Elden's Rose
Chapter 1- Introduction
Author: Bookworm2011
The herald of Tortall's royal court was decked in a royal blue, trimmed with silver, the colors of Conté. The man loudly proclaimed for all of court to hear, "May I present Lady Cythera of Elden."
Obligatory applause filtered through the hall... that is until Cythera emerged. The newly come court lady had long shining hair that was dark blonde, almost the lightest shade of brown. Her locks were in soft curls and piled painstakingly upon her head, leaving her neck bare, yet for a few choice ringlets. Her skin was a healthy peach and glowed luminously in the surrounding candlelight. The young woman's eyes were a bright blue that sparkled intriguingly from under naturally thick lashes. Her eyes betrayed emotions easily: the price of such beauty. Many nobles could make out anxiety in her pretty eyes. The mean-spirited patrons of court who were long embittered from court games and intrigue attributed nervousness to a hidden secret or a private agenda. However, many less-hardened courtiers understood her unease. Would you not to be apprehensive when surrounded by a group of strangers, many who cared only for personal gain, and would stop at nothing to achieve power? The new Elden girl's nose suited her face well, but was otherwise unremarkable, except to say it was whole. Cythera's lips were a delectable rosy pink. Soft-looking and pressed into a small smile, they were utterly kissable. Cythera was neither tall nor short, but slender, with pleasant curves, that were emphasized by her low-cut gown. Although low, the gown revealed good taste, and it was still certainly higher then some court ladies. A deep royal blue, with delicate black lace trimming the hem and edges, it complimented Cythera ideally. It's deep, pure color brought out her eyes appealingly.
Knights, squires, serving pages, and lords stared mesmerized at the striking blonde as she gracefully walked down the steps. Applause grew, as more young bachelors joined in enthusiastically. Cythera grew more confident with every step and her smile widened. She stumbled on a step, and almost fell. As she recovered her balance, the applause grew.
Acceptance at court was very important. Many ladies never found it, and went home shamed, to grow old and become spinsters and maiden aunts. Lady Cythera of Elden would not be one of those ladies. Court approved.
As was demonstrated by the queue of young bachelors waiting to escort the new court beauty.
Delia of Eldorne fumed silently. Her admirers had flocked unrepentantly to the new Lady… Cythera was it? This Cythera would pay for stealing admiration that belonged rightly to her. Cythera would pay, she would be sure of that.