“I don’t know why you’re crying, since Cygne obviously doesn’t care how funny she looks.” Addolo patted Anitra on the arm.
Cygne’s eyes widened incredulously, not at the jab aimed at her, but at Addolo’s sincere, yet pathetic attempt to console Anitra.
Well, I guess she was trying. Cygne shook her head.
“Candidates, line up, and we will introduce you as you enter,” a Matron announced as she entered the waiting room. “You will have a chance to meet both sets of broodmates, and some of you may even be selected to sit at their table for first-meal.”
Everyone scrambled to get in line, but Cygne hung back with Anitra.
“I spoke with Belni.”
“Oh no! She knows? I’m going to lose my position,” Anitra fretted.
“No, you won’t. I told her I chose this myself, and you were too busy to coddle me. She understood and is fine with it.” She squeezed Anitra’s hand.
“Thank you. I’m sorry they all laughed at you.”
“Don’t be sorry. I promise you, I’ll be all right.” She truly appreciated that Anitra cared. Her friendship felt nice. “Honestly, I doubt the gown is what’s going to get me kicked out.” Cygne gave her friend a crooked smile, still shocked she hadn’t been dismissed already.
“Legion citizens, welcome, and thank you for coming out so early on this auspicious occasion. Today begins a rather untraditional Courting Ceremony,” Nicht addressed the gathered crowd from the head of the hall, as the candidates in line jostled to see. “Normally we’d be presenting the Legion’s most honorable broodmates to our future Gallina. But as you know, we weren’t blessed with a female before our Gallina’s untimely passing into the Zephyr. And since her sister, Matron Calesse, also only bore males, this leaves the Legion with a pair of Drakes from the Verum line as potential heirs. So, today, Kaede, Velifico and their broodmates will be competing in the traditional manner to determine the right of Ascension.” A murmur moved through the crowd, but Nicht continued. “And since our Drakes will need their Gallina, without further ado, may I present our candidates.”
“It sounds like people are surprised by this news,” Cygne commented.
“I heard the rumor about Velifico, but wasn’t certain until now.” Anitra shook her head. “It was not entirely unexpected, but many of us assumed the choice was obvious. No matter, I’m certain Kaede and his broodmates will prevail,” Anitra whispered.
“I imagine they will.”
“They ranked very high in the premier academy, and then put it to use serving the Legion, rather than sitting around the Atelier.”
“They sound very honorable.” She smiled, seeing Anitra’s pride in her future leaders. It was hard not letting on that she knew the broodmates.
“They are.”
“I present to you, Cygne, of the outer reaches,” a Matron announced.
“That’s me.” She headed for the door.
“Good luck,” Anitra called after her.
“Winged wonder,” Cygne murmured, as she paused and stared down the vast hall.
There were now hundreds of guests present. They all stood on either side of a green brocade rug, which ran from one end of the long gallery to the other. And she was expected to parade down it, while they all watched.
This is where I trip and fall flat on my face.
Cygne took calm, determined steps, her shoulders back and wings arched high. As the crowd turned to see her, they gasped and stared.
Yes, I know. My gown is unacceptable.
But Cygne didn’t let her steps falter and nodded graciously as she passed the guests. She ignored the whispers, since she couldn’t hear what they said anyway. For anyone kind enough to give her a genuine smile, she returned the gesture. She even smiled at the people who were looking at her especially funny.
Cygne reached the front of the room without incident, then saw her broodmates. They gave her a cursory glance, before turning their attention toward the stage. She’d been so excited by the prospect of seeing them again and assumed the feeling was mutual. The rebuff hurt.
Remember, they’re pretending they don’t know you. The mental word of encouragement halted her disappointed frown.
“That was quite an entrance,” Calesse commented as Cygne passed her on the dais.
Cygne nodded respectfully to Kaede’s aunt as she took her place in line. Calesse was one of the Matrons. She was powerful enough to sway the other Matrons into giving her son a chance at ruling the Legion. It was best not to anger her.
