by SL Figuhr
“I am capable of protecting myself.” My answer was a bit snappish. I noticed when he realized he had made me mad. “Let us speak of more pleasant things. How goes the training? You have been at it for what? A week now?”
“Yes, Your Grace. It will take a lot of effort and time before they are ready to patrol by themselves. I have been taking a different man with me each night, and showing them what will be required of them.”
“They seem to be.” He hesitated before continuing, “The earl has been training them, so I may help patrol during the day, and sleep enough to be alert during the night.”
“I do hope you and your men are not running yourselves ragged. It would be a shame to have such a promising start ruined by a bout of ill health.”
A steady stream of people flowed in and out of the palace and gardens. At my suggestion, the king ordered the hastily drawn-up sketches and maps of the new town mounted, displaying them in a nearby, easily accessible room. He also found some slaves to build miniature mock-ups of different parts of the designs, which rested in the center of the room and could be viewed from all angles. A few guards were posted, so nothing became maliciously damaged. The grand ball was packed with people as this was the first time even the lowest born was allowed to attend.
The week’s festivities would end tonight with this revelry. Tomorrow, work would begin in earnest on rebuilding the town. It was doubtful how much could be done, with winter fast approaching. The king had commanded any slave or freeborn who could play an instrument to present themselves tonight. The result was a motley assortment on a platform at the middle of the gardens. Every brazier had been hauled outside to illuminate the night. Torches burned at the edges of the space, as much to mark the limits of the grounds as to help provide light. Tables and chairs had been hastily built by the slaves, but even then, over half the guests must still stand when they wished to eat. To call this area a garden was laughable at best. An obelisk-shaped stone fountain rose in the middle, dirt paths crossed in ordered lines through the dry grass. The beds were outlined with scraggly bushes, and what flowers remained appeared half-dead.
We continued our slow walk around the perimeter. I knew the people also gossiped about Lord Nicky and our power struggle over the king. I could hear a babble of voices in different languages as visiting merchants and tradespeople also took part of the festivities. They brought many needed wares, but it still wasn’t enough. We were drawing abreast of a group of young ladies. I saw Lady Sally in the middle of the group. She was doing her best to be the leader of her friends. They all curtsied to Saizar and me, cooing over my dress, congratulating me on my reinstated title, before we were able to continue on our way.
The marquis’s masquerade was not the only dance for which the people must scramble to create new outfits. It seemed the raid had woken them up from their complacency. Some of the daring had taken to trying new styles. Women were showing more bare shoulders, arms, and bosoms. I was in a green gown. What passed for a bodice met in a twist of four straps, two between my breasts and two on the outside that met in a twist near my collarbone. One strap went around my neck, the other two around my shoulders, attaching near the waist so that my whole back was bare to my butt. The material of the bra-like top flowed in a shimmering waterfall of green, and formed the rest of the long skirt which just brushed the tops of my gold-chased shoes. I wore my hair up in a half-knot secured with diamond, emerald and pearl hairpins. I also wore a tiara, given me by the king to befit my reinstated status.
Some few noble and common folk attending did not approve of the new styles, responding in a diametrically opposed manner by fashioning what clothes remained to them into shapeless sacks, veiling their heads and necks, wearing long gloves while in public. I shall give you three guesses as to who instigated this latest choice, although I’m sure you shall only need one.
We continued our stroll, such as it was. I was stopped every few feet by people I had either appointed to committees, or those who wished for my patronage and favor. It wasn’t long before a palace slave found us, requesting my presence elsewhere. I left Saizar and followed the slave back inside. His Majesty stood still while his dressers made last-minute adjustments to his ermine-trimmed cloak. I curtsied, finding my arm taken by Lord Nicky.
“I am not a dog, to obey your every command. We should not be having this discussion again.” I gave a pointed glance at my arm. He reluctantly released me.
“We will have whatever I want until you learn your place!” He snarled back, a little louder than he intended as we heard some snickers behind us.
