by CK Dawn
“Come on, Brother,” she said, attempting a smile. “We have a ball to prepare for.”
“Don’t remind me.”
Four
The grand ballroom was filled to capacity with royalty, high-born nobles, and knights, the crème de la crème of Dreach-Sciene society. The perfume of flowers, wine, and delectable food drifted on the warm air, along with the flourish of a violin and the laughter of those in attendance. Chandeliers glowed overhead and sparkled off of the crystal and jewels scattered throughout the room. The ball was being held in Trystan’s honor, and he was well aware it was part of the Toha tradition and had been since long before his time. The knowledge did nothing to alleviate the guilt brewing in his gut ever since finding out the true indigence of his kingdom or the desire to be anywhere else but here.
“Smile, Trystan,” Davi whispered at him from behind his own grin and goblet of wine. Both men stood at the front of the room near the King’s table, affording them the best view to overlook the guests as they danced and chatted to one another. “This is an important day for our kingdom and you. You’ve finally been made Toha. And because of your insanity, I’m to be your second in command. I guess the good thing is it’s quite literally an invitation for the ladies to throw themselves at our feet.”
Trystan laughed behind the guise of taking a sip from the goblet in his hand. “Really, Davi? You have a one-track mind, my friend.”
Davi raised a dark brow in puzzlement. “And what else should I be thinking about at the moment? The fact that the sword you gave me comes with the weight of responsibility on its blade?” He clapped Trystan on the shoulder. “I’m honored you chose me, Brother. But our duty can wait until tomorrow. The night is young and so are we. The room is filled with beautiful women, drink, and food. What more could we ask for?”
Trystan sighed as he tugged at the constricting collar of his silk shirt. Normally Davi’s enthusiasm amused him, but tonight it only fueled his irritation. Davi noticed the annoyance and regarded his friend in confusion.
“Seriously, Trystan. This is supposed to be the most important day of your life. I’ve heard you whine about this day for years. Yet here we now stand and you act as insolent as a scorned wife instead of a newly titled Toha. What is wrong?”
Trystan let his gaze slide around the room. “Does this indulgence not bother you, Davi? There’s enough food here to feed the villagers for a week. Does it not raise concern that we will gorge ourselves tonight while the rest of the realm lives in poverty? And that it will only get worse?” He pointed to the table laden with silver dishes filled to overflowing with rich fruit, spicy meats, and sweets of all sorts. His father had spared no expense, despite the royal coffers being nearly empty. Servants in livery bearing large trays of food and drink moved about the room, tending to the guests every want. Women clustered in groups, sneaking glances at Trystan from behind their fluttering fans; clad in a rainbow of silk gowns adorned with brooches and necklaces and jewels all meant to impress the future king. All it did was enforce the brutal reality of dissent burning in his belly.
His new second in command stared at him over the rim of his goblet. “What do you mean, it will only get worse? I know we are in lean times, but we have been before. Surely this will pass like it always has.”
It was on the tip of Trystan’s tongue to spill the facts discussed in the earlier council meeting. It was second nature to tell all to his friend of fifteen years. They had no secrets. But his father and the other council members had trusted him with grave information and he’d made a promise to keep it to himself. He wouldn’t share it with Davi until he had permission and now was not that time.
“Forgive me, friend. I’ve been Toha for a matter of mere hours but already I worry about the realm like some old mother. You are right. This too shall pass.”
Davi laughed in agreement as he slapped Trystan on the back. “Spoken like a true leader. Why worry yourself over things you can’t control? Soon you will have enough worry on your plate as general of the guard. But not tonight. Tonight, we have fun. Look about the room. You can have your pick of any of these beauties. They would fall over themselves for the chance to dance with the future king. So, which one will it be?”
“Davi…”
“Just humor me, Trystan. Pick one.”
