Feeling she was still piqued at me for refusing her help with my bath — and with her dignity at stake — I reluctantly gave in.
“It’ll not be much, as you don’t need much. The current style of too much white powder never appealed to me. These ladies make themselves up to look like they walk with their ancestors. It’s not flattering if you ask me. No, your light olive complexion shall not be marred with powder. A small amount of rouge and some red for your lips and you’re set.”
The finishing touches — Lali clasped Queen Fiala’s necklace on me. I gasped at the thought of wearing such a priceless piece of jewelry. Lastly, she placed the circlet on my head with the larger square emerald floating at my forehead. She pinned it securely.
She stood me up at long last, twirling her hand for me to turn around as she scrutinized me up and down. I’d been conversing with Eshshah for the last few hours to keep my mind off of her extreme attentions. If going to a ball took this long to prepare, then I’ll make a note that I never hope to be invited to another.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the glass and my jaw dropped. When I had dressed for the Life Celebration Gathering, I didn’t recognize the girl in the reflection, but this time, I really couldn’t find myself. I had to admit that I was a bit intrigued with the young lady who looked back at me. Strangely, it was a little less intimidating to be dressed so extravagantly here in Trivingar, as no one, or very few, knew me.
Eulalia ushered me to the great hall. As we reached the doors panic set in — my heart pounded in my chest. Up till now, I’d suppressed my apprehension for this moment, but it couldn’t be held back any longer. The music floated out from the hall. I felt weak in the knees and on the verge of tears. I had to go in by myself and I knew I was late.
“Mistress Amáne, no! Don’t cry!” Lali entreated. “Do you want streaks in your rouge, or to make your entrance with red eyes?” She began to fan my face. “Blink, Mistress, blink fast, we can’t have you ruining yourself before you’ve even made your entrance.”
Pulling myself together I gave Lali a quick hug and a thank you. She nodded at the doormen to open the doors for me as she appraised me one last time, making sure not a hair or a thread was out of place. I took a deep breath — well, as deep as I could, considering the dress I had been sewn into — and willed myself to move forward.
Through the double doors I found myself on a landing at the head of a flight of stairs that led down to the floor of the great hall. I caught my breath at the extravagance of the decor. Light blue walls decorated with yellow fleurs-de-lis. A frieze painted all around the room at the ceiling depicted stylized scenes of the various stages in producing the famous Serislan silk. Intertwined between the scenes were King Tynan’s insignia and family crest. Even the beams in the ceiling were ornately decorated.
From the landing I hesitated, frozen in awe as the entire banquet hall spread out below me. It was magnificent. The tables that lined the edges of the hall were laid with fare like I’ve never seen. The savory aromas wafted up to greet me. The musicians played a soothing tune that contrasted the bustle of the servers who brought in trays of meats, fish and vegetables fit for a king. Of course, they had no idea they were actually serving royalty. The magicians and jesters wandered about the hall stopping at the tables to entertain.
I spotted Ansel at the high table and had to remind myself to breathe when our eyes met. He looked majestic. He wore a black shirt with billowing slashed sleeves, revealing gold satin inner sleeves. It laced up the front. His long hair was pulled back in a queue. He caught himself mid-sentence in his conversation with a gentleman next to him, and just stared at me. I saw him mouth the word, “Wow.”
I rolled my eyes. Normally my following reaction to that would have been to glare back at him. Instead, I shot him a nervous smile.
Suddenly, I realized that my perfect view of the entire hall at that height meant that guests below also had a perfect view of me. My stomach leapt up to my throat and my knees threatened to buckle. I felt every eye that rested on me.
I froze on the spot, fear crept up to my chest as my smile became forced. Ansel couldn’t rescue me from such attention as he had at the Life Celebration Gathering, but he could see my distress. Knowing my dread, he threw me an encouraging look and motioned to the doorman behind me. The man rushed to my side and offered his arm. I gladly took it, otherwise I would surely tumble down the stairs. Keeping my eyes locked on Ansel, we descended. I struggled to keep my mind off the dreadful fact that I was the center of attention. I held my breath the entire time. It looked like Ansel didn’t take a breath, either.
