Chapter 4: State Dinner
At 7pm sharp, Serenity was escorted to the Blue Drawing Room by an officer of the guard. The heavy doors swung open and Serenity floated in, hoping to quickly blend in until she could find her date. It appeared that cocktails had just commenced
Prince Demande strode over confidently, his eyes gazing possessively. "You look as radiant as ever, my dear Serenity."
"Thank you, your majesty." She blushed through her smile as she curtsied. "I believe I have you to thank for that."
A plum gown had arrived not an hour after Demande's verbal invitation to the dinner. It was made of Chantilly lace, featured a sweetheart neckline and mermaid silhouette. It clung to her soft curves with minimal alterations. She wore her hair pinned up simply to show off the exquisite workmanship.
Demande smirked in agreement, a twinkle in his eye.
"Allow me to introduce you to some of our esteemed guests who have joined us for tonight," Demande stated as he guided Serenity through the room. "I believe you've already met the Titian of the Tau Seas."
She started to curtesy but Ogen rushed her for a hug pecking her on both cheeks. "Serenity my friend, what a pleasant surprise!"
"Your Emir, how wonderful to see you again, so soon." She squeaked, caught off guard by his informality.
"I didn't know you were going to be here. How delightful." Ogen enthused.
"Neither did I," she confessed with laugh. "But here I am." She spun in a circle.
"I took your advice Ogen." Chimed in Demande, cutting between the pair and handing a glass of white wine to Serenity.
"You're so lucky to have such a charming lady to woo." Ogen encouraged, nudging Prince Demande with a knowing eye.
"Indeed I am." Demande lifted his drink to Serenity.
She giggled in appreciation. "Your majesty, you're too kind."
"My lady, my kindness and generosity only extend to those I favor."
"Then I hope to always be in your good graces."
"I don't see how someone as lovely as you Serenity could ever offend!" Ogen chuffed.
It was nice to see a familiar face with Ogen at the dinner as it made the even less intimating. However, Serenity did a quick scan of the room discreetly with just her eyes and was disappointed not to see Sapphire milling about. He was a steady force in this unknown world; the first person she truly connected with upon her awakening. Sapphire was kind and intelligent and didn't judge her for things she didn't know.
As if Demande were reading her mind, he whispered, "Sapphire will be joining us shortly. I've taken the liberty of seating him adjacent to you for dinner."
"Thank you. I appreciate that." She relaxed. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad.
"I suspected you would. I remember my first state dinner. I was petrified." His eyes drifted as he reminisced.
"You, nervous?" She could hardly believe it. Prince Demande was always so regal.
"It took me years to grow into the self-assured man you see today. If you had only been in the room during my first council meeting," he trailed off laughing.
"Who's that?" Serenity whispered in hushed tones, taking in the ostentatiously dressed man dripping in jewels. Hundreds of stones draped his form almost forcing him to stoop from the weight. He was laughable.
"Osman, the Emperor of Kinmoku."
"The man who so desperately sought your attention the other evening?" She still hadn't let that interruption go. She had almost kissed Price Demande!
"Yes. And that was Osman in a good mood. Tonight, is another story; he's been absolutely atrocious today." Demande confided, rolling his eyes.
She discretely turned back to witness the emperor berating another guest for their cocktail choice.
"Bourbon?!" Emperor Osman shouted as he gestured wildly, spilling his own drink down his jewels. "If you're having whiskey, Scotch is the only choice!"
Serenity's face paled and her confidence evaporated. Agreeing to go to this event was a mistake. She quickly began coming up with excuses in order to depart early. Perhaps she could fake a stomachache or migraine and be gone before anyone noticed.
"Demande, I'm not sure I'm feeling well. I think," She stammered, "I think I should go."
"What's the problem," He turned to her concerned. "You seemed fine a moment ago."
"Umm," She fidgeted, playing with her fingers and avoiding eye contact. "I'm not sure I can do this."
"Serenity," Demande stated, drawing her attention back. He stared deeply into her eyes, reassuring her. "Relax, you'll be fine. I won't let anyone discomfort you." She lost her train of thought and just nodded slowly.
A soft bell chimed, alerting the guests to transition to the adjacent room for the meal. Demande offered his arm and Serenity reluctantly took hold with a weak smile. Here goes nothing, she thought to herself warily. I hope I don't embarrass myself.
Prince Demande and Serenity led the line of guests into the dining room. It was an intimate affair this evening with one long table set for thirteen. Candlelight illuminated the room and cast golden shadows on the dark walls. As the host, Demande was seated at the head of the table. Serenity fully expected to be placed further away but was shocked when Demande led her to her the seat of honor on his right.
"Your majesty, she whispered. "I believe there's been a slight error. I should be further down the table."
"No mistake my Serenity. Tonight, you are my guest of honor." Prince Demande indicated, pulling out the coveted chair for her.
"To your right it is." She replied as she sat, stunned at Prince Demande's bold choice of seating assignments. I hope I don't offend.
