“My goodness, General. A criminal?” her mother gasped. “What crime has this man committed?”
“Sadly, that detail is confidential. But rest easy, Madam. You and your family are under no threat. I suspect the culprit is harmless. We are merely following procedure and doing our best to guarantee your safety.”
“You have our endless gratitude, sir. I do hope you find the man you are looking for.”
“Oh, we will,” the General smiled. His expression left a cold, empty pit in Kaori’s stomach, shivering despite the warmth of the summer sun which shone through the window. She couldn’t help feeling there was more to his words than he let on. “You folks have a safe journey. Let me know if you see any suspicious types along the road.”
Her father nodded in agreement. “You will be the first to know.”
Without another word the General closed the carriage door, knocking on it to signal the coachman that he was free to continue on his way. Just thinking about that man brought a chill over Kaori’s skin. He was up to something, much the same as he always seemed to be. Her concern was in who he was looking for. His demeanor was too casual. Too relaxed. Whoever the criminal was that he sought, he didn’t appear very worried about the person getting away.
Through the window she watched the General approach his horse, climbing into the saddle with practiced ease. Their eyes met for a brief moment, his lips curling upward in a knowing smile. Her parents couldn’t see the wink he cast from atop his horse, causing her to look away in fear of what he might do if she allowed him to hold her gaze. No. She didn’t trust him at all. “Father, we are going to be late,” she urged. The longer they remained there, the more risk she placed herself in. The General had chosen to keep his mouth shut in regards to their previous meeting but there was no saying how long that would last. He knew her name now. It was only a matter of time before her secret was revealed. His misconduct was the only thing that might save her. All she wanted right now was to put as much distance between them as possible. Knowing that he was sniffing around Rothdara made the trip to Avishul seem significantly less daunting. At least he wouldn’t be able to touch her there. She could worry about what he was up to when they returned.
Kaori sat on a chair facing the mirror, her mother bustling about the room, muttering to herself while searching for a brush. Since waking that morning the entire house had been unable to speak of anything but the ball. Even her mother finally seemed to break free of her melancholy mood to take joy in preparing Kaori for the event. It was an important night. One Kaori’s mother would remember for the rest of her life. The first introduction of her daughter into society. Regardless of the circumstances which led to the decision, her mother couldn’t help doting over her. Kaori, however, remained less enthusiastic about her predicament.
After their unexpected meeting with the General, Kaori’s imagination had gotten the better of her. Scenes in her mind no longer limited to the horrors that might occur at the party. Instead, they included all the terrible things the General might be up to while investigating his supposed criminal. His behavior was questionable. Secretive. As if she was somehow privy to the information he refrained from sharing with her parents. What if the General was looking for the mysterious T.L? His involvement in dispersing the soldiers could easily have earned him a place on the military’s wanted list. It would explain the General’s confidence in assuring Kaori’s mother that they weren’t in any danger. The mystery man wouldn’t be a threat to them. The only people at risk were the soldiers if the man spoke out against them.
It was all too much. Her mind wasn’t used to this kind of stress. This night was supposed to be a joyous occasion and all she could think about was the man whose handkerchief she kept safely guarded within her bags. Superstitious as it may be, she felt it brought her luck. And she needed all the luck she could get if she was going to make it through this night.
She barely noticed her mother return to the chair, the thick, stiff bristles of the brush running through Kaori’s long hair, tugging at the tangles, each pull bringing moisture to her eyes from the pain. “Is it really necessary to tear every strand from my head?” she exhaled, flinching from her mother’s hands. If she let her continue in the same fashion there would be no hair left for Kaori to worry about decorating for the ball.
“I am sorry, dear. My nerves are getting the better of me.” The insistent strokes of the brush began to ease, though still harsher than Kaori was accustomed. She was in no position to complain. Her appearance tonight was more important than it ever had been in the past. If it required pain to make her look presentable then she was willing to suffer whatever her mother inflicted upon her. Personal dilemmas aside, Kaori wanted to do well for her parents. She wanted her father to be proud and that required her to catch the eye of at least one of the Vor’shai nobles. That wouldn’t happen if she went there looking like a peasant.
