Common (The Lora Fletcher Chronicles Book 1)

by Andrea Irving

Lora placed her hand over her heart and took a deep breath. She was tired of being startled. “You’re right,” she admitted. “I won’t.”

  Catty leaned back and placed the back of her hand on her forehead in true dramatic fashion. “Regan invited Peter and Louis to the ball. They can’t come, of course, since they’ve both gone home. But do you see what this means?” Lora did not, so she gestured for Catty to continue. “It means that my kisses mean nothing to him. I’m not any different from any other girl.”

  “I’m… sorry?” Lora was puzzled. “You don’t seem upset. I’m not sure what to say to you.”

  “I’m not upset,” Catty said. “It’s very strange.” She shrugged. “So would you like to see the new hat I bought?”

  Lora sighed and nodded. There was no getting out of oohing and ah-ing over Catty’s latest acquisition. It was a garish yellow monstrosity that would have paired nicely with the rancid egg yolk. She almost wished she had gone with to prevent her friend from making such a ghastly purchase.

  CHAPTER 21

  The midwinter ball was traditionally held at the palace on midwinter’s day. Catty was up at sunrise and decided to wake Lora up as well. Her dress had been hung up for two days to air it out. It was new, and it had been acquired on one of their many trips to the tailor’s. Catty had been fitted and refitted so many times it made Lora’s head spin. The dress had seemed fine the first time she put it on.

  “It’s too early,” Lora chided. “The ball will just be getting over at this time tomorrow. You’ll never make it. You should go back to sleep. Or take a long nap this afternoon. The ball doesn’t even start until dinner.”

  “I know, but I just can’t calm down!” Catty grinned and threw a robe over her nightgown. “Genea is lending me her ladies’ maid so I can have my hair done up properly. She won’t be here for hours and hours. I just don’t know how I’m going to pass the day.”

  Lora rolled her eyes. “We could spar, work on weapons, go riding, anything you want. I could even gag you with some air, if I can manage to grab hold of it. I’d even be willing to sit and embroider if you just need busy hands while you talk.”

  Catty groaned. “I can’t concentrate to do any of those things. And what if I bruised myself—or worse—doing those activities? I wouldn’t be able to show my face!”

  “Well then let’s go get some breakfast.”

  “No can do. I couldn’t eat a bite. Plus I need to be able to draw my laces. That gown is tight enough as it is without throwing griddle cakes and bacon into the equation.”

  “You have to eat something, Catty. You’ll pass out if you don’t.” Lora swore under her breath and shook her head.

  Catty laughed. “Language! What if Mistress Tabitha hears you?”

  Lora sighed. She was never going to live down the escapade of breaking her arm. She was still thinking of a response when she realized Catty had begun speaking again. There just would be no calming her down. She shimmied out of her nightgown, threw on her tunic, pants, and a sweater, and went to the dining hall. She ate a quick breakfast and snagged a scone to take back to her friend. When she returned to the dormitory, Catty was asleep.

  She shook her head, grabbed her warm cloak, as it was colder outside than she’d anticipated, and headed to the armory. She’d been neglecting her weapons training, and she knew her muscles were going to let her know it. She nodded to Blaine when she got there, went to examine the swords, and stopped when he grabbed her arm.

  “You favor that sword too much, lass,” he said. “I know you’re small, but try the mace. You look like you need to give that wooden post a good beating. It’s never as satisfying with a sword.”

  Lora hated the mace. Blaine knew this and pestered her about it unmercifully. But even though she rolled her eyes, she respected his opinion and bypassed the swords. Once she had indeed given the post a good walloping, she was glad she had chosen that weapon. When she returned it, he winked at her again and told her to come the next day ready to throw some stars. He knew she hated throwing stars too.

  She ran to the dorms and then the communal baths as quickly as she could. The wind was merciless to a sweaty body in the winter. Even though she was reasonably fast, she was still cold when she stepped into the water. It warmed her immediately. She had not enjoyed a bath to herself for the entire holiday. She enjoyed the heat soaking into her bones in the quiet. She was sad to get out, but her fingers and toes were shriveled up to practically nothing.

