Cheers erupted from the crowds outside of the tent as I watched Julius and Garak turn and take opposite seats at the tables. Rustling could be heard as packages were unwrapped. Excited conversation flowed. Children giggled. It was an atmosphere that didn’t match my dread.
Dinner was roast pheasant and vegetables for those inside the tent, compliments of the Elders. Both inside and outside, though, everyone enjoyed honey rolls that were smothered in spiced butter. I picked at it, attempting to force some of the food down my sandpaper palate. Instead, I spent my time listening to the conversations around me. The Elders above me were deliberating about the Joust: who would care for things as simple as supplying the arrows for archery, rocks for the oxen pull, and who would be the artist to dress the duelists for the Dancefight? My guards were sizing up Garak and Julius and placing their bets on the chosen Challenges. After that subject was exhausted, they spoke about who they thought would have won the Challenges that were passed on and why they thought they were passed on.
“Garak doesn’t want to take orders,” Coran chuckled as he nudged his old friend knowingly.
Shoa’s eyes twinkled. “You mean he’s afraid of what job he would get stuck with…”
Coran fingered his nonexistent chin hair. “You know, you could be right there.”
“Of course I’m right! Just like he passed on Wit because he has none!”
The two men roared with laughter, and I turned away with embarrassment. I noticed the back of Garak’s neck turning a disturbing shade of red, and I realized in horror that he could hear every word.
Coran wiped tears from his eyes. “On that one, Shoa, I most certainly would have to disagree. I have heard many things come out of that young pup’s mouth. Witless certainly does not describe him.”
It was Shoa’s turn to ponder. “Maybe he refused because he isn’t sure what he is up against.”
Both of the guards turned to stare at the two young men seated below us.
“I wonder what Julius’ Talent is…” Shoa murmured to Coran.
Finally, when dinner was winding to a close, I thanked Yaniya as she took my plate and gave me a solemn smile. When it looked like everyone was finished, Judge Ramos rose and cleared his throat.
“To complete the evening, we will hold the traditional Dance for all of those new couples among us tonight. May all of you be productive in your lives together, and may you grow wise in the years you spend amongst us!” He spread his arms wide to encompass everyone gathered.
With the uttering of the Traditional Blessing, a cheer arose, and the cloths, baskets, and pillows began disappearing. New couples were standing together, men twirling their brides lovingly, while the women giggled and smiled. The mood was infectious, and those that had been mildly annoyed earlier with their new husbands began to twinkle with glimmerings of excitement.
Ramos came down from the dais and spoke to me as tables were being removed.
“We will monitor your interaction with the two contestants, and dances will be limited to the tent area. I do hope you enjoy your evening, my dear.” With that, he left to speak with Garak and Julius as well, probably to tell them the same thing.
“Don’t worry, sweetheart, we’ll be here in case any ugly viper risks raising its slimy head,” I heard Shoa say gallantly beside me. Turning my head, I caught him posing, flexing his muscles, his face contorted in such a goofy expression that I burst into laughter.
“There we go! Good going, Shoa!” Coran cackled at his companion.
“I’m sorry for being such a stick in the mud,” I murmured, speaking for the first time to them and wiping my eyes from the tears threatening to spill. “I haven’t been in the greatest of moods, as of late.”
“Understandable, my dear. After all, our devilish good looks intimidate even the fairest of maidens,” Shoa replied, wiggling his eyebrows. Coran stroked an invisible mustache and smoothed back his graying temples with exaggerated finesse.
Crinkling my nose, I had to admit to myself that it was good to laugh.
“Thanks, guys,” I said to them both. “I needed that.”
“Anytime, anytime!” Coran half-bowed, while Shoa tipped his hat.
At that point, the musicians that had been set up at the tent entrance began their first song, a lilting and beautiful classic from ceremonies past. Glancing over toward Julius, I was startled to notice that he was already heading toward me, an eager smile on his handsome face. He seemed to reach me in slow motion, his hand extending between us like a sturdy bridge. The closer he came, the more I felt every atom of my being pulled like static toward him.
“May I have this dance, Naylin?” he asked in his tenor voice, finally stopping in front of me, close enough for me to smell his scent in the air, almondy and sweet, with a hint of pine.
I smiled shyly and took his hand, walking with him to the lightly sanded dance floor in the center of the tent. There was a hush among the crowd, and the musicians slowed down, even more, drawing out the sweet melody like time itself was standing still for this moment.
“I’m so happy that I finally get to look into your eyes after so long,” he said. His voice was smooth and a little husky.
I smiled. “It has been a long time, hasn’t it?”
“It’s been a lifetime, though spending the rest of it with you might make up for that.”
Looking away, I blushed.
See? I told you! Titrus piped up in my mind. Why had he not spoken for so long? The little turd…
Suddenly, a little of the hysteria that I had been hiding broke through, my words running together like liquid. “I’m just afraid for you, Julius. I’m afraid something will happen to you or that you might get hurt. I’m afraid of Garak.” I paused in my outpouring. “And I’m afraid that you might get to know me and change your mind about wanting me. That is what scares me most of all.”
I looked away, ashamed.
“Naylin.” Julius’ voice was like liquid velvet, and it drew my eyes back to his face. A strained look came into his eyes, and his lips pinched a little.
“Julius? What’s wrong?” I asked, furrowing my brows in concern.
