'Loi, you look like a Queen,' I said with a smile.
She flushed in pleasure. 'Thanks.'
We changed out of our dresses, Ada took them away for safe keeping. Now Sian and Kassie had their turn, Loi joined me on the sofa to watch. Sian’s dress was a blue halter-neck. The wide ribbon that held the dress up at her throat made her neck look longer. The fabric gently glided down and around to the back, so that the dress was fully backless. It looked almost more daring than her dance dress and fit snug at the waist. The skirt of the dress fitted tightly at the top, like a mini skirt, then from mid-thigh flared out. The back of the skirt hit the ground and the front rose to mid-calf. Loi and I applauded with enthusiasm. Sian laughed, spinning in front of the mirror. 'Honestly, Ada, I don’t know what we did before we met you. Everything you make is dream-like.'
Ada flushed and went quiet, fussing over some fabric.
Kassie came out of the dressing room, taking the attention off Ada while we all oohed and ahhed over her dress. A beautiful antique gold fabric shaped into a one shoulder dress. It draped in a way that minimized her bust, stopping a top-heavy look. The twisting around the waist appeared similar to mine then the dress finished on an angle, starting above her right knee and finishing mid-calf on her left leg, the ideal length for Kass, flattering her figure and not emphasizing her height or chest.
'The inspiration was your dance dress, Cat,' Ada said. 'I’d never thought of finishing a garment on an angle before.'
'Ideas we’re good at,' Sian said with a laugh. 'It’s the actual sewing we find a little more difficult.'
We spent the next day with Elena at the training circle. Again just practicing control; how quickly we could summon energy, how long we could hold a position for—even doing maneuvers with our eyes closed. Tiring and time consuming work, but I could feel the improvements. It began to feel like second nature to bring forth our energies. This in turn meant we could sense one another more, we even began to anticipate each others’ intentions.
When I fell into bed that night, with Audi already snoring away beside my bed, it hit me. The ball was in just three days. We had weapons training tomorrow then two days in which the castle became even more chaotic with preparations. On the eve of the second day was the ball, after which, we would start our normal life at the castle, fulfilling Elena’s expectations as protectors of the Realm. I could feel the beginning of a panic attack while images of what had happened in the last month bombarded me. I sat up, ripping the covers back.
Breathe. In out. In out.
I kept the chant up in my head, trying to keep quiet so I didn’t disturb the others. Audrey sat upright a moment after I did and cuddled against my leg, her head on my thigh as she studied me with a concerned expression. I smiled down at her, stroking her head. 'Beautiful girl,' I cooed, feeling the anxiety lift a little. Her tail swished and she gave me little kisses on the nose then nibbled it, something she did on rare occasions, making me giggle. Feeling calmer, I climbed back into bed. One day at a time Cat, just take it one day at a time.
Chapter Thirty Three
At the same time he’d arrived in our last weapons training session, the page arrived again. Everyone froze for an instant. 'What?' Iggy growled loudly. 'Again? Come on this is ridiculous.'
Our men and the other Lieutenants gave him narrow looks. Sabyn went to open his mouth but the page interrupted him. 'No sir, it’s your turn. The fabricer has requested the company of the Lieutenants for their fittings.'
There was a moment of silence, I exchanged amused glances with the girls.
Sian stepped forward and struck a tragic pose, the back of her wrist to her forehead and in a very bad French accent declared. 'Whaz? Whaz eez theeze? Argh. Non non, eet ezz impozeble—Ve moost practice.'
Kassie and I started laughing while all the men’s jaws dropped. Loi decided to join Sian and began to shake her finger at Iggy, her other hand on her hip. 'Ouw can ve ever beelef ouh are seriouz? Non, zez cannot do.'
Everyone laughed hard while Iggy gave us his best death stare then turned, marching off down the corridor. Hiccupping with laughter the rest of them followed, along with the somewhat disturbed looking page. At dinner that evening, Rumal and Daron had the room in fits of laughter with their impersonation of the day’s performance.
The next day was a free day. I meant to sleep late but thanks to my very accurate body clock woke at dawn like usual. The others slept soundly while Audi and I crept out of the room. I would’ve liked to have found Alek and gone for a run, but he’d already told me last night that all the guys would be busy for the next couple of days. Other than at dinner I wouldn’t get to see him. It didn’t improve the butterflies that’d taken up residence in my stomach, I sighed. Audi nudged my hand, I smiled down at her and gave her ears a good scratch. 'Even Nnelg is too busy to keep us company.' Audi’s ears perked at the dragon’s name then drooped. Nnelg must have already explained to her. They seemed to communicate well now, though I’ve no idea how. As long as it works for them, I thought and clucked my tongue at her, indicating with my head which way to go. The run around the inner gate was pleasant at this time, a variety of birds sung out their greetings. It gave me another pang of homesickness. I really missed the sound of the tui, kereru and fantails we heard in New Zealand. I’d never hear them again. The butterflies in my stomach made me feel queasy. I stopped running, leaning against a tree for a breather. A crashing sound made me snap my head up, looking for Audrey. She stood beside me, staying tense and ready while the sound grew closer.
