The Times That Try Mens' Souls

Chapter 11

The Fête

Apolline and I sat in a pair of gilt chairs at the far end of our entrance hall. A fine Akkadian carpet stretched from the doors to our seats. Servants stood at either side of them, ready to show guests into the room.

She looked stunning. The gold gown complimented her coloring and it clung to her figure, accenting her curves nicely. Her hair was piled up in her typical hairstyle, with two locks hanging free to frame her face. Pearl and gold earrings hung from her ears. Around her neck was a yellow diamond necklace, a gift I gave her for our anniversary one year.

As for me, I daresay I looked good enough. Apolline was pleased, anyway. I accessorized my outfit with a gold chain accented with rubies. In addition to the signet ring and ring of office I always wore, I added two other rings.

"I hope Alais found a good excuse to give Ysandre so she could get away," I remarked.

"She seems to be a smart girl. I'm sure she thought of something," Apolline replied.

At that moment, the doors opened. Our herald stepped forward to announce the first guest. "Her highness Alais de la Courcel, Princess of the Blood."

Alais walked over to us, an escort consisting entirely of Alban guards behind her. She was dressed in the Alban fashion too, with an elaborate gold torc around her neck. Apolline and I rose to greet her. I bowed and Apolline gave a deep curtsy before we gave her the kiss of greeting.

"Welcome, Princess Alais," I said after straightening. "We're glad you were able to attend."

Alais smiled. "Hello, Uncle Barquiel, Aunt Apolline. I'm glad I am able to attend, too."

"What did you tell Ysandre?"

"I said I needed to get away from the City for a little while. She thinks I've gone to the Courcel hunting lodge not far from here."

I smiled at that. "Good thinking."
"Please join us, Alais. It would be best if you greeted the guests beside us," said Apolline. Another chair was brought over and Alais took a seat at my left.

"So how has Ysandre been?" I asked.

"The same as she's been since being bewitched. I don't think she seemed any more suspicious than she was before you left. I haven't heard anything new about sending the army against Aragonia."

"Well that's good news," I said in relief. "How have you been faring?"

She looked away from me. "As well as I can. It's so hard to lie to her."

"I know." My voice was tinged with sympathy. "But from what you're telling me I think you are dealing with the whole thing rather well."

"Thank you, Uncle."

The next guests to arrive were House Vardot.

"Vienne!" Apolline cried as her sister came up from her curtsy. They exchanged the kiss of greeting. "It is good to see you."

"It's been too long, Apolline," said Vienne. "We must resolve to see each other more frequently."

"Yes, indeed," Apolline replied. "When will you be starting on that new addition?"

"In the spring, but that may be delayed if we can't resolve this crisis quickly."

"Blessed Elua willing, this will all be over soon," I interjected.

We greeted the rest of the Vardots and they left to enter the salon. The other guests appeared quickly after that. We welcomed each of them in turn. Some were mildly surprised to see Alais, though I'd told them about my plan. Perhaps they thought she would not be able to sneak out from under Ysandre's nose.

Once all of the guests had arrived Apolline, Alais and I rose from our seats to join them in the salon.

The salon was quite large, being designed for events of this sort. Huge windows lined the walls, giving an excellent view of the gardens. Long tables piled with appetizers were lined up opposite the windows. Some guests were already seated at the tables, sampling the food, while others strolled around the room and conversed. Servants circulated with trays of wine, ensuring that no glasses were empty. I chose not to skimp in that area, selecting the finest Namarrese wines I had in my cellar. There's nothing quite like a glass of good Namarrese red. It's always been my favorite wine. I motioned for a servant to refill my glass.

Apolline was talking to Vienne and her brother Mahieu. I left her alone with them so she might have some time with her family and made my way through the crowd on my own. Many of the guests stopped to converse with me. Aloin Laval was very enthusiastic and talked to me for quite some time. He was very eager to ask my opinion on Akkadian horses- it seemed he was considering getting one for himself.

None of the others chatted for as long as he did, but Comtesse Minette de Montseigné flirted with me for quite a while. It took me by surprise, considering I'm not exactly young anymore and I've never once taken a formal mistress or consort. But she seemed to be enjoying herself, so I indulged her.

"That russet doublet looks quite striking on you, Barquiel," she purred, putting a hand on my arm. "I swear, it seems like you've scarcely aged at all."

I laughed. "I wish that were true, but unfortunately it's not. I might say the same of you."

"You can always be so charming when you've a mind to be." My mother said the same thing of me once.

"It comes naturally, Minette," I said with a grin.

She continued to flirt and flatter me, but I stopped paying attention to her. Alais was off by herself in a corner, looking extremely uncomfortable and awkward. I excused myself from Minette, who pouted after me, and walked over to Alais.

"You look terribly uncomfortable standing there by yourself," I observed. "Are you feeling well?"

"It's just the same thing that happens whenever I'm at court," she began, a hint of bitterness evident in her voice. "They look at me in the same condescending way, just because I look Cruithne."