I found the Healer and Gallen, but had no memory of how I actually made it to my spot at the table. Exhaling heavily, I lowered myself into the seat. They nodded their approval as they admired Lali’s handiwork. I tried to catch my breath before I responded with a ‘what-am-I-doing-here’ look. I felt out of place, but when I saw how extraordinary the two of them looked in their finest, I began to relax. If they could do it, so could I. The Healer looked stunning in silk brocade dyed a beautiful deep red — I couldn’t take my eyes off of her.
Once I settled in and recovered from my entrance, I began to survey the hall from the floor level. A flash of anger burned through me when I saw that Kalonice and her mother were seated at the high table. She made quite an effort to attract Ansel’s attention. I caught her following his gaze in my direction and was startled at the vile look in her eyes. I immediately turned my attention elsewhere, hoping she hadn’t witnessed my revulsion.
All through the feast, I snuck glances over at the high table and more often than not, I caught Ansel staring at ours — or, more accurately, at me. Each time, I looked away quickly. A couple of times our eyes met and I smiled at him — my heart fluttered.
Ansel looked miserable and bored with the nobles beside him. Several times I caught him stifling a yawn. It was obvious they occupied him in some weary conversation. My bet would be that he wished he sat in our boisterous section. All of the dragon riders had been announced as fellow citizens of Ansel’s. Teravinean businessmen interested in investing in his silk business. The Healer passed as Gallen’s wife, and I as their ward. All of us were seated in the same area. There were about twenty-six of us, and we probably made up most of the laughter in the hall. My heart went out to him as he looked with longing in our direction each time there was an outburst.
The only rider who really looked serious was Braonàn. He sat the closest to the high table. His manner was what I would call hypervigilant. His eyes scoured the room constantly, watchful of who was near Ansel; who was approaching him; who had just entered the room — alert and guarding him, as was his duty.
I observed the other riders. Although enjoying themselves and in high spirits, they too, seemed alert to the activities in the hall. My attention rested on the Healer, who appeared to be involved in a lively conversation with Calder. But her eyes took in our surroundings. I was certain she didn’t miss a thing.
In my brief time as a rider, I had only been concerned for myself, my dilemma, and ultimately my own quests. I had just shamefully recognized that it was as much my duty to make sure Ansel was safe in all circumstances, no matter the situation. Being a dragon rider was not just about the large heroic ventures of which I’d dreamed.
“Eshshah, how could I have been so selfish all this time?” I said to her in thought transference.
“Amáne, you are a young rider. All of your duties will become apparent as you train and mature. Don’t be so hard on yourself.”
With my guilt eating at me, my eyes searched out Ansel, who at that moment, was looking at me with concern, a furrow between his eyebrows. He mouthed, “Are you all right?”
I nodded as I hid my shame. He lifted his dragon goblet in a toast, making sure I recognized it. I was truly pleased to see him using my gift. I lifted my cup, smiled and toasted back, vowing to myself, and to Eshshah, that I would take all of my duties and tasks more seriously.
One del
ectable course after another was offered. Soon I could only look at them, smile, and regretfully decline. I couldn’t eat one more bite — except maybe to try just a taste of the pastries.
Ansel stood up to visit the tables and play the host. I watched the guests’ faces and their hands as he graciously engaged them in small conversations. I found nothing compromising his safety. He finally reached our table, saving it for last. One-by-one he greeted the dragon riders — omitting the salute, of course.
“Calder and Avano I must warn you to beware of Amáne’s retaliation for your part in my prank,” he teased.
I had already spoken to the two riders, and laughed with them about it.
Avano said, “Not to worry, Lord Ansel. She’s already forgiven us and promised no retribution would be forthcoming.”
Ansel feigned hurt, “That hardly seems fair. She hasn’t forgiven me yet.” His green eyes danced as he glanced in my direction.
