So...I've sort of lost my track with this story and in the past have simply wrote as I went. And that's why I have no plans for Mistress Llayla or the darkings. I was going to do a mystery but I'm not very interested in those myself and can't really right them for the life of me. So I stopped. My plan is to hopefully continue to write the story out and try to complete it. That's my major goal. And if I reach the end of this story (and your reviews inspire me to continue...hint hint) then I will go back and edit it, fix up what needs to be fixed and I'll have a better idea of where everything is going. It'll be a much better story. But for now, here's chapter nine. Yes, the romance is coming. FINALLY! =D
live-read-imagine
Fighting for Approval
Chapter 9: In the Dark
456-457 H.E.
She was getting married. She was getting married! Keladry was in shock. She sat up straight on the sill of her bedroom window and stared blankly at the walls. Her parents had arranged a marriage for her. She was to be married to an unknown suitor within the week. Oh, Kel was furious! Why was she not knowledgeable of such an affair. It was her marriage. Was she not entitled to at least know of these goings on? Keladry was appalled!
Did her parents not think she was capable of understanding the need for a marriage and behaving accordingly. She knew marriage was not far off. And she knew that if she did not find herself a husband, her parents would arrange one. But why so soon? And more importantly, why was she, she who was to be wed, the last to know?
"You may go," Keladry muttered to the maid who laid down Keladry's outfit for the day on her bed. It was morning. Just a bell after the passing of dawn. Her mother and father had joined her during the morning meal and had informed Keladry of her engagement. Piers and Ilane explained to her the need for this marriage and Keladry understood well and true her duties to Mindelan. She accepted the news with grace and continued eating her meal. It was the words that came afterward that put Keladry in the state she was currently in. She could remember the words perfectly as if her mother was still uttering them, loudly and clearly.
"Keladry, dearest. You will be wed by the week's end. But there is no need to worry. I have dealt with details of the wedding. It is to be a small one. It is what your engaged wished for. I hope it is not disappointing to you to have such a small wedding. It will be his relatives and ours. But if you wish to invite anyone else, you may." Ilane grew silent as she and her husband looked cautiously at their distressed looking daughter.
"Neal," she muttered. "And Vita."
"Lord Nealan will be attending, Keladry. He is already accounted for," Ilane said. "And I shall send an invitation to Lady Vita of Stone Mountain. Is that all?"
"Amelia of Masbolle?" Keladry asked.
"She is also accounted for, Keladry."
Keladry simply nodded. It was then that her face returned to it's blank slate and she straightened out of her slumped state. She continued meal, but both Ilane and Piers noticed that Keladry's movements were very stiff.
It wasn't too soon after this scene that Keladry returned to the comfort of her room and disrobed herself. She had lain on her bed at first, but was not comforted by it. And so, she moved to her seat by the window, breathing in the fresh air while trying to free herself from the arms that were uncomfortably squeezing at her chest.
Someone had sent her maid, Lalassa, to her room and the news she brought with her did not hearten Keladry. But it did bring her back to reality. Lalassa had entered the room and seen her lady in her disrobed state. Immediately, she headed for the closet while she spoke. She told Keladry that her engaged would be joining the family for lunch. She said that her mother wished for Kel to begin readying herself now and that, if her engaged requested it, Keladry may be spending the days before her wedding at the his manor. Finally, she said that the wedding was to pass in the evening of the last day of the week and that, if her engaged wished for her presence in his home before the wedding, she would only see her family on the day of the wedding. After having laid Keladry's day clothes on her bed, Lalassa was dismissed.
Keladry breathed in deeply, keeping her tears at bay. It was as though she had no choice in the matter. She exhaled. She knew that Mindelan was having financial problems. And she knew she was the only one old enough to be married as her elder siblings were all married. Or their marriages would not do much to benefit Mindelan.
Standing, Kel walked over to her dresser and looked at the small looking glass before her. Her hair was not made and her face was too desolate-looking for a woman soon to be married. With a great sigh, Keladry called for Lalassa and with her help, bathed in an hour. Her skin was rubbed red and her hair washed until it gleamed in the light. Keladry wrapped a robe around herself as she stepped out of the dirty bath water. Her hair hung limply around her face, but Keladry could already feel the energy seeping back into her body and rejuvenating her once more. She sat at the dresser as Lalassa followed her with a towel. Lightly, the maid began to dry Keladry's hair and fashion it into a something elegant and presentable, something that displayed Keladry's long neck.
Keladry was soon presentable, clothed in an emerald green dress and corset. She had become accustomed to them after her few years at the convent after her body had matured. Her breasts were pushed upward by it though they were modestly covered in the square neckline. A gold necklace lay against her chest. Matching gold earrings hung from her ears and her face was decorated with dark kohl and lip paint.
