She was in a panic. The movements were unfamiliar, made worse by the number of eyes following their every step, some disapproving while others remained curious by the Duke’s choice in partners. He had her trapped. She didn’t dare walk away from him while in front of so many people. It would create a larger spectacle than she was willing to risk.
“I do not know this dance, Your Grace. You will make fools of us both.”
“Do not worry about the steps. It is my job to lead you. All that is required of you is to smile.”
Smile? How was she supposed to smile when she was being held against her will? “My parents will be angry. They will create a scene in regards to your impropriety.”
“I must speak with you. How else was I to accomplish that when you have been so adamant in avoiding me?”
“Did you consider that it might be because I told you we could never see one another again? Where exactly in that statement did you get the impression I would be alright with being dragged around a ballroom on your arm?”
He gave a short humorless laugh, dipping her gracefully over his arm, holding her there for a moment in a show of his strength. Staring down at her he raised his brow inquisitively, seeming amused by her anger. “I do not mean to sound conceited but you are possibly the only woman in this room who would take offense to being in my company.”
“I am not like the women in this room.”
“So I have noticed.”
Lifting her back to an upright position, he situated his hand at her waist, continuing the graceful rise and fall of his steps as he led her across the dance floor. The crowd blurred around Kaori, making it difficult to focus on anything. She couldn’t think. Her nerves wore thin, concentrating on the constant motion of her feet to avoid a catastrophe in front of everyone in the room while wanting nothing more than to reach out and slap him for his insolence. “Are you always this annoying?” she asked through gritted teeth.
He held her gaze while twirling her under his arm, the gesture somewhat forced in comparison to the rest of the dance. She fought against his attempts to guide her through the motions, her hesitance with every step making it harder for him to lead. “I think the other ladies would use the word charming, in which case, yes. I am.” Recovering from the less than graceful spin, he drew her back into his arms, holding her closer than before, allowing him to speak in a more hushed tone without bringing attention to their conversation. “I did not go through the trouble of inviting you here so we could play games. Surely you must have considered the possibility that I had a reason for disregarding your request in avoiding each other’s company.”
“The thought crossed my mind. I was willing to give you the benefit of the doubt but then you made a fool of me in front of Lord Tialore.”
“Me?” he laughed derisively. “I did not claim to be anyone other than myself. It was you who chose to assume I was someone I was not.”
“What was I to think? His initials match those on the handkerchief you left behind.”
“Liurn Torust may share the same letters as my name but did you consider that they are out of order? Or were you too desperate to believe I was of lower rank and therefore of no consequence?”
This man was impossible. Never before had she met anyone whose stubbornness rivaled her own. She wasn’t sure how to feel about his insults. In many ways she deserved them. He might have been out of line to behave the way he did but she was equally at fault with her impertinence. “It was an honest error,” she frowned. She wasn’t sure why she felt the need to explain herself. The mistake was in the past. Right now they needed to focus on the scene they were making in front of the most prestigious people in Carpaen. “My brother told me Lord Tialore keeps property just outside Rothdara. It made more sense for him to be the one wandering the roads at night. The initials were purely coincidence.” She paused for a moment, startled back into motion to feel the Duke stumble over her halted form, nearly sending them both tumbling to the ground. He recovered quickly, clearing his throat as a slight pink hue began to build in the tips of his elegantly pointed ears.
“Are you trying to make a spectacle of us?” he whispered, sweeping Kaori into the dance once again.
She felt her own face flush with embarrassment at their fumble, glancing around the room to see the poorly concealed laughter of the people watching from the sidelines. “I am sorry… I was distracted.” It was too difficult to think while moving around the floor. She needed to find a way for them to stop so they could talk with some semblance of focus on the topic the Duke seemed so insistent they discuss. “I realized that while I know the initials of your name, I do not know what they stand for. Or is it inappropriate to inquire of that information from a man of your standing?”
“I would not say it is inappropriate, though perhaps a bit forward. I try to keep my family name to only those closest to me.”
“At the moment I would say we are close enough.”
The Duke stared at her, peering into her defiant gaze, his expression revealing a hint of respect for her boldness. “If we refer to physical distance then yes, I suppose we are,” he replied, the words hasty as the song came to an end, their dance halting in an awkward stop at the center of the floor. “You may know me as Therek Losuva. That name is only to appease your curiosity, however. We are not familiar enough for use of personal address.”
“Nor will we ever be,” Kaori exhaled, anxious to be away from him. The dance had been the most painful experience she’d faced since her arrival to Siundel. She didn’t care anymore what Therek’s reason might have been for calling her there. His behavior led her to believe it couldn’t be very important or he would have found a more proper means of going about his intended purpose. Turning away, she started to make her way from the floor, horrified to discover her mother poised at the edge of the dance floor, arms folded across her chest, the expression on her face making her discontent clear to anyone around. A hard pull on her arm distracted her again, twisting her body around to face away from the crowd, the Duke’s head leaning forward to whisper in her ear.