“I suppose I could find it in my heart to forgive you,” I said. “For tonight anyway. I can’t let you pass your birthday unforgiven.” We all laughed.
“If you’ll pardon me,” he said after spending as long as he dared at our table, but nowhere near long enough, “I have to continue my duty as host.” His eyes rested on me, “Amáne, please save a dance or two for me — and then one more — the last.” I could feel the heat rise in my face as I nodded. Avano looked at Ansel, then at me and let loose a low whistle under his breath that Ansel couldn’t hear. I would have kicked him under the table, but that wouldn’t have been polite in this company. Instead, I shot him a seething look.
The banquet concluded, and the tables were cleared and moved closer to the walls. The center of the hall was prepared for dancing as the musicians struck a new strain. Dances were performed by troupes to get the guests in the mood, and soon the floor filled with couples adept in the courtly processional dances.
Gallen sought me out for a pavane, a slow processional couples dance. He led me through it as we performed the deliberate hesitation step around the hall. He softly coached me as I watched the movements of the lady in front of me, mirroring her actions. I don’t think I was too embarrassing for him. Dorjan found me for the next jig. Being from Dorsal, our particular style of dancing differed from the steps in this country. But we had a great time with it anyway, picking up some of the local movements and incorporating them into ours. Our jig was performed a little rougher than the courtly style here, but we didn’t care.
I enjoyed watching as the more experienced couples processed in the galliard, a faster dance, which included leaps and skips in time to the music. Ansel was involved in many of the processional and the circle and line dances, as every lady wanted a turn with the charming host. I marveled at his grace as well as his amiable attitude toward his guests as he glided across the polished wood floors.
Even as I danced with many of the other riders, I remained watchful throughout the evening. I couldn’t help but notice a certain lord — the one who had sat next to Ansel at the high table. He had been eyeing me for quite a while. I began to feel a little ill-at-ease. The dance over, my most recent partner excused himself to join a fellow rider in conversation. This left me momentarily standing by myself. The lord took the opportunity to approach. I wanted to hide. I really had no desire to converse with anyone, but that wouldn’t have been courteous of me. I managed to smile at him as he sauntered over. He stood a little too close.
I thought it was only the ladies who bedecked themselves with jewels. The rotund lord must have worn half his weight in gold chains. Rings of rubies, sapphires and emeralds decorated his sausage-like fingers.
“Good evening, Amáne,” he said with a small bow and a flourish of his hand. “I’ve been wanting to meet you all evening. Since you have not approached me, I felt the need to introduce myself to you.” He had an annoyingly affected and condescending manner as he looked down his bulbous nose at me. “I am Lord Halebeorht, I own a large amount of land about a day’s ride north of here.”
I curtsied. “Pleased to meet you Lord Halebeorht. I see you already know my name.”
“Yes, I asked Lord Ansel while we were at table. I admired your grand entrance and felt that I must get to know such a beauty as you before the evening turns to dawn.” He winked at me like his statement had a hidden meaning that I was supposed to have understood.
I smiled politely through gritted teeth, wondering how he would feel if he knew how repulsed I was at his intended compliment. It only made me wish I could leave his company immediately. I couldn’t stop the red that flushed my cheeks from my discomfort and increasing irritation. I got the feeling he mistakenly took it as a blush of approval. Ugh, how can I free myself from this pompous man?
“Might I have the pleasure of having you as a dance partner? I’ve noticed you are very graceful on the floor.”
I discreetly looked around for Ansel or one of the riders to help me out of this situation, but all seemed to be occupied. I really didn’t know what to say to Lord Halebeorht. Not wanting to appear impolite, I just nodded. He immediately wrapped his fleshy hand around mine and escorted me to the floor where another pavane had started. I was thankful that it was not a more difficult dance.
Ansel danced a few couples ahead of us. When he twirled and faced us he lifted an eyebrow as he noticed with whom I was partnered. I shrugged my shoulders and raised a corner of my mouth.