I had tried to enter the king’s dreams, manipulating them so he would do what I wanted, but it didn’t go well. Since the attack, the feelings of dread and wrongness hanging about the town seemed to increase.
Retreating, I joined the court awaiting attendance on the king. We lined up before His Majesty, according to importance. Two of the senior harem ladies, Melisel and Jennet, stood behind Lord Nicky and me. By title, he should be announced earlier, but he had thrown a fit pointing out being the advisor gave him extra leverage. Our view was blocked by the Jenabrams. I had caught a glimpse of the countess as I came in; she glared at me in hatred.
We listened in silence as the trumpeters blew a tucket, and the babble outside died down, Aranthus announcing the most important nobles making up the inner court. Those of lesser status went first, with the highest ranking peer, me, to be announced before the king stepped forth.
Each noble stepped out in turn, making a double line before the guards. As Lord Nicky was announced, boos, hisses, and a smattering of perfunctory applause greeted him. I saw the ugly look on his face as he tried spotting who didn’t like him. As my reinstated title was announced, the crowd roared long and loud. I was surprised; all the thoughts I had been overhearing were not kind toward me. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see Lord Nicky was about to burst with rage over my supplanting him in the king’s eyes.
I just couldn’t help myself, standing alone on the top step longer than the others. I gave my most bewitching smile, bringing my clasped hands up toward my heart and making a bow from the waist as I brought my hands forward, opening them up to thank the people. The gesture caused another roar of approval. Nicky’s glare promised ugly things to come. I gave a regal wave, stepping down toward him as the cheering continued. The advisor reached out grabbing my arm in an ugly, pinching grip.
“Careful, Lord Nicky,” I murmured as I walked forward to take my place in the waiting line. “If the townspeople take offense, public opinion may sway the king against you permanently.”
The grip didn’t let up one iota as he led me to my spot before taking his. He continued glaring at me as the cheering slowly died down. His Majesty was announced. The assembly cheered again, but there was a marked difference in it. I was the most popular one tonight, it seemed. The king had not failed to take note of it. He waved his harem ladies behind him as he stopped in front of me, holding out his hand. I took it in my own, letting him pull me toward him as we stately made our way toward the covered platform set up for the king and the inner court. The townspeople cheered loudly again, gaining in volume as I smiled at them and nodded, making as much eye contact as possible.
He patted my hand. “Nicky and the countess complain about your behavior, but it seems they don’t know how to get the masses to support them.”
He merely grunted as we ascended the platform steps, and walked along the curving table toward his seat in the middle. The king stepped up behind his chair. I dropped back and to the side to stand beside Lord Nicky. The king greeted his subjects with a speech meant to welcome and engender enthusiasm for a new town and the start of a new era. After the proper amount and length of cheering, he signaled for all present to continue with the celebrations. The musicians struck up a tune as Maceanas turned, commanding his harem ladies to sit at a place behind him. I was beckoned forward and seated on his right, while Nicky was shuffled to his left. The rest of the order remained more or l
ess the same. As we sat, slaves began to bring us food.
“Lovely, lovely. This has turned out better than I expected. My scribes are informing me there is significant support from the populace for our new town. I must commend you, Duchess, you are a rare jewel, and have done more for my kingdom since arriving than any who were born here. I shall have to give you something special to mark the occasion.”
Nicky hissed in annoyance, “She should be thankful for your gratitude and the use of her title and nothing more. The royal treasury cannot support gifts of favor, not with the disaster befallen us. Besides, nothing has been done yet, and until it has, a gift is premature.”
“I would not look to be compensated for serving my king, Majesty,” Jenabram drawled spitefully beside me. “The mere act itself would be honor enough.” He snapped for a slave to refill his cup.
