Heart Duel
Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Chapter 15: Strange Behaviours
I took my time to appreciate my surroundings, tapestries depicting all sorts of sceneries hung on every wall, even those that hung over doors were exquisite! What really set those that hung over the doors apart was that instead of the customary scenes depicting nature, they were of intricate patterns that drew the viewer into a colourful world or circles, squares or lines.
After a span of some time within these walls, I ceased to marvel at the huge chandeliers that hung throughout the place, with smaller but no less elaborate counterparts lighting up the hallway. The luxuries did not end at the lights but extended throughout the whole palace. Carpeted floors and glowing white walls caught my admiring eyes and filled me with further anticipation.
"Your home is very beautiful," I whispered to Kaelen as we trailed behind his parents, Derrick and Naria.
"I know. It never fails to amaze me still, but its home," he replied with a grin, clearly amused by my fervent admiration.
Various pieces of artwork adorned the otherwise empty walls and I continued to admire them openly. Then, I noticed Kaelen trying to hide a smile by bowing his head. "What's so funny?" I asked, looking at him with some irritation.
"I just thought of something I should have said to your comment about my home instead of it never failing to amaze me," he replied, suddenly serious. I noted the gleam in his eye.
Breaking eye contact, I settled on keeping my line of sight straight ahead and asked, "Well, what is it?"
"Promise me you won't get angry?"
"It's your home not mine, what could you possibly say about it that would make me mad?"
"It's not about my home, it's about you." He paused, eyeing me cautiously. I studiously ignored him.
"It is more beautiful for you have graced it with your beauty," he whispered, leaning close to my ear.
I rolled my eyes before turning to regard him thoughtfully. He was waiting with bated breath for my vocal response, and a hint of blush coloured his chiselled cheekbones. With a hint of scepticism I said, "That was it?" continuing in a more jovial fashion I added, "You didn't strike me as one who flirts through words, Your Highness. If I recall correctly, you preferred to let your actions do the work."
Visibly, he relaxed and regained his usual composure while retorting in a mock pleading manner, "You aren't still angry at what happened, right? I have already apologised for kissing you without your permission."
I laughed and patted his arm on which my right hand rested with my left one and assured him that all was forgiven although not forgotten. Now that I think about it, the kiss wasn't that unpleasant after all, and it must have been a funny sight to behold.
Teatime was as I had predicted a getting-to-know-you session. Surprisingly, the King and Queen were down-to-earth people with no airs and that endeared them to me, asking polite questions about our journey and the bandit attack. Apparently, Kaelen had sent word ahead about the harrowing incident. They then turned to more personal matters like the upcoming wedding that would be held there.
Derrick and Naria were officially married and could be considered husband and wife, but as a formality, it was decided they hold a second wedding here to let the people of Sartor witness for themselves their princess' marriage.
~*~
After tea, I found my way to the suites that had been prepared for me. Its interior was elegant and its theme colour was white, in line with the rest of the palace. Feeling rather 'whitewashed', I took comfort in the pale pink cushions and carpet and the silver edges of different pieces of furniture. Overcome by fatigue, I fell into the soft satin sheets and sleep engulfed me instantly.
Louise, who thankfully escaped unscathed from the bandit attack, roused me from a much-needed period of rest much to my displeasure and it was a reluctant lady that she dressed for dinner that evening.
Kaelen had sent a messenger to inform us that our arrival was kept a secret, as there was a risk of some power hungry sorcerer who wanted Naria for his own devices, since she was still a virgin. Her illness presently kept her bedridden and she could only rest for she was too weak.
After pulling on a pretty gown of sunny yellow over a cream white petticoat, I sat at the dressing table and let Louise work her wonders on my hair. Her deft fingers wove yellow ribbons with moonstones on each end into my hair, letting the ribbons hang artfully down my back, so that the glint of the moonstones were visible with each turn of my head.
~*~
There was an unspoken agreement that Kaelen would serve as my escort and partner for the night, and he arrived shortly before dinner began, looking every bit a prince in his bronze tunic. A circlet of silver rested atop his head, denoting his rank as Crown Prince of Sartor.
I murmured my appreciation, noting with a little consternation that our outfits complemented each other rather well. "You look all bronzed and shiny," I teased jokingly.
"And you look all sunny and yellow," he retorted with a grin. That shut me up till he offered me his arm in an effort to make peace, and I pulled a face to let him know that I wasn't offended.
~*~
We arrived outside the closed doors of the dining room just as Derrick and Naria came into view. They were dressed as befit their stations and complemented each other wonderfully as well. Both wore dove grey and lavender colours that suited them both, a couple's outfit.
"I had requested dinner tonight to be as informal as possible," said Kaelen as the two drew near, "But you shouldn't expect too much informality."