Soon after, she saw a large carriage arrive from her seat by the bedroom window. She watched as the guests and her future husband exited the carriage and were greeted by her mother and father. There were only two men and, from above, they both looked similar. Both had heads of light brown hair and light skin. But she could see no more than that. They entered the house.
Keladry sighed and rested her forehead on the cool glass of the window. But the moment was interrupted by the opening of her bedroom door.
"My Lady, your presence has been requested," Lalassa informed her.
Keladry stood and stepped out of her room, making her way through the corridor. She stopped at the top of the stairs as she recognized Neal's face amongst the guests. And beside him, with white speckled in his light brown hair, stood Master Healer Duke Baird, Neal's father.
Keladry stood straight at the top of the stairs and watched blankly as Anders, Inness, and Conal greeted the Squire Nealan and Duke Baird of Queenscove.
'I'm to marry Neal?' she thought, shocked. 'It makes sense given that their family is in the Book of Gold and has close connections to the palace. Mindelan would need to arrange a marriage with a family of high stature to bring Mindelan the help it needs.'
Keladry closed her eyes tightly and breathed deeply. She began to make her way down the stairs slowly, her slipper adorned feet make very little sound against the stairs. Her eyes rove over the group before her. It was only after she was halfway down the staircase that her presence was noticed.
"Kel!" Neal exclaimed. His father promptly nudged him with his elbow, slyly frowning at his son. "I mean, Lady Keladry. What a pleasure to see you." Neal cleared his throat before smiling up at her.
He had changed. His hair was longer and a slight scruff could be seen on his face. His nose had attained a very slight bump at its ridge. But he seemed to have stayed the same, generally, with the exception of his appearance.
"The pleasure is all mine, Squire Nealan. Duke Baird." Keladry's soft voice welcomed the guests as she approached the small congregation. She immediately curtsied to Duke Baird first and Neal second. Keladry was surprised when Neal did not take her hand to his lips and kiss it, as this was a man's way of showing his intention of courting and wedding a woman. Instead, her father ushered them into his office and Keladry did not see either of them again until lunch.
Lunch had been a quite course. No one but Piers and Baird spoke. And even then, they were matters inconsequential to the upcoming marriage. Keladry did not enjoy being left in the dark and unknowing. Especially so when the matter at hand involved her. And she grew even more restless after her father, Piers, began questioning Neal of his Squire years. Keladry listened carefully as Neal spoke and felt bitterness squeeze her heart as she maintained her blank face.
There was one thing Keladry knew. She would be releasing many frustrations tonight and be greeted the next morning with a tormented pillow.
Keladry quietly sighed as she listened to Neal explain that the Lioness, of all people, had chosen him as her squire. He described that he was thankful that the Lioness chose him because he could now practice his healing along with his training, though he would not be telling her so at anytime soon. This brought up a few chuckles. Kel's lips were pulled upwards slightly at the memory of Neal during her probationary year. But those same memories brought up another wall between Keladry and those around her. Her smile faded instantly.
She simply could not believe that, after all her years of hard work and ambition, everything would be taken away and force her into the life she tried so hard to escape. It was true that she had trained to fight at the convent but her husband might forbid her of its use and she would have no choice but to obey. Of course if Neal was her betrothed she needn't worry. Hope blared inside of her at the thought. It would be alright.
Keladry sat patiently in her seat until the party was going to be moved to the sitting room for tea and deserts before excusing herself for a moment. Keladry did not intend to return, though she made it seem as though she would. She made her way to her bedroom and opened the door. What had shocked her was seeing Lalassa packing her clothes and necessities into three moderately large trunks. Lalassa's hands stilled when she heard the door opening.
"Lalassa! What is the meaning of this?" Keladry's voice had an involuntarily desperate tone to it.
"M' m' milady! Baroness Ilane informed me that you would be leaving Mindelan this night. Is this not true?"
'It is more true than false, I'm sure' Keladry thought as she surveyed Lalassa's packing. "It is," Kel replied to the shocked Lalassa.
"Shall I continue, milady?"
"Yes, please. I was simply unaware of my departure. My mother has not yet spoken to me. I was simply confused."
"Of course, milady. I apologize for the sudden fright."
Keladry looked about the room and realized she would rather be in the silent company of her guests than watch as Lalassa packed away her belongings. Quietly, she left the room and closed the door behind her. Although Keladry did not wish for things to happen as they were, she couldn't help but to be grateful that it was Neal that she was to marry. And she still had that small female admiration for Neal that she had four years ago. She still thought him attractive, more so now than before, and handsome.
