“Yes, Milady.” Kenna bobbed a curtsey and turned to gesture him. “Please follow me, Lord Danza.”
Lady Flor turned to take Lord Makin’s arm again. “And we,” she said, beaming at Phaera, “will look after our husbands’ needs personally”.
Bain had not let go of Phaera’s hand. Now he looked at her, one eyebrow raised in question.
She returned his smile. “Your bath awaits, Milord.”
Bain’s heart rose at the warmth in her voice.
When Phaera opened the door two maids were already pouring buckets of steaming water into a gleaming, copper tub.
As soon as the maids spotted them they straightened, bobbed curtsies and hurried out, empty buckets in hand. Phaera had let go Bain’s hand and stood to one side as he surveyed the familiar room. Next to the steaming tub someone had set a small table within reach. On it stood scented soap, a comb, a pitcher, a ewer of wine, and a plate of fresh, light bread, butter, honey, and slices of fowl. In another bowl he spotted dried apple slices, raisins and nuts. His mouth watered.
When he began to reach for the meat Phaera stopped him with a playful slap at his hand. “In the tub first. Look at your hands.”
He laughed. Now I am home. She took his travel clothes as he stripped and tossed them into the basket beside the table. As he lowered himself into the tub she took the basket and set it outside the door.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
THROUGH PHAERA’S EYES
When a soldier had come during their morning meal to announce to Lady Flor that the men would arrive that afternoon the castle had erupted in a frenzy of preparation. Phaera had done her best not to let her misgivings show as she assisted Lady Flor in organizing the banquet and making sure that Lord Makin, Lord Danza, and Bain would have everything they could wish for. The copper bath tubs were readied in their chambers, with scented soaps and oils to hand. The best wine was brought up from the cellars and placed within reach. The great hall was hung with pennants and bunting. The best goblets and platters were set on long trestle tables brought into the great hall for the occasion. A dais was raised at one end upon which the head table stood, decorated with tapestries embroidered with the coats of arms of both Marston and Kinterron.
In spite of all the bustle, Phaera could not shake her anxiety.
Lady Flor remarked on her distraction. “My dear, what is it? What prevents you from sharing the joy we all feel?”
Phaera admonished herself silently. “My Lady, I do share your joy. We are safe once more and our men return to us unharmed.” She thought quickly. “Perhaps it is that I am still a new bride and nervous.” Well, that was true, as far as it went. She was relieved when Lady Flory sent her a knowing smile and said nothing more.
When a messenger had let them know that the party would arrive in a couple of hours Phaera and Lady Flor had made a last inspection round together. Satisfied that all was in order Lady Flor had turned to Phaera.
“It is time for us to adorn ourselves. We must look our best. Come with me. I have something for you that I hope you will wear.”
Curious, Phaera had followed Lady Flor into her private chamber. Lady Flor chose a small key from among those hanging on the chain about her waist and unlocked a beautiful, small chest, ornately carved and enameled in a floral pattern. From the chest she took a heavy necklace made from the multi-coloured stones taken from the mines left by the cataclysm.
“This is for you. I have waited for the right occasion to present it to you. It would please me to see you wear it today, as a symbol of your status.”
Phaera was speechless for a moment. The necklace was an exceptional example of those special jewels, stunningly carved, strung with gold and silver wires wrought into fine interwoven patterns. She understood what an honour this gift was, that it meant that all must respect her as the future Lady of Marston. Well, I certainly cannot wear my pearls now, can I?
“My Lady, you honour me too much. I have never seen such a fine necklace. I will be proud to stand beside you today with it around my neck.”
Lady Flor had studied her for a moment, as if questioning the readiness of her acceptance, then gave a satisfied nod. “Good. Then let us prepare ourselves.”