There was, to some degree, envy and jealousy from my peers. The king chose to ignore the marquis’s sycophancy. Before us, the revelers energetically twirled about through a large dance area. I thought I saw the countess’s daughters dip and sway past at one point as I tried to engage the marchioness in conversation. Her replies were hesitant and timid, with many glances toward her husband, seeking reassurance she was doing what he wished of her. He ignored her, continuing to drink steadily and bicker with Nicky, both of whom were trying to insert themselves into the king’s conversation with Sydney. Lady Elizabeth sat, stiff of back, her face set in a rictus compounded of unhappiness, boredom, and disapproval. She took frequent small sips from the cup before her while keeping her eyes on a point halfway up the palace wall across the garden when she wasn’t shooting hateful glances my way or making snippy remarks aimed at me.
Aranthus stayed behind us, directing the slaves on bringing us plates of food from the long serving tables. I faked eating as always while a lively reel played.
My reply gave him pause for a moment. “You should have stayed. I would have loved to share a private performance with you.” His eyes raked down my front and back up knowingly.
“I have heard rumors of what you enjoy. Play your games with the other little dogs and you will live longer,” I answered softly with power. “Few can meet my price.”
His lip curled up as his eyes found the exposed tops of my breasts. “I pray for the day the advisor finally pries your claws from the king,” he replied. The bravado was gone, and an undercurrent of fear ran through his words.
I merely smiled at him. He refused to look at me, instead turning back to the king as I spotted Nicky glaring at us—for what, I could not fathom. The marquis didn’t recall my late visit to him the night of his ball, the blood and havoc I had created which he scrambled to cover up the next morning, not remembering how it had happened and actually growing afraid for a day or two.
The banquet continued, an endless array of dishes. When winter came, and people began dying from starvation, the memory of this night would come back to them. Pages came and went, asking the king if this or that person could approach and speak with him. He was in a good mood and nodded assent. The music continued. I wanted to join in and dance. I excused myself, only to find Lady Anne at my side.
We descended the platform, I leading the way, shielding her frail body from the jostling of the crowd. I waited for her, deciding who might make a good meal while chatting with the other ladies who waited their turn. Another tune was playing when she finished. I saw the longing look she gave the dancers and the small sigh of envy.
I sighed, as Baron Stavic came up to me and bowed. “May I have the honor of congratulating you on regaining the use of your title, Duchess? Might I also have the pleasure of your company for this dance?”
I consented, giving him my hand, and we joined the dancing throng. We were greeted with smiles as I joined in the outer circle of women. The men faced us in their own circle. There was much jollity as we flowed through the steps, swapping sides, dancing with a new person every few turns of the circles. It was more a peasant dance than a court dance, but it didn’t matter tonight. We flowed into a more stately number as Stavic tried making conversation.
“I did appreciate your contribution to our festivities, Duchess. It was . . . different,” he said, hastening to add, “but in a good way, unlike what the marquis provided. I . . . I do hope you managed to leave before the entertainment. I heard things got out of hand.” I would hate to think she had taken part in such a degenerate scene.
“I was there,” I replied, “and I saw part of what he deemed ‘entertainment.’ I started to feel sick from all the incense and had to leave. Why? What happened? I have heard so many wild rumors. Please don’t tell me there really was an orgy!”
He lost his footing, fumbling for a moment before replying, “My dear duchess! You should not know about such things, much less admit to it!”
I nearly rolled my eyes, instead replying. “My dear baron, you know I have traveled the world. I saw many things that would make a sheltered woman faint. My mother did not believe in keeping any of her children ignorant from what she called ‘the realities of life,’” I lied.
He goggled. “But . . . but you are . . . I mean . . .” He couldn’t go on. The dance pattern forced us to part, and when we came back together, Stavic moved onto another topic. “I wanted to thank you for the opportunity you give me with the rebuilding committee. Quite a few of the merchants and tradespeople who came here for the festival express an interest in staying.”