Yes, she was glad she was to marry Neal. She knew she could grow to love Neal as a husband. She was sure that their friendship could rekindle itself and that she would be allowed to do things other ladies did not have the privilege to do. Or so she hoped. Oh, she so dearly hoped. And perhaps she would be allowed to practice the ways of fighting in the solitude of their own home.
Keladry was embracing the thought of marriage more and more. She thought back to the way she had been acting this morning and frowned to herself for having acted in a puerile manner. She walked into the sitting room with a slight smile on her face and, after pouring herself a cup of tea, sat at the empty mat beside her mothers.
The rest of the afternoon ended pleasantly and Keladry finally learned that she would be leaving with Duke Baird and Neal and stay at her engaged's Fief from that day on. "If Lady Keladry does not mind" said Duke Baird with his kind smile. Keladry could not argue against it and accepted. As she turned in the carriage to look back at her childhood home, she realized it would be the last time she saw it in a long time.
Keladry sat on one side of the carriage and faced Neal and Duke Baird who sat on the opposite seat together. Her trunks had been loaded on top and at the rear of the carriage. The ride back to Queenscove was a long one. It was half a week's ride away from Mindelan. Keladry grew nervous at this thought and simply wished for the next few days to pass quickly. For the majority of the journey, Keladry participated in the conversations so as to be polite and to have something to do during the uncomfortably long carriage ride.
Keladry's back was sore once the carriage had stopped for it's last time. She promised herself she would never ride another carriage before grabbing onto Duke Baird's outstretched hand and stepping out of the horrid carriage. She could not stand the small space any longer. And she did not enjoy life on the road in a dress. She didn't think she would have minded it so much if she had been wearing trousers and a light shirt. The summer heat was stifling and her gown suffocated her in heat quickly.
She took a deep breath of the fresh air and let go of the Duke's hand. "Thank you, my Lord." She lifted a hand to cover her eyes and looked at the Main House. It was big. Much larger than the Main House at Mindelan. In fact, she felt dwarfed by it's size as she was accustomed to Mindelan's Main House. Feelings of anxiety trickled into Kel's stomach. She quickly pushed them away. She could do this. She had been ready to learn to fight for Tortall's people, defend them from other lands and immortal creatures. She could do this. For the people of Mindelan. And for herself.
As she followed Duke Baird and Neal into the Main House, she couldn't help but notice how quiet it was. She saw no one in the streets, no children or adults. This surprised Kel as shops were open though no one manned them. And given the time of day—it was noon—Kel would have thought Fief Queenscove would have been busy.
She was the last to enter and shivered at the coolness contrasting with the outdoor heat. It was a more comfortable temperature inside, a relief from the heat on any summer day. As Keladry looked around, she noted the spaciousness of the manor and it's distinct elegance. She also noticed that the foyer was decorated in blues and whites rather than the Queenscove colors: green and black. She, however, did not comment. It wasn't necessary for nobles to decorate their homes with their Fief colors though most Fiefs in the Books of Gold or Silver were known to do so. Keladry liked the manor. It appealed to her. She didn't know why; it simply did.
"Garette, please show Lady Keladry to her rooms and aid her with all she needs." He turned to Kel. "Lady Keladry—"
"Just Keladry, please, my Lord. Or simply Kel."
"Keladry, then. You may rest and we will eat a late lunch in one bell. Neal, same to you, of course. Now, if you'll excuse me, such long carriage rides do no good for an old man's body." Duke Baird turned swiftly and made his way up the center staircase and disappeared.
"If you'll please, milady." Garrette was an older woman. Her face was stern looking, but at the moment, the gentleness in her eyes was more pronounced. Her blond hair was striped with a few strands of white. Keladry assumed she was of 40 or so years of age.
Kel nodded slightly with her head and followed the quick, precise steps of Garrette.
Her wedding day was tomorrow evening. Her nerves, having been previously calmed by Neal as they completed a game across a chess board, were raging once more. She was unsure of what the future would bring. And she was unsure of how the wedding night would transpire. Her wedding attire had arrived this morning and Keladry instantaneously liked it.
The dress was made of white silk and fell down straight, like a waterfall, and trailed slightly behind the wearer. There was very little decoration at the sweetheart neckline. But it was one of the most beautiful dresses Kel had seen. The veil was short, simply long enough to cover her face and neck and would be held in her hair by her mother's pearl combs. Her neck would be bare, she knew, until she received her first necklace as a gift from her husband. Her hands would be bare but for the engagement ring and, later, her wedding band. Her feet would be adorned in white, heeled slippers. Her wrists and ears would also go without jewelry until she had received her first pairs from her husband.