We danced for a few seconds before he answered.
“There’s no need to be afraid, you know.” His hand squeezed at my hip a little. “All you have to do is believe in my love for you. I know it has been a long time since you have felt mine, but I have done nothing but cling to what yours feels like for so very long. Every emotional message you send through Titrus has been a balm to my heart. I hope you know that.”
I looked away and blushed.
“Why did you come for me?” I whispered.
I felt him huff a small laugh and could hear the smile in his voice.
“Why, Naylin, don’t you know?”
I looked up into his eyes, which were sparkling and sincere. The crowd disappeared.
“You’re my missing piece, and I’ve always known that.” He twirled me expertly and caught me at the end, bringing me up slowly. What town did I live in? Where was I? The music was ending, and we came closer and closer together. There was no one on the entire planet but him and me. My heart was dancing in my chest. My cheeks flushed. I was mesmerized by his eyes, falling into them, sinking into the shining depths. Slowly, so slowly, my eyes closed.
“Ahem…” Elder Boris cleared his throat right beside us.
My heart dropped to the floor, and I almost fainted with embarrassment.
Hehe, Titrus giggled in my mind as he hid in the shell.
We straightened up, and Julius took my hands in his.
“My lady,” he said, and then bent to kiss them.
Elder Boris looked at me with a pained expression.
“Garak has requested a dance, as well, Lady Naylin.”
He acted as though that statement left a sour taste in his mouth, and I could understand why. Garak was a few feet behind him, seemingly deep in thought, but every bit the viper in the grass that Shoa and Coran spoke about.
“Of course,” I said, feeling my heart drop to my feet, and the lump in my stomach reappeared. I couldn’t refuse him; it just wasn’t done.
I looked back at Julius as the Elder departed. His eyes lit up slightly, and his hands squeezed mine.
“Until our next meeting, my love.”
He bent to kiss my hands again, then turned and strolled to mingle with the Elders.
Garak was looking at me with a curious expression as he came to stand in front of me. The expression stayed on his rugged, tanned face as he took my hand and wrapped the other around my waist. I was stiff and leaned slightly away from him as we danced. I didn’t even hear the music. My mind was on other things, trying to stay far from the thought of whose arms I was cradled in.
“What would it take for you to look at me like that?” Garak finally asked.
I was so startled that I couldn’t answer at first. I almost did a double take, looking at him. His dark eyes seemed slightly glazed, hungry and focused. I decided not to answer. His touch, that look, him. He scared me. I felt that fight or flight feeling welling inside of me. I couldn’t remember the last time that I had felt it this strongly before.
He sighed and looked away.
“I will win, you know. And when I do, I expect things might be a little difficult at first, but things will turn out fine for both of us.”
The fear inside of me ignited into fire. No, he could not win.
“Nothing,” I said, coldly.
“Excuse me?” He asked, confused. His eyes snapped back to me, almost audibly.
“There is nothing you can do to make me look at you that way. You are a monster, Garak. Ruthless, uncaring, and selfish.”
It was his turn to be startled. I had never told him how I felt about him before. Normally, I kept to myself, left others alone, and did what I was told. Being frank and bold was not only frowned upon by many but looked at as a curse. Your mouth could get you in trouble; a fiery heart could bring you pain. I bit my lip so hard I almost drew blood. Would he hit me for being so honest?
We weren’t dancing anymore. The closest individuals from the crowd were too far away to have heard what I said, but they were staring anyway, curious about the situation.
Cool grass, Naylin. Cool, dry grass. Calm yourself, Titrus whispered.
Clinging to that, I stared into his eyes, watching first pain and then rage war back and forth. Finally, there was only nothingness behind there, like something had shattered inside. He stepped away from me and bowed mockingly.
“I think my lady should maybe get to know me better before making statements like that. You could be wrong, but then again, you could be very, very right.” He turned and stalked out of the tent with everyone staring at his back.
My heart suddenly went cold as ice.
“That was stupid,” I whispered to Titrus. “Very stupid.”
He is dangerous. On that, we can both agree.
Turning, I saw that Judge Ramos was standing beside Julius with a hand over his chest, keeping him where he was. Julius’ eyes were almost glowing with hatred as they gazed beyond the tent entrance.
My guards and maidservant were behind me, and as I turned toward them, Coran clucked his tongue at me. “My dear, you are as white as a sheet. I think we might need to leave.”
“Yes, milady, we can have an early bath prepared for you in the Bath House. Please come with me.” Yaniya’s kind eyes relaxed my racing emotions.
Odd, I had thought she was only a couple of years older than I was, but on a closer inspection, the crow’s feet around her eyes and the laugh lines betrayed her age. I smiled at her. She had a character about her face that reminded me of a caring mother. Right now, that was something that I needed to see. I looked around for my own mother and father, but since they weren’t among the revelers, I assumed they were back at home. Mom must not be feeling well.
“That sounds like a good idea,” I told them tiredly as I glanced back toward the Elders. Julius was deep in discussion with Judge Ramos. Then, they nodded at each other and glanced my way. Judge Ramos looked beyond me to my guards and gave them a nod. Julius smiled at me and waved his hand slightly. I smiled shyly and waved back.
Putting her hand on my shoulders, Yaniya turned and led me away.
Comments (0)
See all