Description: The Celebration Ball has arrived, and Daine is presented to the court. Numair watches on in disdain wishing he could be anywhere else in the realm.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters. Everything belongs to Tamora Pierce.
Author's Note: I love the conversation with Alanna. Bless him, Numair's a blushing bride most of the time anyway, but it's great to see how many times I could embarrass him while the Lioness torments the mage. Obviously, I based some of this conversation off the beginning of First Test.
Chapter 7
The day of the ball was upon them far sooner than Numair would have liked. After appealing on Daine's behalf, and more than a little on his own, the king would not be dissuaded from arranging a marriage for the Wildmage. Jonathan did consent, however, that the young woman would not be forced into any marriage she did not want, and they would be willing to wait until she found an acceptable match. The mage felt slightly better at not having to declare his own intentions before Their Majesties and the entire court sooner than he would have liked. He still wanted Daine to accept his proposal first.
Numair stood before a full-length mirror in his room scrutinising his appearance critically. He had chosen to wear black hose with a white silk shirt and a black dress tunic heavily embroidered in silver. It effectively reminded everyone of his black robe status without having to wear the dratted thing. The only jewellery he had chosen to wear tonight was a single amber drop in his ear with the matching amber ring and his ever-present black opal around his neck. There was one final thing to complete his attire as Numair attached Daine's hairpin to his left cuff. He had worn the hairpin every day since he had taken it. The mage wasn't sure if Daine had noticed or not, but the symbolism was important to him.
Trying to ignore the knot in his stomach he turned to look at Kitten. "Will I do?"
Daine had left the dragonet with him when she had been ushered away by Thayet and Alanna. The look on the young woman's face made a person think she was being prepared for her execution.
Kitten rose on her haunches as she looked at him with slit-pupiled eyes. She whistled a note and the ring on his finger blazed with light. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the drop on his ear shining as well. The mage chuckled fondly as he gazed at his dragon-daughter.
"What about you, sweetheart? Would you like to dress up for the ball?"
Kitten tilted her head and chirped a question. Numair smiled and went to her toybox pulling out one of her pink ribbons she'd acquired from Princess Kalasin.
"We could tie a bow at your tail?"
The dragonet chirped and approached cautiously holding out her tail to him. Very gently, he wrapped the ribbon around the tip of her tail and tied it into a neat bow.
"Does the lady approve?"
Kitten silently examined the mage's work turning several circles almost like a woman twirling in a new gown.
"I think it needs a finishing touch."
The dragonet warbled a question and followed the mage as he entered his workroom. Retrieving a smooth stone of epidote from one of his drawers, Numair drew out a length of gold chain. It took only a moment to attach the crystal to the chain as he presented it to Kitten for her inspection. She let out a high-pitched whistle and chattered excitedly at him until he picked her up. Placing her on his lap, the mage attached the chain around her neck and smiled adoringly at her.
"There. Every inch a beautiful lady ready for the ball."
The dragonet trilled as the crystal lit up dazzling the pair with a rainbow of colour. She looked immensely pleased with herself as she chortled happily.
"You can dazzle everyone with your own jewel."
Numair carried her out of his workroom and placed her on the floor as the dragonet sat up to examine her necklace, holding it very delicately in her claws. The mage hoped it would entertain for about an hour if he was lucky, if the ribbon didn't fall off on the way to the ballroom.
Kitten insisted on walking by herself and kept attempting to walk like a court lady holding her tail like a woman holding her train. Numair bit the inside of his cheek trying very hard not to laugh at his daughter's antics. He was very glad that Daine insisted the dragonet have a nap earlier that day. Kitten would have been unbearable tomorrow if she'd missed out on the festivities. The young dragon loved court functions, balls and feasts.