“Today we call upon the blessings of the four winds,” Nicht again addressed the room. “We ask that you carry those present safely through the contests that are about to begin. Broodmates, female candidates, keep the Legion at heart as you compete, and we the Drakes wish all of you good luck. Now, Legion citizens, enjoy each other’s company, and first-meal will soon be served soon.”
Cygne wasn’t able to make it off the stage fast enough. By the time she reached her broodmates, eager candidates already inundated them, all vying for their attention. Even the guests, excited by the prospect of meeting the broodmates, were circling. Quickly, she found herself pushed to the edges of the growing crowd.
Kaede smiled pleasantly as Tristis twittered. Tynan stared at Rosso, nodding occasionally to whatever she was saying, while Meir, Severin and Akiva were occupied with other candidates and citizens. Cygne waited for them to look up, but after several minutes it was apparent they weren’t going to notice her standing on the periphery. She backed away, crestfallen.
“It’s rather crowded in here.” Cygne jumped, hearing Belni’s voice. That was the second time the Matron snuck up on her. “Kaede and his broodmates are popular. Most of the citizens expect them to become the next Drakes.”
“I can see that.” Cygne smiled wanly. She knew her males couldn’t shove through all the people to find her; that would be rude, but a glance or a nod would’ve been nice.
“You’ll have to try to meet them in a few minutes. Come, Cygne, meet my broodmates in the meantime.”
She followed Belni to a group of five older males. They had kind faces, and wore such broad smiles, Cygne couldn’t help but smile back.
“Cygne, this is Avos, Gysh, Dedo, Laki, and Morfar.” Belni pointed down the line.
“Greetings.” Cygne bowed.
“Belni told us about you. I find it fascinating you were raised among an entirely different race. Tell us what Braccio was like,” Avos asked.
“I can’t really compare it to Olor, since I haven’t had a chance to go outside. But the valley where I grew up was thick with massive trees. You had to climb above their branches just to stretch your wings. There was nothing but lush, lush green for as far as I could see from our barrow in the canopy. And the leaves were so large, I could hide amidst them, to watch the suns rise and set. The color of your pinions kind of reminds me of the way the sky looked, a mix of reds, yellows and orange.”
Cygne sighed as she thought of the sight. She was unbelievably glad she met her broodmates, but things had been so simple in her valley. She knew where she stood there, even if she didn’t like how she was treated. Here, things were so much more complicated.
“That’s right, that system has two suns.”
“The way you describe it, it sounds beautiful.”
“It’s a shame you haven’t been outside to see Olor yet. That will change after first-meal.”
“It was lovely.” She nodded. “But I bet Olor has just as many wonderful sights. It’ll be good to get outside.”
“So, Olor merchants found you in a port city on Braccio. We are familiar with many of the large traders. Who was it that had the privilege of finding you?” Morfar asked.
Cygne stiffened up. During her interview, she was pushed into admitting a lot, but was able to evade questions about who brought her to Olor. Now the question was coming up again. It was becoming increasingly hard to tell the truth and keep how she arrived a secret.
“I’m sorry, I really can�
��t say. The dame of the tavern where I worked and lived tried to force me into having relations with her patrons. I ran and begged the first ship I came to to give me passage anywhere. It was a coincidence I found an Olor vessel.” And that was the truth.
“Cygne, that is—” Belni shook her head, looking horrified.
“A particular moment I’d rather forget,” she bit out.
“Of course, Cygne, I’m sorry,” Belni replied.
“You are safe now,” Gysh insisted. He stepped forward and looked like he was about to hug her, but she didn’t want to be consoled.
“Am I?” She backed out of reach. “Because, although I’m physically safe, I still have no home, and am fighting a losing battle to hold onto the only thing that has brought me any real joy in life.” Cygne slammed her mouth shut, realizing she’d just snapped at a Matron and her broodmates. “It was nice meeting you. Excuse me, I need to find a washroom.”
