Shattered Dreams

by Shirley Wilkinson

  At his words, she once again made her way back into her sleeping room and changed back into her regular clothes. Once she had the dress off, she couldn’t help but smile at it again as Meru hung it up while she was dressing. Although she may never quite get used to life in the castle, she had to say, the entire afternoon with the queen had been nice. It gave her a feeling she really couldn’t describe.

  When she walked back into the room and handed the dress back to the tailor, he already had everything else ready to go. Before he left, however, he turned around. “Ma’am, I forgot to show it to you, but that dress has a shawl as well since it is sleeveless. It is only a light one, since fur was not an option, but I can go ahead and leave it with you if you would like.”

  At the man’s word’s, Avila’s good mood dampened slightly. She had forgotten that fur was still very much a fashion accessory since she had not seen any evidence of it in the last several months. She guessed that was only due to who she’d been exposed to and silently thanked the goddess that it seemed the royal family was not part of the crowd that partook.

  She came to her senses when she noticed everyone in the room was still looking in her direction, waiting on a reply. She managed a smile for the man anyway, since he had at least been trying. “Thank you, I’ll go ahead and take it.”

  When he brought it out, she was delighted to see that it was in the same silken material as the dress, but with embroidered edges. The stitching was the same color as the material, and it had a single fastener in the front. It was definitely a classic dress. She only hoped she had made the right choice for the crowd she would be joining that weekend.

  24. Dancing Lessons

  Once the tailor left, Avila handed the shawl to Meru. “Would you please hang this up for me? Once that is done, I won’t need you again until tonight.” Meru bowed and took the shawl.

  Once Angelo showed her out, Avila turned to the queen. “Thank you so much for everything today. I can’t even begin to show my appreciation.”

  “Well, you are quite welcome, but honestly, it is me who should be thanking you. This is just a small token of my appreciation, and I hope that we will be able to continue our conversations. Today, however, I have run out of time. I do believe I have had as much fun as you.” The queen’s smile was warm as she stood to leave.

  Avila already felt like she could become friends with this woman if circumstances allowed it. Since the queen seemed to feel the same way, she hoped they would get the opportunity. “Well, I do hope so, because I was delighted. I am not sure when we will get the opportunity to meet again, but I hope it is soon.” Avila’s smile was just as warm as the queen’s.

  The queen took Avila’s hand and gave it a quick squeeze before releasing it and turning for the door. “I will make sure it is not long at all. Please have a good evening.”

  “You as well, ma’am.” Avila waved her out the door with her two guards and Angelo following behind them. He closed the door again once he was back outside with David after giving her a brief smile and a bow.

  Avila took a moment to take a look around. It had been such a whirlwind of an afternoon that she had not realized how much time had passed. It was already dark outside. With a start, she looked to the nearest timeglass to note that it was already past her usual dinnertime.

  She ran into her bathing room and freshened up as quickly as she could. Once she was done, she ran into the adjoining dining room. She wasn’t surprised to see Galdren there waiting, but she was shocked to note that Etta wasn’t there.

  “Oh, Galdren, I apologize! I let time get away from me. Why didn’t you let me know what time it was, or join us?” She was a little embarrassed that she had kept him waiting.

  He stood and smiled at her. “Please, don’t worry about it. If I know my mother, she would have told me to leave anyway. I have a feeling she tried to arrange things so I would be busy as it was.”

  Avila had already figured out that had probably been the case, so to have it confirmed made her giggle. “Well, I still apologize for taking so long. I didn’t expect that. So, what are we going to do about dinner since it is so late?”

  “Well, now that you are here, I am going to call for Etta, and she will bring up something. I hope you don’t mind simple fare tonight.” He motioned for her to take her seat.

  “You mean to say we are going to have a meal like we used to? Why, oh, why? Seriously, are you asking me if I would complain about that?” She was still in an excellent mood and couldn’t resist teasing him a little. Usually, it was the other way around, and she was enjoying the opportunity.

  He laughed at her jibe. “Have a seat. I’ll have it brought right up.”

  She took her regular seat to the left of the head of the table and watched as he walked to a com unit she had never seen previously. It only took a moment for him to ask for their meal and rejoin her.

  “From your mood, I am guessing that things went well this afternoon? I can ask that much at least, right?” She hadn’t thought about keeping any details from him, but at his words, she considered if maybe she should at least keep her dress selection a surprise. Something about the idea appealed to her.

  “Well, I can say we went through a lot of different designs, and with your mother’s help, I am sure that my wardrobe will be more than sufficient. Did you give her any pointers about my preferences?” The thought struck her as she recalled the two very different sets of designs.

  “I did let her know what style of clothes you preferred, but it was only general information. I take it you liked what was picked out?” He grinned at her.

  “Yes, I did, thank you!”

  By that time, their meal had arrived. Avila was pleased to confirm that it was indeed simpler fare. At least they would not have to sit through several courses—a good thing after her busy afternoon.

