She laughed. 'I saw you all when you first came in, did you only just notice me?'
'Oh I’m sorry, I’m totally away with the fairies at the moment.' Drat. I’d forgotten they exist here. The confused look on her face amused me, she shrugged away my weird comment. We chatted. I noticed Loi and Sian talking to a couple of the girls we’d met in Gartoll. 'How big an event is this usually?'
'I would expect a couple of thousand to attend. Dignitaries from all over Elion and even further will come.'
'Really. How will they travel here?' I asked.
She thought about it. 'I know that those coming from Delanta and Lanion arrived in Elion last week. They’ll be getting ready in the town and there maybe a few who are brought in by the Griffon Guard.'
The stylist tapped my shoulder, I had to turn away.
Loi admired her hair in the mirror. The stylist teased the top of her hair, smoothed it over then clipped the top half of her hair back. She preferred to have her hair loose, so this made a good compromise and meant she could have a pretty clip too. The stylist ushered her over to a couch where Sian sat, so she could move on to her next client. Sian’s hair had been teased like hers, drawn into a high pony tail, highlighting her cheekbones.
'You pleased?' Loi arched an eyebrow at her.
Sian smiled and ran a hand over it. 'I am, it’s very sleek. It’ll look great with my dress.'
They both fell silent, observing the chaos as stylists raced around, tripping over one another, clients voicing loud opinions about each others’ hair and make-up. 'It nearly reminds me of our last night on Earth,' Sian said nostalgically. 'Just crazier.'
Eventually Kassie and Cat were done, the four of them walked back to their room. The corridors and turret were crowded with guests and staff dashing about. Slipping into their room they closed the doors with relief. Ada had dropped their dresses off, they hung from each of their dressing table mirrors, a pair of matching shoes below.
We had about an hour to kill, I paced the floor in nervous anticipation. I couldn’t lie down thanks to my hair; curled then pinned so it cascaded down like a waterfall. I was to wear it draped over one shoulder, the stylist insisted after she gushed over the color. It made me laugh. Sure, my hair was pretty but with the fabulous blues, greens, and violets I‘d seen today I didn’t think it compared. The stylist had shrugged and informed me red hair was unique. So I still stand out. Even on a different world. Figures. Audrey could sense my mood, it made her agitated. I studied her for a moment. What will I do with her this evening? As I pondered, a knock sounded on the door. I was surprised to find Ada there. 'What are you doing with Audrey tonight?' she asked, seeming a little anxious.
My jaw dropped. 'Do you read minds too?' I asked in amusement.
'N-n-no-o,' she stuttered. 'It’s just, I haven’t a partner this evening and I intend on leaving early. Everyone’s focus will be on the ballroom. I’d feel so much safer if Audi was with me. Would you mind if she stayed over in my room?'
I almost laughed at the look of concern in her eyes; she’d solved my problem in an instant. 'Audi, do you want to visit with Ada?' I smiled down at my furry critter who ignored me while she fussed over the diminutive fabricer. The other girls laughed. 'I think that’ll be fine,' I said
'Will she behave at the ball?'
I blinked in surprise. 'The ball?'
'Yes, I want to take her as my partner.' Ada giggled, an impish look in her eyes.
'Umm, I think so. Perhaps put her on a leash so she can’t wander off.'
Ada said excitedly, 'Oh I have a whole outfit planned for her. She’s going to look beautiful.' She cooed at the dog, I watched the two of them walk off.
Chapter Thirty Four
Time seemed to vanish while we rushed about to get dressed, making the final touches. As I checked myself over in the mirror a heavy knock announced the men's arrival. Everyone froze for an instant, staring at one another, giggling like silly sixteen year olds. My anxiety vanished replaced by super excited butterflies. The others seemed to feel it too, Loi and Kassie hopped with excitement.
'Sssshh!' hissed Sian when she headed for the door, we assumed poised faces. I could feel the hysteria rise in my chest as I focused on the door, not on Loi who shook with suppressed laughter. The hilarity dissolved when we watched the men enter. They wore what must be their formal uniforms and looked amazing. I’m sure I just gaped at Alek for a good few minutes.