Phaera had wondered at Lady Flor’s reaction as she left to bathe and dress for the banquet. Had she thought Phaera might refuse? How could she? It would have been a serious breach of etiquette. What did that say about Phaera’s reputation at the castle, with Lady Flor, and others? She promised herself she must take more care not to appear too defiant and independent. The people here had not yet grown to love her as those of Kinterron had.
Phaera chose the blue gown that she knew Bain admired. Its deep hue would also set off the new necklace. Once Mira finished dressing her hair she sent the maid away and stood before the polished silver mirror.
Mira had trembled with awe at the sight of the necklace and seemed afraid to handle it. In any case, Phaera had wanted to put it on herself. She had never truly liked these heavy gems. They were too ostentatious for her tastes. But, today, she knew, they would make a statement, both to the people and to Lord Makin and Bain. With a deep breath she lifted the heavy chain from the small table in front of her and held it around her neck, still hesitating to fasten it. It glittered with every small movement she made, reflecting all the colours of the rainbow, scattering beams of tinted light onto the walls. Her reflection, holding the jewels to her throat, seemed that of a stranger.
At a light knock on her door and her maid, Mira, saying, “It is time Milady”, she had fastened the necklace and called, “Enter. I am ready.”
Mira halted abruptly upon seeing Phaera, eyes wide, and took in a deep inhalation of awe. “Oh, Milady, how beautiful.”
“Thank you, Mira. Lady Flor is most generous.” She stepped forward, smiling. “Shall we go?”
Lady Flor waited at the end of the hall, resplendent in her own jewels of state. Her hands fluttered in front of her until she clasped them together. “Come. They will be here soon. We must be ready.”
Phaera stepped in beside her, the beating of her heart echoing Lady Flor’s hands.
Liveried attendants opened the castle doors and stood at attention as they stepped out into the afternoon sunshine. Outside, ten guards took their places beside and behind them, dress tunics cleaned and brushed, boots polished, hair, those who wore it long, clubbed at the napes of their necks, shoulders proudly back. All along the walkway stood more guards, all in uniform dress tunics. Phaera noted with pleasure that the two guards closest to her wore the colours of Kinterron, a nod to both herself and the arrival of her father Lord Danza. They had not long to wait. The first things they spotted, rising up behind the low hill past the gates, were the pennants of both fiefs flying high and proud above the front horses. A trumpet sounded their arrival and all heads craned to see.
Phaera felt her pulse beating faster. Beside her, Lady Flor clenched her hands tightly together, her whole body visibly thrumming with anticipation. She welcomes home a beloved husband. Who do I welcome?
She spotted Bain immediately between the two lords. This was not the untried young man who had ridden off to war. No, this Bain sat proud, self-assured, larger somehow than she remembered. He was covered in the dust of the journey. His uniform was worn and dirty, the coat of arms on his tunic barely discernable. Yet, they sat on him as regally as the finest dress uniform might – no, better. He needed no adornment. His expression, the proud lift of his chin, the way he sat his horse, this was a man who knew himself, who had earned the posture he carried. Phaera stood rooted to the spot, unable to tear her gaze away.
She saw Bain search her face, watched a flicker of emotion crease his brow, then disappear as quickly as it had come.
The three lords slid from their mounts, handing the reins to the waiting stablemen, and stepped forward. The guards closed in behind them, leaving the three to stand inside a circle, facing the two women.
When Lady Flor rushed forward to embrace her husband Phaer
a barely noticed. A roar of cheering woke her from her trance. She shook herself and stepped forward to meet Bain, hands outstretched for him to grasp and smiled into his eyes as she said, “Welcome home, Milord. I am so glad you are safe.” Her full heart told her she meant it. She let herself be drawn closer and relaxed into Bain’s embrace.
They followed the two lords and Lady Flor into the castle amid tumultuous cheering. Phaera noted Bain’s possessive grip on her hand. The din barely lessened upon the closing of the castle doors behind them as the servants inside set up their own cheers. It was as if the last shreds of darkness surrendered to sunshine. Every voice and every countenance reflected joy and light.