  They ate in relative silence, just enjoying each other’s company. The meal was a short affair, with everything cleared away soon after they were finished. Once they were done, Galdren stood and held a hand out to Avila.

  She took it, and he helped her stand. It was the little gestures like that one that always made her smile internally. She knew he was only trying to be courteous, but it never failed to make her feel amazing.

  Galdren opened the door to her suite but didn’t enter. He stepped back and allowed her to go first. Once she was in her own rooms, he stood in the doorway watching her. “I am glad you enjoyed your afternoon. I am looking forward to seeing the fruits of your labors.” He gave her another of the smiles she loved to see.

  “I am looking forward to showing you. I hope they meet your expectations.” She was only teasing him a little; she really did hope he liked them.

  He smiled at her quip. “I am sure I will love them. For tonight, I hope you sleep well.” He was still smiling as he turned to go.

  Before he closed the door, Avila called out to him, “You too, Galdren.”

  Now that she was alone, she realized how tired she was. The afternoon had worn her out more than she expected. She went ahead and prepared for sleep without bothering to call anyone. It wasn’t long at all before she drifted off.

  ―

  The following day ran in much the same pattern as the previous days had. However, not long after the midday meal was cleared away, another knock came on Avila’s door.

  Curious who it might be, Avila called out. Lee entered the room. “Ma’am, the installers are here to put in the com units. Is now a good time?”

  “Of course, show them in.” Lee stepped aside and let a group of three people in, then followed them into the room and took up a position near Avila. Once inside, they all bowed briefly.

  “Ma’am, we apologize for any intrusion, but we can take care of this quickly. We were instructed to install one of the units near your sitting area for your convenience. The other will go in your sleeping chambers near the bed. Will the
re be anything else before we get started?”

  “No, thank you. Please go right ahead and let me know if you need anything.” After the exchange, Avila watched them bring in several tools and pieces of equipment. There was some noise, but she could tell they were doing all they could to make sure she was disturbed as little as possible.

  Even with the slight noise in the background, Avila was able to get back to work and soon stopped paying much attention to the workers. In a surprisingly short amount of time, the man that had addressed her when they started was patiently waiting near her table for her to finish her task.

  Once she was done and turned to him, he gave her a quick bow. “Ma’am, we have completed the installations. Would you like to take a moment for me to show you how to work them?”

  Avila glanced at Professor Gilbert, who gave her a quick nod. With his approval, she stood. “Yes, please, I would appreciate that.” Together, they walked to the unit installed by the sitting area.

  “This can function in two different ways. If you touch this button on the left, it will pull up a directory of every available person or department. You can then scroll through them on the screen and just touch the one you would like. It will automatically connect. If you know exactly who you are trying to connect to, you can touch the button on the right and simply state the name. It will connect in the same way. The unit in your sleeping chambers functions the same, with the exception that it also has a direct connection open at all times to the adjoining rooms. Do you have any questions, ma’am?”

  His explanation was thorough, and Avila felt that she could figure it out without any trouble with a little experimentation. “Thank you, I believe I understand the gist of it. I appreciate you explaining it to me.”

  With that, he gave her another bow and walked to the rest of the group. They finished cleaning up the last of their things and quietly left. Avila barely noticed, as she was already back to her studies. She was making every effort to catch up after the previous day’s discussions with the professor.

  When Professor Gilbert started gathering his things, Avila gave the timeglass a startled look. Before he could finish, they were both surprised by another knock at the door. She wondered who it would be this time, since she was sure there wasn’t anyone else she had been expecting.

  She was delighted when it was Galdren who entered. He smiled at both of them before stepping up to the table. “I hope I am not interrupting. I tried to make sure it would be time for you to be finished for the day.”

  “If that was your goal, then you are right on time. I was just getting ready to leave.” The professor had gathered the last of his things and was getting ready to walk out the door. “Was there something you needed to speak with me about before I go?”

  “No, thank you, Frederick. I appreciate it, but I just wanted to make sure I wasn’t interrupting Avila’s studies.”

  “In that case, Your Highness, please have a good evening. Avila, I will see you next week.” He was gone as soon as he finished speaking.

  “So, to what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?” Avila asked, as she’d just realized it was the first time since her first day that she had seen him before mealtime. The fact that they had not spent much time together since she moved hit her a little hard. She wondered if it would always be like that.

  If he noticed her melancholy, he didn’t make a note of it. Instead, he put a hand on her arm and guided her to the sitting area. Pointing to a seat, he took the one directly across from it.

  “I needed to talk to you about tomorrow, and I had not had time before now. I hoped you would be free this afternoon, as there is a lot we need to go over.”

  Avila sat at his direction. She had started to look forward to the ball after the queen’s visit the day before, but at the idea of having to remember a lot of rules, she felt her uneasiness start to return. “I imagined there would be some things I should know, seeing as how I’m new to all of this. So, where do we start?”