There was no use arguing. Once Davi’s mind was made up, there was no changing it. Giving in, his eyes moved about the room once more, passing over the peacock-mimicking ladies of the court. He found Rissa standing with the Duchess of Sona, Willow and one other, all deep in conversation. Willow glanced up and caught his eye, her face flushing a bright red at his perusal before she looked away. His gaze moved past Rissa and the Duchess to the one he did not know. Against his better judgment, his eyes stopped on this person who appeared even less thrilled to be here than he was.
She was dressed in a simple yellow gown, the clean lines and high waist emphasizing her shapely figure. Her caramel-colored skin highlighted the light eyes in the heart shaped face, and errant strands of dark curls escaped from the pile adorning the top of her head. No jewels or brooches to be seen. She didn’t need them. She met his curious gaze head on and instead of dropping her eyes like Willow had done, this one stared back with a look akin to hostility.
“Who is the one in the yellow gown with Ri?” he asked with interest, even though his false look of indifference had already moved on.
“Ah, she, I believe, is the infamous Alixa, daughter of the Duke of Isenore. You have good taste.”
Trystan turned his eyes Davi’s way. “She’s the duke’s daughter? Why have we not met before?”
Davi shrugged. “She’s never been to court. It’s said her father and brother are overbearingly protective of her. I can see why. She’s as fetching as they say, but they also say her temper is just as magnificent.” He raised one brow in question. “Shall we go over and find out for ourselves if the rumor is true?”
Trystan was as surprised as Davion when he found himself agreeing.
They made their way across the floor, Trystan pausing occasionally to graciously accept the smiles and murmurs of congratulations. As they approached the women, all conversation ceased and four sets of eyes greeted their arrival, some holding more warmth than others. The Duchess, as welcoming as always, was the first to speak.
“Congratulations, Your Highness, on becoming Toha. You honor us and the realm with your courage and ability. “
Trystan inclined his head in acknowledgment. “Thank you, Lady Destan. May I not let you or the realm down in your expectations.” Bowing his head to Willow, he continued, “Willow, a pleasure as always. Thank you for the thoughtful birthday gift. It will hang in my chambers with honor.” He ignored her giggle of girlish pleasure as his eyes fell on the duke’s daughter. Before he’d had a chance to speak in any way, however, Davi interrupted with his usual tact.
“Princess, Lady Destan, Lady Willow. You are all visions of loveliness tonight as usual. But this new vision isn’t one I’m familiar with. Rissa, why don’t you introduce us to your new friend?” He smiled at the raven-haired beauty and grasped her fingers in his, placing a light kiss on the back of her hand. “I’m Davion, by the way, the Toha’s second in command.”
Rissa rolled her eyes as she stepped Alixa’s way, placing herself between Davi and the girl and forcing him to drop her hand. “Trystan, is it too late to rescind the appointment? Because if I have to listen to that line for the next year, I swear I will rip off my own ears.” She countered Davi’s indignation with an irritated frown. “Alixa, this is my brother, Trystan. Trystan, this is Lady Alixa, daughter to the Duke of Isenore.”
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Alixa. Welcome to Dreach-Sciene.” Trystan wasn’t sure what to expect as he took the girl’s slender hand in his. Maybe a shy smile. A nervous laugh. It certainly wasn’t the look of disdain in the hazel eyes as they traveled over Trystan’s face with an insolence he was not accustomed to.
“Your Highness,�
� she said, but the words sounded as if they had to be pulled from her lips. “Thank you for our invitation to such a lavish affair. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many delicacies or so much food offered at once. I’m pleased to see your kingdom is so bountiful while others are not.”
The words were innocent enough, but the tone left no doubt as to their intent. It was a reprimand rolled up in polite conversation. If Trystan wasn’t so shocked and amused at the blatant scolding, he’d have been fascinated someone else saw this whole unnecessary affair from his point of view.
None of that showed as he responded in true prince fashion. “Davion informs me this is the first time you have graced us with your presence. I hope you’re enjoying your first visit to court, my lady. I’m surprised your father hasn’t brought you before this. He’s quite a frequent visitor.”
