Still, work at the shop was exhausting so she was thankful for the brief rest today provided. She was also happy about getting a chance to really get to know Daniel. Considering how frustratingly excited Raven became with an audience, this was first opportunity they had for a civil conversation.
“How was it?” Daniel’s blue eyes twinkled in the candle light.
Sarah took a small sip of wine to wash down the last savory bite of lobster. Wonderful, amazing, the greatest food in the history of the world, she wanted to say. Instead she just smiled. “It’s delicious.”
The flickering candle moved a shadow across the cleft in her handsome date’s chin and Sarah nearly melted. She didn’t have a lot of experience with dates, only a couple back in school, and neither of them compared to this. They were sitting in a corner booth, mostly hidden from view. A young woman plucked the strings of a harp, and notes as soft and rich as vintage wine wafted through the dusky room. Sarah caught her mind wandering how expensive all this was, and chided herself. She wasn’t poor, anymore, but the habit of stretching every bit of money to the breaking point was deeply embedded by years of poverty.
“So are your wounds healing?” It had been three days since Raven and her two hench-witches had assaulted this absolutely gorgeous man. Sarah was afraid he’d never want to talk to her again but he just laughed off the vicious attack.
Daniel motioned for a waiter. After ordering dessert, which Sarah half-heartedly claimed to not want, he answered. “They’re healing just fine. Those three never leave actual scars and this time I got to remain mostly clothed.”
Darn it all, Sarah thought to herself.
Quickly she tried to think of another topic they hadn’t covered. “Where is your practice?”
The waiter sat down slices of cheesecake for them. Daniel relished the first taste before saying he was the Head of Medicine at Orson Medical Center.
Sarah was impressed, more so than she had been before. That was one of the largest hospitals in the country, and even she, living in the slums of Vestavia, had heard of it. “Wow. That’s pretty good for someone so young.” She took a bite of her dessert and a part of her thought how much Raven would like it.
“First in my class from medical school and I have a masters in business. Her Grace hired me right out of college and had me training for the position from day one.”
Rich doctor. Handsome doctor. Rich and incredibly handsome doctor! Sarah’s mind sang the words over and over.
Then Daniel winked, “Not to brag or anything.”
Sarah snorted into her wine glass. Normally guys who said that were bragging and being pains about it but with Daniel it didn’t feel like that at all. He was comfortable with himself and made everyone else around him feel at ease.
The beautiful couple finished their dessert, and Daniel held her hand over the table. Sarah didn’t have a depth of knowledge to draw on but felt that as far as first dates went, this one was turning into a rousing success.
Too quickly Sarah found herself standing outside the door to the apartment. She had invited her date up for a night cap but he declined, saying he didn’t want to wake Raven. Then Daniel kissed her softly good-night and she could still feel his lips on hers. The gentle stubble of his cheek still pricked her skin like Cupid’s arrow. She leaned her back against the door and smiled happily. That had been a really good kiss.
With a wistful sigh for what could have been, she opened the door. On the refrigerator hung a note describing, in minute detail, how one should prepare roasted prairie-thumper. It might have worried her if she couldn’t see two figures lying on the couch, cuddled up and fast asleep.
Sarah took a quilt out of the spare bedroom and covered Raven and Snuffles with it. The wombat snuggled closer to Raven, who shifted slightly in her sleep to give him room. Sarah watched them for a minute before whispering goodnight and going to bed herself. Tonight’s dreams promised to be a lot of fun.
After a brief discussion, Sarah accepted the invitation to be marked as a member of the inner circle of the Chandlish family and Raven was now standing in the door holding a dress. “Okay Sarah you have to put this on.”
Wincing at the hideous garment Raven was holding up, Sarah shook her head. The old fashioned dress with lace ruffles on the large skirt was… some color she couldn’t really be sure of… a horrible cross between pink and green maybe? She could kind of understand the yellow stars that, for some reason, circled front of the dress from smaller to larger. There was a sneaking suspicion that there was a final, giant star on the back but she really didn’t want to think about it. The purple bow was a tad confusing but since it was supposed to be a formal event there would be formal attire. But tassels? Seriously, tassels! This wasn’t a window curtain and she damned sure wasn’t going to be making the thing go up and down so why in the name of The Five were there BLUE FREAKING TASSELS!?