“Our time is short, so I will make this brief,” he said softly, the warmth of his breath against her skin causing Kaori to shiver. “I overheard General Deliao speaking with the Emperor when last I was at court. Word has spread about an assault which occurred involving two of the General’s most prominent soldiers. An order has been given by the Emperor to locate and identify the suspect. If this is the same assault to which you and I were witness then it could mean that you are in danger.”
Kaori’s blood ran cold. Her anger toward Therek dissipated instantly, realizing the imperativeness of the news he presented. It made perfect sense now. The weight of his stare throughout the evening, the secrecy, the games… “This is why you insisted my parents bring me to the ball?”
“I would not have gone against your request for any other reason.”
Rubbing her temple gently with her finger, she tried to absorb the information. In the back of her mind she could still see the look in the General’s eyes when he stopped them on the road. He knew she was the one they were looking for. It was obvious in the way he stared at her, toying with her. So why didn’t he say something? If she was who he sought, why did he not place her under arrest?
Maybe he didn’t intend to arrest her. The Emperor’s order was to locate and identify. There was a chance the prominence of her family would be enough to prevent an order being placed to bring her in. “I think I am going to be sick,” she groaned, pulling away from Therek’s hands. Eyes downcast she moved swiftly toward the crowd, aware of Therek’s hasty steps behind her.
They were stopped at the edge of the floor by her mother, the sound of her voice cutting through Kaori’s chaotic thoughts, forcing her back to the reality of their predicament. There was more she needed to know from Therek but her parents would never allow them another moment alone together. Not after the trickery utilized to gain what brief privacy they’d been granted by their humiliating display on
the dance floor. “Lord Avishul, you must excuse my daughter. I think it is time she return home for the evening.”
“So soon?” Therek inquired. “The night is still young. I was hoping to share another dance with her, if you would honor me with the privilege.”
“My daughter was given specific and clear instructions that she was not to leave her brother’s side this evening. After what I have just seen between the two of you, I think it best she not involve herself in any further dances of that nature.”
“My apologies, Lady Rothdara. Your daughter informed me it would be imprudent but I insisted. The blame is on me. I hope you will not fault her.”
Her mother eyed Therek curiously, looking him over as if sizing him up for a fight. She was angry. Their participation in what only vaguely resembled a waltz was enough to keep the courtiers whispering behind Kaori’s back for weeks; exactly what her parents were trying to avoid by placing her under Sivar’s care. “I cannot remain angry with you, Your Grace, but I must ask that next time my daughter tells you something would be imprudent – please listen.”
“Yes, My Lady,” he nodded. If he was uncomfortable with the public scolding, he showed no sign of it. His posture remained perfectly erect, the tone of his voice casual yet respectful in acknowledgment of his wrongdoings. “I understand if your daughter wishes to retire for the evening, however… I would like to extend an invitation to you and your family. A few of us are planning a ride through the countryside tomorrow and it would be my pleasure if your daughter was present – with you and Lord Rothdara, of course.”
Kaori’s heart fluttered to think of being in Therek’s company again. It was hard enough to tolerate him in front of all these people. She wasn’t sure she could handle his presence on a less formal scale. It didn’t matter how many questions she wanted to ask. “I am not feeling well, Your Grace,” she said quietly, clutching her head in exaggerated misery. “I should keep to my bed for a few days, I think.”
“Nonsense.” Her father’s voice was loud and commanding, interrupting Kaori’s protests. She lifted her head slowly to watch him come to his wife’s side, nodding to Therek in greeting. “You must forgive my daughter. She can be quite churlish at times.”
“It is no trouble. If she is not feeling well, we could postpone the ride so that she may join us.”
“Do not change your plans on account of her, Your Grace. She will be well enough by morning to take in some air. It might do her some good.” Her father’s eyes settled on her in a disapproving glare. “Do you not agree, Kaori?”
She was outnumbered. Her parents were too hopeful of building a relationship between her and Therek. There was no chance of changing their mind if they were convinced his intent was courtship. “Yes, Father,” she replied, obedient. Arguing would prove futile and only serve to create more of a scene than she’d already made. “It is nothing more than an ache in my head. I will feel better after I have had some rest.”
“It is settled then,” Therek smiled, reaching out to shake hands with Kaori’s father. “I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow afternoon.” His expression softened slightly, eyes shifting to Kaori, sympathetic. Aware of the reason for her sudden illness. “I do hope you feel better soon, Milady.”
Her head bobbed forward in silent response. No words were necessary. Therek had to know that she didn’t want to see him again. He indicated his knowledge of her feelings during their earlier conversation. So why did he push her? His warning had been received. The only pleasure she took in the thought of being near him again was the chance to find out more about the General’s orders. Even then, there was no guarantee Therek knew anything beyond what he’d already told her. “Until tomorrow, Your Grace,” she whispered, lowering in a halfhearted curtsy before Therek.