The uniforms were black double-breasted collarless blazers and slim straight leg pants. Silver accentuated the black with three bands on either wrist, a stripe down each leg and the front edge of their blazers. Even the row of buttons fastening the blazer were silver. A red epaulette on each shoulder and black leather ankle boots finished the look. Being the Royal member of the guard, Alek had a sash added to his uniform. Caught at the epaulette on his left shoulder it came across to his right hip and was red with bands of color in the middle.
Alek smiled down at Cat, who hadn’t spoken a word for several minutes. She looked beautiful. The green dress showed off her figure to perfection, the color looked stunning on her. He felt a sudden pang of nerves. It almost made him laugh, of all the things to make him nervous it was the woman who stood before him.
The others chatted, making their way out of our room while Alek and I still stared at each other. I listened as their voices grew faint then arched an eyebrow at Alek and broke the silence. 'So?' I spun in front of him. 'Whatcha think?'
His dark blue eyes fastened on mine as he stepped closer. 'Beautiful. Indescribably so.'
I flushed in pleasure. He reached out, gently tracing his fingers from my forehead to chin making me shiver. Then he tipped my chin up and ducked his head to mine. The intense kiss made my head swim. Feeling me sway, he tightened his arms around me, deepening the kiss.
Pulling away, he held Cat for a moment before setting her back on her feet. Then he led her to the long seat at the dresser and placed a jewelry case in front of her.
I stared blankly at the large velvet case he’d set on the dresser surface. 'What’s this?'
He smiled. 'Open it.'
She gave him a look of concern and bit her lip. Then she reached, picking the case up, easing it open. Sucking a breath in she gasped at its contents. Alek felt thrilled. He’d seen several sets he thought she might like, but Sian said this was the one. The look on Cat’s face told him she’d been right. Unable to resist any longer he demanded, 'Do you like it?'
I tore my eyes away from the glittering stones in the case to find Alek regarding me. His expression read pride, hope and a teensy bit of doubt. I got all teary, laughing. 'Yes, yes. Alek,' I paused as I looked down at them again. 'They’re beautiful.'
He laughed with obvious relief and delight. 'Oh good. I was sure you’d like them.' He reached out and lifted the necklace, draping it around my neck then fastened it. We both stared into the mirror, admiring the effect. I slipped the earrings on. I don’t think I'd ever seen anything like these pieces before, I’d certainly never owned anything like them. The most extravagant pieces of jewelry I owned were the beautiful gold leaf earrings I’d left on Earth and the amber ring Elena gave me. But these pieces I wore. Wow. They took my breath away.
The necklace was crafted from what looked like blackened silver. It was made up of pieces that were shaped into twists, resembling leaves and at the mouth of each curved leaf sat a vibrant purple, faceted amethyst. The leaves gathered together to create an inch wide band. At the front, more leaves gathered so it widened into an inverted triangle. From the tip of the triangle a large teardrop cabochon amethyst hung. The entire necklace glittered with amethysts. The earrings were each a twisted leaf shape, with an amethyst dangling from it. I touched the necklace gently, feeling the edges of the leaves, the smooth, cool surfaces of the faceted stones. I really wanted to take it off so I could study it but knew we didn’t have time. Twisting around on the seat until I faced Alek, I knelt. Because he sat on the bench seat too it meant that my collar bone was
at his eye level.
'Do you like?' I purred, well aware that he’d be able to get a good view of my cleavage. Really, what's the point of having it if you never make use of it?
Alek smothered the laughter he felt at Cat’s teasing. Instead, he placed a soft kiss on the white skin just above her breasts, smirking when she gasped. 'You know I do.' Before he could chicken out he pulled her back to sitting then spoke, 'Cat.' He swallowed and tried again. 'Catherine, when we enter the ball together, people will assume something about us. So I wanted to give you the option either way.'
She nodded at him, an expression of concern in her eyes.
'It’s just, well, you see, I’ve never entered an official reception with ah, a woman before and…'
I stared at him, willing him to spit it out already. The nervous butterflies returned tenfold, having Alek dither about whatever this issue was made me feel ill. 'Alek. Please, what’s the problem?'
'They’ll assume we’re betrothed.'
Cat’s eyes went wide. 'What? Who? Why?'
'Everyone. If we enter the ball together, it will be taken as an official announcement.'
She sat back, silently staring down at her hands.