“Oh, and the hat.”
Sarah decided right then that she wasn’t going. To hell with being a member in good standing with this family of nutcases, and to hell with being rich. There was no way in the world she would be putting on that abomination of a cone shaped horror. It was about two feet high, bright garish orange with a white rose that looked like it had been drawn by a toddler in the middle. The addition of a piece of gossamer ribbon hanging off the top some how made it all worse. Either piece of clothing by itself would be bad enough but if she put both on at the same time she’d wind up looking like a deranged princess.
“I’m not wearing that!” Sarah crossed her arms, glaring contemptuously at the fashion disaster that some how escaped the fevered dreams of a lunatic. “Plus I have to receive the mark in front of the most influential people in Valentria!”
“It’s tradition.” Raven cajoled.
“I don’t care. I’m not wearing that.”
Sarah expected another argument but was surprised when Raven simply nodded her head.
“I understand.” There was a slight hitch in Raven’s voice and the redhead’s eyes looked to the ground. Sarah thought she might be crying when Raven turned for the door.
“Wait!” Sarah jumped up and grabbed the dress. Raven and her family had been so generous that she didn’t feel right not accepting this honor, even if it was a terrible eyesore. “I’ll wear it. I’m sorry but it just caught me by surprise.”
Raven looked up, her eyes welling with un-fallen tears. “Thanks Lil’bit.” She smiled brightly and hugged Sarah. “Put it on and I’ll wait for you in the car.”
After she was gone, Sarah held the dress up in front of the mirror, eyeing the giant star that was indeed on the back. It was even worse than she first thought but she couldn’t go back on her word.
The car ride was thankfully uneventful, though the driver nearly ran into a cart because he was staring in the rearview mirror trying not to laugh. The walk to the castle throne room was a bit worse. The help, who Sarah had grown accustomed to not making a sound, whispered and giggled behind her back. Raven ignored the chatter and pushed open the door to the throne room where a small crowd of people were gathered.
If she were expecting a polite reception, Sarah was sorely disappointed. The entire room, consisting of about twenty people she didn’t know, plus the united Chandlish clan, burst into laughter. Raven calmly strolled over to a chair just to the side of the raised dais and plopped down next to Bekah, who seemed furious about something. Liz, Mandy, and Brian were sitting with them. Raven would explain later that only members of the nobility, by blood or marriage, were allowed to sit at the head of court.
Sarah stood in the door way, letting them have a good laugh at her expense before sashaying in. She saw Daniel and gave him a little smile and wave, then shot a glance at Raven that would’ve troubled the redhead if she weren’t busily devouring a gallon of ice cream she had somehow procured.
Duchess Chandlish spoke over the crowd, her lips fighting valiantly against the laughter threatening to burst forth. “Is this some new fashion from Vestavia, Sarah?�
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“If so, no wonder they all want to move here!” Mandy’s words set everyone off again. Even Elspeth, who tried valiantly to maintain her composure, finally surrendered. She sank into the throne and laughed so hard the only sound she could muster was a gasping wheeze. Of course Raven, Bekah and Stephen joined in. For a good five minutes Sarah waited until they had all gotten it out of their systems.
Finally everyone calmed down enough to talk, though Liz and Mandy were actively trying not to look at each other. “Sarah, do you care to explain why you’re wearing that dress?” Elspeth asked.
Despite herself, Sarah had to smirk when Bekah answered. “She hangs out with Sis so she probably has bad taste in clothes too.”
“I was told it was tradition, Your Grace. I think I was lied to.” Sarah responded politely.
“U mummg ie.” Raven mumbled.
Everyone in the room stared until Raven swallowed the bite she was working on. Sarah wasn’t surprised to see nearly half the gallon had been consumed.