Just then, the two large doors were thrown open, and the four of us entered in pairs side by side. A long inverted (from my point of view as I entered) U-shaped table dominated the room, with room in the middle for dancing. The king and queen sat at the end of room, or the bottom most part of the curve in the table. They were the last to rise from their cushions to greet us as we walked towards them, dropping curtsies and bows accordingly.
"How do you fare, Your Majesties?" asked Kaelen with a slight drawl in the customary manner. I was surprised to note that his tone was a shade deeper than usual and he sounded distant, much like when I had first met him.
"We are well, my son," replied the Queen, smiling gently, "And you?"
"I am fine as well, so is my sister Princess Meridanaria and our companions: Crown Prince Derrick Renselaeus of Remalna, my sister's husband; and his cousin the Lady Tylana Astiar of Tlanth," said Kaelen with a graceful bow.
Derrick bowed when his name was mentioned and stepped forward to kiss the Queen's extended hand. I just curtsied as demurely as possible where I was, praying that I wasn't making a fool of myself in front of all these strangers. Thankfully, the King gave me a playful wink that shocked me out of my nervousness.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Crown Prince Derrick of Remalna and Lady Tylana of Tlanth," said Kaelen, addressing all the courtiers and nobles present as we turned and bowed or curtsied to them as well.
Kaelen then led me to my seat while Naria indicated for Derrick to follow her with a flick of her fan. We too sat at the curve of the table, exchanging soft words with those beside us. I was sandwiched between Kaelen and a kindly old gentleman.
Between bites of food and sips of wine I looked around and noted that Lord Felix was seated not far from me, a striking woman seated next to him. His lover? No, she looked too old, but they did look somewhat alike. His mother. Lady Fialma.
He caught my eye and smiled from across the room before bending to whisper in his mother's ear. The lady turned her head to regard me coolly through lidded eyes. She did not smile or frown, her face a mask of no expression, but my skin prickled under her gaze.
Quickly turning to Kaelen instead, I enquired about the bandits we had caught.
"We'll either imprison them for a while or put them to some hard labour. The latter's more likely," he replied after a sip of wine. "Why?"
"Just wondering," I mused, "Do you think they're just ordinary bandits?" I asked. He looked at me in puzzlement. "I mean, do you think they were sent by some sorcerer?"
He looked down into his plate and began slicing and a piece of meat, slowly mulling over my question before answering, "I don't think so or he would've staged a second attack when quite a number of us were still too hurt to fight."
Comforted by his words, I resumed eating, only to have him break the silence between us by saying, "A few of the lords and ladies will receive special mention for their bravery, Lord Felix is among them," he added when he saw me throw a glance in the said lord's direction.
"Oh."
"Funny how the son can be so different from the mother, eh? I mean, I've heard that Lady Fialma tried to poison your uncle and here is Lord Felix fighting to protect us all."
"You think that he means us no harm?" I asked with a raised brow.
"Much as I'd love to dislike him for all his charm and charisma, I have to admit that he doesn't seem so bad after all." He looked tickled by my question and arched his eyebrow in query. Much to my chagrin, his eyebrow seemed to arch more gracefully than mine.
"After all?" I questioned, not wanting to answer his unspoken query.
"He used to hound my sister all the time, one of her most persistent suitors if I may add. He still continued pursuing her even after I'd told him that she was betrothed." He paused to chew and swallow a bite of food. "I was almost afraid that he'd do something to Derrick when he found out that he was my sister's intended. Thankfully, he seems to have come to terms with the whole affair."
This new bit of information sent my mind working. Was I just a diversion for Lord Felix after he had learned that courting Naria was a lost cause? Or did he just want to use me as an excuse to get close to Naria yet again? My mind had started wandering, and there seemed to be nothing that was capable of reining in those thoughts.
Kaelen's invitation to dance came jolted me out of the train of thoughts however, and as I nodded my head in agreement, he glanced around somewhat furtively, mustered an air of nonchalance and set down the napkin he had been using to wipe his mouth.
"Is something wrong?" I asked bemusedly, moving to stand and placing my hand in his as he stiffly led me out to the dance floor in the middle of the room.
"He's just using you to escape from the ladies of court," whispered Naria as she passed us, Derrick leading her to the dance floor.
I attempted but failed miserably to stifle my laughter, seeing Kaelen give his sister a disapproving glare as she glided away with a wide smile on her face. He visibly straightened and kept a straight face when we began dancing. No longer did I see a trace of humour or feeling on his sculpted features. In an instant, he had become the Kaelen I had met those many months ago, remote and uncaring.
Why the sudden show of detachment? I wondered uneasily, even as our feet danced in sync with the symphony, and we twirled amongst the other couples with gliding ease.
We twirled easily through the other dancing couples, I following his lead. Instead of looking directly at me as he usually did - sometimes to the point of rudeness, as if trying to read my mind - he was now looking over my shoulder, his head held slightly higher than usual, as though he was trying to enhance his height and prove how short I was in comparison.
I squeezed his upper arm slightly to get his attention. He looked down at me through half closed eyes, "Yes, Lady Tylana?"