Hold it together. Hold it together. This charade was already too much to handle, without having to use her personal tragedy to avoid answering questions that would get her broodmates and the Drakes in trouble. Her eyes burned, and her vision blurred. I can’t do this anymore.
Cygne headed toward the washroom, but someone grabbed her arm. She whirled around to find Belni had followed her.
“Cygne, a bit of advice.”
“Yes.” Cygne blinked, hoping she didn’t tear up in front of the Matron.
“Stop worrying about whatever rules you’ve heard, and what you think we expect,” Belni said earnestly.
“I wish I could.” Her chin quivered.
“You know, little one, if something truly belongs to you, there’s no way you’re going to lose it.” Belni smiled.
“Thank you,” but it’s complicated.
Cygne continued to the washroom. She need to splash some water on her face and just take a moment where she wasn’t surrounded by hordes of people. She passed by the crowd around her broodmates, and had to look away when she caught a glimpse of Tristis pressed against Akiva, while a bunch of fancily dressed people prattled on.
“Second rate females, for second rate Drakes.”
Cygne turned to see Velifico standing beside her. She frowned at his rude comment before she could repress it.
“Excuse me, I was on my way to—”
“Of course, you know who I am,” Velifico cut her off. “But I’d like you to meet my broodmates; Spicarre, Hissen, Brutto and Osceno.” He gestured to the males behind him.
The four males, who were as brightly colored as Velifico, pushed past the female candidates who were attempting to greet them. Deprime huffed at being spurned. Suddenly Cygne was surrounded by the males, and instantly went rigid. When her broodmates flanked her, they at least had the decency to give her breathing room.
“You are gorgeous in this gown. Those females wear all white to make up for what they lack, but not you,” Velifico purred as he ran a finger up the silky burgundy sleeve, to her bare shoulder.
“It accentuates your flawless complexion and pure white feathers.”
She spun when the male behind her stroked her wing.
“I was imprinted on you from the moment I heard you sing,” Velifico whispered in her ear.
Meir said something similar, but it hadn’t turned her stomach the way Velifico did.
“I apologize. I was just on my way to the washroom.” Cygne attempted to ease past the wall of wings penning her in.
The groping rude males made her even sicker than she already felt at the moment.
“First-meal is served. Please, everyone, find your seats,” someone announced.
“Wonderful, I am starving,” Velifico growled suggestively, making Cygne cringe.
“We reserved a spot especially for you at our table,” one of the other males added.
As Cygne was urged to a seat, she glanced toward her broodmates a few tables away. Tristis, Rosso and one of the other candidates were taking up the remaining seats, wearing broad grins. Again, her males didn’t spare her more than a glance, before turning their attention back to their table. Cygne ducked her head and quickly scrubbed at her eyes.
“Yes, go ahead and sit, pretty little birds,” Osceno said to Addolo and Deprime, who eagerly tailed the males.
“You know what this means,” Addolo twittered to Deprime.
“We made it to the next round.” Deprime practically bounced in her seat.
Cygne knew this was a good thing. To be chosen by one set of broodmates was the goal after all. Except she was far from excited. Cygne wasn’t worried she’d end up mated to Velifico, just because she was at his table. The grabby cousin would have to beat Kaede in the upcoming competition for that to happen. Something else troubled her.
If something truly belongs to you, there’s no way you’re going to lose it. Belni’s words circled in her mind. Did her broodmates really belong to her? She thought they had a connection. But maybe I was wrong. They hadn’t stuck around last night, and barely acknowledged her this morning. Even Velifico sought her out. Why didn’t her broodmates attempt to do that? Perhaps I am just another pretty face, she laughed morosely to herself. The notion was so absurd, when inside she felt anything but.
“So, Cygne, are you and the females looking forward to the games?” Spicarre asked, fishing for a compliment.
Cygne shook herself. She couldn’t lose it in front of these people.
“We’re excited to watch you compete,” Deprime replied, before she could answer. For once, Cygne appreciated the spoiled females’ presence. She was in no mood to chat.