They entered the royal audience chamber and joined the throng of excited guests who stood at the sides. It wasn't long before the main doors opened, and a herald announced Their Majesties. Jon looked very regal in sapphire blue hose and dress tunic with gold embroidery. Beside him, Thayet was causing a stir in her ruby red silk gown with gold embroidered flowers covering the skirts. Her hair had been braided and coiled artfully on top of her head. Their Majesties turned to the court as Jon gave his welcome speech and to celebrate the end of the war. Numair only half heard the speech as he realised Kitten had vanished from by his feet. He shouldn't be worried as she was perfectly safe within the palace, but he was more concerned with what mischief she would get up to.
Their Majesties took their seats as the herald announced the first of the debutantes to be presented to them. There were roughly twenty young women who were to be presented this year, but the mage only cared about one of them, the last young woman to be presented. The women were organized in order of their social status and Daine, being common born meant that she would be last. It was a joke because, if her divine heritage were known by any more than the monarch's closest advisors, she would have been first in line.
"Miss Veralidaine Sarassri. Presented by the King's Champion, Sir Alanna of Pirate's Swoop and Olau" the herald announced.
Numair held his breath as Daine stepped out of the doors dressed in a short-sleeved ivory silk dress. Long gloves covered her arms and someone, the mage suspected the queen, had lent her a string of pearls to wear at her neck. The young woman's wild curls had been pinned around her face but left to tumble down her back. Dark looks and whispered complaints could be heard from members of the audience as Daine walked elegantly, with her stubborn chin held high, towards the king and queen. His throat constricted as she executed a perfect curtsey before Their Majesties. She equalled any of the court ladies in her graceful entrance.
"We are very pleased to have you as a member of our court," the king smiled, his blue eyes sparkling.
Thayet looked very pleased as she spoke to the Wildmage. "You look very beautiful, my dear."
"Thank you, Your Majesties." Daine said demurely.
The young woman backed up two paces to stand beside the Lioness who was dressed in gold silk breeches and dress tunic with purple embroidery. The pair walked defiantly out of the room ignoring the whispers. Numair glared at one of the ladies when he overheard her mutter about allowing filthy commoners into their midst. She paled slightly and shuffled away from the mage as quickly as possible.
The crowd moved into the ballroom as the first dance was called. The mage spotted Kitten sat on the queen's throne scanning the crowd. He shook his head dolefully knowing full well Thayet would be amused when she found her seat had been appropriated. The mage held back at the side-lines looking for familiar faces. Raoul and Buri unsurprisingly had made their excuses and gone out on patrol several days earlier. Raoul was notorious for hating court functions and would avoid them at all costs. Lindhall and Onua were not in attendance for this function and Numair found himself wanting for their company. Harailt of Aili was in deep conversation with the Tyran dignitaries and the mage did not wish to join in. Numair spotted Alanna before he managed to identify Daine in the crowd. The Wildmage was being introduced to a Baron's son who offered the young woman her first dance.
The next two hours were an utter torment as Numair watched his young love accept offers to dance from many a young man, even as high as an Earl. He played his part, speaking to several dignitaries and foreign mages and took every opportunity to avoid dancing. The noblewomen reminded him too much of vultures circling their prey as their mothers appraised the available bachelors and sent their daughters forth to flirt with them. He politely refused every invitation to the dancefloor and two offers to return to his bedroom.
Noticing Alanna standing by herself, the mage collected two goblets of wine from a passing servant and offered her one, standing by her side.
"Hello stranger. Haven't seen you about lately," she grinned gratefully accepting the wine.
"I've been busy," Numair said taking a sip of wine while he scanned the dancefloor for Daine.
"You've been hiding," the Lioness accused. "I think we've seen you at mealtimes if we're lucky."
"I haven't been hiding," he muttered spotting the Wildmage with a short, dark-haired boy.
"Really? I'm pretty sure you've only been seen with Daine for the last month, and that's only because you let her drag you out."
The mage blushed. "I've been involved in a working for the college or writing up various notes on the Immortals, with Daine's help, so that our records are up to date."
"Hiding," the knight muttered rebelliously.
Numair watched the Wildmage as she placed her hand against the young man's cheek feeling jealousy boil up inside of him. The young man held her waist as the two stepped around each other before returning to their starting positions and repeating the move in the opposite direction.
"Is he here?" Alanna asked startling the mage.