Lady Tylana?
"Kaelen, is something wrong? You've been so distant since we started dancing," I asked concernedly, temporarily taken aback.
His mask slipped for a fraction of a second, "I'm quite all right," he replied somewhat haughtily before faltering, "I just - I just, never mind."
The dance ended and I pulled away from him, tilting my head beck to regard him carefully, one hand still resting in his, "You just, what? It's better to share your burden with a friend."
He stared at our clasped hands for a moment before releasing his hold on me with a start. After a discreet glance around, he offered his arm to me. Again. I was starting to get irritated and displeased with his erratic behaviour, but as I was led away, I threw a look over my shoulder and my displeasure melted at once.
Throngs of ladies in their finery were in clusters throughout the entire room. Ladies of marriageable age hoping to catch a prince I suppose. A few of them stared back at me coolly; others glanced away quickly when they caught my gaze, whispering rapidly behind their fluttering fans.
Kaelen led me out to an open balcony decorated by a few ornamental plants and pulled me to one corner, allowing the shadows to cloak us in its darkness. Only a stray beam of light from an upstairs window illuminated our faces. I looked up at him expectantly, crossing my arms and made a show a awaiting his explanation.
"I apologise for my behaviour tonight - " he began.
I held up a hand to silence him, "It's fine. I saw those ladies."
"You did?" I nodded sympathetically when he cringed, patting his arm absent- mindedly.
"Its natural you know," I continued, "for young ladies to seek out potential husbands."
"I know that. I've been living with mothers desperate to marry their daughters off and daughters more than willing to comply with their mother's wishes fro a long time," he answered with a grimace of distaste.
"Well, you are a good catch. If you don't mind me saying it so crudely." A nagging thought appeared at the back of my mind. Did I think he was a good catch?
"You think so?" he asked, as if reading my mind, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. He was returning to his usual self.
I gave a mock long-suffering sigh, "We both know so. Still, that doesn't explain your offensive behaviour tonight," I said pointedly, jabbing him in the arm with my fan before clasping both my hands in front of me.
He remained silent, head bowed and I patiently awaited his response. He surprised me by taking both my hands in his, running his thumbs over my gloved knuckles. I shivered, almost withdrawing at this sudden display of affection.
Looking me in the eye, he said, "Those ladies I mentioned earlier are ten times worse than Lady Tamara. Should they see you as a potential competitor, they will not hesitate to do you harm."
I understood the import of his words but tried to make light of the situation. "You make it sound like a competition wit you as the prize."
"It is," he said seriously, looking at me with a fierce intensity.
"But we're just friends!" I exclaimed, "Surely they can see that?"
"Friends can become lovers, Lana. Surely you are not that ignorant." His voice had dropped to a whisper. He sounded almost pitiful.
His thumbs still ran over my knuckles and I suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "But in essence, lovers are still friends, are they not?" I questioned.
A pained expression flitted across his features. "I guess."
He looked so forlorn, that on impulse I drew my now tingling hands from his grasp and stood on tiptoe, hugging him fiercely as his hands dropped to his sides. His arms snaked around my waist, one hand braced against the small of my back as my fingers tangled in his rich brown hair. Resting my forehead against his cheek, I whispered, "I will always be your friend. Never doubt that."
We stood like that for a moment in the chilly night air, but none of us felt cold in the least. Our breaths came in little puffs and mingled with one another as we breathed steadily. It was then that I realised how alone Kaelen must feel. He could only trust his family; his male friends probably see him as competition, the female ones a future royal husband. But they couldn't possibly all be bad, right?
My scalp tickled, he had started playing with my hair which I had left unbound this night, curling a lock of it around his fingers, before murmuring something which sounded suspiciously like "I wish you could be more than a friend" into my hair. I drew back with a shaky smile, his intimacy was slightly unnerving, and my heart beat a rapid tattoo in my chest. He smiled in return, the laughter now reaching his eyes. "What did you say?" I asked, eyes narrowing a fraction.
"You surprise me with your enthusiasm in comforting a friend, Lana," he said, placing extra emphasis on 'friend'.
I coloured. Did he think me one of those ladies aforementioned? "I just sought to comfort, Your Highness. Besides, you're the one who still has his arms wrapped around me," I said, dropping my gaze to the scant space between us.
It was his turn to blush. "Your comfort has provided me with much relief, Lady Tylana."
"I take it then, that we are to use our formal titles in the presence of others?" I asked, cocking my head to one side.
He nodded curtly before dropping a kiss on my cheek. "We had better return before someone notices that we're missing." That said we re-entered the warm dining room cum ballroom with all haste.
We wandered from group to group for a while before being cornered by Kaelen's 'close' friends. Kaelen was the perfect host, polite and attentive, smiling whenever necessary but he remained guarded at all times.
Most of his friends complimented me on my attire, asked questions about Derrick or expressed their delight at making our acquaintance. The Carena Ladies did all three. Well, each of them did one.