He watched her carefully, returning the gesture with a formal bow, bending stiffly at the waist. In a smooth motion he took her hand in his, lightly kissing the back of it before letting it fall to her side once again. “Until tomorrow,” he stated calmly. Giving little more than a sharp nod to her parents Therek disappeared into the crowd, the sight of his elegant features swallowed up by the sea of people. Kaori stared after him, a familiar weight settling upon her shoulders as her father lead her from the ballroom without a word to anyone along the way, hastily maneuvering toward the door to make their way out into the night.
Putting the finishing touches on her hair, Kaori gazed at her reflection in the mirror, sliding a silver and diamond clip into place to hold the ebon locks away from her face. Her anxiety lingered, though to a lesser extent than she experienced at the ball. Sleep had been impossible when all she could hear were Therek’s words playing over and over in her mind. She was in danger. But of what? Would they really charge her for a crime when she was the victim? The Emperor’s soldiers accosted her. She was within her rights to defend herself.
The thought made her want to laugh. No one had any rights when it came to the soldiers. The Emperor would never hear the truth of what transpired that night. Even if he did, he wouldn’t believe it. The fact of the matter was that his guards were assaulted and he wanted justice served. It just seemed strange that he would give the order to come after a woman. Did he really believe a young girl was capable of an outright attack on two of the General’s most revered men? And why was Therek not in question? Given his position and rank, the soldiers must have recognized him. They would know he was also to blame in their assault. But he was a powerful diplomat. Quite possibly more powerful than the General himself. More so, he was aware of the truth. Therek could incriminate the soldiers if his name was brought into the trial. If the General sought false retribution for whatever reason, he couldn’t risk involving Therek. A statement from the Duke would be detrimental to his case.
Covering her mouth with her hand she slumped down onto the chair in front of the mirror, lost in thought at the terrible possibilities that could come from the accusations. If she was found guilty, she would be sent to prison. To attack the Emperor’s soldiers was an act of treason – and traitors were executed. She’d heard of it happening on occasion, though rare. The people of Carpaen were aware of the strict adherence to the law the Emperor upheld. Most citizens chose to mind their own business and keep their noses away from anything involving him. It was safer that way. For everyone.
She didn’t want to die. And she shouldn’t have to. Therek knew she was innocent! If I could convince him to speak on my behalf… It was madness to even consider after the way she treated him last night. He offered to help after the attack and she shot him down without question or hesitation. His opinion of her couldn’t be high enough for him to be willing to place his own neck on the line to save hers.
Maybe if she could talk to him. If she could find a way to break away from her family and secure a few minutes of his private company, she might be able to convince him to assist her. It was a matter of life and death. He was a regular at the court. She didn’t doubt his knowledge of what the punishment would be if she was found guilty. With all his talk of his damnable conscience, it was possible she could use that against him. Appeal to the part of him that seemed unable to walk away while knowing she was in trouble. It was the only card she had to play against him.
Rising from the chair, she tried to make herself look presentable, absently brushing away the wrinkles from her dress. The occasion was informal, requiring less pomp and circumstance. Her wardrobe was simple, yet elegant, the white silk gown accented by a slender silver chain wrapping around her waist, draping stylishly from her hips. It wasn’t what she would have picked for a day of riding but her mother had chosen it for her, insisting that she present herself as a lady. Kaori wondered if her mother intended for her to actually ride a horse or just stand around and look pretty. Based on her choice of garments, Kaori assumed she would be doing a significant amount of standing while the men enjoyed the view at her expense.
There was nothing to do about it now. Inhaling a deep breath, she let her legs carry her across the
room, stepping through the door into the hall. Her parents would be waiting for her. Since the moment they entered the carriage after the ball, they had been unable to speak of anything other than the offer to visit the Duke at his personal residence for a daytime excursion. They had all but planned out the wording on the wedding invitations. Far be it from her to shatter their dreams. She could only hope she would be able to hold onto Liurn’s affections so as to ease the disappointment when her parents realized that a marriage between her and Therek would never come to pass.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs she could see her mother standing there, arms outstretched toward Kaori with a disheartened smile. “My dear,” she greeted, moving forward to wrap Kaori in a warm embrace. “I was hoping to see you before we left.”
Confused by the greeting, Kaori tilted her head to glance over her mother’s shoulder toward the door. She could see her parents’ bags sitting outside the carriage where her father hurried to load them with the help of the coachman, a sense of urgency in his motions which set Kaori’s nerves on edge. “Has something happened?” she asked, staring at her mother in bewilderment. Her parents were supposed to accompany her and Sivar to visit the Duke. A ride through the countryside didn’t require them to bring along so many personal belongings.
“Your father and I were summoned back to Rothdara this morning. There is some business there which we must attend to before we can return. I cannot say when that will be.”
“Summoned?” Kaori’s pulse quickened. Reminded of her earlier fears, she cast another hesitant glance over her mother’s shoulder. Something about the swiftness in her father’s steps to ready the carriage brought a chill over her heart. He looked worried. Anxious to be on the road. Whoever had called for them must have been of great importance to tear him and her mother away from their planned engagement with the Duke. “Mother, who has summoned you?”
The Myatheira Chronicles: Volume Four: In the Beginning Page 8