Under her mother’s skilled fingers Kaori’s hair gradually became a work of art, ebon curls hanging in ringlets over her shoulders, gathered at the back of her head with a wide, jeweled clip which glittered brilliantly in the light, the soft, emerald color matching that of the gown she wore. Folds of fabric hung from under a gemstone girdle at her waist, accentuating her slender figure, settled low over the curve of her hips. Each sleeve was cinched tightly around the bicep, creating an elegant flow to the fabric that covered her arms. The neckline was modest. Fitting for a woman newly released into society. It revealed only enough skin to display a golden tiered necklace inset with tiny emeralds along each strand. She felt like royalty although she was under no delusion that she would be the most beautiful woman at the ball. If her father wanted her to seek the attention of the Duke, she would have to contend with the Duchess of Endeli. Their difference in status was enough to make the entire plan seem a waste of time. How was she supposed to compare to a woman like that?
Stop it. She couldn’t keep thinking so negatively all the time. It would do nothing for her confidence when her mother went through such pains to make her look worthy of any man who set foot in the ballroom. The style of dress chosen for her was more lavish than anything she’d seen her mother wear. Kaori hesitated to consider the price tag it must have carried.
When her mother finished the final application of cosmetics to Kaori’s face she gave a triumphant smile, staring at her daughter in absolute wonder. “You are so beautiful, darling,” she whispered, wiping a stray tear from her eye. “I have been dreading this day for years but now that it is here, I cannot help feeling proud of the woman you have become. It will not be easy for me to let any of these men take you away. Try not to make a decision too quickly.” There was a flash of happiness in her eyes when she spoke, their bright silver glow intensifying.
“I do not think you have anything to worry about,” Kaori smiled, rising from the chair in an awkward stance. She wasn’t used to wearing so much fabric. It weighed her down, making her arms feel heavy under the elegant belled sleeves. Catching sight of herself in the mirror she was amazed by the transformation. For years she’d grown accustomed to seeing a childlike girl staring back at her. The woman in the reflection now was unfamiliar. She felt conceited to think she might actually be beautiful though no other word seemed fitting enough to describe the way she looked. Her mother’s work had certainly paid off.
“Come,” her mother beckoned Kaori forward, inching closer to the door. “Your father is waiting for us. He and your uncle will be anxious to see you.”
Kaori’s stomach churned, a slight tremble beginning to build in her knees, making it difficult to stand. She wasn’t ready for this. Although she looked like a lady, she knew in her heart that she wasn’t one. Not yet, anyway. Without completing the rites of passage into adulthood, she was still nothing more than a child wearing a woman’s clothes. How was she supposed to convince anyone she was deserving of her place in society when she couldn’t even convince herself ? It is just your nerves. Everything will be fine once you get there. It was easy en
ough to say. If she kept telling herself, maybe it would start to sound true.
Obediently, she followed her mother through the long corridors of her uncle’s house, a twinge of guilt settling over her at the barren walls and lack of furniture he possessed. Her uncle Mudel was her father’s brother; a man born into wealth and privilege much like Kaori and Sivar. She’d always admired him for his ability to look beyond matters of money and titles. Mudel married the woman he loved when he was barely old enough to enter society himself. His wife was of lower birth, bringing little with her into the union. As the youngest son of a baron, Mudel had very little in comparison to his brother. No title. No land. Everything he owned now was earned through the work of his own hands, inheriting almost nothing from the family fortune. Yet he regretted nothing of his decision to marry below his rank. He and his wife remained one of the happiest couples in Carpaen.
