Chapter 18
Gliding my hands along the soft silk of the white coral dress, admiring the style as it touched the tops of my knees, not pleated though gathered and light of fabric. The neckline wasn’t too low as the material covered the tops of my shoulders. It reminded me of butterfly wings, wispy and light as they hung to my thighs. The back was low cut, scooping to the middle, while the front enhanced my small bust size, with a deep embroidered design of floral, it teased around my chest all the way to my hips. This dress reminded me of the ones courting girls would wear in Plumridge, and now that I had met the Ryders, it was a similar design, but with a completely different expectation. Showing a fair amount of my shoulders and legs, I blushed and instantly touched my white ashen glove. They matched. The dress made my cream form slimmer, more appealing than I had thought possible, and even adding extra push of my small bust. My legs felt naked without cover, and as I stared at the shoes that came with the dress, I was pleased it wasn’t heels, the Royals wore heels, I didn’t. These were silver white sandals, six wraps of the leather and they wrapped part way up my shins, dotted with tassels and tethers. I looked pleasant; and I smiled to my reflection. With several twists of my hair, I turned my long curls into an acceptable fish braid, allowing wisp of hair to fall around my neck and face. I nibbled on my lower lip, taking in my reflection before me. I was shy, and to my surprise excited. The glint in my green eyes was visible as I dabbed my lips with a shade of plum and blinked to my view. I was ready.
As am I my Bond … La’Kera hummed from the perch she was waiting on. One Corbin had insisted she stay on until later this evening. Though I am unsure how I am going to be seen. A large drape is covering the arched windows.
I smirked at her, half aware of what was to come.
They are going to show us off … you more so. Have patience.
With a nod, I left my room and made my way to the threshold. The walk was too long and my stomach knotted in waves. I flicked the penny-spinner twice and closed my eyes as the sensation lifted and teleported me to the top floor; the school function room. Many dances and celebrations were held for different events throughout the year. The wide open area was filled with pillars, small, cosy rooms, eating tables, dance floors and elegant windows and paintings of past Ryders under a domed roof. As I stepped out of the threshold, I was instantly greeted by Corbin. He looked handsome, completely different to what I was used to seeing. His warm smile, sleeked greasy hair and gentleman’s suit laced with ruby red trimmings was perfect for his broad form.
“Oh, Rehema, you are a diamond.” He leaned in to fake-kiss my cheek, and turned me around to the room of watchful Ryders. He nodded with arched brows, and walked us along the hall, and to a platform facing the guest, with a drape hug behind displaying my Dy’Monian sign.
He took the stand with me by his side, with taps of his wine glass to gather the attention of the room “Everyone, guest, Ryders of Dangora; I present to you, the newest of our member’s; the youngest here tonight, and above all the most missed of all signs. Miss Rehema Thorndale and her Bond, La’Kera of Dy’Monian.”
With a click of his fingers, the drape crumbled to the floor and everyone applauded, taking in the arched window was the one and only—La’Kera.
Her wings arched, her head held in a gentle and elegant pose, as she hummed. I smiled to her. Inside we were butterflies of nerves. She snorted and claimed I had nothing to worry about. Stepping off the platform, the guests were caught between talking to me and watching La’Kera.
Corbin stayed at my side, escorting me around the room. “This here is the Amrose, the Chadwick, the Rosewood, the Balrok, the Wickermen, the Ashwood, the Dalton, the Dunbar, the Yarrow …” The list was endless, and I was hard-pressed keeping up to hello’s and smiles let alone remembering who they all were. Many spoke to me with warm smiles, a nod and on their way. One lady stared at me from head to toe; a look of unreadable emotions stayed on her face. My dress was white, hers was blue, and oddly, it was identical in style. On her, it was perfect. She was a beautiful gold tone. She lifted her chin and then clasped my hand gently.
“My gift to you, Dy’Monian Queen.” Before I could thank her, she was out of sight and a large trunk of clothes was presented to my view. I was in two minds to chase her down and thank her when another gift was presented, towels, clothes, even food treats were pushed into my hands.
“Ah, now, the Queen needs distance, come now. Let us all enjoy some music and dance.” Corbin, the ever ready to mingle, was soon taking me out to the floor.