“I’m our best fighter.” The male preened. “It’s going to be a joy taking Tynan down.”
Cygne frowned at his arrogance.
“There will also be a few different hunts. And I’m our best tracker,” Hissen interjected.
“Is that so.” Addolo’s eyes lit up as she leaned into Hissen.
“If you’re such a great tracker, Hissen, why did we have to—”
“Shut it,” Velifico smacked Brutto in the back of the head before he could finish the jealous retort. “Act like you deserve to sit at this table,” Velifico admonished his broodmate.
“Pardon me, I need to visit the washroom.” Cygne pushed away from the table. She could hardly stand her own company, let alone theirs.
“Brutto and I will escort you.” Velifico quickly stood.
“Thank you,” Cygne sighed, not really meaning it.
She walked, attempting to ignore the two males flanking her, but it was hard since they were breathing down her wings.
“Cygne, I am checking to make sure all the candidates are faring well,” Anitra said as she approached.
“Cygne’s fine. She’s with us,” Velifico grumbled at Anitra in annoyance.
“I’m doing all right. Just heading to the washroom.”
“I will join you, in case you need assistance holding your gown.” Anitra followed despite Velifico’s attitude.
“I suppose you can’t have your train falling in the basin,” Brutto chuckled.
“No, you’re right. Thank you, Anitra.” Cygne cast Anitra a grateful glance. She’d been almost afraid the males were going follow her into the washroom, with how they shadowed her.
Once they reached the washroom, Anitra looked into the various small rooms as she pulled Cygne to the far end.
“I have something for you,” Anitra whispered, then handed Cygne a slip of parchment with her name scrawled on it in Universal.
“What is it?” Cygne tilted her head.
“I don’t know. One of the guards gave me the note with my name on it. When I opened it, I found the one with your name inside.”
Cygne’s brow furrowed in confusion as she unfolded the message. “Sorry for all of this. It will be over soon. We miss you, our sweet, brave songbird. You’re making quite an impression, but we knew you would. By the way, not even the Painted Sands could compare to you in that red dress.” A smile split her face as she read the message.
<
br /> “Oh my goodness, you have admirers. Do you want me to find the guard who passed it to me, so we can figure out who sent you this?”
“No.” Cygne shook her head while grinning goofily. “It’s from a friend, who knows I feel awkward here.” Cygne folded the note and tucked it inside her gown, next to her heart.
“Really?” Anitra cast her a sideways glance. “I think that’s more than a friendly note, with the way you’re blushing.”
Cygne frowned. Anitra was her friend, but she wasn’t sure it would be wise sharing who sent her the note.
“Don’t worry, I won’t tell. I bet half the candidates here have admirers.”
“Thank you.” Cygne grinned again.
They didn’t forget about me. She’d let her insecurities make her doubt them. Her broodmates rescued her from the tavern, cared for her when she was bitten, then encouraged her with kind words and tender touches. She should’ve known they were ignoring her for a reason. Her broodmates understood far better than she how to play this game. You need to have faith in them.
“And I need to have faith in myself,” Cygne murmured.
Cygne never thought she was as vain as the people who mocked her growing up on Braccio, but apparently, she was. Even though she bolstered herself by saying being attractive wasn’t as important as what was on the inside; somewhere along the way she became convinced her life would be different, if only she looked different. It was like a punch to the gut realizing just how much she let other people’s view affect her opinion of herself.
She hated this competition. She never liked being compared to others, because she felt she always came up short. But that wasn’t true at all. She’d been right all along. Her true value was the sum of all the unseen things that came from within, and far too complex to be measured. But more important than knowing that was true, was believing it was true.
Cygne was absolutely elated as they headed out of the washroom. Something monumental had shifted inside, and she was seeing the world in a whole new light.
“You need to remember to keep your mouth shut,” Velifico grumbled to Brutto. “If anyone knew we had hunters stationed in the preserve since last night, we’d be instantly disqualified.”
Ruffled Feathers (Once Upon a Harem Book 5) Page 13