"Who?"
She rolled her eyes. "The man who's been leaving Daine a flower on her door every morning."
He glanced at the Lioness frowning. "I didn't think you paid any attention to the court gossips."
"I don't when it's about me," she replied flippantly. "This is different. Daine has an admirer. One who's quite determined if he's kept this up for a month now."
Numair said nothing and returned his attention to the young couple.
"So, is he here?" Alanna pressed.
"I'm not at liberty to say," he replied blandly.
The Lioness laughed at him causing a few heads to turn their way. "Stop dodging the question."
He met her violet gaze sternly. "I believe you were the one who told me not to interfere in Daine's romantic interests."
"What I said was not to get overprotective and chase all her suitors away," she retorted. "She looks very pretty tonight, doesn't she?" Alanna thrust her chin in Daine's direction as she swallowed a mouthful of wine.
"Ivory isn't her colour."
The Lioness shot a disapproving frown in his direction. "Don't tell her that! A girl likes to be told she looks nice."
"If I flatter her with lies then she won't believe me when I do offer a compliment," Numair stated flatly.
"Excuse me, Master Salmalín." A young woman, in her late twenties, appeared beside the mage. "Would you care to take a turn with me for the next dance?"
With a practiced smile he took her hand and kissed it gently. "A beautiful lady such as yourself can do far better than me for a dance partner. I believe Lord Percival is wanting for some company."
Numair nodded towards the man who was stood not too far from their position. The lady smiled at him and set her sights on enticing the lord to dance.
Alanna frowned at the mage. "Are you going to stand there all night, or are you going to ask someone to dance?"
"Why? Do you wish to partner me?" he flirted.
"Give over!" she scoffed. "I'm on escort duty. That gives me the perfect excuse to refuse anyone foolish enough to ask."
The mage grinned in amusement. "How is George?"
"He's fine. Busy, of course," the Lioness sighed rubbing her arm absently. "It'll be good to see him and the little rascals again."
"You're returning home?" Numair asked in surprise.
"No. The new pages are starting next month so George is bringing the family here for a visit. Have you heard?" Alanna's eyes glittered with barely concealed excitement.
"That we have a new female page this year? Yes, I heard the news," Numair's eyes found Daine again noting that she did not look happy about something. "You must be delighted."
"I'm thrilled! Finally, we'll have another girl to attempt page training!"
"And you're itching to get involved." The mage glanced at his friend seeing her grinning broadly.
"Of course, I am," she reproached him. "I had to hide my sex for eight years. This girl can prove once and for all that girls can be knights."
Numair frowned in concern. "You're putting a lot of pressure on her before she's even arrived."
"She won't be alone like I was. I'm going to help her through this. I've got more than enough advice I can pass on," the Lioness reasoned draining the last of her wine and placing her goblet on a passing tray.
"You'll be accused of favouritism," the mage said taking a sip of his wine.
Alanna glared up at him. "She'll be the only girl among twenty or so boys. She'll need a friend."
"You managed," he pointed out giving her a meaningful look.
"I don't want her to have as tough a time as I did," the Lioness grimaced. "It's been ten years since a girl has even thought of joining. If she succeeds it'll encourage others to try out."
"The conservatives will fight it."
"They'll fight anything that's good for the kingdom," Alanna snarled.
"I don't think it helped matters when the king refused to allow Kalasin to attempt the training last year," Numair lowered his voice so that only his friend could hear him.
"That's not widely known," she hissed in return.
"And yet, the gossips still whisper about it." He raised his eyebrow at her.
"Jon told me it's different when it's your own daughter." Alanna's face said that she didn't agree with that statement.
"Would you deny Aly if she wanted to be a knight?" the mage asked curiously.
"I'd be proud as punch if that was what she wanted," the knight sighed rubbing her forehead. "She's more interested in her father's line of work." Alanna scowled causing the mage to chuckle. Aly was an extremely bright young girl and she had already picked up several sleight-of-hand tricks from him and George.