“Um … Corbin. I can’t dance.”
“Nonsense. You can, and will. Here …” He placed his hand in mine, and presenting us in the style the light string music and piano offered. He turned me around; and I smiled, since I was indeed dancing. “See, you can dance. It’s all in the lead. Now, breathe and tell me you’re having a good time.”
“I am. Thank you Corbin. For the dress, the shoes … they’re so nice.”
“Hmmm … Yes, when I told Naomi that you had no dress, she had to assist.”
“Naomi? The Sapherian Queen.”
“Yes.” He scanned the room behind me and smiled wider. “She is a handful, though she has heart. She was the one who gave you a trunk full of clothes, don’t you remember.”
My mouth opened and he reached down and touched my chin.
“You had no idea you were meeting her, did you. Oh, Rehema. You are so blind and to know none of us, it makes me smile.”
“But … I didn’t even thank her. She’s a … I mean, there all … and I’m making it look like they’re not.”
“You make them breathless and as a Queen of your own house, you are graceful.”
“Guess it is better I don’t know them.”
“That is true. Now, I must return to my guests, and I ask you to mingle, talk, and eat. Don’t be afraid to find Karson. He should be around here somewhere. Ah, yes. There he is.” Corbin spun me around and I came to see Karson dressed in his dark suit and his hair slicked handsomely, which enhanced his jaw and features more masculine than other times. His tie was a ruby red as too was Corbin’s, though Karson wasn’t smiling as I had hoped. He was deep in thought and ready to scold someone. Me? What had I done wrong now?
I peeked at Corbin, who showed no reaction. Maybe it was nothing. As I walked towards him, I was happy to comment on the decorations, the party, and the way it was so much fun.
“As it is. You will keep to the nine o’clock time.”
“Yes.” I rolled my eyes. “What is it with you and time? I am having fun.”
“It’s after eight thirty.”
“What.” I had to turn to Corbin who watched us with a half look of doubt.
He nodded. “You have danced and mingled for the past two hours my dear; you do know how to have fun.”
“Hu …” I could barely remember it. “But I’ve yet to have dinner.”
“There are tables over there. Go get some before my brother sends you to bed with none.” Corbin teased and gave his brother a light punch on the shoulder.
“Thanks. I’ll see you both later.” I dipped my head to them both, but it was Karson, who held a strange look. Was he angry with me, annoyed I was here? Pissed off that Corbin got me this dress?
I made my way to the table of food; I spied several tables with wine bottles, glasses placed out for all to try. I moved along to the food tables. Elegant and delicate creations of food lay before me, from pastries, fruits, and desserts of all kinds. Taking a sampling of each, I sat at the tables to ease my thoughts on all I had done. Remembering the evening’s events, the array of rich and royal was everywhere I turned. Taking in the small tell tale of their sign and then the display of dragons, it was all so powerful and thrilling. Here before me, I was seeing it, ageless beauty, broad muscles, the best looking men and woman in all areas. Some had tattoos of swirls and symbols that ran their arms and backs. I remember Corbin telling me that the tattoos were usually of the south, though it had been adapted all over in t
he past fifty years since. Most of the Royals I had greeted were modest, kind, and said little other than, ‘your Bond is splendid’. I could think of better phrases that went with splendid. La’Kera was gaining just as much attention as I was. Since she was in view, and the guest gazed at her, perched behind the floor to ceiling window. Small as she was, she filled the view perfectly.
Listening to the Ryders I was introduced to, I was soon distracted with my lost thoughts and able to notice a difference with, royal and non-royal. Some spoke of their hunting days, few talked about anything but the south, and how much more interesting it was there. Many were of business forms, communicating the lores and laws of the lands. Many of the Royals seemed to be at war among themselves, fighting over seating in the Committee, which belonged to fifteen Ryders at any one time, one could be replaced, and so, many fought for the seating line.
I scanned over the crowd and spotted the EzanGuard. They wore gold sashes across their leather vest and stood poised at a door entrance or even if mingling, they looked ready to strike if danger were present. Several Ryders appeared more irritated than they need, and I wondered why bother coming if your mood was not happy. I nibbled at my plate of chicken wrapped in bacon with a spicy sauce to dip. Taking a sip of my water, I glanced to the dance floor where the music played on the stage just in front of La’Kera herself.
