Chapter Three
A Party of Special Magnificence
The affair was magnificent from start to finish. The hall was brilliantly lighted, and even Kanethon was dancing, with a lady Galdore had never seen before. Eloderaý, radiant in pale blue silk with flowers in her hair, was stolen from Galdore's side almost immediately by Tristal, who gave his brother an impish wink before they disappeared.
Galdore sat down alone, content to watch the dance, but, catching sight of Royaleisia, he scooted over to her. She appeared happier than he had ever seen her since the malady took hold of her memory, and she responded merrily when he asked her to dance.
Eloderaý glanced over, and she became more lighthearted than before when she saw Royaleisia dancing. She was a little surprised, as well - Royaleisia had not struck her as one who could dance.
Tristal's joking voice called her back to thedance, and they finished gracefully. Eloderaý was horrified at the thought that she had led herself to near embarrassment, and gave Tristal an extra smile for saving her dignity.
After two more dances with Tristal and one with Kanethon himself, Eloderaý wandered out to get a breath of fresh air. The night was pleasant, and the aroma of the flowers was lovely.
About to return inside, she spotted Galdore heading towards her. Dreading any sort of encounter, she turned and ran, hoping to find another way in. But Galdore was quicker than she was; he easily caught up with her. Eloderaý, seeing it was useless to keep running, stopped and glared at him.
"Why are you chasing me like this?" she demanded, trying to withdraw her arm from his grasp.
"Why did you run from me?" he responded.
"I was frightened."
"Of what? Me?" he asked gently.
She flushed, not about to deny it. "What girl would not be frightened if a man comes charging out of the shadows?"
Galdore laughed. "Perhaps you are right. But I did not charge, whatever you may say."
"You did exactly the same thing," she answered.
"This is a ridiculous argument," she heard him sigh.
"It is!" She suddenly found herself laughing. But now it was to late to stop more words from tumbling out. "I had no idea parties could be so fun! But they are, especially with you..." She trailed off, blushing furiously.
"There it goes," said Galdore, smiling.
"I did not mean to say that," she excused herself.
"Then what did you mean to say?" he asked.
"I... well... with you angry at me," she said lamely.
Galdore smiled again, and in the darkness his hand found hers. "I am not angry with you, Eloderaý."
She suddenly found her feelings rushing over he like a wave that threatened to engulf her. "Why not?" she asked.
"Because, Eloderaý -" Galdore gazed at her; "- because I love you."
Eloderaý gasped. The words were so sudden, and she was not at all prepared for them.
"Now I have one more thing to say to you," he said, and she knew he was smiling. He offered her his arm. "May I have this dance?"