The Carena Ladies are identical triplets. In order they were: Lady Calia, Lady Calie and Lady Calio. They looked like mirror images of one another, all blonde haired and blue eyed - the classic beauty. I felt like a wrinkled prune standing next to them, but they were so engaging and entertaining that I could not help but be drawn to them.
"So how do people tell you apart?" I asked curiously.
"By what we wear, of course!" replied one of them enthusiastically.
"We wear different rings. The jewel set in my ring is azure coloured; the one is Calia's is an indigo-blue as dark as night; Calie's is a beautiful cerulean colour," said the one I assumed was Calio.
"It is a brilliant idea is it not?" exclaimed Calie.
I nodded my agreement before Kaelen excused the both of us and led me away.
"They seem really nice and friendly," I commented.
"Who? The triplets?"
I nodded again and Kaelen made a non-committal sound under his breath. Ignoring him I continued, "Which one of them is after you then? Or which one is their mother promoting? Wait let me guess, all three?" I pretended to look dismayed at the prospect. "Where does that leave me?" I asked with a giggle.
Derrick and Naria who were coming toward us heard my joke and laughed. Kaelen just looked annoyed.
"Oh, come on, Kaelen! Lana's just cracking a joke you shouldn't take it to heart," said Derrick with a conspirational wink at me. "Good one, Lana."
"Well," said Kaelen, "If you've had your fun, may we please get some refreshments?"
We all agreed and headed for the refreshment table which had been placed in the corner of the room. There we encountered the King and Queen who asked us to join them in a set dance. I partnered the King, Derrick partnered the Queen and Naria paired up with Kaelen.
There was little time for conversation as we twirled through the intricate steps but King Rel still managed to ask me a few questions. The usual questions about my well being and the journey here were mentioned before the more probing one surfaced.
"You seem to be close friends with my son, Lady Tylana," he observed.
"The Crown Prince and I are just friends, Your Majesty."
We broke apart and I ended up with Derrick. "The King's asking me questions about Kaelen," I whispered.
"Tell him that you're more than willing to marry Kaelen!" joked Derrick.
I whirled into Kaelen's arms. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"I am, Your Highness."
Then I was back with the King. "Just friends, Lady Tylana?" he continued his questioning.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Crown Prince has been very kind to me," I answered, smiling politely.
Perhaps a vague answer may throw him off my trail. I didn't have time to find out fro the dance ended and we bowed or curtsied to our partners. Did the King suspect my motives for being with Kaelen? He was probably concerned about his son's welfare and sought to find out about the company he kept.
Tired as I was, I thanked King Rel for the dance and dinner before bidding my friends goodnight and heading towards my rooms without an escort. I was halfway out the door when there was a commotion in the middle of the room. I turned to see a group of people clustered around something or someone.
Then someone shouted, "Give her air! Give the princess air!"
~*~
A/N: I'm not very pleased with this chapter. Actually, not pleased at all but it'd be a complete waste to delete it all. I don't know if you guys expected it to be like that but I certainly did. This chapter serves as a transition from Remalna to Erev-li-Erval as well as an introduction to the Erev-li-Ervalan court. It therefore does not contribute to the large plot, except for the new bit of information regarding Lord Felix. Do give me a rating of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) for this chapter, as I want to see exactly how bad it is even AFTER all my excuses.
Deliandery suggested giving Lana another suitor but I'm out of ideas at what the new suitor should be like if there even is one so give me suggestions!
Lastly, I've given up on making Lana less Mary Sue, unless some new idea comes along or something. Sorry!
Thanks to all reviewers~
Elanial: I know what you mean, but the bandit attack in chapter 14 plays a small part in the whole story. I can't tell you exactly how it contributes to the plot, coz I'd have to kill you if I do. Well, kinda. I'm trying my best though!
Eniamrahc: the homepage on my profile.
Deliandery: I did manage to make her less of a Mary Sue? I seem to be failing at it again. I've almost given up trying to make her imperfect, just waiting for some reason to make her imperfect to come along. Kaelen does like her and it's quite obvious that he likes her more than a friend, but he has to keep himself in check because there's this nagging thought at the back of his head that he too may be betrothed or required to make a state marriage, so he is more or less content to be just good friends with her so far. No giving of flowers or anything of the sort, but I hope that the little fluffiness makes up for it all! I may just use some of your ideas, throwing in another suitor sounds like much fun but it takes time to come up with a character. Thanks for your uber long review!=)
Chutney: Yo! Another fellow Singaporean!
Cheler: Well, there's fluff albeit a little bit. But it's an improvement, yeah?
Lastly, Thanks to Eunice or eutan (do check out her CCD fic) my editor and BETA reader for this chapter. You did a fantastic job babe! But I only made use of some of your changes.