"Just ignore them, Alais. They ought to get it through their close-minded heads that you are the only member of House Courcel fit to sit the throne right now," I said.

"This is why I prefer to stay in Alba, because no one there cares I'm half-D'Angeline."

I thought of my own grandchildren, and then of Ashurel coming to Terre d'Ange. No doubt the peers of Namarre would sneer at the idea of their new sovereign Duc being half-Akkadian and crow about the "pollution" of Naamah's bloodline. The same Naamah who lay with the King of Persis and strangers in Bhodistan? She didn't care, and neither do I.

"I know this is easier to say than it is to do, but don't let them bother you. I cannot exactly relate to how you must feel, being of course a full-blooded D'Angeline, but many people looked at me strangely after I returned from Khebbel-im-Akkad. They saw me in a turban and Akkadian robes and thought I had no national pride or respect for my heritage. Even now, many people consider me an eccentric because of my taste for Akkadian things. But I never let that bother me. The point, Alais, is that you know who you are. You know that you are not an inferior person and you're proud of your Alban heritage, so who gives a damn what they think?"

She smiled at me. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Why don't we get somewhat to eat? I've had entirely too much wine and not enough food thus far."

I selected a plate and walked along the table, choosing only a few hors d'oeuvres. No sense in overeating. I've always had a good appetite, but I never overeat. Alais followed behind me, filling her plate. I took my seat at the head of the table. In accordance with the custom Apolline sat at the opposite end, having left the Vardots to acquire food. Alais sat on my right, as the guest of honor. The table was not full, for the guests were free to taste the hors d'oeuvres at their leisure. I had a servant refill my glass for a second time and ate.

It seemed like I'd scarcely finished my plate when the servants cleared away the hors d'oeuvres and dirty plates. As soon as the last plate was cleared, they began setting the table for the main course. Naturally, my table was served first. My nose was immediately filled with the scent of light pastries stuffed with cheese and rooster braised in red wine. I felt hungry again, despite having tasted a few hors d'oeuvres. I wasted no time in serving myself. The food was delicious; I'd expected no less from my cooks.

We did not discuss Carthage during the meal. I was glad of that. Aloin Laval and my other Laval relatives who'd come to the City sat at my left, as my closest relations aside from Alais. The Vardots were seated at the opposite end of the table, with Apolline. No other members of House L'Envers were present. I certainly could've used their aid, but I thought it best not to involve them at this time. Perhaps it was paranoid of me, but I feared that Ysandre might grow more suspicious of me if most of House L'Envers suddenly descended upon the City. She seemed to have forgotten about Nicola, or she simply didn't care.

Once I'd finished my serving of butter-sautéed apple slices baked in batter and the servants cleared away the empty dessert plates, it was time. I stood and tapped my empty wine glass three times with a fork.

"I'd like your attention, please, everyone! It's time we discussed the true reason for this fête, as much as I hate to disrupt the evening with this unpleasantness."

All of the conversations died down to nothing and all of the eyes in the room were on me. I pitched my voice so that everyone might hear me.

"You have seen her highness Princess Alais is here tonight." I gestured to her, and she stood briefly so the crowd might see her. "Many of you already know why she is here, but for those of you who do not, it is my intention to, with your aid, petition Ysandre to temporarily step down and allow Alais to assume the throne. What we need to discuss now is how we are to do this. To begin with, we all need to sign a formal petition. I have prepared one that you may each sign before you leave here tonight."

"Do you think that will help convince her?" Aloin asked.

"To be quite honest, I cannot say for sure that it will," I admitted. "Ysandre has been horribly twisted by this spell. But it cannot hurt. In addition to this petition, we all should write official testimonies stating the truth and proving Carthage's claims to be lies."

"A written testimony?" asked François de Brantômé, an Azzalese baron I've known for many years.

"Yes," I replied. "Just a brief statement that Terre d'Ange has an alliance with Aragonia, not Carthage, the Dauphine is in love with Prince Imriel, not General Astegal, and Carthage has put an enchantment over the City to make everyone in it believe Carthage is our ally and the Dauphine made a love match with Astegal."

"Well then, that shouldn't be much trouble," François replied.

"So we will all write testimonies, and then I will compile them and give them to the Queen when I confront her," I continued. "I don't think it will be necessary for every one of you to join me when I do this, but if anyone wants to come along, it couldn't hurt."

"I think we should all go," said Vienne. "That's what we're here for- strength in numbers. Isn't that right, Barquiel?"

"True," I said. "You do make a good point. Perhaps we should do that. If enough of us attend, mayhap our numbers will persuade her."

Alais spoke up for the first time. "I think that's a good idea. If all of us are there she might not be as likely to become aggressive."

"And we all came to the City for a reason: to do this," Vienne added.

I looked around at their faces, studying their reactions. They seemed to agree with the idea that the entire delegation appear before Ysandre.