What does that mean? I didn’t really know what to say, it felt like an awful lot to be confronted with. Or was it? Thoughts pinged around my mind as I considered that fateful night we cast the spell. Breaking the silence I asked quietly, 'Do you not want to be betrothed to me?'
Alek gaped at me. 'What? No. I mean.' He shook his head then stood, looking down at me. 'I don’t want to force it on you, that’s why I’m explaining. If it isn’t a choice you can consider at the moment I’ll understand. Yakov would lead you into the ball. But, Cat.' he paused then bent to one knee before me. Both the voices in my mind shrieked in unison while I stared at him in shock.
'Catherine, I love you. I would be honored beyond measure if you’d agree to be my betrothed. I know I made you doubt me, but truly, Cat, I’ve known you were the one from the moment I met you. Even if you change your mind later, it’ll be worth it. Every moment with you is worth it.'
The silence felt startlingly loud while he waited for her response, heart pounding with nerves. Her eyes were wide, her face white as she stared at him. Then her energy flushed out around her, a rich and vibrant red. She squeezed his hand as a tear trickled down either cheek. 'Alek,' her voice sounded hoarse, she paused to clear her throat.
I wasn’t sure I could breathe and felt almost scared to, lest I burst into tears. His words sung through me, my energy flared brighter and brighter when I tried to speak again, my heart hammering away. 'I.' The tears started to slip down my cheeks in earnest as I choked the words out. 'I love you. I don’t want to lose you. You mean…' I took a deep breath. 'You mean everything to me. I’m terrified at the idea of being betrothed and at the same time so, so excited.' I gulped, nodding hard, making my ringlets bounce. 'Yes. I’m saying yes.'
The sense of relief and accompanying surge of delight made Alek feel lightheaded. He beamed at Cat who glowed still, though a much softer shade of red now. They stared at each other shyly, he reached for a cloth on the dressing table and gently dabbed at her tears. She squeezed his hand then moved toward him as he pulled her onto his knee. Their mouths met in a passionate kiss, her arms locked around his neck and hands buried in his hair. 'I love you,' he whispered in her ear when they parted, feeling a thrill of joy at saying those words to her. Her energy pulsed around them and they laughed. She stroked his face, gazing into his eyes with an expression of wonder.
'Love you too.'
Realizing he’d forgotten something important, he lifted her onto the seat. 'Wait a moment there’s something I need to give you.'
I didn’t want to be on the seat, I wanted to be in his arms. I sat at the edge, watching while he fumbled through his pockets. 'Aha!' he found whatever it was and grinned at me, that sexy, crooked grin I loved.
I beamed and reached my arms out to him.
'No, no.' He shook his finger at me teasingly when I pouted. 'We’ve got to do this right.' He knelt again, holding out his hand. He looked amused when I stared at him in confusion.
'Give me your hand, Cat.' She held out her left hand and he slipped it on the fourth finger, smiling at her. Her mouth dropped as she stared at the ring. 'I knew it would match!' he said in satisfaction.
'What?'
'The tourmaline is the same color as your eyes.' Cat stared at the ring, he sat beside her on the seat, still holding her hand. 'Do you like it?'
Do I?! I just got used to the beautiful necklace and earrings then he gives me this. It was absolutely stunning and a perfect fit. A large oval tourmaline, the same deep green as my eyes, surrounded by colorless diamonds that continued over the band; absolutely stunning—and enormous! I nodded, feeling more tears well and snatched the cloth, dabbing at them before they ruined my make-up. 'I love it. It’s so beautiful.' I held my hand up to admire it again.
Her hand shook when she stared at the ring then gave him a breathtakingly beautiful smile. He wrapped his arms around her, cradling her head under his. 'Shh,' he soothed, understanding how she felt. 'We don’t have to rush there, they’ll wait for us. It’s my ball.'
She hiccupped and laughed. 'True.'
You could hear the hum of the guests when we approached the ballroom. An assistant waited with the guards at the door. As soon as he spotted us he rushed up.
'Your Highness. We’re ready. The Archduchess would like to begin. Lady Catherine.' He nodded to me then turned to the guards.
'Lady Catherine?' I looked at Alek in surprise.
'I’ll explain later,' he hissed as the guards pulled the doors open. 'But yes, you and the other girls officially have the title Lady.'