REVIEW!!! Love, Felicia
Disclaimer: See previous chapters
Chapter 15: Strange Behaviours
I took my time to appreciate my surroundings, tapestries depicting all sorts of sceneries hung on every wall, even those that hung over doors were exquisite! What really set those that hung over the doors apart was that instead of the customary scenes depicting nature, they were of intricate patterns that drew the viewer into a colourful world or circles, squares or lines.
After a span of some time within these walls, I ceased to marvel at the huge chandeliers that hung throughout the place, with smaller but no less elaborate counterparts lighting up the hallway. The luxuries did not end at the lights but extended throughout the whole palace. Carpeted floors and glowing white walls caught my admiring eyes and filled me with further anticipation.
"Your home is very beautiful," I whispered to Kaelen as we trailed behind his parents, Derrick and Naria.
"I know. It never fails to amaze me still, but its home," he replied with a grin, clearly amused by my fervent admiration.
Various pieces of artwork adorned the otherwise empty walls and I continued to admire them openly. Then, I noticed Kaelen trying to hide a smile by bowing his head. "What's so funny?" I asked, looking at him with some irritation.
"I just thought of something I should have said to your comment about my home instead of it never failing to amaze me," he replied, suddenly serious. I noted the gleam in his eye.
Breaking eye contact, I settled on keeping my line of sight straight ahead and asked, "Well, what is it?"
"Promise me you won't get angry?"
"It's your home not mine, what could you possibly say about it that would make me mad?"
"It's not about my home, it's about you." He paused, eyeing me cautiously. I studiously ignored him.
"It is more beautiful for you have graced it with your beauty," he whispered, leaning close to my ear.
I rolled my eyes before turning to regard him thoughtfully. He was waiting with bated breath for my vocal response, and a hint of blush coloured his chiselled cheekbones. With a hint of scepticism I said, "That was it?" continuing in a more jovial fashion I added, "You didn't strike me as one who flirts through words, Your Highness. If I recall correctly, you preferred to let your actions do the work."
Visibly, he relaxed and regained his usual composure while retorting in a mock pleading manner, "You aren't still angry at what happened, right? I have already apologised for kissing you without your permission."
I laughed and patted his arm on which my right hand rested with my left one and assured him that all was forgiven although not forgotten. Now that I think about it, the kiss wasn't that unpleasant after all, and it must have been a funny sight to behold.
Teatime was as I had predicted a getting-to-know-you session. Surprisingly, the King and Queen were down-to-earth people with no airs and that endeared them to me, asking polite questions about our journey and the bandit attack. Apparently, Kaelen had sent word ahead about the harrowing incident. They then turned to more personal matters like the upcoming wedding that would be held there.
Derrick and Naria were officially married and could be considered husband and wife, but as a formality, it was decided they hold a second wedding here to let the people of Sartor witness for themselves their princess' marriage.
~*~
After tea, I found my way to the suites that had been prepared for me. Its interior was elegant and its theme colour was white, in line with the rest of the palace. Feeling rather 'whitewashed', I took comfort in the pale pink cushions and carpet and the silver edges of different pieces of furniture. Overcome by fatigue, I fell into the soft satin sheets and sleep engulfed me instantly.
Louise, who thankfully escaped unscathed from the bandit attack, roused me from a much-needed period of rest much to my displeasure and it was a reluctant lady that she dressed for dinner that evening.
Kaelen had sent a messenger to inform us that our arrival was kept a secret, as there was a risk of some power hungry sorcerer who wanted Naria for his own devices, since she was still a virgin. Her illness presently kept her bedridden and she could only rest for she was too weak.
After pulling on a pretty gown of sunny yellow over a cream white petticoat, I sat at the dressing table and let Louise work her wonders on my hair. Her deft fingers wove yellow ribbons with moonstones on each end into my hair, letting the ribbons hang artfully down my back, so that the glint of the moonstones were visible with each turn of my head.
~*~
There was an unspoken agreement that Kaelen would serve as my escort and partner for the night, and he arrived shortly before dinner began, looking every bit a prince in his bronze tunic. A circlet of silver rested atop his head, denoting his rank as Crown Prince of Sartor.
I murmured my appreciation, noting with a little consternation that our outfits complemented each other rather well. "You look all bronzed and shiny," I teased jokingly.
"And you look all sunny and yellow," he retorted with a grin. That shut me up till he offered me his arm in an effort to make peace, and I pulled a face to let him know that I wasn't offended.
~*~
We arrived outside the closed doors of the dining room just as Derrick and Naria came into view. They were dressed as befit their stations and complemented each other wonderfully as well. Both wore dove grey and lavender colours that suited them both, a couple's outfit.
"I had requested dinner tonight to be as informal as possible," said Kaelen as the two drew near, "But you shouldn't expect too much informality."
Just then, the two large doors were thrown open, and the four of us entered in pairs side by side. A long inverted (from my point of view as I entered) U-shaped table dominated the room, with room in the middle for dancing. The king and queen sat at the end of room, or the bottom most part of the curve in the table. They were the last to rise from their cushions to greet us as we walked towards them, dropping curtsies and bows accordingly.
