The day of the first ball was busy. Guests began arriving mid-afternoon. I floated between the stables to make sure horses and carriages were being seen to, and then the guest rooms to make sure everyone who would be spending the night was comfortable.
I lost track of time with all the excitement and it was Amber who found me and reminded me that we needed to bathe and dress. Amber's gown was a light blue silk, so light blue that it appeared silver sometimes. Her golden hair was swept up on top of her head with little ringlets dangling from a bun that was surrounded by star shaped hair clips which glittered like diamonds.
My dress contained different hues of violet and purples, still light in color, but plainer than Amber's. I was satisfied to have my auburn hair plaited and woven in a pattern on the back of my head. Staring into the mirror we both could not help but smile at each other. I knew it was Amber's ball, but, it was also mine. I had worked for this day, and I planned to enjoy it.
Baileywick arrived to escort us to Duke Roland, who stood with us as we greeted our guests upon entrance to the great hall. Tables had been placed and decorated around the edges of the room leaving space for the musicians in one corner, and dancing in the middle. In another corner, a fountain had been placed, and servants held glasses under the streams of wine that poured out.
"How…" I started to ask, and Amber shrugged and stated "Cedric" before moving on to greet the next guest.
Although Amber had briefed me on everyone who planned to attend, I found it extremely hard to place faces to their names. I had to look for distinguishable traits, and then after so many people, I forgot most of those. "There's Lord Hugo," Amber lightly touched my arm. He was one of the eligible bachelors that Amber had droned on about. He was very handsome and he had a nice smile as he came closer. We curtsied to him and he kissed our hands, thanking us for the invitation and then he moved on, after winking at Amber. I saw her blush modestly, then turn her attention from him and to the next guest.
Finally, the reception was over and supper was about to begin. I sat to the left of Duke Roland at the high table, with Amber on his right. On my other side was Lady Carolyn, a cousin of the duke, and old enough to be my grandmother. She ignored me for the most part before the food was served, and I was fine with that.
Duke Roland stood, startling me from my reverie. "I wanted to thank you all for attending tonight. It is a special time when friends and family can come together to celebrate a coming of age for one's daughter." I could not see Amber smile from where I sat, but I was sure she was in her element. "So, let us eat and dance and enjoy each other's company." He raised his glass for a toast and everyone followed suit.
The servants began with the first entrée and the sound of everyone speaking all over the room took me aback. It had been so quiet when the duke spoke. "You did excellent work, Sofia," he smiled down at me.
"Amber was a very good teacher, your Grace." The compliment still elicited a smile, however.
"I want you to enjoy yourself tonight as well."
"Yes, your Grace." My eyes roamed the hall for a man in sorcerer's robes. He said he would see me but I could not find him. I had to ask him how he made that fountain work. It would have to wait. The second course of the meal was being served, and Lady Carolyn was commenting on the food.
"Who chose the menu, dear?"
"Amber, my Lady."
"Delightful." She turned toward the person on the other side of her and conversed with them. Even around so many people, I could still feel completely alone.
The duke leaned over to me. "The first dance is for me and Amber, but I'd like to dance with you next."
What do I say? "I'd like that, your grace." He smiled and I felt him pat my knee under the table.
My stomach churned. For the first time, I wished Mother was there. I did not know why, but I felt like I needed my mother. My throat grew thick and I had to blink back tears because thinking of Mother reminded me of James. And then I could not even swallow when I thought of him. He should have been here with us.
The duke removed his hand from my knee and spoke to a duke sitting on the other side of Amber. They laughed about something. I felt petrified, and searched the room again for Cedric. Finally, I saw him at a far table, his eyes on me. I smiled and he returned it. My mood lightened a bit.
Before I knew it, supper was over and the musicians paused as the duke and his daughter made their way to the floor. I watched, mesmerized as they danced. Slowly, other couples joined them. Amber was perfect. She was exactly the kind of person who would be the perfect wife, the perfect hostess, the perfect ruler. I could understand her bitterness about Michael. She had spent all these years preparing to be a duchess and then suddenly one baby boy changed everything.
Then the dance was over and Amber was swooped away and the duke was in front of me, offering me his hand. I had little practice at dancing, but Duke Roland was a good leader and I followed him easily enough. His hand on my back pulled me to him enough that I had to look up at his face or stare at his chest.
"You dance quite well, Sofia."
"Thank you."
"You also look beautiful. More beautiful than your mother, even."
I thanked him again but looked down frowning.
"I did not mean to bring disturbing memories to you. Forgive me, Sofia."
Forcing a smile, I said as lightly as possible, "There's nothing to forgive, your Grace."
He spun me around as the dance called for it. "I look forward to you being happy here."
"I am happy." A vision of Cedric drifted into my thoughts.
"I'm glad."
As the dance ended, I curtsied, and made my way back to my seat as the Duke approached someone else. I scanned the crowd for Cedric. He was speaking with some other people, who seemed to be consulting him for some reason. They were older, so I assumed it was for health. Those who knew that Cedric had helped to prolong James's life often asked Cedric for help prolonging their own, or curing their ailments. I knew of a few times that other sorcerers had come to visit Cedric and watch his processes. Word of Cedric may have spread farther than I thought.
I had not been seated long before I was asked to dance by a man, older than me, but younger than Cedric. After he led me to the floor he introduced himself as Ian, the son of Duke Clain, a neighboring duchy to the south. Although he was polite, he pressed me for details on Amber, her likes and dislikes, her personality, and even asked how she was handling the loss of her birthright.
To say the least, the last question put me off, but he quickly apologized and began to talk about the other people at the ball. He had me laughing by the end as he pointed out the guests and told me what animals they reminded him of. I was a little sad when the music ended and he returned me to my seat, but a servant brought more wine, and it was chilled and delicious.
I was asked to dance a few more times, and then my last dance was again with Duke Roland. I had more wine in me, and I thought the same was true for him, for his steps were not nearly as sure as before. We laughed and he bent down and kissed my cheek. "You should get some sleep, Sofia. It is late, and there will still be much to do tomorrow."
I acquiesced and he walked me to the side of the room, where I could slip out the door and be gone from the noise and the crowd. Once in my room, I opened the window to let the night breeze in. The air was fresh and wafted over my face as I stood with my eyes closed and breathed. Finally, I decided it would be worthwhile to get out my dress and into a nightgown before I passed out on the bed. All considered, this had been a pleasant night.
