Chapter Sixteen: Midnight Beauty
Rhianna stood in front of her wardrobe, trying to decide what to wear. As she did, her mind ran over her encounter with Elsa and the hurtful things she'd said. They were true, but while she prided herself on her protection of her monarchs, she did not consider herself to be only the help. She cared too much for all of them. She shook her head, having half a mind to drop the whole thing and leave with Darkmoon.
Elsa clearly did not like her, and Rhianna felt that even Ahlejandra would be happier if she were far away from Cair Paravel. Peter would not care, he would be too occupied with twittering princesses to worry about the disappearance of his "bodyguard" and while Susan, Edmund and Lucy might not understand, they too, would move on and forget her. And yet… a part of her did not want to leave. Part of her wanted to stay and bask in the peace and happiness she'd discovered. A big part. Sighing resignedly, she began to browse more carefully though the dresses. She would go to the ball, say goodbye to Susan, Edmund, Lucy, and maybe Peter – if she could – and then she and Darkmoon would leave in the morning.
The dress she selected could not have been more perfect for her: it was a deep midnight blue, which pulled every ounce of color out of her eyes, making them even more vivid than usual. The scooped neck was wide, coming almost off the shoulder and the bodice was unadorned save for a thin gold ribbon just under her bust line and a light dusting of golden sparkles. The dropped waist – accented by a thicker golden ribbon, the trail of which blended with the material of the skirt and fell to the floor – flowed smoothly into a close-fitting skirt around her hips that flared out to a wide base at the floor. A sheer midnight overlay followed the flow of the skirt, ending in the barest ruffle around the bottom. The sleeves were long and close-fitting to the elbow, where they then flared out to a wide bell-shape at the wrist. Rhianna complemented the dress with a simple golden chain – from which hung a sapphire pendant – and sapphire-drop earrings. Her hair was done up in an elegant twist at the back of her head, the hair flowing smoothly into it from either side of her part. She left a single lock out in the front, where it came down the side of her cheek and curled gracefully just below her chin. Her long, black eyelashes needed no additional adornment and she carefully painted her lips a delicate rose-petal pink.
Turning in front of the mirror, Rhianna smiled at her reflection: she looked good. Slipping into her gold-silk slippers, she exited the room and padded down the hallway to the ballroom.
She entered discreetly, following behind a couple of Archenlanders who had come up for the celebration. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy sat upon their thrones, observing the festivities for a time. Peter was arrayed magnificently in black rawhide breeches, black leather boots, a white silk tunic, and a turquoise vest, over which he wore a magnificent ermine-trimmed silver cape. Susan looked no less stunning in deep emerald green. Edmund wore a red vest and a mid-back-length gold cape, and Lucy was tastefully gowned in a pale, periwinkle blue dress. Looking around, Rhianna quickly spotted Elsa – clad in bright, leafy green – and Ahlejandra – wearing a deep purple gown – dancing with other delegates from neighboring countries.
The elf settled herself in a chair by the wall, content to sit and watch as Peter finally stood and asked Ahlejandra to dance and Susan was asked by one of the braver delegates from the Lone Islands. Lucy went to dance with Tumnus and Edmund, his eyes falling on Rhianna, pushed through the crowd to stand shyly before her.
"Will you dance with me?" he asked, not meeting her eyes.
She rewarded him with a winning smile and extended her hand for him to take. "Of course."
He beamed as he led her out on the floor and they started to dance to the quick-paced song. The young king was just beginning to hit his growth spurt, but he still stood a good four inches shorter than Rhianna, which made the spins and turns a little challenging. Nevertheless, she humored him, crouching when necessary. They were both laughing, clutching at their sides by the time the dance ended. Rhianna sobered and scanned the floor as it cleared. Peter was a few paces to her left, Elsa on his arm. The Dryad sent her a cold look and gripped Peter's arm tighter. Rhianna turned to dodge out of sight, but too late: Peter had spotted her. He slipped out of Elsa's grasp and began to make his way toward her when Rhianna spun on her heels and walked swiftly for the door, wanting to leave and not sure why.
"Would you like to dance?"
The voice caught her by surprise and she looked up into the hopeful eyes of a young Archenlander. She smiled demurely, her eyes flicking in Peter's direction. "I'd be honored, sir," she said, sweeping a graceful curtsey. Looking as happy as if Christmas had come early, the Archenlander took her by the hand and led her back out on the floor. Peter allowed Elsa to drag him onto the floor, but his eyes remained focused on Rhianna. She knew he was waiting for a chance to talk to her and for some reason, she absolutely did not want to talk.
It soon became apparent that Rhianna was one of the desired beauties of the ball; she rarely got a chance to sit as she accepted one dancing partner after another. She didn't mind, however, for her companions were charming and they kept her away from Peter for most of the night. The Archenlander she had first danced with, whose name was Darrin, asked her several more times, each time growing a little bolder and more pleased with himself for ensnaring her attentions. She soon grew weary of his boasting, but humored him until the clock struck half past midnight, whereupon she asked him to lead her back to her chair to rest. He nodded gallantly and bowed before departing.
Once alone, Rhianna leaned forward, burying her face in her hands. What was she doing? Why did she want so much to avoid her King? That was easy: she didn't want him to become attached to her, she wanted him to marry well. Didn't she? She realized that a part of her wanted very much to be with him. But she couldn't. She was leaving in the morning and he couldn't get attached. She couldn't get attached. Darkmoon's words came floating back to her: "Rhianna, child, why are you afraid to love?" Because love brought pain. Everything she'd ever loved was gone, taken from her. She'd lost everything, and given her all to bring it back, only to lose more. It was time to leave. Tonight. She was about to get up when a pair of black boots stepped into her view.
Author's Note: Sorry this is a short chapter! Good stuff coming soon!