As she entered the foyer she saw her uncle standing proudly next to her father, his face softening into a gentle smile at the sight of Kaori. “She looks like an angel,” he elbowed Kaori’s father in the side, nodding to him in approval. “You won’t have any trouble attaching her to a fine young man. Quite the contrary, I think you might have to fight a few of them off.”
Her father laughed, stepping forward to wrap Kaori in a warm embrace. “Let us hope that is not the case. More than one suitor is fine to start but it is my hope that Kaori will find one she feels is right. Marriage may be nothing more than a game to other families but I refuse to have my daughter bound to a man she dislikes simply because his status is sufficient. Which means you, my dear,” he tapped the tip of Kaori’s nose lightly with his index finger, “will have to at least try to like one of them. I know how stubborn you are.”
“They cannot be all bad, Father,” she smiled up at him, a sense of pride washing over her to see him practically glowing in adoration. Her confidence was slowly beginning to return. Maybe this wouldn’t be so bad. If her mother was able to let go of her apprehension then there was no reason for Kaori to continue carrying the burden. She just needed to keep her head clear. Distractions and fear would lead to mistakes. Her entire family was safer if she was able to pretend she fit in even if her doubts resurfaced upon their arrival.
From over her uncle’s shoulder Kaori noticed Sivar standing quietly by the door, his eyes watching her, bemused, his expression impossible to decipher. He looked pleased, though somewhat distracted by something Kaori couldn’t distinguish. It wasn’t like him to be nervous about public gatherings. She could only deduce that his thoughtfulness had something to do with her. Concerned, she took a step forward, the motion catching Sivar’s attention, drawing him sharply from his reverie.
“Ah, Kaori. You look like a lady,” he chuckled to himself, the distance remaining in his eyes despite the cheerfulness of his tone. “Had you taken much longer we might not have made it to the ball.”
“Yes, we should be going,” her father nodded in agreement. “Others may think tardiness fashionable but I find it inconsiderate. Ladies, if you will collect your things and make your way to the carriage.”
Looking herself over Kaori tried to think if she was forgetting anything. It was too warm to worry about a cloak or shawl. Everything else seemed in perfect order. “I believe I am ready,” she replied quietly, glancing over to her mother, waiting anxiously in case she was overlooking something. To Kaori’s relief her mother motioned her forward, saying nothing.
When she reached the door Kaori realized her uncle remained motionless at the center of the foyer, making no move to join them. The familiar guilt returned, her eyes staring down at the finery she wore, parading around in front of him. “Uncle Mudel, are you not attending the ball?”
He smiled back at her, waving her onward with his hand. “His Grace was kind enough to extend an invitation but Elise and I would much rather stay in tonight. Do not worry about me. You go have a good time.”
“Go on, Kaori. We are going to be late.” Her mother’s soft voice urged her forward, a gentle push at her back forcing her through the front door before she could reply. Sivar was already outside, positioned proudly next to the carriage door, posture erect, displaying the expensive velvet of the doublet he wore. Golden lining edged the front, each button gleaming in the remaining light of the sun overhead. It was getting late. By the time they reached the Duke’s home the sun would have set, and the night would be underway. For the first time she actually felt a pleasurable excitement about the evening. Meeting new people was intimidating but it held promise for her future. Maybe she would meet some new friends who could help her adjust to life in society.
The rest of the trip passed in a blur. She was only vaguely aware of Sivar’s hand helping her into the carriage, the rest of her family taking their positions on the seats. Around her she could hear their parents talking, idle chatter, followed by an occasional laugh from her brother. Who was going to be there, what they were going to be wearing… it meant so little yet they took enjoyment in the topic. Names they spoke passed through Kaori’s mind, flittering away as fast as they entered. She couldn’t think about memorizing names right now.
