Author's Note: Sadly, I do not own any of this, except for what you do not recognize. I hope everyone had a merry christmas and a happy holiday break. it is a curse that there is always something wrong with me on Christmas. I had a crick in my neck this year. I looked like I had an invisible neck brace on all day. Here's another chapter for you. Please review. I live for them. Enjoy!

Chapter 9 - Presented At Court

The large doors opened with a grunt once more. Yuki was presented first, Shinko in the middle, and I was the last again. I do not know how that worked out. Neal was at my side ready to escort me when the time came. The room was dead silent except for the nervous churning stomachs and the pants of the poor exhausted doormen. I felt so bad for them. I was paralyzed with fear, but my mind raced. There was a girl dressed as a page, and I dare not ask Neal about it now.

Slowly, the room emptied until it was my turn. The doors opened and my titled was bellowed once more. I remember now why I dislike balls, or just at least when there are so many of them so close together. I left my tiny shelter once more. The nobles stared at me again, except this time it was in awe and admiration instead of shock.

I daintily wrapped my fingers around the banister. I floated down the staircase and up to the royal couple. Neal bowed and I curtsied. Thayet was in a beautiful red and gold dress, but looked enviously upon my midnight blue gown.

Men's eyes lingered on my figure longer than they should. I was blushing constantly at all of this attention. Shinko and Yuki usually get all of the attention, but tonight I was the belle of the ball. Instantly, I was invited to dance. I was getting motion sickness from being swung around the dance floor nonstop.

I sat down and one of my suitors ran to get me a drink. The men flocked to me and formed a circle around me. I tried to make polite conversation, but this was so weird. I was not one of the court beauties that got the attention of every male in the room.

Eitaro saved me like the good friend he was. He swept me off to a back room. It was almost time for our performance, so we hid out until the other members of the delegation arrived. I sat down on a couch and Eitaro settled down next to me. My hand brushed his as I fanned out my skirts. I blushed and he stared at me. There was something in his eyes that I could not recognize, but it sent chills down my spine.

An old drunken Yamani entered the room. We stood up instantly looking guilty, although nothing happened. We rushed apart and started to get ready for our act. I hid behind a screen as I changed into a show kimono. It was extravagant so the people in the back of the crowd had something to look at too. It was colorful, with long sleeves and a bright obi. It was common for young women to wear a kimono like this and it added aesthetic appeal to a performance.

The lights dimmed and a spotlight went to Shinko, Yuki, and me. We all had our hair pulled back in a puffy but neat bun. Our faces were painted white with rosy cheeks and red lips. Kohl darkened our eyes. We were a vision. Simultaneously we pulled fan out of hidden pockets in our huge sleeves. We walked out into the center of the room and formed a circle.

We signaled each other when to start without speaking. The older Yamanis were on a platform and played a tradition tune. Our fans flew into the air. They twirled and landed solidly in our hands. We switched from one throw to another seamlessly. It looked like we could read each other's minds because we practice the routine so much we didn't have to call out which throw to do next. The Tortallans were infatuated.

Eitaro used his goldenrod gift to surround Shinko in a fog. She escaped behind the musicians. The entertainment switched from games to fights. Yuki turned on me and snapped her fan open. I snapped mine right back. We bowed to each other, and then took our fighting stances. Yuki lunged, just as we choreographed it. I dodged the fan and swiped my own upward. I have done this fight fifty million times, but the adrenaline still flowed generously through my veins. I loved fighting with a fan. It was very feminine, but deadly. It reminded me of myself. The blades of Yuki's fans tried to gain access to my exposed side. I swung my fan around and I spun elegantly out of the way. Yuki's momentum carried her forward. I swiped her feet from underneath her. She tried to counter as it had been drilled into her when she was younger. The fact that my steel blade rested on her neck stopped her. It looked like I had won, but Eitaro's gift surrounded us. We disappeared to another room.

A lone warrior replaced up at the center of the room. She was outfitted in just a pair of baggy white pants. All of the women watched his bare upper half. He was a fighter, but he carried no weapons. Suddenly, he flipped up into the air and landed back on his feet. He was the Shang Falcon, known for his ability to "fly" in the air. He flung him self into the air countless times and performed almost every trick and tumble that he knew. He would never do all of them. Some things are better left a secret and a mystery.

Backstage, I changed costumes. I slinked into a fitted one piece suit. It stretched with my movements and had pant legs so I could move my legs. I stepped out from the screen to be engulfed in yellow once more.

The Falcon leapt into the air and was enveloped in a saffron cloud. When the fragrant fumes cleared, you could see a unique wooden structure. It had four legs that held a curved piece of wood that I laid on. It supported my back, and then turned upward so that I was able to keep my feet in the air without too much strain. It was hard and gave me sores after I used it, but I needed it to be firm so I could lift myself off of it easily.