“He is no doubt trying to stave off a panic, so I trust you will not repeat this with any but the Rothburys. There will be starvation this winter. Please keep this in mind, and be on the lookout for those who can help us avoid or at least lessen it.”
The baron goggled at me again while he made assurances it would be his top priority. He looked entirely too pleased with the idea he knew something very few did. I hope it didn’t go to his head. As the dance came to an end, another man stepped up and bowed to us both as Baron Stavic wandered off to find the Rothburys.
His eyes burned into mine, saying what he couldn’t out loud as we chatted. “I am sorry for my wife’s attitude toward you, Duchess. I fear she doesn’t consider you a good influence on the marchioness. She is upset Lady Anne seems to prefer you over her, especially since they have been friends for years.”
“Lady Anne is hurting, and has been abused for far too long. She needs someone who will be gentle and understanding and help her find her sense of self-worth again. We both know your wife hasn’t the patience for those she views as weak, such as her ladyship.”
“Still, I am sorry all the same.” He paused. “You have more compassion than most.” He lowered his voice to whisper. “It is part of why I love you. I need to be with you.”
He hissed in frustration as we separated in a movement and met back up. “She has already grown suspicious with the amount of time I am gone and will not believe I stay at the sheriff’s barracks. She believes the whispers. I don’t understand how it got out.”
“Chadrick, think. Do you wish for more problems to be heaped upon your head if we are discovered here and the rumors made truth? You have warned me before she will not take it lightly.”
It was much later in the night when I left off dancing to wander through the crowd of people, stopping to converse. I noticed Susafan and Mary Elana whirl past in one of the dances. The young girl appeared to be enjoying herself, despite her continuing despair over her circumstances. I had fed deeply earlier, but my hunger was returning slowly, something it usually did not do, making me slightly worried. I would have to feed again. As I was trying to decide upon whom, I was accosted by my seamstress. I was exchanging pleasantries with Emilee, much to her never-ending delight, when the marquis stumbled against me, saying,
I saw the woman’s face pale at those words. “I was under the impression this is a ball for everyone, noble or not. I see no reason to be rude to the woman who has been so diligent and so accommodating in getting a wardrobe together for me,” I retorted.
He merely sn
eered, “If you love them so much, why don’t you give up your title and join them? Lord Nicky has remarked upon your need to chat at length with the help. Do you really want to have her come to his attentions in such a way?”
I turned to Jenabram, anger in my eyes. “It is not up to you, or Lord Nicky, to choose whom I will speak with. Do not ever presume to threaten those I treat with again.”
His hand shot out, trying to wrap around my upper arm but missed as he leaned close and breathed wine fumes on me. “I want a dance, and I aim to have one. You think you’re so much better than us. You’re just some foreign, insolent whore who managed to trick the king.”
The anger leaping into his eyes only made me want to laugh as he scowled. “I will have my dance,” he insisted, grabbing a goblet of wine off a tray heading to the royal table. “I have seen you dance with any who presume to ask you, noble or not.” He tossed the contents back letting the empty goblet fall to the ground. “You will dance with the peasants but not me?”
I slipped into the crowd as those around us exclaimed aloud at the small ruckus. I was almost on the other side of the garden when Eron found me.
He nodded, concern in his eyes. “Mica’s obsession would never let all the chances of seeing Nicky’s dupe pass by. I stopped by the house you rented for them, or what was left of it, after the raid. The remaining slave said they had received a note and called for their horses and some food. They never came back. I’m wondering . . .” He hesitated, then plunged on. “I’m wondering if Nicky learned they are looking for him and laid some sort of trap. I think it’s time we grabbed the dupe.”
I was about to answer when the marquis stumbled toward us, anger in every line of his bearing. “So, you refuse to dance with me but not with a freed slave?” he spat. “You should have been hanged.”
“You are drunk, and an insult to us all,” I replied while saying to Eron, “Your concern is duly noted, I will take care of the matter should the opportunity arise. Enjoy the celebration, steward.” I made to leave.