Cedric leaned casually against Dodson's door as his friend peered into a mirror and straightened his tunic. Cedric had been ready for the first Midwinter ball half an hour ago.
"Come on Dod, you're taking ages!" Cedric complained with a grimace.
Dodson finger-combed his chestnut hair. "Cedric, you must understand: we're not going to be serving, which means we have to look good for the girls!"
Cedric raised quizzical eyebrows and crossed his arms. "Wasn't it you that said all of ladies at court were either homely or taken? In that case, I can't understand why--"
"Don't be a prat, Ced!" Dodson finally turned from the mirror and gave Cedric an obvious look. "A new batch of Ladies from the convent just arrived last night. Honestly I thought you kept up with these things."
Cedric thought this over and shrugged. "Then let's go meet these ladies."
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The banquet hall was decked-out at its best. Nobles and courtiers mulled around tables set with finery and delicate foods. Squires stood at certain intervals, offering finger bowls, candied fruits, cheeses, and drinks. Right away Dodson noticed Foster, posted by his knight master (Douglass of Veldine). A pretty young girl stood shyly behind Sir Douglass.
The Royal Squires briefly met with Jonathan. All he had to say was that they should act like courteous gentlemen. Smiling dashingly, the two walked onto the dance floor and looked around for the new ladies.
"Cedric! See that one…With the strawberry-brown hair?" Dodson's eyes lit up at the sight of her.
"Yes, I see her," Cedric replied distractedly. "Go talk to her, and I'll charm Sir Douglass's daughter."
They set off. Dodson weaved through dancing couples to where his lady stood with several others. She looked at him when he walked up. A smile touched her lips.
"Hello, fair lady," Dodson said with a bow. "My name is Dodson of Akins. And you are…?"
The girl giggled. "Kelly. I've heard of you."
Dodson smiled broadly. "Really? From who?"
Kelly looked thoughtful. "Oh…lots of people. But mostly my father."
"Your father…" Dodson tried to hide his confusion.
"My father, Wyldon of Cavall." The training master's daughter settled her hands in front of her. "He tells me so much about you."
Dodson laughed to cover his shock. "Some of it good, I hope!"
Kelly smiled mischievously.
Dodson held out an arm. "A dance, Lady Kelly of Cavall?"
She placed a delicate hand on his offered arm. "Of course."
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Cedric shook Sir Douglass's extended hand.
"Cedric! How are you?" Douglass boomed.
"Splendid, Sir. I hope I find you in good form," Cedric replied with a bow.
"Of course," said the knight. Foster, scowling, tapped him o the shoulder and whispered something into his knight-master's ear. Douglass frowned and shook his head.
"What brings you here, Squire Cedric?" asked Douglass, casting a meaningful glance at his squire.
Cedric straightened his shoulders. "I was hoping to ask your daughter for a dance, my Lord."
Douglass chuckled. "Samantha? I'd like you to meet Cedric of Tassol. He is a Royal Squire. I highly respect him."
Cedric blushed.
Samantha took a step from behind her father and curtsied. "Hello, Squire Cedric," she said quietly. "It's an honor."
Cedric brushed her hand to his lips. "The pleasure is all mine."
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Nearing the end of the ball, Dodson and Cedric reported back to King Jonathan to where he sat with the Lioness, Raoul, Gary, Gareth the Elder, and Lord Martin.
"Have a good night, boys?" asked Jon slyly.
"Of course, my Liege," insisted Dodson.
"Are those two girls yours?" Alanna remarked, staring at someone over their shoulders.
The boys looked back.
"Be right back," Cedric said quickly to his knight masters. They hurried to their ladies.
"We're for bed," announced Kelly. Dodson winked at her. She knew exactly what he meant. She stood on her tiptoes as Dod leaned down and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She smiled shyly but quickly. Dodson turned around to see what had made Kelly so embarrassed. Wyldon stood across the room, staring patronizingly at him. Dodson rolled his eyes and bowed mockingly.
"Goodnight, beautiful," he muttered to Kelly, and returned to Jon.
Samantha took a step towards Cedric and closed her eyes. Cedric was just leaning in when Foster stepped between them and gripped Samantha's arm.
"Let's not be late for your aunt's party, Sammie-my-dear," he drawled.
Samantha turned red and averted her gaze. Cedric clenched his fists. As Foster led Samantha away, he turned back to smirk mockingly at Cedric.