  Catty was awake when she returned to the dorms. The older girl had resumed her pacing and was muttering under her breath. Lora was glad she couldn’t hear what her friend was saying.

  Lora rubbed her hair with her towel, combed it, and rubbed it again. It took forever to dry in the winter, as did most of the other girls’ hair, but it was a necessary evil with all of the physical exercise and sweating they did. She donned a dark grey day dress when she was finished and stared at Catty as she paced. Catty was nibbling the now-dry breakfast pastry Lora had brought her hours before.

  “This came for you while you were gone,” she said as she thrust a small parcel at Lora mid-pace.

  The only parcels that ever came for Lora were her clothes and that was only twice a year. This box was far too small. There was a note attached. Catty snatched it up just as Lora had finished reading it.

  Catty’s mouth formed a perfect O. “I’d forgotten. I’m so sorry. I was so preoccupied with the ball. You must think I’m a terrible friend to forget your birthday.”

  Lora waved her off as she tried to think of all of her friends’ handwriting. The note, which simply wished her a happy birthday, was unsigned and written in block print. She frowned and worked at the knot. Her friends all knew that gifts were forbidden, since she could not reciprocate. She did not like this at all.

  Rolling her eyes at her friend’s attempts, Catty tore the box away from Lora and undid the knot in half a moment. She was kind enough to give it back to Lora, who just shook her head, unwrapped the paper from around it, and opened it. Her frown deepened as she saw what was inside.

  “Ooh! A necklace!” Catty exclaimed. “What a lucky girl! And you said you didn’t have any admirers.”

  Lora did not, in fact, have any admirers. That she knew of. She took the necklace out of the box and tried to appreciate it. It was a dark green stone cut into an oval and polished. It was attached to a black silk ribbon by a plain metal ring. It was very pretty and far too fancy for anything Lora owned. “You should wear it tonight,” Lora said as she handed it to Catty. “Your dress is green. It’ll go nicely.”

  Catty shook her head. “As much as I’d like to, I can’t Lora. It’s your birthday gift from someone and you haven’t even worn it yet. What if that someone is at the ball? They’ll think you don’t like it. So you’ll just have to save it until you have occasion to wear it.” She paused. “Regan will invite you to the ball next year. You’ll be sixteen. Barely. You can wear it then. Now,” she placed her hands on her hips for emphasis. “I need your help getting into my corset and dress. That dratted maid of Genea’s isn’t here yet and the sun is starting to set.”

  “This could be a mistake,” Lora told her as Catty undressed. “You know I’m no good at doing hair.”

  Catty pursed her lips. She hurriedly put on her underthings and petticoats. “If all else fails, I’ll wear it down. I really shouldn’t be wearing it up anyway.” She fastened her corset on and walked to the timber in the middle of the room that helped hold the roof up. She grasped it and closed her eyes. “I’m ready. Do your worst.”

  Lora bit her lip. Common women did not wear corsets, and students did not wear them at the Academy. At least, those under sixteen did not wear them. They were considered an impractical frivolity for those training in warcraft. She had seen them being tightened, but had never done it herself. It was not something her two sevendays of lessons from Lady Tiana on how to be a lady included. “I’ve never done this,” she finally admitted.

  “Just pull the laces as t
ight as you can and tie them,” Catty laughed. “I keep forgetting you have no older sisters. Didn’t your mother wear one?”

  “She passed when I was five.” Lora was glad she did not have to admit that her mother had not worn one. She wasn’t sure how she would’ve explained that one away.

  “I’m sorry. I keep forgetting.”

  She shrugged. “It’s alright.” Lora grasped the corset’s ties. “Are you ready?” Catty whimpered and nodded, and Lora pulled.

  “Harder. Or else the dress won’t fit.”

  Lora pulled as hard as she could and felt the laces give. “Is that enough? Catty grunted an affirmative, and Lora quickly tied them.

  Catty stood straight and put her hands on her stomach and back. “Thank you,” she whispered. “Would you get my gown so I can step into it? I couldn’t bend to pick it up if I wanted to.”

  “Will it get better?” Lora gestured to the corset.