"How do you fare, Your Majesties?" asked Kaelen with a slight drawl in the customary manner. I was surprised to note that his tone was a shade deeper than usual and he sounded distant, much like when I had first met him.
"We are well, my son," replied the Queen, smiling gently, "And you?"
"I am fine as well, so is my sister Princess Meridanaria and our companions: Crown Prince Derrick Renselaeus of Remalna, my sister's husband; and his cousin the Lady Tylana Astiar of Tlanth," said Kaelen with a graceful bow.
Derrick bowed when his name was mentioned and stepped forward to kiss the Queen's extended hand. I just curtsied as demurely as possible where I was, praying that I wasn't making a fool of myself in front of all these strangers. Thankfully, the King gave me a playful wink that shocked me out of my nervousness.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Crown Prince Derrick of Remalna and Lady Tylana of Tlanth," said Kaelen, addressing all the courtiers and nobles present as we turned and bowed or curtsied to them as well.
Kaelen then led me to my seat while Naria indicated for Derrick to follow her with a flick of her fan. We too sat at the curve of the table, exchanging soft words with those beside us. I was sandwiched between Kaelen and a kindly old gentleman.
Between bites of food and sips of wine I looked around and noted that Lord Felix was seated not far from me, a striking woman seated next to him. His lover? No, she looked too old, but they did look somewhat alike. His mother. Lady Fialma.
He caught my eye and smiled from across the room before bending to whisper in his mother's ear. The lady turned her head to regard me coolly through lidded eyes. She did not smile or frown, her face a mask of no expression, but my skin prickled under her gaze.
Quickly turning to Kaelen instead, I enquired about the bandits we had caught.
"We'll either imprison them for a while or put them to some hard labour. The latter's more likely," he replied after a sip of wine. "Why?"
"Just wondering," I mused, "Do you think they're just ordinary bandits?" I asked. He looked at me in puzzlement. "I mean, do you think they were sent by some sorcerer?"
He looked down into his plate and began slicing and a piece of meat, slowly mulling over my question before answering, "I don't think so or he would've staged a second attack when quite a number of us were still too hurt to fight."
Comforted by his words, I resumed eating, only to have him break the silence between us by saying, "A few of the lords and ladies will receive special mention for their bravery, Lord Felix is among them," he added when he saw me throw a glance in the said lord's direction.
"Oh."
"Funny how the son can be so different from the mother, eh? I mean, I've heard that Lady Fialma tried to poison your uncle and here is Lord Felix fighting to protect us all."
"You think that he means us no harm?" I asked with a raised brow.
"Much as I'd love to dislike him for all his charm and charisma, I have to admit that he doesn't seem so bad after all." He looked tickled by my question and arched his eyebrow in query. Much to my chagrin, his eyebrow seemed to arch more gracefully than mine.
"After all?" I questioned, not wanting to answer his unspoken query.
"He used to hound my sister all the time, one of her most persistent suitors if I may add. He still continued pursuing her even after I'd told him that she was betrothed." He paused to chew and swallow a bite of food. "I was almost afraid that he'd do something to Derrick when he found out that he was my sister's intended. Thankfully, he seems to have come to terms with the whole affair."
This new bit of information sent my mind working. Was I just a diversion for Lord Felix after he had learned that courting Naria was a lost cause? Or did he just want to use me as an excuse to get close to Naria yet again? My mind had started wandering, and there seemed to be nothing that was capable of reining in those thoughts.
Kaelen's invitation to dance came jolted me out of the train of thoughts however, and as I nodded my head in agreement, he glanced around somewhat furtively, mustered an air of nonchalance and set down the napkin he had been using to wipe his mouth.
"Is something wrong?" I asked bemusedly, moving to stand and placing my hand in his as he stiffly led me out to the dance floor in the middle of the room.
"He's just using you to escape from the ladies of court," whispered Naria as she passed us, Derrick leading her to the dance floor.
I attempted but failed miserably to stifle my laughter, seeing Kaelen give his sister a disapproving glare as she glided away with a wide smile on her face. He visibly straightened and kept a straight face when we began dancing. No longer did I see a trace of humour or feeling on his sculpted features. In an instant, he had become the Kaelen I had met those many months ago, remote and uncaring.
Why the sudden show of detachment? I wondered uneasily, even as our feet danced in sync with the symphony, and we twirled amongst the other couples with gliding ease.
We twirled easily through the other dancing couples, I following his lead. Instead of looking directly at me as he usually did - sometimes to the point of rudeness, as if trying to read my mind - he was now looking over my shoulder, his head held slightly higher than usual, as though he was trying to enhance his height and prove how short I was in comparison.
I squeezed his upper arm slightly to get his attention. He looked down at me through half closed eyes, "Yes, Lady Tylana?"
Lady Tylana?