“Branwyen, are you eating in the middle of a gathering?” The Duchess tried her best to look stern but in the end a smile won.
“Yeah. Want some?” Raven held the container towards Elspeth who politely declined. Mandy attempted to grab some for herself but Raven slapped her hand. “No! Bad little sister. Mine!” She dove back into the frozen treat, not bothering to offer anybody else a bite.
Elspeth shook her head, still smiling. “Branwyen, do you mind telling everyone why you lied to your business partner about that dress.”
Another incoherent mumble was Raven’s answer. Elspeth told her to try swallowing before speaking.
“I said, ‘I never lie’.”
“So why was I told wearing this is a tradition?” Sarah crossed her arms and tapped an annoyed foot in Raven’s direction.
Raven paused with the spoon half way to her mouth-- there was now less than a quarter of the original gallon left-- and said, “No, I told you that receiving the mark in front of everybody was tradition. Remember, you said something about the dress and then complained about having to be here in front of so many people.”
Thinking back on it, Sarah realized Raven was right. She hadn’t technically lied but still. “So you embarrassed me for ice-cream?” She should be really offended but was starting to find the whole thing pretty funny.
“Nope.” Raven swallowed the last of the frozen dairy goodness. “Sis bet me a gallon of ice-cream that I couldn’t make you wear it. The embarrassment is mostly just for comedic value. ”
“I am going to get you back for this, you know that right?” Sarah set her face into as serious a look as she could muster.
“Oh, kick her out of the house! Make her live on the streets.” Bekah suggested helpfully.
“If she kicks me out, I’m moving in with you.”
“Forgive and forget; that’s my motto Sarah.”
Ignoring their playful banter Elspeth stood and beckoned for Sarah to step forward. An expectant hush filled the room. Almost physically Sarah felt the eyes of millionaires and aristocrats trained on her.
“Sarah,” The Duchess explained as she sat a small wooden box covered in intricate runes down on the table in front of her, “this will mark you was a member of the Chandlish family. We trust you with our most valuable secrets. Do you understand?”
Sarah nodded and stepped closer. The gossamer ribbon on the back of the hat tickled her neck as she did so. Everyone in the room including Raven, who had polished off her ill gotten gains, stood respectfully. Elspeth and Stephen produced matching keys and slid them into locks. The runes on top of the chest glowed brightly for a moment and then faded. The top lifted by itself and a small silver stamp glinted brightly in the black velvet lining.
“Where would you like it?” Elspeth asked, holding the stamp in her hand.
Slowly lowering the dress to expose her right shoulder, Sarah turned. She felt something cool press against her skin. She expected it to hurt, despite Raven’s assurances that it wouldn’t, but it was nothing more than a small bit of pressure.
“Let it be known to all that Sarah Petty, of Valentria, now bears the mark of the White Rose.” Elspeth spoke clearly as Sarah faced the gathering. “As such, she is here by granted the power and prestige associated with this honor. What say the people?”
Amazed, Sarah watched as the richest people in Valentria knelt to one knee and bowed their heads. She quickly looked to Raven for an idea of what was expected but there was a solemn tint in her eyes that seemed out of place on the usually chipper redhead. Sarah noticed the somber expression was also worn by the other three Chandlish daughters. After an eternity, Brian mouthed instructions with a grin.
Not knowing what else to do, Sarah managed to say, “Please rise.” As one, the crowd did so.
“So, you happy Lil’bit?”
They were sitting alone in the library after a huge feast had been devoured. As the guest of honor Sarah was allowed to invite anybody she wanted but since everybody she knew was already there, she invited all the servants who didn’t have the night off. The meal had gone on for hours until the guest had been too tired to stay awake. Even Elspeth had gotten into the mood by telling the help to wait until the morning to clean up. It was, all in all, a very good day even if she had to wear a terrible dress.
“Yes, I am. But I’m still going to get you back.”
“Eh, you wouldn’t have liked it if it were boring would you? More fun to have everybody laughing and enjoying themselves.”