"Master Salmalín? May I join you for the next dance?" A buxom blonde in an elegant lilac gown inquired.
"My apologies, lady Adeline. I will be sitting the next dance out. You would do better to ask Duke Eliyan," he replied courteously.
"Is there anyone you want to dance with?" Alanna asked after the lady had left them.
"Yes," Numair answered without thinking.
"Well, get on with it then," she snapped.
"You aren't enjoying my company?" the mage teased before mollifying his expression. "Besides, the young lady is otherwise engaged."
"It's not like you to abstain from the festivities." The Lioness regarded him critically with her penetrating violet stare. "You're not even dressed up for you." Numair blushed as Alanna followed his gaze. "I'm the one on escort duty here. Unless there's another reason you're keeping a close eye on Daine?"
His blush deepened as the dance ended and the young woman in question approached the pair.
"Are you enjoying yourself, magelet?" he asked desperate for a chance to escape Alanna's scrutiny.
Daine scowled up at him. "I've had my foot stood on five times already and this cursed bodice is too tight!"
"It's very flattering, Daine," Alanna smiled at the young woman before regarding the mage provocatively. "Don't you think so, Numair?"
The mage fought to control the blush as he glared at his friend. "It compliments your figure nicely," he said to Daine.
The young woman smiled up at him fluttering her extravagant eyelashes prettily.
"Have you got your eye on anyone for the next dance?" Alanna asked the Wildmage.
"I've not had my eye on any of them!" Daine replied tartly. "Unless you want to dance?" she looked up at Numair beseechingly.
The mage swallowed wishing he could accept her offer. "I am hardly considered a suitable dance partner for your debutante ball, – magelet." He caught himself before he uttered a less appropriate term of endearment in front of Alanna.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Numair!" the Lioness snorted. "No one's going to bat an eyelid if you have one dance with Daine."
The mage smiled in gratitude feeling a glimmer of hope as he regarded his young friend. She returned the smile warmly as he held out his hand to her.
"Miss Sarrasri? Would you care to join me for the next dance?" a young man with curly brown hair held out his hand to the Wildmage.
"Well, actually I –" the young woman stammered glancing up at the mage.
"It's alright, Daine," Numair said standing straighter and placing his hand behind his back.
The Wildmage glanced back at him looking heartbroken as the young man led her to the floor.
"I think she'd have preferred to dance with you," Alanna watched the mage thoughtfully.
He watched miserably as Daine took her position in the circle of dancers as the young man placed his hand on her waist pulling the young woman closer than was strictly necessary. The mage wondered if he should have put the young man off.
"I can see you're a barrel of laughs tonight. You've got another one coming for you," Alanna pointed towards a young lady who was heading in their direction.
He grimaced and leaned down to whisper to the Lioness. "Cover for me, will you?"
"What?"
Numair disappeared into the crowd and made his way towards the balcony. The mage was feeling his age tonight watching the young men, all a good ten years younger than him, approach Daine. He was growing tired of the evening and couldn't bear to watch her dance with another more 'suitable' partner. Numair wasn't the only one to escape for some air as he closed his eyes and tried to ignore the ache in his heart. He should have accepted that last dance with Daine when she offered. Maybe Alanna had been right, and no one would have thought too much about a teacher dancing with his former student.
"Master Salmalín?"
Numair turned angrily wanting more than a minute to himself. Lady Rosamond Blackwood stood behind him fidgeting uncomfortably as she tentatively joined him at the balustrade. She attacked her cuticles as she looked out over the gardens then glanced at his cold expression.
"It's a lovely night – would you – take a walk with me?" she stuttered.
The mage closed his eyes and sighed. Maybe a walk would help clear his head and it would certainly give him a few minutes alone.
"I would be delighted." He offered her his arm and escorted the lady to the gardens.
They walked in silence just as they had done at midwinter. Lady Blackwood led him towards the gap in the hedge and released his arm with a grateful smile as she disappeared out of sight. Out of both curiosity and concern, the mage poked his head around the bush to see the woman safely reunited with her lover.
