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The dining room was huge, absolutely huge. The main table stretched over a hundred feet directly down the center of the room and was made of beautifully polished walnut. The side tables weren’t of lesser quality, nor were the dinnerware. Everything was silver, gold, or crystal, and often emblazoned with a tornado I was thrilled to notice that Charlene was at a side table, but Cathy and I were seated at the main table. King Alan sat at King Olean’s left, and Queen Florinda sat next to him. Mari sat next to her mother, Cathy sat next to Mari, and I sat next to Cathy. At the end of the table sat King Olean, and at his right was Queen Brenda. Next to the queen was a woman I didn’t know, in her mid-twenties, and a man of roughly the same age, and then Samson. I noticed with a shot of dread that Martin was sitting across from me, and Quinn claimed the spot next to me. After that, it alternated back and forth down the table between Valerians and Linsons.
“So, Miss Ilion,” Queen Brenda said with a smile, “what do you think of our country?”
I was careful in answering. “It still surprises me how similar it looks to America, Your Highness, except I don’t think the states in America love tornadoes as much as you do.” I gestured around us. The candleholders were shaped in tornadoes, the floor in had a tornado design; even the plates had golden tornadoes on them.
King Olean smiled too. “That’s probably true.” He caught my glance at the woman and man sitting next to his wife and said, “Allow me to introduce my daughter, Princess Hillarie and her husband, our son-in-law, Prince Corin. They were not at the introductions earlier.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” Hillarie said, smiling. “No, unfortunately, we weren’t there earlier. We were handling some business.”
I wondered if this business had anything to do with the Light Bearers, but refrained from asking, and said instead, “It is an honor to meet you as well, Your Highness. I never expected to meet so much royalty in my lifetime.”
There were smiles all around and Corin leaned forward, clearly intrigued. “I have heard a lot about you, and I see by the diamond arrow that most of it is probably true.”
“I doubt it, Your Highness,” I replied instantly. “Rumors have a tendency to grow with time.”
“So your rescuing of Princess Mari?”
“Yes, I did rescue her, with help.”
“But you went alone at first, did you not?”
“I did,” I admitted.
“And you defeated Olson’s army?”
“No. Lendia’s people did that. I helped. I may be good, but I’m not so good I can take down an entire army by myself, Your Highness.”
“Just Corin,” he said dismissively. “But you did kill one of the leaders of the insurrection, did you not?”
“I did,” I said, wishing he hadn’t made it sound like I’d intentionally murdered him.
“I have heard many tales about that fight,” Hillarie said, her eyes sparkling. “Although now I can see that you are significantly shorter than they mentioned, and I’m not sure if you can hurl thunderbolts.”
I laughed with everyone else. “No, Your Highness, I don’t believe I can.”
“No need for formalities,” Hillarie said. “I feel as if I already know you. I’ve heard so much about you from Florinda.”
Just then, a bell sounded and servers entered bearing food. Conversation was briefly dispensed of until everyone’s plate was filled. Quinn spoke first, to Martin. “You are going to the ball tomorrow night, of course, are you not?”
“I am,” Martin said calmly. “I take it you are going as well?”
“Of course. I do not have a partner, however. Do you?”
I didn’t look up, but I wanted to kick Quinn, hard.
“I do,” Martin said, still calm.
“And who is the lucky lady?”
“Charlene Hinson, Princess Mari’s governess,” he said after a moment’s pause.
I saw Cathy stiffen beside me, then she caught herself and glared furiously at her plate, upset on my behalf. Mari was frowning at Martin, glanced at me, then also turned her gaze to her plate. I was trying to keep the hurt from my expression. I’d been expecting it, but it still hurt all the same. Quinn touched my fisted hand under the table, but I removed it. He’d done that on purpose, and there wasn’t a person here who didn’t know that. Hillarie looked sympathetic and Corin looked back and forth from me to Martin to Quinn, realizing that something was going on that he didn’t know about. Thankfully, the king and queen of both countries were busy talking and weren’t paying attention to our conversation.
Things were awkwardly silent for a minute until Hillarie said, “Joan, do you follow fashion at all?”
I shrugged. “Not much, really. Most of the fashion I think is ridiculous, so I don’t pay attention. I don’t know how different the fashions are here, but I wouldn’t mind seeing.”