"Kaelen, is something wrong? You've been so distant since we started dancing," I asked concernedly, temporarily taken aback.
His mask slipped for a fraction of a second, "I'm quite all right," he replied somewhat haughtily before faltering, "I just - I just, never mind."
The dance ended and I pulled away from him, tilting my head beck to regard him carefully, one hand still resting in his, "You just, what? It's better to share your burden with a friend."
He stared at our clasped hands for a moment before releasing his hold on me with a start. After a discreet glance around, he offered his arm to me. Again. I was starting to get irritated and displeased with his erratic behaviour, but as I was led away, I threw a look over my shoulder and my displeasure melted at once.
Throngs of ladies in their finery were in clusters throughout the entire room. Ladies of marriageable age hoping to catch a prince I suppose. A few of them stared back at me coolly; others glanced away quickly when they caught my gaze, whispering rapidly behind their fluttering fans.
Kaelen led me out to an open balcony decorated by a few ornamental plants and pulled me to one corner, allowing the shadows to cloak us in its darkness. Only a stray beam of light from an upstairs window illuminated our faces. I looked up at him expectantly, crossing my arms and made a show a awaiting his explanation.
"I apologise for my behaviour tonight - " he began.
I held up a hand to silence him, "It's fine. I saw those ladies."
"You did?" I nodded sympathetically when he cringed, patting his arm absent- mindedly.
"Its natural you know," I continued, "for young ladies to seek out potential husbands."
"I know that. I've been living with mothers desperate to marry their daughters off and daughters more than willing to comply with their mother's wishes fro a long time," he answered with a grimace of distaste.
"Well, you are a good catch. If you don't mind me saying it so crudely." A nagging thought appeared at the back of my mind. Did I think he was a good catch?
"You think so?" he asked, as if reading my mind, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips. He was returning to his usual self.
I gave a mock long-suffering sigh, "We both know so. Still, that doesn't explain your offensive behaviour tonight," I said pointedly, jabbing him in the arm with my fan before clasping both my hands in front of me.
He remained silent, head bowed and I patiently awaited his response. He surprised me by taking both my hands in his, running his thumbs over my gloved knuckles. I shivered, almost withdrawing at this sudden display of affection.
Looking me in the eye, he said, "Those ladies I mentioned earlier are ten times worse than Lady Tamara. Should they see you as a potential competitor, they will not hesitate to do you harm."
I understood the import of his words but tried to make light of the situation. "You make it sound like a competition wit you as the prize."
"It is," he said seriously, looking at me with a fierce intensity.
"But we're just friends!" I exclaimed, "Surely they can see that?"
"Friends can become lovers, Lana. Surely you are not that ignorant." His voice had dropped to a whisper. He sounded almost pitiful.
His thumbs still ran over my knuckles and I suddenly felt very uncomfortable. "But in essence, lovers are still friends, are they not?" I questioned.
A pained expression flitted across his features. "I guess."
He looked so forlorn, that on impulse I drew my now tingling hands from his grasp and stood on tiptoe, hugging him fiercely as his hands dropped to his sides. His arms snaked around my waist, one hand braced against the small of my back as my fingers tangled in his rich brown hair. Resting my forehead against his cheek, I whispered, "I will always be your friend. Never doubt that."
We stood like that for a moment in the chilly night air, but none of us felt cold in the least. Our breaths came in little puffs and mingled with one another as we breathed steadily. It was then that I realised how alone Kaelen must feel. He could only trust his family; his male friends probably see him as competition, the female ones a future royal husband. But they couldn't possibly all be bad, right?
My scalp tickled, he had started playing with my hair which I had left unbound this night, curling a lock of it around his fingers, before murmuring something which sounded suspiciously like "I wish you could be more than a friend" into my hair. I drew back with a shaky smile, his intimacy was slightly unnerving, and my heart beat a rapid tattoo in my chest. He smiled in return, the laughter now reaching his eyes. "What did you say?" I asked, eyes narrowing a fraction.
"You surprise me with your enthusiasm in comforting a friend, Lana," he said, placing extra emphasis on 'friend'.
I coloured. Did he think me one of those ladies aforementioned? "I just sought to comfort, Your Highness. Besides, you're the one who still has his arms wrapped around me," I said, dropping my gaze to the scant space between us.
It was his turn to blush. "Your comfort has provided me with much relief, Lady Tylana."
"I take it then, that we are to use our formal titles in the presence of others?" I asked, cocking my head to one side.
He nodded curtly before dropping a kiss on my cheek. "We had better return before someone notices that we're missing." That said we re-entered the warm dining room cum ballroom with all haste.
We wandered from group to group for a while before being cornered by Kaelen's 'close' friends. Kaelen was the perfect host, polite and attentive, smiling whenever necessary but he remained guarded at all times.
Most of his friends complimented me on my attire, asked questions about Derrick or expressed their delight at making our acquaintance. The Carena Ladies did all three. Well, each of them did one.