“Indeed, he is,” the girl responded back, keeping her sham smile in place. “My father is, shall we say, a connoisseur of court life. I, on the other hand, prefer to stay in Isenore with my people. I’m a true believer in earning the respect of one’s subjects by working side by side with them. Toil the land with them. Break a sweat with them. Earn a blister or two from the hard work.” She turned Trystan’s hand, still holding hers, palm up and dropped her eyes. Lightly, she ran a finger over the slight calluses on the otherwise smooth skin “Something I see you yourself aren’t familiar with…. Toha.”
She added the word of respect almost as an afterthought as if she knew she’d gone too far with the insult. And it was a flagrant insult. Four heads swiveled back and forth following the exchange between the prince and the dark-haired girl with intense interest.
A spark of irritation ignited in Trystan’s chest. He pulled his hand out of Alixa’s grasp as he studied her with narrowed eyes. Who did this girl think she was? She knew nothing about him or his beliefs, yet she presumed to judge him without any proof or evidence.
“A fine sentiment indeed. I’m sure you’ve had much experience with slaving in the iron mines of Isenore yourself, yes?”
Alixa flushed, but didn’t respond so he continued.
“And you are correct. My calluses are caused by my sword and not a farm hoe. But pray tell, fine lady, what use would knowledge of crops and cattle do a Toha in battle? Would blistered hands and dirty nails help prevent an army invasion? Or perhaps the enemy could be turned away with talk of crop rotation or fertilizer?”
“That knowledge is more important than you seem to be aware, Your Highness. Swords and arrows may keep out an army but they can’t kill poverty or hunger. Death is death no matter by what means you approach it.” Her smile hardened as if she was preparing herself for battle. This was obviously something she felt strongly about and Trystan found himself intrigued by her passion.
“Here now. No talking about death,” Davi interrupted with his usual contagious laughter. “You may not be aware of this, Lady Alixa, but it’s Trystan’s birthday as well as his Toha commencement. Talk of armies or death isn’t allowed. Not tonight.” He glanced to the center of the room where people were congregating as the music started flowing again and dropped a hand on Trystan’s shoulder. “I think the pressure of the day has gotten to you, Your Highness. You’re way too uptight. I think you need to let loose. Dance a little. And we all know there’s no better dancer in court than our very own Willow. Toha, why don’t you escort the beautiful Lady Willow onto the dance floor?”
Typical Davi, never one to be serious about anything. Trystan sighed as Alixa dropped her gaze from his and looked away, her lips sealed in a tight grimace. The conversation was over. He was strangely disappointed. Even more so when he noticed Willow’s excited look of hope at the dance suggestion. Damn Davi. He knew better than to encourage the girl’s infatuation. Trystan was quite aware of Willow’s expectations for their future together. For some reason, he couldn’t find himself a portion as excited. But he couldn’t leave the poor girl dangling at the moment. So, being the chivalrous gentleman he was, he bowed slightly in Willow’s direction.
“Davi is right. There’s no one I’d rather have accompany me on the dance floor. Shall we?”
The other four watched them walk away and Davi chuckled as Trystan threw a ‘you’re so going to pay for this’ look over his shoulder.
Rissa couldn’t help the laugh that escaped her as well. “Consider yourself warned, Davion. It’s a good thing he thinks so highly of you, otherwise, he’d have had you put to death long ago.”
“He wouldn’t dare.”
“You seem very confident.” The smile Alixa threw Davi’s way seemed much more genuine than the one she’d favored Trystan with, and Davi -never one to ignore any sort of female attention- responded by puffing out his chest in exaggerated importance.
“As the Toha’s second in command” -he ignored Rissa’s slight snort of derision- “as his second in command, I need to be confident. I need to be open and honest. Plus, I’ve known the prince for so long we’re practically brothers. The Princess, too. Right, sis?” He threw a lopsided grin Rissa’s way. The Duchess and Alixa laughed at Davi’s impudence, but the comment seemed to annoy the Princess. Gathering her skirts up in her hands, she pinned him with a hard stare.