"All right," I said. "So here is the plan as it now stands. I will be returning to the City of Elua in two days' time. Plan to have your testimonies written by then, and give them to me. I'll request a formal audience with the Queen and then inform you when it will be. Does anyone else have any suggestions?"

There were none.

"Well then, I do believe that is taken care of. Now I will stop talking and let you enjoy yourselves!" There was a small cheer at that.

When the cheer died down, I walked over to the harpsichord. I sat down, and, after briefly shuffling through the music, began to play.

When we were young, Isabel would play the lap harp and I the harpsichord. We were both skilled at our instruments and we played well together. Playing the harpsichord became painful after she died. Since then I've only done it on rare occasions, but I can still play well despite doing it so infrequently. Somehow I felt this fête called for it.

I finished the piece and bowed. The applause was quite loud. My eyes fixated on Apolline, who was quite positively glowing with pride. I walked over to her and we shared a deep kiss. "Barquiel, that was excellent!" she declared when we parted. "I keep saying you should play more often and this is precisely why."

"Perhaps I will. Will you playing tonight?"

"Of course."

At that moment, Alais approached us. "You played beautifully, Uncle. I knew Aunt Apolline played the harpsichord, but I didn't know you did, too."

I smiled at her. "I used to play with your grandmother. She played the lap harp. After she died, it was too painful to continue. I play only rarely."

Alais's face grew thoughtful. "I'm sorry to hear that, but you really should play more often. I'm decent at the lap harp. I could play with you."

I stared at her for a moment, completely unable to form a response. For a moment I felt as though Isabel were there, looking out from her granddaughter's eyes. Though it's been many years since her death, the pain of it is still present. It is always present. "Thank you, Alais," I said once I found my voice. "I would enjoy that." She stepped forward and we shared a brief embrace.

"That was very sweet of you to offer, Alais," Apolline commented. "I've been trying to get him to start playing again for years."

Alais chuckled. "Well, it was a worthy cause."

"You ought to play now, Apolline," I suggested.

"I was planning to," she replied, and walked over to the harpsichord.

The crowd quieted down once they saw her there. She started to play.

I could not take my eyes off of her. I found myself filled with pride as I watched her. Her talent was one of the many things which attracted me to her. I closed my eyes for a moment, allowing myself to completely focus on the sound of her music. I daresay the finest harpsichord player in Eglantine House could not have done a better job.

When she finished, the applause was thunderous.

"Every time I hear you play, I am reminder of all the reasons why I love you," I murmured as I pulled her into my arms and kissed her.

"I do hope you won't list them right now, for it's time for us to lead the first dance," she said as our lips parted.

Apolline was right, for the musicians were just beginning to play the first dance of the evening. We stepped out into the center of the room and started dancing. Apolline is a very fine dancer. I won't boast of my own abilities in that area, but will only say that several women do indeed consider me a good dancer. Even Phèdre nó Delaunay thought so. Apolline and I hadn't danced in a while, so it was quite enjoyable. I lost track of time as we drifted across the floor together, and hardly paid any mind to the other couples who joined us.

In the end, I danced with several other women. Vienne was among them, as was Minette de Montseigné, which was not a huge surprise. Her interest in me, although slightly amusing, was really very tiresome. There have been many folk over the years who were determined to become my consort. Some of them were lovers of mine who hungered for more and were convinced they were the one I'd choose. Others set their eyes on me due to my position. Their efforts were all in vain. I have never met anyone I liked enough to make my consort. Oh I've certainly had long-time lovers, both male and female, but I've simply never felt inclined to make any one of them my consort. Well, I supposed it was a compliment that I still attracted such attention at my age.

The dancing continued for quite some time. I noticed that Alais was not lacking in partners, and it pleased me. I was hoping that she would enjoy herself while she was here. It was good for her. Since she'd be taking over the rule of Terre d'Ange soon, it was important for her to have some fun while she still could.

Eventually the guests began to depart. Apolline and I bid them all farewell. Alais was the last to leave.

"I had a good time tonight, Uncle," she said as she prepared to depart.

"I'm glad for that." I gave her a brief embrace. "I'll see you when I return to the City in two days' time," I said after releasing her and giving a short bow.

She curtseyed in response. "I'll look forward to it."

Once everyone was gone, Apolline and I went upstairs and all but collapsed into bed. We fell asleep almost instantly.


Notes

Food- All of the dishes described in this chapter are actual French dishes; gougère, coq au vin & flamusse aux pommes in the order they're mentioned. I'm trying to base all of the food in this fic on real French food, although I'm certainly no expert. Also, all of these dishes come from the Burgundy region of France which is one of the regions I think Namarre is supposed to represent, along with the Loire country.

Barquiel playing the harpsichord- I mentioned this in a previous chapter in passing, but I'll elaborate on it more here. It makes sense to me that all D'Angeline nobles would learn how to play some musical instrument as part of their education. I liked the idea of Barquiel & Isabel playing music together when they were young, and then him stopping after she dies.