The guests all took their appropriate places at the table with no further fanfare. After some brief welcome remarks the appetizer was served and light conversation commenced as guests enjoyed small plates of edamame with goat cheese.
"Serenity, I hope that you'll join me in the greenhouse this week. We've received some wonderful new specimens from Earth that I'd like to show you." Sapphire inquired between bites. "There are some flowers and saplings that have real potential. I think you'll find it quite intriguing."
"That sounds lovely. I can't wait to see them." Sapphire was always so thoughtful.
"What I'm really excited about is the modifications I've been working on. So many possibilities."
"Demande, I feel as if you are avoiding the subject. We must discuss the needs of the entente." Emperor Osman insisted, changing the subject.
"All in due time, Osman, all in due time. Let's enjoy the company and indulgences." Demande encouraged, taking a sip from his wine glass.
"Your Grace, may I inquire, what are the resources you desire from Earth? What does it possess that your great planet does not already retain?" Serenity interjected, curious what this man who appeared to have an abundance could need.
"Timber and Stone for infrastructure development are the main commodities we seek." Osman replied in his thick drawl. "Our population is expanding at a rapid pace."
"Do you think your planet could grow hardwood trees for timber, given the opportunity and proper resources?" She asked, treading carefully.
"How so?" Osman leaned forward eyes narrowing in, intrigued. It was clear Serenity had piqued his interest.
"Given my limited understanding, I wonder if greenhouses could be constructed. It sounds as if you have the sunlight, you would need since you already grow orange trees. The greenhouses would need to be modified appropriately to account for your atmosphere and soil but I'm suspecting the Duke could genetically modify the seedlings you require."
"It wouldn't be that difficult," chimed Sapphire his face brightening at the prospect.
"You've done your research." The emperor's eyes narrowed on Serenity.
"I wouldn't be a good courtier if I hadn't, your grace." Serenity firmly held his gaze. Thank goodness she had managed to review the cheat sheet on Kinmoku that Emerald had assigned to her as homework. She would have to thank Emerald later.
A long silence held the table as the emperor stared down the trio at the end of the table eyeing them.
"I would be amendable to a trial of this solution, Demande." The emperor stated, a slow smile spreading on his hard features. "Don't waste your time on the citrus trees from Earth, Lady Serenity. The fruits grown on Kinmoku are far superior."
"Then it's settled. Well done, Serenity," Demande clapped and the table joined in. "I need to bring you to formal negotiations with me. You manage to solve one of our great debates and all before dessert!"
Serenity beamed. She hadn't intended to get involved but the solution seemed so obvious to her that she shocked no one else had thought of it first. "To friendship"
The rest of the meal was uneventful with light banter and conversation. Serenity relaxed and turned her attention to her meal. She especially looked forward to the final course: dessert.
"Tonight, we are serving strawberry shortcake a simple yet tasty confection. The strawberries were harvested just this morning from Earth." Demande boasted to the table. "One of our many spoils from the invasion."
"That sounds divine." Visions of deliciousness danced in Serenity's head. She wondered if there would be chocolate too.
A crash across the table startled the pair bringing Serenity back to the scene. The emperor had inadvertently knocked his dessert onto the floor. The server involved was clearly mortified, as indicated by the pale look upon his face as he stood there frozen in shock.
Serenity spoke to her own server delivering the dessert. "Quickly send my plate over, his majesty and I can share."
The server rushed over to the emperor, delivering the confection and quickly cleaning up the mess.
"Handled like a true diplomat." Demande disclosed, "I'm quite impressed."
"Thank you."
She beamed as she dug into the shared dessert. The strawberries tasted like sunshine; sweet and bright with a hint of acidity.
"Tasty, aren't they?" Demande asked, knowingly.
"Yes," she gushed taking a large bite covered in cream. "This is so yummy."
"Please help yourself to the rest," he encouraged, pushing the plate towards her, grinning. "We can always have more together later."
Dessert began winding down and the string quartet in the corner had transitioned to a soft romantic movement to conclude the evening's event.
"Serenity," Demande discreetly inquired, "Would you care to join me for a stroll and- "
"Demande we must discuss further details of our agreement tonight. I won't depart in the morning without a tentative contract." The emperor shouted from across the table, his face flushed red from the alcohol he had consumed heavily during the meal.
Demande shifted uncomfortably, "Yes Osman. Let me bid adieu to Lady Serenity and I will join you in the boardroom.
Demande turned to Serenity, disappointed. "I'm afraid I can't deny him," Demande sighed, with a sad smile. "It's the only way to get rid of him after all."
"I understand." Serenity sank; another opportunity to spend time with Prince Demande ruined by the same man.
The party broke up and with fond farewells, promises of a future visit to Ogen's Summer Estate, and one last longing look in the direction of Prince Demande. Perhaps another time they would enjoy each other's company.
Prince Demande pivoted just as he was being led away by the emperor, his eyes piercing. "Serenity- I hope to see you again soon. With no further interruptions."