  “Yes,” she replied as she stepped into her dress. It was a mint green with tiny, delicate lace trimmings and seed pearls. It cost more money than Lora wanted to think about. “I feel a little funny showing this much skin,” Catty continued as Lora did up the tiny buttons on the back. “It’s not halfway as daring as some of the older girls’ dresses, but my neck feels so bare. Especially with my arms uncovered from the shoulder down.”

  Lora shrugged. “I suppose I would feel the same way,” she said. She regarded her friend for a moment. “You know, I think those silver hair combs your father got you in James Lake would look nice with this. Better yet, I think I might even be able to put them in your hair properly.” When Catty nodded in agreement, Lora pulled her trunk over and stood on it. She began brushing out her friend’s nut brown locks and felt a pang of envy at the color. Her hair was a dull, mousey brown color that no one would ever think attractive.

  “When are you going to grow?” Catty gestured to the trunk Lora stood upon. “I’m not tall and I feel like a giant because you have to stand on that to be just enough above me to brush my hair.”

  “I don’t think my mother was very tall,” Lora said as she positioned the combs in Catty’s hair. “This may be it for me. I guess it’s a good thing I’m a swordwielder. I’d be too scrawny to fight on my own.”

  Catty spun around once Lora was done with her hair. “I wish we had a mirror. There are many at the palace, but it would be nice to see what I look like before I get there.” She looked at Lora for a moment. Her friend was still on top of the trunk. “I suppose you’re not that short. There are smaller girls at the palace. Men tend to like that. Smaller women make them feel manlier, I guess.”

  Lora stared down at her hands. “I wouldn’t know. I’m not the one who’s been practicing at kissing.” She jumped off the trunk, pushed it back over by her bed, and looked up at her friend. “My size might make someone feel manlier, but I’m plain, poor, and I have no curves.” Catty started to protest, but Lora held up her hand. “Arguing is a waste of time. I know my strengths and weaknesses. It’s too bad no one wants a penniless, homely, skinny, mathematician who might burn down their home while throwing a knife at them. I’d be great for that.”

  “Lora, Lora, Lora,” Catty shook her head. “I will argue with you later.” She picked up an elaborate fur-trimmed cloak that lay on her bed. “Don’t wait up.” She smiled, turned, and left.

  Seeing as how it was dinner time, Lora grabbed her cloak and headed to the dining hall. She hated discussions of boys and clothes and marriage and kissing. Allowing herself to like someone was just setting herself up for despair. Lady Tiana liked to remind her of that on every visit.

  She saw a group of young men near the entrance to the dining hall. There weren’t many visitors to the Academy, especially in winter, so she slowed down to get a better look at them. One of them turned to the side, Lora’s heart leapt, and she ran toward him. She knew those auburn curls anywhere and a smile touched her lips as she grabbed him in a big hug.

  “Whoa there!” the young man stiffened and pushed her off of him. He held her at arm’s length and took her measure.

  Lora’s face was crimson. “I’m so sorry,” she sputtered. She had been so sure it had been her friend. “I thought you were someone else. Forgive me.” She tried to run past him, but he caught her arm.

  “Thought I was someone else?” He raised his eyebrow in surprise. “You must’ve thought I was Dain then.” The young man chuckled. “I should’ve guessed you were one of his playthings.”

  The crimson in her face burned brighter. “I’m no one’s plaything!” Lora was indignant. “I—I am Lorana of Haven Dale. Dain is my friend.”

  The young man chuckled. “My mistake,” he murmured. “I have heard of you though. You’re the other swordwielder. Lora, my brother called you, I think.”

  “Brother?”

  Dain’s brother nodded. “I am Phillip of Mount Rathbone. Dain is my younger brother.” He cleared his throat. “We look quite alike we’re often told.”

  Lora nodded. “You do,” she admitted. “I’m sorry to have troubled you. Please give him my regards.” She bobbed a small curtsy and was stopped short by the feel of his hand, still on her arm.

  “Dain said you were thirteen.”

  “That was two years ago, Master Phillip,” she said as she ripped her arm from his grasp. Lora did not like the way he was looking at her. She picked up her skirts and ran the few remaining steps inside. She heard their laughter echoing all the way on the far side of the building and she felt her cheeks burning again as she slid into a seat.