Okay. Another thing to add to tonight’s insane list of FYI’s. We both stood straight for our entrance. I slipped my hand into the crook of his arm, feeling self-conscious when the ring twinkled in the light, I can’t believe I’m betrothed!
As soon as she sighted Alek, Elena gave the signal to the musicians, who drummed out the Thalian anthem. The stunned look of delight on his face told her the answer she’d been waiting for, that and the sparkle from Cat’s ring. Queen Ariadwen’s ring looked stunning on the girl, just as she knew it would. Yakov touched her arm lightly, they exchanged a quick look of delight then she stepped forward to announce them.
'Presenting, His Royal Highness, Prince Alekander Nikias Dianto Thalian, heir to the Elion throne, and his newly betrothed, Lady Catherine, Elemental of Fire.'
A loud gasp went through the room while everyone stared open-mouthed at the couple. Elena smothered a laugh when she caught sight of the other girls’ faces. She was pleased to see Cat handling the situation with poise. Elena meant to have a word with the women prior to the ball but had run out of time. Also, she wasn’t entirely sure what answer Cat would give. She’d let the men know about the title change and told them to stick close to the women. They wouldn’t let them make any faux pas, at least she hoped not. Yakov stepped up to speak, she turned her attention to him.
Yakov studied the couple for a moment before he spoke. They are well matched, he thought, a sudden flashback of the late King and Queen coming to mind as Alek and Cat stood side by side.
'Welcome to all our guests, we thank you for coming to celebrate with us. I know many of you have traveled far and we are delighted to have you here.' He smiled at all those in the crowded room then lifted a glass from a tray offered to him. 'Let us raise our glasses in toast for Prince Alek’s birthday and betrothal.'
Everyone raised their glasses and echoed the toast, shock on more than one face.
At a nod from Yakov the musicians began a different tune, a march. I watched the Lieutenants of the Guards—Griffon, General and Cavalry—make their way to either side of Alek. My left hand felt strange from the weight of the ring, it seemed even heavier now that everyone stared at it. Kass, Sian, and Loi stared in astonishment, I could feel a tinge of annoyance from them. It
looked like I had some explaining to do.
Now that the Lieutenants stood in place the music changed again to a calmer, soothing tune. The next hour or two was spent greeting everyone in a receiving line that gathered before Alek. It was organized according to rank and everyone seemed to know their place. The faces began to blur toward the end, but I couldn’t stop smiling. Everyone insisted on looking at the ring. I couldn’t stop the happy glow of energy that flared out.
Loi couldn’t believe that Cat kept that from them. She can’t have known, she thought. He must have sprung it on her, I know Cat’s awful at keeping secrets.
'She can’t have known,' Kassie hissed.
Sian and Loi nodded in agreement. There’s no way she knew, Loi thought. But she looks delighted, and stunned. Sabyn gave her hand a light tug, she straightened up to greet more people. Loi enjoyed meeting everyone but found herself captivated by the Lieutenants of the Centaur Cavalry, who stood a place higher than the General Guard Lieutenants but lower than those in the Griffon Guard. They looked formidable. The Aswaran Lieutenants were huge, they looked to be half draught horse and half WWF fighter. Next to them stood the Lieutenants of the Rodhite division, slender and elegant looking creatures, then the stockier, Medanga Lieutenants. Iggy had the same expression for the Cavalry Lieutenants that he reserved for them, it made Loi want to laugh. Especially when his nostrils flared as an Aswaran Lieutenant brushed him with his hindquarters.
Sian felt grateful that Daron was just a member of the Griffon Guard and not royal. She ached to go and drag Cat out the back. It’s so exciting! I want to see her ring, she thought, bending forward a little to watch it sparkle under the lights. It appeared to suit Cat well, anyone could see she was happy; her energy glowed about her softly. I’m so happy for her, Sian thought, leaning against Daron with sigh of contentment. Sian made the most of the opportunity to study all the guests as the receiving line made its way past them. The centaurs took her breath away when she first saw them; huge, powerful and majestic looking. She’d gotten over her initial awe after being introduced when they’d just chatted away like any human men would. It was somewhat disconcerting, to hear such a normal voice from someone who made Daron look small, she had expected a booming voice.
The Arrival: An Epic Fantasy Romance Page 34