Lord Halebeorht would not take no for an answer when I tried to decline the next dance. Ansel paid closer attention to us. I think I did pretty well hiding my discomfort. I didn’t want Ansel to think I was not having a good time. In truth, I was having a wonderful time — until I met this overbearing lord.
When Lord Halebeorht asked me for the third dance, I had to think quickly how to turn down his request. He had inched his way closer and closer to me as the minutes passed, making me very uneasy. Knowing my tongue, I feared I would insult him if I remained in his presence much longer.
“Thank you Lord Halebeorht, but I’m quite tired. I need a breath of fresh air. If you would please excuse me.”
I backed up, looking for an exit, when he took my arm and said, “I could use some fresh air as well. May I show you to the balcony?” He twitched his eyebrow a couple of times. I had no idea what he tried to convey. All it did was annoy me more.
I can fight my way out of a dungeon, and escape a hideous creature, but for some reason, I could not figure out how to get away from this man. Maybe if I went with him to the balcony, I could slip away from him out there. I was trying very hard not to insult another of Ansel’s guests.
Reluctantly, I allowed myself to be led away as I tried to release my arm from his grip. We reached the door to the balcony when I turned around and happened to catch Ansel’s eye. He was engaged in a conversation at some distance from me. With a puzzled look, he lifted his shoulders. I pointed at the balcony, in answer to his silent question. Suddenly, his brows knit together and he gave me a serious shake of his head as he mouthed, “No!” He gestured for me to come to him as he started to make his way in my direction.
“Excuse me Lord Halebeorht, but Lord Ansel is trying to get my attention. I need to see what he needs. Would you mind waiting here and I’ll be right back.”
“I’ve been trying to get your attention all night, Love. Can’t he summon someone else?” He said with a wicked smile.
My stomach turned. I bit my lower lip before I said anything I would be sorry for. With a quick curtsy, I turned and headed toward Ansel. I worked on placing a pleasant look on my face as I came up to him.
“Where are you going, Amáne?” His voice controlled, but seemed to be verging on anger.
I wanted to tell him how repulsive his guest was, but instead, I kept an even tone and said, “I was getting hot and Lord Halebeorht offered to take me out to the balcony for some fresh air.”
“The balcony? You’re going to the balcony with him?” He spoke louder than necessary. His attitude confused me, which of course rouse
d my irritation. Poor Ansel, I should have made more of an effort to control myself, but his unexpected anger sparked mine.
My voice rose, “I told you I was hot and I needed some air.” When I saw heads turning in our direction, I forced a smile on my face and continued in a low sweet voice, my teeth clenched, “I’ve been trying to decline your overbearing guest’s attentions for what feels like a lifetime and since he would not take the hint I agreed to go out to get some fresh air with him in hopes I could slip away and be done with his detestable company.”
“On the balcony?” He also forced a smile, as his displeasure increased.
“Ansel, what is the matter with you? Have you had too much wine? Yes, the balcony. There’s fresh air out there, isn’t there?” As hard as I tried to remain calm, my pitch rose. More heads turned our way. My embarrassment mixed with confusion.
His expression transformed from anger to bewildered, and finally amused.
I exhaled and my shoulders dropped as I gave up, baffled at his behavior.
“Amáne,” he said gently, as he shook his head, “one of the things I love about you is your innocence. Of course you wouldn’t know anything about what goes on out there. Let me get rid of the unworthy Lord Halebeorht and I’ll personally escort you to the infamous balcony.”
I decided not to even try to understand what he meant as he took my hand and led me through the crowd, back to where the despicable lord waited impatiently.
“My good Lord Halebeorht, I trust that you are enjoying the ball and are finding everything to your liking?” Ansel bowed.
Halebeorht returned the bow. “Why, yes, Lord Ansel, I’m finding things very much to my liking.” He threw a look at me that made me cringe and want to hide behind Ansel. I could feel Ansel tense up, but he continued in an even voice, “Amáne tells me that you were going to accompany her to the balcony.”
Amáne of Teravinea - The Prophecy (The Teravinea Series Book 2) Page 10