Sarah nodded, almost in agreement. The dress that was quickly discarded for blue jeans and a shirt borrowed from Liz made everything lighter, more friendly.
“It really is an honor to have the mark of the White Rose.” Raven was suddenly being serious and Sarah glanced at her friend.
“I know, and thank you.” Sarah leaned over to kiss Raven on the cheek. Raven turned her head on accident and their lips met. Sarah was surprised, but the kiss lingered. Soft fingers caressed her cheek then slid down to her waist as Sarah moved closer. Raven’s tongue pressed against Sarah’s mouth and her lips parted on their own. Sarah felt Raven’s hand gently brush against her breast and gave an involuntary shudder. Raven moved sensuously as Sarah’s arms wrapped themselves around her waist.
The kiss broke and Raven whispered in a husky voice, “Lil’bit, I…” but Sarah’s mouth caught the remaining words. How long they kissed, a minute or a century, Raven couldn’t be sure. What she was sure of was the anger at being interrupted by the sound of a door opening.
Quickly the two girls jerked back away from each other as Mandy and Bekah turned on the lights and walked in.
“Why are you sitting in the dark, girl?” Mandy grabbed Sarah’s arm and pulled her off the couch. “Daniel is looking all over for you to say good night.” Sarah blushed and with a glance back allowed herself to be dragged out the door. Raven felt a twinge of jealousy.
Bekah stared at her sister. Something wasn’t right but she couldn’t place what it was. Raven was a little flushed, making her face look like a tomato but it wasn’t that. Her hair was a little messy and her lipstick was smudged but no, Raven never cared a whole lot about her appearance. Then it dawned on Bekah. In the two decades they had been sisters never once had Raven not paid rapt attention to her “big sis”. Now Raven’s eyes stared longingly at the door Sarah and Mandy had just exited.
“Sis!” Bekah barked. Raven spun around, startled to find someone standing there.
“Hey Sis. What’s going on?”
Bekah rolled her eyes and stormed out of the library.
The morning sun found Raven and Sarah sitting at the table in their apartment eating breakfast. Snuffles munched happily on a bowl of scrambled eggs and bacon Raven had given him
“Raven, we should talk about last night.”
Raven stopped a fork full of pancakes dripping with syrup half way to her mouth. “Are you still mad about the dress?”
Sarah sighed. This was going to be harder th
an she thought. “Not about that. About when we, you know, kissed.” She watched her roommate but Raven’s eyebrows just furrowed in a look Sarah recognized as confusion.
“What about it?”
“I was a little drunk and things got out of hand.”
Raven chortled loudly, “You know how much I had to drink? You don’t honestly think you could get in these pants without me being three sheets to the wind do you?”
A feeling of relief washed over Sarah. This topic kept her up most of the night, figuring out the best way to broach it. “Yeah, yeah. If you’re so hot then why am I the one dating a doctor?” She took the dishes to the sink and ran water over them.
Raven, who hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol the night before, watched Sarah head down to the shop, the prairie-thumper shuffling ungainly behind her. When the bottom door slammed, a tear rolled down an alabaster cheek. Angrily she wiped it away but another followed, then one from the other eye. Raven got up and went to the bedroom. Pressing her forehead against the glass of the window pane, she wept; silent sobs wracking her lithe body as she held her arms around her waist.
What was she thinking, she chided herself; she couldn’t share a future with Sarah. Branwyen Chandlish didn’t have a future to share with anyone.
CHAPTER 12: A SIMPLE NIGHT OUT
“Come on, Sarah!” Raven yelled through the door. Sarah’s business partner was unusually hyper and that immediately raised warning flags in her mind. When Raven got too worked up situations had a tendency to get out of hand in a hurry. Still, the enthusiasm was contagious and Sarah couldn’t help but feel excited. They were going on a short trip, just thirty minutes by dragon, to pick up a few magical supplies in a neighboring town. There was also a club they had talked about visiting weeks and finally the opportunity was here. Sarah figured they were owed a night of celebration since the shop was doing so well.
WINDOWS: A BROKEN FAIRY TALE Page 12