Phaera looked up at Bain to see him beaming. She had to admit to herself that she, too, had caught the mood. How could she not?
When Lady Flor sent the servants about their duties Phaera met Bain’s eyes. “Your bath awaits, Milord.”
Phaera saw Bain reach for a slice of meat waiting on the table beside the tub. She gave his hand a playful swat.
“In the tub first. Look at your hands.”
Bain’s earthy laugh eased more of her tension. As he stripped she took his dirty clothes and tossed them into a basket and outside the door. By the time she turned back he had lowered himself into the tub. A contented sigh escaped his lips and his eyes closed so that she could watch him unseen. The red, puckered scar on his upper arm took her by surprise, a sharp reminder that he was not the same man she had bade goodbye.
Phaera hesitated, not knowing what to do next, worried that any action might be seen as an invitation, one she was not yet ready to make.
When Bain opened his eyes he seemed to catch her uncertainty. His light tone reassured her somewhat. “My love, if you can help wash my hair I will be clean sooner.”
Instead of reaching for her he handed her the soap. “I know you have done this many times for others in your work.”
Phaera let out the breath she did not know she had been holding as she accepted the soap. This was not an invitation – yet. She decided to act in kind and treat the procedures with the same light tone. With her free hand she took a slice of meat and held it to his lips. He took it with a teasing grin, eyes twinkling.
She turned away quickly, feeling a blush rising, and covered her embarrassment by filling the pitcher next to them with water from the tub.
“Bend your head forward.”
They shared a laugh when he said, “You wish to drown me already?”
“Perhaps later. Now close your eyes. Here comes the soap.”
Bain scrubbed his own body, asking only that she feed him as he did so, “Or the water will grow cold.”
That reassured Phaera further. She let the last vestiges of tension seep away. “Just remember I will not be your servant tomorrow.”
He winked at her, and with mock seriousness, said, “Assuredly, Milady.”
Throughout, Phaera took pains to avoid looking below his waist. She wanted these moments to remain light and companionable. When he rose out of the tub she handed him the drying cloth, still averting her eyes.
As he wrapped it around his middle she looked at her gown. With an exaggerated gesture she scolded, “Look what you have done to my gown. It is ruined. Now I shall have to find another for the banquet.” The laugh they shared was free and easy.
Bain kept his back to her as he dressed, for which Phaera was grateful. He understands. Or is he as shy as I am?
Once dressed Bain turned to face her, tall and regal in his official regalia.
So handsome. I am the envy of all the young women. No one can deny what a fine figure he presents … but I prefer the other man, the one who is at ease in less formal attire.
Phaera felt another blush rising as his eyes travelled her body from head to toe, finally meeting hers with a knowing nod as he took in the wet gown. “Yes, this will never do. You will need a clean gown. A shame, as this one is my favourite.”
His eyes held her captive. She could not look away.
He reached for her. “Now may I finally kiss you, my love?”
His kiss was long and tender. Phaera felt herself melting into him, losing herself.
It was Bain who broke the spell, gently pushing her to arms’ length again. One hand left her shoulder and slid to the jewels still around her neck, his voice rough with emotion. “I shall never forget the vision that greeted me home.” His hand moved to her chin and lifted it so she could meet his eyes. “Never. But the woman I love wears pearls and often a simple riding gown as she works.”
Phaera’s emotions tumbled over one another, leaving her speechless. All she could do was beam at him as she fought the tears pricking behind her eyes.
She felt a loss when he let her go.
His expression betrayed the same thought. “I must leave you to dress, now. Our people await.”
Overcome with a sudden shyness, she could only nod before turning and walking to her adjoining chamber. Once there she sank onto her favourite chair. How can I not love this man – this wonder who knows my spirit, who sees into me, from whom I can hide nothing? I am lost.
A light knock brought her to the present.
Phaera took herself in hand and regained her composure. “Come.”
Mira entered. “I understand you have need of me, Milady.”