I lay on the strange table with my feet in the air. One of the delicate umbrellas from the Islands was balanced on my feet. It was a single bamboo rod with a rice paper screen to protect ladies from the harsh sun. I meditated softly and moved my one foot forward. My muscles remembered what to do. My foot mechanically caught the falling parasol. I flipped the handle up with my other foot and balanced it upside down. Carefully, I moved my feet to the middle of rice paper shade. I removed one foot and spun the umbrella in circles. I moved my legs apart and another sunshade was conjured for my other foot to spin.

My mind wondered as I carried on with my routine. The falling and the spinning was more of a muscle memory thing than concentration. Goddess knows there is not enough time for me to think about what I am going to do next. I pushed the parasol into the air and flipped to my feet. I caught the umbrella as I gracefully landed on the floor. The men stared at my outfit, but I withheld a blush. This was the only outfit that made this art possible. I sat down on the table and twirled the parasol around behind my back. It finally descended in front of my body and Eitaro carried me backstage in a flash with his gift. Everyone was crowded in the backstage space. I was the only one performing so most were in kimonos I had never seen before. This must be Eitaro's twist.

A weary fluttering filled my stomach. Nothing was unusual, but my instincts screamed. Yuki came up to me with a kimono and shoved me back behind the screen once more. I tried to tug at the material, but there was just not enough of it. The cloth wrapped around me and made a low v because it was too small. I stepped out from behind the partition. Eitaro was the only one left in the room and he led me out to a hallway. He escorted me to the center of the ballroom. The men stared again, but this time I blushed. The others were paired up and waiting for us. No one else was available, so I would have to partner up with Eitaro.

The band started up a common song at the Yamani court. I usually tried to avoid this song. You had to look into the other person's eyes, and it always felt so personal. With everyone watching you, it feels like they can all see into the windows to your soul and know all of your secrets. That is a feeling that makes me feel vulnerable, so I try to have to go to the privy when the band strikes up this song. That was not a choice tonight.

Eitaro took my hand in his. My hand was dwarfed in his large one. He snaked his arm around my waist. I placed my other hand on his shoulder. He glided through the steps easily, but I faltered a bit. I was not used to the dance because of sneaking away all of those times. He stood tall and his gaze did not waver from my eyes. He seemed to be searching for something, and then he swooped down low. His arm cradled me as he lifted me up into the air. I could feel that drink I had slosh. I hate heights. That is another reason why I despise this dance.

I was back on the floor once more in a few seconds, but I had to deal with Eitaro's stare. I looked into his eyes too, just as the dance called for. They appeared friendly at first glace, but there was something there. It was darkness, an evil, that I had never seen before. I once cut down a man who had that same look in his eyes. He was an assassin sent to kill the emperor. He was pure evil and could spit nothing but venom at me.

Eitaro could see my eyes grow round. He brought me close and squeezed me tightly. Fear grew in my throat. He leaned in and whispered into my ear, "Watch your step, Rose, because here, I'm as good as the emperor. Don't get in my way again."

A final spin and the dance was done. I hurriedly changed back into my gown in a vacant room. Flashbacks of all the strange things I had encountered while being friends with the prince swam in my head. There was something wrong with the Yamani heir. I had best watch out for him if I am to protect my princess.

Cleon found me wondering a corridor thinking. He gave me a questioning look, but I waved him away. There was still much to the mystery. I had suspicions, but that was it. I needed evidence. At least I am in Tortall, I could be executed in the Yamani Islands. It was good he was here though. I had a bone to pick with him.

I turned to ask him about the girl, but he read my mind. "Tyanne of Ginger Hill is a page. She is in her third year. Wyldon felt a little guilty about letting you go. Tyanne really wanted to become a knight, so she tried her luck. She knew you hadn't made it past your probationary year and thought that girl knights might not even be allowed anymore. Wyldon let her in. He was really guilty about releasing you. He thought that he had to let you go because he was a conservative. I caught him crying to the Goddess in one of the chapels. I think that is why Tyanne has been here so long. It looks like she is going to stay too."

Resentment reared it's ugly head once more. This was not fair, but had anyone ever promised me that life would be fair. Theives profit off of what other people work hard for. Tyanne would not have made it this far if it was not for me setting a good example. The Stump would not have felt guilty if I had not proven myself worthy. If I was weak, that would have proven that women are fragile and not meant to fight.

The ballroom roared when I returned. Everyone had way too much too drink and they were getting boisterous. I danced with Neal, Dom, and a few others before escaping to a balcony. I would have to talk to Shinko. This was too much for one night. I turned to go back to my room, and someone blended back into the shadows. This would be some midwinter.

OoOoOoOoOoOo

Remember to review, but be nice. Yep, well that's it. I plan to through in some conspiracy, betrayal, lying, mystery, and a plan to take over a country. Which one is the question to keep you reading.