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satin cool beneath her fingers, and her lips curled into a soft smile. They will not be able to
ignore me in this gown, though. It was a thought that warmed a small part of her. I had
forgotten how much I despise being ignored. When did that happen?
Pulling the handle, she was greeted with a riot of noise and color. The Ballroom was
filled with music from a quintet of musicians on a raised dais in the corner, and the Courtiers
were adorned in every color imaginable. The walls had been draped in black silk, and there was
a carving of the Valtan herald in ice on a table in the center of the room, but those were the only
reminders of loss. Faces that had been drawn and haggard only a candlemark before were now
open and cheerful; talk flowed easily in inane chatter. Couples circled the center table in a
spirited waltz, and the doors to the balcony stood open so that people could escape the warmth of
the room and look over the Royal Gardens.
I was a child the last time I attended a fete such as this, she thought sadly. I ve forgotten
how much I love the splendor.
She stepped into the room, her hands clasped in front of her. A few faces turned in her
direction, and she could see surprise flash across each. As she moved across the room, more
eyes turned towards her, and she lifted her chin to disguise her unease. There seemed to be little
of the scandal and disgust in their expressions, as there had been before. But the pleasant
surprise and wonder is almost as frightening, if not more so.
Bryane? The voice was hesitant, with a touch of reluctance -- as if the word had been
startled from the speaker s lips. Bryane turned to see her sister, Selene, standing behind her and
blinking in disbelief.
Good evening, Selene, Bryane said softly, trying without success to smile.
You& you look beautiful. Selene was more successful with her smile. You look like
Mother.
You will have to tell me if that is a good or bad thing, I m afraid. My only memories of
Mother concerned harried expressions, disheveled hair, and shadows beneath the eyes.
Selene laughed. I see that five years serving as an Envoy has done nothing to cure your
horrible sense of humor.
Bryane smiled, swallowing sudden tears. This is the first time any of you has spoken to
me in five years. Why does my tongue have to destroy such a perfect moment? Nerves have the
power to rob even the most sensible person of decorum.
Sadness tempered Selene s expression, and she looked down at the goblet in her hand.
If it helps, you show no outward sign of fright.
Thank you, Selene, Bryane whispered, hoping her sister would understand the true
meaning behind the words.
Selene nodded and extended her hand. Come. I have some terribly delightful children
that I would like you to meet.
Bryane let her sister tug her hand and pull her through the crowds. In the back of her
mind, a distant voice spoke with a smugness only a cat could possess. With such small pebbles
are bridges mended.
Chapter Four
Davis A Matter of Tradition 18
If those musicians play another pavane, I will order their execution, Philip muttered
behind his wine goblet.
The pavane is one of the simplest dances for the Court to participate in, Nikoli replied
with a smile.
You mean, it is the easiest way for multiple women to dance with the Prince, so that no
one woman is shown favor.
Nikoli saluted him with his own goblet. That, as well.
Philip sighed. We used to be able to escape these doldrums, Old Friend.
And now your impending crown confines us here through every insufferable moment.
Remind me to thank you, at some point.
I have had enough insolence today, Nikoli.
Nikoli chuckled. You are getting soft, Your Highness. I remember a time when you
would accept no glib remarks from your female companionship.
There is a difference between companionship and genuine conversation. He nodded
politely at a blushing young girl who was staring at him as a starving cat might a dead fish.
There is also a difference between Bryane and every other woman I have ever encountered.
She is a dangerous creature for you to associate with, Nikoli said, his tone serious.
There were others who noticed her absence with the women this morning, and there are a
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