“Don’t be absurd. I have but one brother, and it is not you.” She walked away, her back rigid with displeasure as his puzzled, “What did I say wrong?” rang in her ears.
Five
His sister? Ugh. Rissa didn’t even know if she was his friend right then. She wanted nothing more than to strangle him for the way he made her heart squeeze when he said that single word. Sis.
Davion was infuriating. She’d watched him flirt with the court ladies shamelessly since he was old enough his voice didn’t crack. Even the servants were recipients of his attention. Rissa knew his every move. He’d flip his dark hair out of his eyes and puff out his chest. It used to be humorous because there wasn’t much chest to puff out. He’d been a scrawny kid growing up.
Then, all at once he wasn’t. The Princess didn’t know when it happened, it just did. The scrawny boy became the broad-shouldered man. The blue eyes that always appeared wary as if expecting to do something wrong, were now darkly lashed and full of confidence and charm. He became the object of all the young women’s desires. They’d do anything for attention. Even Alixa – who Rissa thought was a stone-faced bitch – had softened to a pile of goo when Davi pulled out his charm. Or horse shit. Rissa would rather think they became soft like shit when they fell for it.
But she fell for it, too.
And she was a princess, making it the worst of all.
Her father was actively negotiating with nobles of the realm for her hand in marriage. Trystan’s too, but Rissa knew Lord Coille would win that prize for his daughter. She felt sad for her brother. He didn’t love Willow. But he would be king and a king doesn’t have the option to fall in love. Except their father had loved their mother.
Rissa stood in a darkened corner of the ballroom, trying to avoid all of the people who would do or say anything for a moment of the Princess’ time. The lords and ladies seemed to be enjoying themselves. The wine had been flowing freely for hours and rosy-faced pairings pranced around the dance floor.
“Excuse me, princess,” a gruff voice said to her right.
She turned her head to look at the hulking man who’d walked up beside her, recognizing him instantly. She’d only met Royce Eisner for the first time yesterday, but it hadn’t taken long to see through his arrogant manner. She liked him even less than his ice-queen of a sister, Alixa.
She eyed him warily. “Hello, it’s nice to see you again, Royce.” Lies.
Even his smile looked creepy. She knew most of the lords expected Trystan to choose Royce as his second in command. Many of them would see it as a comment on Royce’s character. Rissa knew the decision had nothing to do with Royce. It was about how much her brother trusted Davion.
But she was still glad it wasn’t Royce. It would have meant him living in the palace with them.
<
br /> Her skin crawled as his eyes scanned her from head to toe. He was an attractive man – with the olive skin associated with the people of Isenore, and wide set amber eyes – but there was something very off about him.
“May I have the honor of this dance?” he asked.
Rissa wanted more than anything to say no, but her father’s voice popped into her head. He wouldn’t want her offending the future Duke of Isenore. She looked around for a legitimate excuse and her eyes connected with Davi’s across the room.
Her lips tilted up and she placed her hand in Royce’s. “I would love to dance.”
He led her to the center of the dance floor and took her into his arms. Rissa kept a respectable distance between them and let the music fill her mind. She loved to dance and in time she could almost forget who her partner was.
Or at least she could forget until they spun and she saw her father standing with Lord Eisner. They talked as their eyes followed Rissa and Royce around. Rissa glanced up at her partner who was giving their fathers some sort of knowing nod.
No, she thought. No, no, no, no, no.
With a suddenness that startled those around them, Rissa pushed away from Royce. He reached for her, but she was already backing away. She didn’t look over to see her father’s reaction or that of Lord Eisner.
“No,” she said. “This is not happening.”
Her breath wheezed in her chest as she spun around and pushed through stunned onlookers. Their princess was going crazy and they wanted a front row seat. She had to get out of there. Reaching down, she picked up the ends of her long dress and kicked off her heeled shoes, leaving them where they lay. Then, without pause, she started running. Past the tables laden with food and drink. Past her father, looking on in worry and disappointment. Past the lords and ladies of the realm who viewed her as nothing more than an ornamental princess. And out the door.