She was impressed by the landscape of Siundel. For the largest city in Avishul it possessed a remarkable number of trees. The road twisted and turned through a dense forest, spanning more than a mile before they finally came to a break, opening into a wide clearing. A path veered to the left while the main road continued onward to the north, disappearing into the darkness under the cover of trees once again. Kaori was relieved to feel the carriage turning onto the leftward path. She wanted to get out and stretch her legs. They’d spent more than enough time in the carriage over the last few days than she cared to ever endure again.
In front of them she was instantly aware of the massive building which covered most of the clearing, surrounded on all sides by thick rows of trees, providing a natural cover for the home. If one could call it a mere home. Its size looked more like a palace, the domes of the roof rising higher than the tallest trees in the woods. Long strands of ivy crept along the stone exterior, interspersed with blooming flowers stretching all the way to the top from the well-tended gardens at the base. Carriages of all shapes and sizes lined the path, signaling to Kaori that they’d reached their destination. Mouth agape she stared at the fine garments worn by the men and women making their way down the walkway toward the arching doors at the entrance. This was more than she expected. Far grander than anything she’d envisioned in her mind.
When the carriage came to a stop she felt her heart leap inside her chest, nearly choking her with every beat. This was it. They were here. Inside that massive structure was almost every man and woman of rank in all of Carpaen. The highest of society next to the Imperial Court, and even then she found it difficult to believe some of the people from the Emperor’s inner circle wouldn’t also be in attendance.
Her mother and father were already out of the carriage, Sivar’s hand lightly tapping the back of Kaori’s knuckles to get her attention. She turned to face him, feeling her brother’s fingers press against the underside of her chin, forcing her mouth closed. “Try not to look like this is your first time in public,” he grinned. “Everyone else is used to the extravagance. If you want to fit in, you must act like you have seen better.”
“Better?” she breathed in disbelief. “How can anyone here have seen anything like this before?”
“They most likely have not,” Sivar shrugged. “The point is that you should never behave as if you are awed by something someone else has. Offer compliments but never let on that you could not afford something equally as grand.”
“But we could never afford anything like this…”
“No one else has to know that.”
Shifting along the seat, Sivar made his way out the door, offering his hand to Kaori. She accepted it, trying desperately to take in her brother’s advice. Act as though she could afford something like this – it was preposterous. Everyone in Carpaen who kept their ear to the gr
ound knew exactly what income her family received. Regardless of her actions they would know she was incapable of possessing something so grand. The Levadis family was far from poor but they certainly didn’t have wealth of this extent.
No wonder my father wants the Duke to marry me. She couldn’t help the laughter that bubbled forth at the thought, clearing her throat to mask the sound. People would think her mad if she let her nerves allow such outbursts. She needed to be more careful.
Feet firmly on the ground Kaori wrapped her arm around her brother’s elbow, drawing her shoulders back with an air of pride. The hardest part would be getting through the door. Once she was inside, it would be easier to find places to hide until the evening was over. At least that was her hope. She knew Sivar would never allow her to stay out of sight from the other courtiers. He was charged with being her guide. If he had it his way, she would shake hands with every person in the ballroom before the end of the night.
Moving through the entrance Kaori lost her breath again at the size of the foyer. Paintings hung at perfectly spaced intervals along the wall, each depicting the men and women who once called this place home. Past dukes and duchesses of Avishul. It was one of the most prestigious titles anyone could hold. The land itself was enough to make their prominence known. Her father spoke of it frequently enough for Kaori to know that the Duke was the most powerful man amongst the Vor’shai. Only humans held positions of higher rank.
To the left a line had begun outside another large arched doorway. A servant stood at the front, verifying the invitations presented by the men and women gathered there. When satisfied an invitation was genuine, he pushed open the door to announce the arrival of each guest. The closer she and Sivar came to the front of the line Kaori began to feel giddy. She watched the people in front of them, taking in every detail of how they presented themselves when their name was called. She wanted to look practiced. Experienced. With Sivar at her side she was convinced he would make her look good no matter what she did. Over the years he had been to dozens of balls. This was nothing more than a formality to him.
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 5