The Carena Ladies are identical triplets. In order they were: Lady Calia, Lady Calie and Lady Calio. They looked like mirror images of one another, all blonde haired and blue eyed - the classic beauty. I felt like a wrinkled prune standing next to them, but they were so engaging and entertaining that I could not help but be drawn to them.
"So how do people tell you apart?" I asked curiously.
"By what we wear, of course!" replied one of them enthusiastically.
"We wear different rings. The jewel set in my ring is azure coloured; the one is Calia's is an indigo-blue as dark as night; Calie's is a beautiful cerulean colour," said the one I assumed was Calio.
"It is a brilliant idea is it not?" exclaimed Calie.
I nodded my agreement before Kaelen excused the both of us and led me away.
"They seem really nice and friendly," I commented.
"Who? The triplets?"
I nodded again and Kaelen made a non-committal sound under his breath. Ignoring him I continued, "Which one of them is after you then? Or which one is their mother promoting? Wait let me guess, all three?" I pretended to look dismayed at the prospect. "Where does that leave me?" I asked with a giggle.
Derrick and Naria who were coming toward us heard my joke and laughed. Kaelen just looked annoyed.
"Oh, come on, Kaelen! Lana's just cracking a joke you shouldn't take it to heart," said Derrick with a conspirational wink at me. "Good one, Lana."
"Well," said Kaelen, "If you've had your fun, may we please get some refreshments?"
We all agreed and headed for the refreshment table which had been placed in the corner of the room. There we encountered the King and Queen who asked us to join them in a set dance. I partnered the King, Derrick partnered the Queen and Naria paired up with Kaelen.
There was little time for conversation as we twirled through the intricate steps but King Rel still managed to ask me a few questions. The usual questions about my well being and the journey here were mentioned before the more probing one surfaced.
"You seem to be close friends with my son, Lady Tylana," he observed.
"The Crown Prince and I are just friends, Your Majesty."
We broke apart and I ended up with Derrick. "The King's asking me questions about Kaelen," I whispered.
"Tell him that you're more than willing to marry Kaelen!" joked Derrick.
I whirled into Kaelen's arms. "Are you enjoying yourself?" he asked.
"I am, Your Highness."
Then I was back with the King. "Just friends, Lady Tylana?" he continued his questioning.
"Yes, Your Majesty. The Crown Prince has been very kind to me," I answered, smiling politely.
Perhaps a vague answer may throw him off my trail. I didn't have time to find out fro the dance ended and we bowed or curtsied to our partners. Did the King suspect my motives for being with Kaelen? He was probably concerned about his son's welfare and sought to find out about the company he kept.
Tired as I was, I thanked King Rel for the dance and dinner before bidding my friends goodnight and heading towards my rooms without an escort. I was halfway out the door when there was a commotion in the middle of the room. I turned to see a group of people clustered around something or someone.
Then someone shouted, "Give her air! Give the princess air!"
~*~
A/N: I'm not very pleased with this chapter. Actually, not pleased at all but it'd be a complete waste to delete it all. I don't know if you guys expected it to be like that but I certainly did. This chapter serves as a transition from Remalna to Erev-li-Erval as well as an introduction to the Erev-li-Ervalan court. It therefore does not contribute to the large plot, except for the new bit of information regarding Lord Felix. Do give me a rating of 1 to 10 (1 being the worst) for this chapter, as I want to see exactly how bad it is even AFTER all my excuses.
Deliandery suggested giving Lana another suitor but I'm out of ideas at what the new suitor should be like if there even is one so give me suggestions!
Lastly, I've given up on making Lana less Mary Sue, unless some new idea comes along or something. Sorry!
Thanks to all reviewers~
Elanial: I know what you mean, but the bandit attack in chapter 14 plays a small part in the whole story. I can't tell you exactly how it contributes to the plot, coz I'd have to kill you if I do. Well, kinda. I'm trying my best though!
Eniamrahc: the homepage on my profile.
Deliandery: I did manage to make her less of a Mary Sue? I seem to be failing at it again. I've almost given up trying to make her imperfect, just waiting for some reason to make her imperfect to come along. Kaelen does like her and it's quite obvious that he likes her more than a friend, but he has to keep himself in check because there's this nagging thought at the back of his head that he too may be betrothed or required to make a state marriage, so he is more or less content to be just good friends with her so far. No giving of flowers or anything of the sort, but I hope that the little fluffiness makes up for it all! I may just use some of your ideas, throwing in another suitor sounds like much fun but it takes time to come up with a character. Thanks for your uber long review!=)
Chutney: Yo! Another fellow Singaporean!
Cheler: Well, there's fluff albeit a little bit. But it's an improvement, yeah?
Lastly, Thanks to Eunice or eutan (do check out her CCD fic) my editor and BETA reader for this chapter. You did a fantastic job babe! But I only made use of some of your changes.
REVIEW!!! Love, Felicia