She was watching me and in that, our minds tangled with the knowledge, I was watching her, watching me. I smiled, shaking my head. The idea we could get confused always made us laugh. Taking in the dancers, I kept my mind at ease. It was soon to be nine, and I would have to leave for the evening. That wasn’t fair. Why was Karson so intent on me not staying? It wasn’t as if I was hurting anyone.
Perhaps he is annoyed he crossed the lines with you.
He didn’t cross the line. He just touched me … intimately.
And almost kissed you.
He didn’t and so there was no line. But he wasn’t any different today. He was more like the Ryder from last week.
I glanced to the dancers, taking in the style and slow melody. The rhythm had most couples on the floor. Remembering my argument with La’Kera from earlier, I was instantly swept up with all I was seeing now. Love. Here it was. Many Ryders were engrossed in each other, dancing close and holding each other in ways I wished I could be a part of it, and to know I wasn’t. In this royal world of elegance and grace, where none put a foot wrong, everyone was happy, smiling, and some even shared soft kisses with their lover.
Taking in a couple closer to the middle, I was captivated by her form, the tan of her skin, the shape of her beauty. Short black cropped hair that was spiked out, a purple dress that touched her thighs, and she wore heels; making her taller for her male partner, but not too tall that it looked odd or uncomfortable. He held her perfectly in his arms, brushing his plum lips across her neck as she did the same to him. Her fingers graced the nape of his neck, teasing his black hair. He was hidden from me, as he shifted her around; a pixie face lady was smiling wide. An A’Mystian Ryder. The end of the dance, and both came in for a long passionate kiss. It was both hungry and welcoming, making my stomach clench, my eyes widen in surprise; and I dropped them instantly, to peek at the open affection. Not just them, but many others showed their love openly. In Plumridge it wasn’t often you saw such displays, only on a day of marriage was that allowed, but here, it was all the time. I blinked, seeing the purple dressed woman palm her partners face, with a softer kiss on his lips. And that was when the blood drained from my face.
The love they showed one another, the dazzling clash of auras had me double blinking all that I was seeing, and not because it was dazzling, but because of who he was.
Karson was dancing with the purple dressed woman.
My blood froze, in mid beat, as I stared in shock of what I was seeing. This was why he was angry with me. The toll of a clock sounded. Nine. Oh, crap. I wasn’t supposed to be here for this. He didn’t want me to see it … did he?
I was being silly.
He wasn’t my boyfriend.
He was my mentor, who sort of, almost, kissed me yesterday.
It was just an infatuation on my part, that’s all this was. He wasn’t going to kiss me, and after bearing witness to their open passion, I was disappointed that he couldn’t kiss me like that; he wouldn’t kiss me like that. He was my mentor. My mentor, damn it.
Calm down. You know as I have told you. He is a distraction, and see his colour, it is love he has for this Ryder. The love you have spoken of. The dazzling rainbow of colour, dances around both of them as it did many others on the floor.
Why … why does it do that …?
I don’t know … it just does, but it tells me they are made to be together. He is your mentor, and you need to accept that.
I’m trying.
I hated my anger was present in her, and she rumbled in annoyance making many guest stare at her.
Karson locked his eyes on me. I stood and hastily left for the far wall. The exit … damn where was the exit.
“What are you still doing here?” His tone was harsh.
“Leaving,” I murmured.
“You should have left ten minutes ago.”
“Yeah. I noticed. And I’m going now,” I glared at him. “Hope you have a good night,” I snapped, unable to hide my anger.
“Have you been drinking?”
I laughed. “No. I have not had anything to drink. I just don’t know why you want me to leave so early. The night is only just starting.” I went for a bluff. I did want to leave. I had to leave. It was taking a lot of my will power not to run away, or blush any more than I was.
He lowered his head, his eyes searched my face. “You have had enough fun for this evening.”
“Karson!” A voice called out.
I rolled my eyes, seeing her arrive behind him.
“Tora.” He hushed her name and my eyes widen. It was her, the Tora he spoke of. Where was Sasha? Was she here also? “I was just talking with my tutelage.”
