conversation but was so nervous. I couldn’t focus my thoughts at all. Lil squeezed my hand and said, “Relax and have fun. It’ll probably be our only night out—ever. I plan to enjoy every minute! Just pretend to be whomever you want to be tonight and forget about nervous, Solara. Be sultry, Solara. I am going to be a complete dancing diva!” She giggled, bouncing on her toes in anticipation and giddiness.
For some reason, perhaps the comfort of her hand or the fact that she had again proven to know me better than a
nyone else in the world, her words comforted me, and I was finally able to relax. “You know, Lil. You are right. I am sultry Solara. Let’s show these boys how the potentials roll!” I said, squinting my eyes in determination, straightening my shoulders and pursing my lips to appear fearless and sexy.
Rachel squealed with approval. She glanced back over our shoulders, keeping an eye on her brother as he set up on the stage behind us. I glanced back to Mr. Wesley as well. He winked at Rachel and mouthed, “It’s okay,” before looking back to his guitar. He looked amazing in his dark suit and stark-white shirt. He was dressed as handsomely as our escorts were. My eyes were torn away from him as the first gentlemen were ushered toward us. Wolves seeking sheep.
My first dance partner was around my age and had black hair and matching eyes. His skin was tan, and his tunic was sage green, pants dark brown. He grinned at me as we were paired, revealing pearly, perfectly straight teeth. Thank you, Lord! I offer up, sincerely thankful that I hadn’t ended up with an older man although I wasn’t sure how I would avoid the older ones all night.
He took my hand in his and led us to our position on the dance floor as we waited for the other couples to pair and join us. He kept hold of my hand until we were told to get into position to commence the opening waltz, even though it was not necessary for him to do so. I allowed it. It seemed to steady me and give me an extra boost of confidence that he would even want to hold my hand at all.
He led me around to face him and placed my free hand on his shoulder, his hand on the small of my back, and clasped our other hands together, poised in homage to the beautiful waxy chandelier above us. We danced and twirled to the beautiful music, and I let myself go, thoroughly enjoying his company and this moment. My first dance. In my nervousness and awe of the entire situation, I had forgotten his name.
Throughout the evening, I rarely had a chance to stop dancing. There was always a partner waiting for his turn. It turned out that my line had been the longest not Aria’s. Ha! I was just glad to wipe that smug nasty look off of her face. Occasionally, I escaped to grab a drink of water or wine and sit for a moment to catch my breath or rest my achy feet. These high-heeled shoes were as uncomfortable as they were beautiful. I’d never worn anything but the simple leather shoes provided and they certainly had no heel.
Taking a break for a moment, attempting to hide behind a group of people, Faric, my escort for the evening, found me. Smiling, he handed me a glass of water and said something that I couldn’t make out given our close proximity to the stage. I stood and leaned in to him, and he placed his hand on the small of my back and leaned in to me as well, smiling and said, “You look like you need a break. Have you stopped dancing at all yet?”
“I’ve grabbed a quick drink and managed to sit a couple of times.” I sighed. “I am exhausted. These shoes are horrendous!”
“Heels do wonders for a woman’s legs though,” he said, raising one eyebrow and smiling with is beautiful teal eyes. Too tired to banter, I just smiled back and tried to enjoy my moment of rest.
I had danced for hours. The other lines were completely empty, but the other girls—potential and non—seemed to always have a partner when they chose to dance. Rachel bounced and beamed as she twirled gracefully around the dance floor. Lil was dancing with a scruffy man of around forty-five and didn’t look thrilled at all, although I could tell she was trying hard to smile and remain polite as he spoke to her. She was so sweet. I’d had to dance with a few older men and was polite but offered up silent prayers the entire time that I wouldn’t have to marry one of them. Gross. I’m seventeen. Seventeen and forty don’t match.
Faric leaned over again. I felt his warm breath on my ear, and a tingle shot through my spine. “Has anyone given you any problems?” His eyebrows raise and knit toward one another as he awaited my answer.
I couldn’t help but smile. “Are you ever off duty?”
“Yes, but I am only half off-duty tonight,” he smiled, continuing to people watch.
“Half? I thought you were guarding us. Am I guard free right now? I might take advantage of my newfound freedom.” He moved his hand on my back and leaned in further. His breath smelled of fresh mint.
“You are definitely not without guard. The council wouldn’t allow it. But as I am eligible this year, I am also here to observe the available women to see if anyone piques my interest.” He glanced and me and smiled. His teal eyes sparkled in the candlelight before they moved on to observe the others gathered around us. Hmmm. That is interesting.
“Well, see anything you like?” I teased.
He tucked a stray curl behind my ear and placed his hand on my lower back again, leaned in, and softly said, “Definitely,” holding my gaze until we were interrupted. I blinked rapidly, trying to regain my composure.