  Platters of food were brought from the kitchens and placed onto the tables. The food was fancier, by far, than any day of the year. Midwinter feasts brought some students back to the Academy if they were assigned to posts nearby. It was the closest thing to family that many had on this day of thanks.

  Lora stared at the food in front of her. She felt strange after her encounter with Dain’s brother, and she didn’t like it. She did not even move when someone sat beside her.

  “It’s not like you to hold back at dinner, young miss,” Lord Cedric told her as he put a few choice items on her plate. “Missing your friend at the ball, are you?”

  Her eyes drifted to where Phillip and his friends had settled. Phillip caught her looking and raised his glass to her. She shuddered and looked back at her plate. “Yes, that’s right,” she said softly. She felt herself lift her hand and bring her fingers to her mouth. It had been ages since she’d bitten her nails, but she began to do it anyway.

  “You can’t fool me, Lora,” he said. His voice held a sternness she rarely heard. “I take it the young Master Rathbone and his friends caught you unawares? Did you think he was Dain, then?”

  Lora nodded. “I did,” she replied. “I… don’t care for him.” Her voice was heavily laced with contempt.

  Lord Cedric frowned. “He’s usually quite popular with the young ladies, but I can see how he might not run to everyone’s tastes,” he told her as he pushed her plate closer. “Eat.” When Lora picked up her fork and knife and began to dig in, he continued, “Your manners aren’t quite the same as other young ladies here, and I think some will take that to mean a certain… Well, they may try to take advantage believing you are encouraging them, even when you are not. That is their reputation, even though it is not yours.”

  “I understand.”

  “I don’t think they are quite your type. You tend to keep to your small group of friends. Shy, you are,” he continued. “If you’d like, I can arrange for one of your teachers to walk you back to your dormitory. Or I can do it, if you are uncomfortable leaving here alone.”

  “I’ll think on it, Lord Cedric,” she told him. “I had thought to go to the library before retiring, but I think I will just go to sleep after I’m done eating here.” She smiled at him. “Don’t worry about me. I’m a swordwielder. Blade and flame at my fingertips and all that.”

  “Of course you are,” he said as he stood. He patted her on the head and walked toward Lord Mic
hael.

  The food was good. Ham with cloves and apples. Roast duck with orange and fig and sage stuffing roasted inside. Whipped potatoes. Crusty bread and butter. Pickled beets and sour cream. And apple pie with whipped cream. Lora ate more than her fill even in spite of her stomach being turned by the night’s earlier events. This was also the only event at the Academy where wine was served. She hadn’t tried it in years past, but had a glass with dinner. She didn’t care for the taste and didn’t think she would be trying it again anytime soon.

  Lora stood up and got a bit dizzy. She shook the cobwebs out of her head and walked toward the door, grabbing her cloak along the way. It had begun to snow sometime during dinner and she trudged through the light dusting, not looking where she was going. She stepped into the girls’ dorms for swordsplayers and slammed the door behind her. She collapsed on her bed shortly thereafter.

  She awoke in the morning with a dry mouth and a slight headache. She was a little confused as to why she was still in her clothes and boots, but Lora just shrugged it off to the excitement of the day before. She noticed Catty was not in her bed and frowned. It was early to be sure. The sun wasn’t fully above the horizon, but she had thought her friend would return some time in the night.

  Before she could get off her bed, the door slammed open. Catty’s face was chapped and her hands were red from the cold. “The door wouldn’t open,” she said. “I’ve been trying to open it for I don’t know how long. It wasn’t even stuck. It just… didn’t move. I finally found Lord Michael, and he cast some kind of wield over it and it opened. I wonder if it froze shut in the night?”

  Lora vaguely recalled Lord Cedric walking toward Lord Michael after they had discussed her worries over Phillip. Could they have been worried enough about her to bind the door closed? Surely Phillip wouldn’t have followed her in here? He couldn’t have thought her hug meant that she was really a loose woman, could he? She tucked her knees into her chest and put her head on them. “I don’t think so,” she said. “How was the ball?”