'Helloo.'
I relaxed, relieved and pleased. 'Yakov. I thought I was the only one crazy enough to be out here at this time.' I grinned at the red faced man.
He laughed at me. 'Ha. This isn’t even early. Normally I run when the moon is still up. You’ve got nothing on me.'
'Mind if I join you?'
'Not at all,' he panted. 'Come on then.'
We raced off down the track, managing a brief conversation. 'Looking forward to the ball?' he gasped out.
'Yes,' pause. 'And no.'
'Why not?' Yakov asked in surprise.
'Because after the ball we begin with our real roles.'
'Ahh.'
We both fell quiet when we started up a bit of a climb. At the top, having passed through the gate, Yakov turned to me.
'It will be a very interesting position.'
'Oh I don’t doubt it. It might sound silly, but I find it unnerving to only look at things from one way. Having it spread out in front of us, so… so cut and dry,' I paused. 'It just feels weird.'
Yakov considered this for a moment. 'You’re saying you’re nervous because it feels too easy?'
It did sound silly when he said it like that. I sighed.
'Don’t let it stress you, Cat. It is a position that will allow you to travel all over the world and of course, you’ll be at Alek’s side all the time. I know this training period has been intense, but it’s been necessary.'
I gave a curt nod. 'I do understand. It’s just all been such a rapid change that it’s left me feeling a bit… lost.'
Yakov continued to study me then suggested. 'Why don’t we spend the morning together after breakfast? I know Alek and the other men are busy and we can talk through your concerns.'
I agreed, heading off to shower and change. When I got in the others still slept, not waking while I got ready then slipped back out the door with Audi. Few of us sat in the Great Hall, making breakfast unusually quiet. It felt odd to sit at the end table without Alek and all the others. Even Elena was absent. We ate quickly then Yakov decided to take me on a tour of the castle.
'Alek’s already taken me on a tour,' I objected.
Yakov laughed.
'You could walk this castle for a good month and still not see everything. I shall take you on the Royal Tour.'
That sounded interesting. Audi and I stuck to Yakov’s side. He led us up one of the turrets to the third floor and we wandered along the corridor. 'As you know, th
is floor only has one main corridor, unlike the second and first floors. It’s solely for those of Royal status or the advisors closest to them, like the Griffon Guard or the Elementals. You’ve seen both those quarters, so I will show you the Royal quarters.'
We headed down the corridor past our own quarters, continuing until we reached a door. Yakov produced a key, unlocked it and ushered me in.
The furnishings on this side of the door looked very elegant. Ornate lamps on beautiful side tables dotted the walls, portraits of people in elegant garb hung above them. I paused at a portrait of a young boy with blue black hair and stunning blue eyes, an older man with lighter blue eyes and brown hair clasping his shoulder. Both wore formal uniforms but genuine smiles graced their faces. Yakov stood beside me and smiled at the portrait. 'Alek would have been eight when that was painted.'
I stared at it feeling a twinge of pain at knowing that only two years later, Alek lost his dad. We continued down the corridor until we reached a set of elaborate doors. A guard stood at either side, they bowed when we approached, pulling the doors open. 'This was the late Queen’s quarters.'
We entered into a foyer, I spotted a beautiful portrait of a wooded area. The artist had done an incredible job, it looked so real.
'Do you like it?' Yakov stood beside me while I studied the picture.
'I love it. It’s so realistic.' I’d swear I could count the leaves.
'It’s an area in the Scrodian Mountains, Queen Ariadwen loved that spot,' he said, a nostalgic look in his eyes. 'Which is why King Nikias commissioned this painting. Have you seen an enchanted frame before?' Yakov arched an eyebrow at me.
I shook my head. 'No, what do you mean?'
He pointed at the picture, I leaned closer. I gasped when I spotted the faerie flittering around a bush. 'What’s that?'
'That is faerie feeding on the nectar of that jurven bush. You’re able to see them because the frame is enchanted. King Nikias got it for his Queen when she was pregnant with Alek and couldn’t safely travel to her favorite holiday spot.'
I almost had my nose to it now. 'Are they expensive?'
'Yes, it is a difficult spell to cast, they are quite rare.'
'Could Elena do it?'
Yakov frowned. 'Of course, but it wouldn’t be appropriate to ask the Archduchess for something so frivolous.'
I bit my lip. Oops, hadn’t meant to insult her. 'I’m sorry. I’ve just been wondering how powerful Elena is?'
He gave me a sideways look. 'Very. Now let me show you the rest of the apartments.' He led the way while I admired everything. I couldn’t get over how much space was set aside for just one person.
'This is just the Queen’s quarters? She wouldn’t share them?'
'No.' Yakov smiled at my surprise. 'The King has his own separate quarters then there’s the Royal nursery and rooms for any Royal children.'
'Why do they need so much space?'
'They don’t, but this castle was built by the Thalian line, these rooms were set aside for the Queen, so they have stayed since. It’s appropriate.' He shrugged. 'Other realms have even larger areas set aside for their royalty.'