Taking a deep breath, Numair ambled along the paths enjoying the cool night air and some time to himself. Breathing calmly, he came to the decision that he would return to the ballroom and ask Daine for a dance. He was fed up and didn't care if anyone noticed she was the only woman he accepted a dance with that night. Lady Blackwood could come up with her own explanation as to why she'd been out all night and not with the mage she'd been seen leaving with.
Resolute, he started to return to the ballroom when he saw Daine running up the path towards him. Numair smiled warmly as she reached him.
She stopped a few feet away looking around. "Where's lady Rosamond?"
"With her lover," he said lightly. "I believe it's the same young man I saw at midwinter."
"At –" Daine's brow furrowed in confusion. "You didn't canoodle with her at midwinter?"
"No, sweetling." She didn't usually pay too much attention to the gossips, why this time? "If you remember, I was hopelessly in love with someone else at the time." Numair closed the distance between them cupping her cheek tenderly.
Daine's eyes sparkled with unshed tears as she looked at him. "I thought – I was so scared I was going to walk in on you when I came to your rooms that night to get Kit. And just now – I wasn't sure what to think."
It said a lot about the precarious nature of their relationship if she still believed he would conduct any sort of affair while he was courting her. "Darling, you never had to fear interrupting anything in my rooms."
"Why? It's not like you haven't taken any of them to bed," she said with more than a touch of jealousy in her voice.
"Not to my bed," he clarified. "I haven't conducted any of my affairs in my rooms, and especially not when I took you on as a student."
"I don't understand," the young woman frowned.
"Daine, your power was new and confusing for you in the early days. I wanted you to be able to come to me at any time, day or night, if you had questions or concerns. Had you found me in bed with someone you never would have come to me again. I didn't want to break the wary trust you had placed in me," he stroked her cheek with his thumb placing his other hand on her waist.
"Oh."
Numair sighed and captured her lips in a soft, lingering kiss. "I was just returning to ask you for a dance, but perhaps you might like to take a walk instead? We could get out of sight of prying eyes," he whispered seductively against her lips.
Her eyes glittered mischievously as she grinned up at him. The mage had wanted to reassure her precisely where his feelings lay, but he was going to have to be careful if that look in her eyes was anything to go by. Things had been going well between them the last few weeks. She'd stopped trying to snap his control or seduce him every time they were alone together.
Straightening he offered her his elbow as she shook her head in amusement at him before slipping her arm into his. He rested his other hand on hers as they walked together. Daine may not want to be treated like a lady, but she deserved someone to treat her with respect.
"How did you lose Alanna?" he asked hoping they weren't about to be interrupted by the angry knight coming in search of her charge.
"I didn't. I told her I was tired and turning in for the night," the young woman said.
"Was Kitten still awake when you left her?" he asked softly.
Daine blushed looking guilty. "I didn't think about Kit. I wanted to find you."
Numair sighed and patted her hand feeling his own sense of guilt that he'd worried her. She trusted him implicitly as a teacher and a mage but not as a man, not yet. He still had a lot to prove to earn her trust in that regard.
"Did you put that bow around her tail?" she asked suspiciously.
He chuckled. "I asked if she'd like to dress up for the ball."
"She seemed fair proud of herself," Daine commented. "I liked the necklace."
The mage nodded in agreement. "Did she twirl for you?"
"No," she looked at him in disbelief. "You're going to turn her into a vain dragon if you keep that up."
Numair laughed openly feeling a lot better having her at his side. "I promise not to do it too often."
They had almost reached the meadow when the mage stopped, pulling the young woman against him as he kissed her. Her arms went around his neck, and he lifted her off the floor so he could deepen the kiss. Daine's hands went instantly into his hair releasing it from its tie to tumble around his shoulders. Numair moaned as she pressed herself against him and shivered, but not from pleasure.
"Are you cold?" he asked pulling away to look into her beautiful blue-grey eyes that seemed to shine in the moonlight.
She grinned sheepishly shivering again. "Yes."
He sighed placing her back on her feet regarding the thin fabric of her dress. "Let's get you back to your room."