A stocky older woman with red hair and matching simple linen dress grabbed my arm above my elbow and jerked me away from Faric. “Ya have menfolk awaitin’ for ya! This ain’t the time to take breaks.” She practically launched me forward into the arms of yet another man, and once I regained my footing, we began to twirl and talk. An hour later, people began to filter out, at least the non-potentials did. They were able. Melodic music still floated through the air, and the smell of sweat and jasmine mingled within the beautiful light cast by the candles whose wax fell in ivory stalactites in defiance of gravity itself.
There were only two men left in my line. I obliged a gentleman, thirty years old, who wasn’t particularly handsome but was somewhat gently rugged. A blacksmith’s apprentice in the village, his hands were warm but rough and calloused. His crow’s feet only added to his orneriness. He laughed at his own stories, genuinely thinking them hilarious, which made me laugh too. His wild tales squeezed tears from my eyes on occasion, and made me blush too many times to count. His had been the most enjoyable dance of the evening, certainly the most entertaining. Garrick had lost his wife four years ago to illness and had a five year-old son who was staying with neighbors tonight so that he could attend.
He would have applied for marriage sooner, having been eligible immediately after her passing, but he truly loved her and needed time to mourn. He was candid in stating that though he was ready to get married and resume his life and grant his son normalcy, though he would always love and remember his first wife—his first love. I marveled at his honesty and the love he still held for her years after she passed away. If only I could be blessed with such a genuine love.
As the song ended, Garrick led me to the last gentleman in line. My hand clenched his, reluctant to let go as we drew near. The stranger was tall, maybe six feet five, and broad shouldered.
His dark brown hair grazed his shoulder, but that wasn’t what unsettled me. His eyes were so strange—beady, gray and cold. Garrick winked at me and placed my hand in this stranger’s, causing my body to shudder in protest. The large form of his frame loomed over me as his icy hand completely enveloped my own. Is he glowering at me? What is his problem?
For half of the song, he said nothing at all, just stared at me, making my eyes search for someone, anything to cling to in order to distract me from the empty voids boring holes into me. Then he slowed our pace, contradicting the rhythm and pulled me closer to him, away from the other couples and over to the darkest corner of the room away from everyone else. He continued to lead me in a slow, almost-sensual rhythm as he snaked his hand up and down my back. I wanted to run but decided instead to look for Faric. Maybe I could grab his attention. Where was my guard when I needed him? Oh, he’s with Aria. I’m in trouble.
Finally, the stranger broke the awkward silence, bending down toward my ear and softly said, “I’ve been watching you all night. I waited all of this time to get you alone, Solara. And I am not disappointed. You are exquisite.”
“Thank you. What is your name?” I said, bending back in an effort to place some amount space between us.
“Altair,” he said as he pulled me even closer and continued ignoring the music, moving me as he wish
ed. I searched for Faric at every opportunity as we danced in dark seclusion. Faric was seated. Aria stood next to him with her hand on his shoulder, bending forward no doubt giving him an eyeful of her ample bosom. I hate her. So much! I searched in vain for the other guards and found them drinking and laughing together at the bar. So much for getting their attention. Wes was still busy with the band, making the beautiful melody that this creep refused to follow. Lil was dancing on the other end of the floor, and I didn’t see Rachel anywhere. Looks like I’ll have to rescue myself from this slimy man.
“Well, it was really nice to meet you, Altair, but it looks like the evening is winding down, and I should probably meet with the others to see about returning to our rooms,” I said, turning from him and starting toward Faric, my non-guard guard. Ouch!
He grabbed me tightly around my stomach, pushing the air out of my lungs. I felt his steamy breath on my neck, and his cold fingers pushed my curls over my right shoulder, draping them over my breast. I stopped breathing altogether as he traced his finger along the top of my dress in the back. “I have waited patiently all night for our time together, Solara. I’m not finished with you yet. You are not permitted to leave,” he hissed.
“I wasn’t aware that your permission was required,” I snapped back, trying to turn around to face him. I had to show him that I wasn’t afraid of him and wasn’t going to put up with him putting his icy hands on me anymore. All of the men that I had danced with tonight had been respectful. None had tried to manhandle me until now, and this creep was putting his nasty paws all over me and barking orders at me as if he owned me. I would show him that I was certainly not his property now, nor would I ever be.
He loosened his grip around my stomach, grabbed my wrist, and spun me around to face him. Grabbing my other wrist, he jerked me to a stop in front of him. “Let me go, Altair!” I exclaimed, hoping someone would hear. This apparently incensed him because he squeezed my wrists tighter and leaned toward me until his lips almost brushed mine. It was then that I could smell the liquor on his breath and tried to recoil. He grabbed my neck, winding my hair in his fingers and yanking my face up to meet him. His other hand pushed hard against my lower back. He started walking me backward. I felt the cold stone behind me. I was literally backed into a corner.
Pariah (The New Covenant Series) Page 3