The purple dress woman held a puzzled look.
Is that all I am now? I wanted to snap at him. I didn’t want to cause a seen and I most definitely didn’t want to stand there another moment. “I’m leaving. Just like you wanted.” I turned on my heels.
“Rehema!” He called.
I half paused.
“You can stay for one more hour. No more.” And then, I was out of sight.
Leaning against the wall, hating the feeling that welled inside of me, I pressed my palms to my face, not wanting to cry. I will not cry. No. He isn’t worth it. I just … got overwhelmed. I heaved several breaths and peeked around the corner. Karson had turned his attention to Tora, and now he was walking away with her hand in his. They looked good together. I should be happy for him. I just hated he made me feel so childish … stating; I had to go to bed, I had to go to my room. No. I was old enough to do what I wanted. In Plumridge, I was permitted wine on celebrations and this … this was a celebration.
I don’t think you should do that ….
I was already tiptoeing towards the wine selection. Biting my lip, I half rolled my eyes at La’Kera.
I can and will. It’s a celebration … to forget that Karson was even interested in me and for me to say. He is my mentor, with truth now.
I picked up the glass of red liquid. It was oddly thick, staining the side as I swirled it around. I licked my lips and with closed eyes, I said my fair well to any more hope with Karson. To my mentor. I swallowed a large mouthful of wine as fast as I could, wanting to avoid the burn, only it wasn’t there.
This was not like the wine in Plumridge.
Hu? I licked my lips, tasting the wine; sweet, sugary, salty at the ends and a touch of bitter, but no burn in my throat. Hmmm … It wasn’t even harsh going down.
I placed the empty glass on the table and peeked around. No one had stopped me, no one had seen and no one cared. I reached for another and sipped, this time slower. It was nice, warm came
to mind. Sipping it a little faster, I headed along the hall, seeing a drink maiden ahead, I downed the last of my second glass and switched it with a full. She didn’t stop me and I walked on.
Fresh air hit my flushed cheeks, which had me smile, as I stumbled a little in the open balcony. I was outside on the top of the Main Building at least a hundred, maybe two hundred feet high, since all the levels were a good fifteen feet high each. The night was fresh, clear of clouds and the stars, so far and so close, and so many. A silly smile crossed my lips, gazing up at the sky. Tingles, lots of tingles started to rise and crease my body. I was officially tipsy. I sipped on my third glass and walked towards the balcony rails. The buzz in my mind told me I should slow down, and even La’Kera’s voice was small, she wanted me to head to my room.
“Why. So Karson can tell me what to do tomorrow …” I hiccuped on my words, speaking aloud and losing focus. “I’m not doing that La’Kera. Besides … it’s just one drink, won’t hurt anyone. And here’s to him … my mentor.” I raised my glass and downed the last of the contents, to find it was nothing but a mouthful left. “Damn. I need more.”
“Never is enough wine when you need it.” The voice was in the shadows and I turned, half stumbling and finding my footing a little unprepared for the garden bed.
“Whoa—”
A current of heat touched my side as hands encased me, stopping me from falling into the garden. One hand around my waist, another cradled my head as he leaned over me. The man that now presented himself from the shadows of the balcony was silhouetted by the moon.
“Whoa yourself,” I teased, gazing up into his dark eyes. Taking in his spiked bronze hair. “You just u-used … flash … Energy. Speed … Whoa—”
He smiled, a crooked grin of amusement that made my whole body tingle, or maybe that was the wine.
“You okay?”
“I’m good and you … you are cute.”
“Hmmm … here.” He righted me to my feet. “Can you stand?”
“Should be okay. My legs are wobbly. But that’s okay.”
“Uh-hu. I see you’re a little drunk.” He chuckled at my instability.
“Nope. Not drunk. I’m tipsy. In Plumridge we call it the buzz.”
“Well, Plumridge is known for drunken crowds. So the buzz does fit.”
“Ha-ha … And now, a drunk girl.” I blinked to take him in. “You’re … a Ryder. Like all the others. Right? Are you going to tell me I’m not allowed to drink too?”
He shook his head. “No. I can see you’re upset.”
“Tuh.” I rolled my eyes. “No. I just had something mixed up.”