  “Honestly, Avila, your etiquette is perfectly fine. I worried about it when we first came here, but you managed to adjust to the meals with no issues. Besides, this is a ball, not a banquet. There are just a few things we need to go over to make sure you are prepared.”

  Avila was a little taken aback at his words, but she wasn’t going to complain. It was nice to hear her manners were acceptable. “So, if it isn’t my table manners, what do we need to go over?”

  “Well, the first thing I need to let you know is that I will not be by your side for most of the night. I will obviously be keeping an eye on you, but because of my position, I will be with my parents for the majority of the evening. The ball is about you anyway, so I am sure you will be more than busy. Because I cannot escort you myself, I will make arrangements for you to have a double guard to the ball.”

  Avila hadn’t realized it, but she had been counting on Galdren’s presence as moral support. The thought of being alone with a group of strangers for the majority of the evening was daunting. “Galdren, I understand what you are saying, but I—I am not sure I can handle it alone.” The admission was painful for Avila, but she was already fighting the panic just thinking about it.

  “Avila, you are amazing. I know you will be fine, and I promise I will be watching. If it looks like things are getting out of hand, I will get you out of there. Can you agree to that?”

  Avila knew Galdren would not do anything to put her in danger, so that made her feel a little better. Once she calmed down a little, she nodded. “I will make my best effort. I promise that much.” She followed up with a smile.

  “Great.” He looked relieved. “As for the rest, it’s mostly formalities. The rest of the guests, my parents, and I will already be in attendance by the time you are due to arrive. At half past eight, you will be escorted by your guards and announced. When you are announced, you should pause at the entrance for a moment. After that, you are free to mingle until the ball starts.

  “You will be given opportunities to meet many people, and I have also asked that Councilor Raban serve as your escort during that time. He will wait for you by the entrance and introduce himself to you then. I apologize for not being able to arrange a meeting earlier, but he knows almost everyone and will be a great asset for you.”

  Avila was trying to take it all in. It was comforting to know that she would have an escort for introductions, at least. She just wished it was someone she knew. She briefly wondered if she would know anyone there at all.

  “I understand so far. None of that seems too difficult, just a little intimidating.” She smiled again to let him know she was still all right.

  “Good, well, the rest will all be up to you. Do you know how to dance, by the way? I never thought to ask.”

  Avila had to laugh at him for his thoughtlessness. “And what if I said no? Would that change anything about tomorrow?” Although she was teasing him about it, she was a little worried. She knew the basics of dance since Lila had insisted she learn for some reason, but that had been years ago. It wasn’t a skill she felt she had needed and so had not bothered to keep up with.

  At Avila’s teasing, Galdren had the grace to look a little abashed. “Well, obviously not, but I could always try to give you a few pointers, at least.”

  “Well, if it eases your mind, I did have lessons many years ago. I haven’t danced in a long time, but I am sure I can pick it up fast enough.” Avila didn’t want Galdren to worry about it.

  “Hmm, if it has been years, it might be good that I brought it up. Let me get some music, and we can see how rusty you are.” With that, Galdren walked to the adjoining room. He was only gone for a few minutes and brought back a small device that he set on the table.

  He then motioned for her to join him before he turned back to the portable music player. With a touch, music filled the room, and he held his hand out to her.

  For the first time in days, she had
to focus on not blushing as she took his hand. His other hand went to her waist while her hand went to his shoulder. It was already familiar. They waited a moment to get in rhythm with the beat of the music, and then he began to move.

  Avila stumbled at first, as she was focused on his touch and not paying attention to the music, but Galdren was good at leading. It didn’t take long before she was moving along with him.

  They danced without any words, moving together effortlessly. After the first song ended and the next started, she smoothly transitioned into that one as well. When that one ended, however, Galdren stopped while the music continued.

  They both stood there together for a moment without moving. Finally, Avila broke the silence. “I guess I am not as rusty as I feared. That’s good, at least. I shouldn’t make a fool of myself that way, anyway.”

  She wasn’t sure why the mood in the room had become so tense, but it was palpable. Not that she didn’t understand her own feelings, but she was trying not to let that get in the way. Her attempt to lighten the atmosphere seemed to work, as Galdren smiled at her and moved to stop the music. “I doubt you would have made a fool of yourself anyway, but it is nice to know we don’t need to make excuses as to why you can’t dance. I am sure you will have many requests, just make sure to save at least one for me.”

  His smile made her heart flip as she realized what he was asking, but she reprimanded herself. Of course. She was the guest of honor; it would be rude if someone from the royal family didn’t make the request. It only made sense for it to be Galdren, since they were friends.

  As he put the device in his pocket, he turned back to her. “Also, one other thing. I have made arrangements for someone to come and assist you with your preparations. They will be here by one in the afternoon, so please make sure you are here. I know that is early, but from what I understand, it could take some time.”