She sat now in her chambers on her bed, holding her knees close to her lowered head and stared on at the gown. She was not afraid to marry Neal. Rather, she wished her mother was nearby. She would have appreciated the advice she would have been given.
She sighed. It was time to do right by her people. She pulled open the covers and slipped between them and closed her eyes, welcoming the peace that sleep brought with it.
Keladry was waiting. She faced two large doors and held a bouquet of flowers in her hands. Her engagement ring sat sparkling on the fourth finger of her right hand. The white wedding gown she wore fit well and the veil was already covering her paint adorned face. None of the paint was bold; Kel insisted on more natural colors. Her hair fell in loose curls around her shoulders but two strands of hair had been pulled up from the sides of her head for a place to secure the pearl combs that held the veil on Keladry's head. Keladry's feet were comfortable in her slippers, but the waiting was causing her to become nervous. She would walk down the aisle on her own as was the tradition of noble families.
Keladry took a deep breath when she heard the initial groaning of the doors. They were being opened. She was going to become Lady Keladry of Queenscove. Keladry looked at the ground as she began walking. But as soon as she looked up, her eyes widened and fear truly settled in her stomach. The man standing beside the high priest was not Nealan of Queenscove. His hair was darker than Neal's, almost black in color.
She continued walking.
He was slightly taller than Neal, though she could see a resemblance between them. She knew he could not be Neal's brother as the reason Nealan left the Royal University to become a page, and later a knight, was because all of his older brothers had been killed in the Immortals War. But could there be a relation?
Keladry reached the alter and took hold of her fiance's hand as she stepped onto the raised platform to face her to-be husband.
The high priest began reciting the words that would bring the two strangers together into an intimate life.
Keladry took a shaky breath as she looked at the beautiful man. His eyes shine blue like the ocean in the sun. And his features resembled those of Nealan. She was nervous. This was unexpected. She thought that, at the least, she would have been given her betrothed's name! It was no matter now. It was too late. She would do this for Mindelan at the very least.
Keladry continued to study his features as she clearly uttered the words "I do therby take Sergeant Domitan of Masbolle as my husband, lawfully wedded under the rule of King of Tortall and the blessings of the great gods and goddesses."
Domitan had already uncovered her veiled face and now leaned down to press a kiss to both her hands and forehead. He then took her left hand and slipped the gold band down her fourth finger. He then bent down once more to place a kiss to the rings on her hand.
Keladry had repeated the ritual. A kiss on each hand. And one on his cheek. She was surprised when she found herself lifting herself up on her toes to brush her lips against the skin of his cheek.
Keladry now took the larger golden band and held his left hand with her own. She began to slip the ring onto his finger when he lowered his head to her ear and whispered, "Wrong finger, sweetness." He then straightened his posture casually, his hand held perfectly still in her hold, the band still on its way down his middle finger and a slight smile on his mouth.
Blushing, Keladry quickly pulled the band off and slid it into it's rightful place. She then placed two consecutive kisses to the ring.
That was it. They were married now.
Their audience had all risen in applause and cheers. It was the first time Keladry had noticed just how large the ceremony was indeed. Nothing like the small wedding she had imagined, the one she had been told of by her mother. In fact there was a whole section of soldiers in their uniforms standing amongst the crowd. They were currently making the most noise in the room, cheering and whistling as loud as possible. She saw her husband raise a hand and acknowledge them before he offered her his arm.
"Shall we?"
Keladry wordlessly slipped her hand into the crook of his arm and was lead back down the isle and out of the room. He was about to lead her into the reception room before a fair haired lady intercepted them.
"Dom, darling," she took his arm and pulled the pair away from the reception room and up a set of stairs Keladry had not seen. "The two of you are the last to join the reception. And I need to ready Keladry. It'd be horrendous to have her wear the same gown all day. So you, Domitian, will go back to your room and put on what I have lain out for you. And Keladry you will come with me."
"Mother, before you send me away I'm afraid I haven't introduced you to my wife yet."
"Oh, hush darling! Keladry and I have known each other for years. Is that not right, Keladry?" Naomi of Masbolle did not wait for an answer. "Keladry is Amelia's friend, Dom. Were you not aware?" She laughed and led Keladry away from a surprised Domitian.
The only thought that ran through his mind as he swiftly made way to his chambers was, 'So this is Kel.'
Now, all that's left to do is tell me how much you love it, hate it, are indecisicive about it, how much you want me to get the next chapter up asap, how much you want me to quit the story and let someone more capable finish it. And I will not take anything offensively. All criticism is welcome! Negative and positive. How else am I to improve?
live-read-imagine.