My eyebrows shot up at that. We peeked into King Nikias’ quarters, laughing when Audi thought she’d found something. She seemed rather disappointed to discover the dragon she’d stalked was just a toy.
'It was one of Alek’s favorites,' Yakov explained when I examined the green and purple soft toy. I placed it down in front of Audi who sniffed at it then shoved it over and ignored it. We chuckled then Yakov led us down an internal corridor, pointing out the nursery and the school room.
'And that is Alek’s room.' Yakov winked mischievously at me. 'Want to have a look?' He laughed when I flushed red.
'No. Alek will show me when he wants me to see it.'
When I walked back into the room I found all the girls awake and piled onto Sian’s bed, chatting.
'Where’ve you been, Cat?' asked Loi.
'Yakov gave me a tour of the rest of this floor.'
I wandered over and climbed on the bed, then told them about the beautiful picture. It inspired us to make a trip to the library—finally—we spent the rest of the day there. It made for a good distraction with us nervous at the idea of starting our new, official lives. It also gave me something else to think about when I fell into bed that night.
We didn’t say much when we woke, dealing with the usual morning stuff then walked to breakfast together. The Great Hall buzzed with activity as we neared it; servants worked on opening the walls between the ballrooms and the throne room. The castle had two ballrooms divided by the main corridor and the walls on the corridor were bi-folding so that the two rooms could be linked for large events. The throne room linked to the outer most ballroom, which overlooked the woodland area between the castle and inner gate. Stacks of the silver framed mirrors that we’d seen in one of the ballrooms leaned against the walls.
'Those must be going to line all the walls,' Loi said while we watched the frenetic activity in awe. 'Looks like it’ll be quite a night.'
The butterflies in my stomach seemed to be changing from nerves to excitement. I smiled at the others. 'I think I’m looking forward to it.'
We made our way to our normal seats, delighted to see Citaan and Gredel there.
'Hello. We wondered when we’d see you.'
Citaan looked amazing, like usual, with her baby bump more pronounced. She smiled. 'We thought it would be easier to come over early on and get ready in the Griffon Guard quarters. That way we can avoid the rush and dealing with security.'
We settled down to breakfast when Kassie glanced up and gave a tiny squeal. I looked up to see the men had walked in and felt a huge grin break out on my face.
Alek felt the tension that had bothered him dissolve at the sight of Cat’s delighted smile. She raced over and threw her arms around his neck, pulling his head down for a kiss. Loud clapping and cheering brought him back to his senses. He gave a sheepish smile to their audience when they parted.
'Happy Birthday,' she beamed up at him.
'Thanks,' he smiled. 'Are you excited about the ball?'
She wrinkled her nose, making him chuckle. 'I wasn’t, but I am now.'
'Awww, did you miss me?'
She threw him a coy sidelong glance. 'Maybe.'
Breakfast flew by, afterward we headed to the solar. Alek and I were last, following Gredel and Citaan up the turret. Poor Gredel stressed about everything it seemed, insisting on holding Citaan’s arm while she climbed the stairs. When we reached the top he rushed to get her a seat at the table, she flicked a glance our way. It read both exasperation and love.
I wandered over to the windows, looking out at the Anguem range. The view of the mountains looked amazing, they really had situated the castle well. Spying a small door set in one of the windows, I peered out; it led to a narrow balcony I hadn’t noticed before.
'What’s that for?' I glanced at Alek.
He looked to where I pointed. 'That’s for archers, in the event that the enemy makes it past the inner gate.'
I nodded and stepped closer to the window for a better look. 'It looks rather narrow.'
'Well it wasn’t a design feature, Cat. It’s for just in case. Do you want to have a look?' He opened the little door and led the way out. The others edged along behind us and we stood in a row. If I thought the view good inside, it didn’t compare to this. I clutched tight to the waist high railing, looking over the edge. The forest that grew in the space between the castle and inner gate didn’t seem so dense from up here; I could just make out the guards on patrol. A squeak from Sian and a shuffling motion from the guys announced Audi’s arrival as she squeezed past them. Reaching my side she carefully stood with her front paws clinging to the rail so she could see what we looked at. It started everyone chuckling, Sabyn reached out to ruffle her ears.
'Nosey creature,' he scolded her. 'Nearly shove us off just to satisfy your curiosity.'
The morning went by f
ast, it seemed far too soon that they had to go and get ready. Kassie clung tight to Rumal for a moment when he bent to embrace her.
'Not long,' he said, his molten eyes creased in affection.
She nodded back, unable to speak due to the lump in her throat. Not long. It brought the jitter of nerves back but they were whirled off to get ready. The Beautens bustled with people when the girls walked in.
I caught sight of the snooty Countess I’d met when we’d first arrived, she pointedly ignored me. Not a problem. I’d rather not have to talk to you anyway. It wasn’t until they moved me to the hair stylist’s seat that I realized Melanite sat beside me. 'Melanite!'
The Arrival: An Epic Fantasy Romance Page 33