Back in control, Phaera stood and strode to her wardrobe. “I shall need another gown for the banquet. This one is quite unsuitable, now.”
“I think the green will set off the jewels just as beautifully, Milady.”
Phaera fingered the gown in question, finally taking it with her and standing in front of the mirror, holding it below the necklace. Mira was right. The rich green did complement the jewels. She would have preferred to switch to her pearls to please Bain but in the end she sighed and left the necklace on. It would please the others, especially Lady Flor. The pearls could wait. Bain would understand. Why does it matter that he understands? The question remained unanswered as she allowed Mira to help her dress.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
BANQUET
Phaera studied Bain again, attired in his dress uniform, and gave him a mockingly formal curtsey of approval. “You do present a fine specimen.”
His eyes said more than his words, his tone anything but mocking. “You, my love, take my breath away.”
Phaera felt a small shiver of delight run down her spine. Stop that. You care nothing for beauty. This time, though, she knew she was fooling herself. “Are you ready?”
Bain held out his arm for her to take his elbow.
Well, this is a solemn occasion. I suppose I can behave. She gave him her most winning smile as she placed her hand delicately in the crook of his elbow. Come to think of it, this is our first formal occasion together. Our wedding certainly does not qualify. Thank goodness I did not have to undergo that particular torture. A secret smile played on her lips. When Bain raised his eyebrows in question she gave him a minute shake of her head and mouthed, “later”, then looked straight ahead again.
Lord Makin, Lady Flor and Lord Danza waited to one side of the entrance into the great hall. They would all process together.
To Phaera’s delight Nurias stood waiting with them. She looked rested, bathed, and wore a gown of soft, sage linen, cinched with a woven sash of many colours, simple but somehow appropriate for her. Around her neck hung a single jewel like her own on a fine gold chain. Her hair hung in a thick braid down her back, just as she usually wore it. It was the first time Phaera had seen her in anything but her drab healing gowns. She could see, now, what had attracted Lord Makin to her. Even at this age she was a handsome woman.
When Nurias spotted the pair her face glowed with pride and joy. She did not come forward but held out her hands to them as they approached, taking one from each of them as they came close enough.
“I am so happy to see both again at last.”
They did not have time to respond as a blast from ten trumpets split the air, announcing their arriva
l. Lord Makin and Lady Flor led in, then Lord Danza followed by Bain and Phaera. Nurias fell in behind them as they entered and were shown to their seats, Nurias at the end, to Phaera’s right, then Bain, Lady Flor, Lord Makin, and at the other end, Lord Danza.
Banners and pennants hung from the rafters in between the huge chandeliers bright with twenty candles each, which lit up the tapestries lining the walls. The entire great hall blazed with light and colour.
The hall had remained silent as they took their places, everyone standing at rapt attention behind their benches, facing the dais. They must have been prepared. Phaera had never seen anything like this. The solemnity of it awed her in a way no other occasion ever had. For the first time she understood the importance of, and was grateful for, the efforts she had taken to look her best. This occasion called for it. The people deserved it.
A soon as the party sat down a great cheer rose up, repeated three times in unison.
“ALL HAIL, ALL HAIL, ALL HAIL.”
Another trumpet blast filled the air and died down before the guests took their seats.
The remainder of the evening became a blur of feasting, music, speeches, and drink. Phaera took pains to limit how much wine she drank and was pleased to see that Bain did as well. Nor did the others on the dais show any signs of inebriation.
When Lord Makin indicated it was time for them to leave Phaera was pleasantly surprised. It was not as late as she had anticipated.
He stood for attention, goblet raised. “Good people, we have had little rest these past days. It is time for us to take our leave of you. I thank you all for sharing this occasion with us. The servants have been instructed to keep food, wine, and music coming for as long as you wish. You have all earned this celebration. Make merry.” He held his goblet high then took a last swig from it before setting it down.
Altered Destinies- Earth Reborn Page 23