“Hmm … must have been a big mix up to make you upset.”
“Well, it’s okay. I’m good now. Though, I could use more wine.” My words slurred a little, as I focused on this stranger.
Cute was an understatement. He was perfectly handsome, appealing, amusing, and idly mysterious, standing outside in the shadows of a festive party, and oddly still talking to me. I gazed his form, slowly. Not too muscled, not too toned, or tanned. Nothing like Karson and definitely more balanced than Tobias. His eyes captivated me, long lashes of dark brown eyes, incredibly alluring, as too his smile, a perfect row of white teeth and supple lips.
“Wine can be good.” He held out his hand for me. “I’m Connor Dalton. Bond of Brow’Dur, Em’Adels.”
“Oh, so you’re a Royal too, then?”
“I’m not a royal,” he said, not agitated in the least. “Well, I’m a sixty-fifth Em’Adels if that’s any help.”
“A sixty what now … see I have no idea what your t-talking about. I’m Rehema Thorndale Bond of La’Kera, Dy’Monian. And I’m b-behind in my s-s-study and I’m also the worst tut-tutelage there is …”
“Ah … that explains the toast to your mentor, Karson’s new apprentice.” He was acknowledging it.
“You know Karson?” I palmed my forehead at that comment. This is a Royal party with Ryders from all over, everyone knew everyone. “Oops. You already know who he is. Don’t you.”
“I was his last apprentice.” Connor rolled his eyes and ran a hand through his hair, making the spikes shift and flick.
I wonder if his hair was soft to touch. Whoa—what did he just say. Last apprentice?
“Have you been on the camping trip yet?” He asked.
I nodded twice. “We only just got back yesterday. It was so … Uh, and then Corbin showed up.”
“Hmmm … they’re good brothers. Better than some I’ve met, but this is about Karson being a pain in the neck, so I can’t be saying nice things,” he teased. Leaning closer, he smiled kindly. “It was nice to meet your Bond earlier, bet she’s a little hard to reach right about now.” Connor touched my temple the smallest amount, making a current surge. I blinked at the feeling it offered.
“She’s fine. She’s on the rooftops … singing.” I swivelled my head, feeling the heat on my cheeks and the wind cooling me. “But, I don’t want to go inside just yet. Karson will find me and he’ll make me go to bed.”
Connor raised a brow, with a half smile of amusement. “Between you and me, he’s not helpful until you knock him over.”
“Hu … I can’t even hit him. And besides, he was such a—” I paused in my words, swallowing hard on—I hope that was food wanting to stay in my stomach.
“Oh, you look a little … green.”
Connor shifted to my side, ready to aid if I did throw the contents of my stomach. Odd. Most would move away from a sick person.
“Here. Take this.”
Out of nowhere, a glass of water appeared. It was magic. I smiled, laughing at the action.
“That was … wow. Did Karson teach you that?” I asked.
He waited until I drank a fair amount of it before answering me. “In his good days, yes. Don’t worry; he can be a pain to everyone. What did he do this time?”
“He told me I had to go to bed and I wasn’t allowed wine. But I don’t care what he says. I need to forget him … I just want to forget everything.”
“Hmmm …” Connor tilted my face, taking him in from this angle had me blinking in shock. When did he touch my face? And why was it so easy, comfortably? Hang on a moment. He was still holding me, which was a good thing; I doubt I can stand on my own.
“Is this the mix up you were referring too?”
“Yep. It’s really stupid and… I need to forget about it all.”
He was silent a moment, sighing heavily before asking. “Your homes in Plumridge, right?”
“Yep. That’s where I was found.”
He shifted his position, relaxing himself a foot from me as he pressed his hands to the railing. “Plumridge is a fine place, I was there recently.”
“You were in Plumridge?”
“Well … I was scouting there for the past four months. Had to take leave due to the Em’Adels clause on … never mind.”
“Do you … do you know Evelyn Thorndale. A middle aged woman, she works in the bakery.”
“Yeah. She’s lovely. She your mother?”
“Sort of … She’s … she’s my stepmother, Walter was my father.”
“Walter? … Is that the man that died a few months back? The whole village talks about that.”
“They do?”
“Yeah, they say that his daughter went beyond the wall after him, and … guess that’s you.” His hand brushed my cheek. “You’re the one they found in Plumridge. Hmmm … A rare find indeed.” His eyes stared unblinking into mine. And all I was seeing was this stranger.
He was kind, helpful and now in my buzzing head of wine and barely digested food, I realised he was telling me he was a Ryder from Plumridge, he knew Evelyn. He knew my town, my friends, family. He was there—here; he was helping me. He reached towards me, and I watched as the glass filled with water.
“You should drink more water. Don’t want you bringing up your stomach.”
I half smiled and paused. I wasn’t going to throw up—was I?
&n
bsp; It was a moment of focusing that I remembered where he was from. My home. My family. And I wanted to know more. “Can you tell me …? Are they all okay there?” I wanted desperately to hold on to anything he said.
“Oh, yes. They are fine. No attacks to tell. One bit of news might cheer you up.”
I held my smile in position as he leant on the rails and squared his shoulders.
“Evelyn, your mother. She’s seven months pregnant.”
“What. Really! Oh … wow.” Shocked or happy—I was stunned. She was pregnant! I realised instantly as my wine infested brain made the connection. Walter’s child. He was finally going to be a real father and he wasn’t here to see. It made tears escape my lid. Connor wiped them from my cheek with his thumb.
“Hey … shh … it’s okay. She’s happy. She talks about you. The one that became a Ryder right here in their town.”
I laughed as he placed a voice that she would have used. I could imagine her laughing, talking, and cheering. It made all my worries fade away. My anger at Karson, my annoyance at being told I had to go to bed was subsiding, and here was Connor, a gentleman.
“I don’t know if I should be trained by Karson. He’s so … and I’m so …” I wasn’t even sure what I wanted to put in those blank spots of so’s … “You said you were his student. How is that possible? You’re a Ryder.”
“As are you.”
“NO. I mean. Your … old … right.”
“I’m twenty-four, soon to age another year in oh, a week’s time.”
“You have a day of birth in two weeks?”
“Yes. My day of birth is called a birthday.”
“Oh, sorry.”
“Don’t be. It’s sweet. You’re from the dangorian town, so it makes sense you misuse the words.”
“It’s so … different here.” I turned to the view, darkness of the world around me held a hue and glow of life. Stars littered the inky sky above with the three sister moons in view. The air and water was starting to take effect, I was less dizzy and more alert. If I stared at the sky, I could imagine I was in Plumridge. When I gazed to the horizon and the high cliffs of Stone Heart, he spoke.
“You look less likely to hurl now. You okay?”
“Yeah. Thanks. I guess I was being silly.”
“Nah. You were … well, Karson would do that to anyone. And sending you to bed. Little forward, considering it’s so early in the evening.”
“Hu. If you only knew the truth. I’m not going to bed. I want to have fun.”
“Let’s see if we can get another bottle of wine.” Connor tilted his head, that look of sneakiness and coyness stirred my awareness. “That’s if you don’t mind hanging out with an oldie like me and one of Karson’s former students.”
“Hmm … are you going to tell on me?”
“Course not. It’s better to keep an eye on you.”
“Just an eye?”
“I think it can be more.” His finger came out, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. His knuckles brushed my cheek to my chin, the heat sizzled, along with a current of tingles that made my eyes roll.
Connor chuckled. “So, what you say. We leave the snobs to their party and have our own private shindig.”
I inhaled his scented oils, wild forest, pine and oak touched my senses. It was much more appealing than Karson’s. Taking in Connor’s narrow jaw line, his long lashed eyes, inviting me to stare and I had to force myself to focus. Colours leaped and danced into my view and around his body. Hmmm … I might be tipsy on the wine, but La’Kera was working her magic for me. His hues were all warm and engaging. Least that’s what I hoped it was. Connor held out his elbow and placed my arm through it. Noticing he was wearing a long black coat, not that it was cold. It was far from cold.
With an amused smile that was sweet, he said, “So, what you say?” He gazed down at me from his, just shy of six foot height.
Smiling to his offer, “Yes. Let’s leave them snobby Royals to their crazy night.” And with that, I walked from the balcony with Connor beside me, holding my hand.