“Would it bother you, after dinner, if I showed you my dress for the ball tomorrow? I also have a friend I’d like you to meet.”
I forced a smile. “I wouldn’t mind at all.” I was trying not to look at Martin or Quinn. “Can I ask how long you two have been married?”
“Three years,” Corin said, taking his wife’s hand.
“And what country are you from?” I asked him, letting my hurt and anger fade into the back of my mind.
“I am a Linson.”
“He was the son of a duke,” Hillarie explained. “Visiting his sister, who works here in the castle. We met and, well, things just kind of worked out.”
Conversation was easy from there. We didn’t discuss the ball very much, only to confirm that everyone was going. When dinner was over, and we had finished talking, I spoke to Hillarie. “I would love to go with you, but I have to take care of Mari and Cathy first. Once someone is with them, I’ll find my way to meet you.”
“I could show you,” Quinn offered immediately. “I wouldn’t mind.”
“Thank you,” I said, although I had to work slightly to not make it snide.
Martin wasn’t able to say anything, because as soon as he stood, Charlene appeared and attached to his arm. I quickly turned away, ushering Mari and Cathy with me. Quinn followed and it was silent between us until we reached the room. Yal was already there and Mari and Cathy were quick to disappear inside, as Cathy wanted a rematch of checkers. “You’re good?” I asked Yal. “When do I need to be back?”
“Before midnight would be nice,” he said easily. “I won’t mind staying up tomorrow, not to see you dressed up, but tonight I’d like some sleep after the day’s ride.”
“I ought to stay up till three,” I said. “Just for revenge. I’ll get you.”
He grinned at me as I called good night to the girls.
The moment we rounded the corner, Quinn said, “I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
I turned on him, all good humor gone. “No, you’re not,” I snapped. “You’re sorry you upset me, maybe I can believe that, but you’re not sorry you said that. You knew. You knew I wasn’t going with Martin and that Charlene was, and you insisted in bringing that up at the dinner table in front of everyone. It’s bad enough keeping two little girls in line, but I would have thought that you at least would understand discretion!”
He stepped back and tried to placate me hurriedly. “You’re right, I shouldn’t have done that. I apologize for your embarrassment.”
I glared at him for another minute, then quickly cooled. “Don’t do that again, all right? I don’t need any more awkward moments than I already have.”
“Of course,” he said instantly.
I blew out another sigh. “Where am I supposed to go?”
He directed me down another hallway and up a flight of stairs. “I would like to talk with you some more, after you talk with the princess, if you want.”
I shrugged. “Maybe. It depends on how long this runs. It’s been a very long day.”
He flashed a smile. “I would be honored by your presence. Just ask anyone and they’ll know how to find me.” He stopped in front of a doorway. “In case I don’t see you again, I will bid you good night, my lady.” He bowed, winking, then walked away, whistling. I couldn’t stop from smiling, or the small giggle from escaping that I knew he heard as I knocked on the door.
Hillarie opened the door and smiled at me. “Joan, come in! Let’s talk fashion!”
I laughed. “I’m sure that if anyone I knew heard that, their jaws would hit the floor.”
Hillarie smiled. “Not much for fashion?”
“My friends would say I’m too, ah, rustic to talk fashion.” I offered a wry smile. “They don’t see my skill with weapons as a talent. More of a hillbilly trait.”
“Hillbilly?” Hillarie asked.
“It’s not really a compliment. A dumb, country person who likes to drink and shoot and doesn’t like society,” I explained.
“Nonsense,” Hillarie said briskly, sitting down in a chair and gesturing for me to take another. “You are anything but a hillbilly. I would say that you were born for this world. Do you fit in better here, or am I wrong?”
“You’re not wrong,” I admitted. “But I can’t stay here. Cathy, my sister, needs me, and we can’t just disappear from our world. People would notice if we were gone, and there are a few people that I don’t want to leave behind.” I shrugged sadly. “And I’m sure you’ve noticed a reason why it would be easier to go back.”
“Martin.” She studied me carefully. “I don’t want to seem nosy...”
“We were dating,” I said abruptly. “Until Charlene got in the picture. He’s trying to get me back except Charlene seems to think she has a claim and so I don’t want anything to do with either of them.” I stopped. “That’s the short version.”
“Is Charlene the woman who threw herself at him at dinner?” At my nod, she shook her head. “He doesn’t want anything to do with her. He couldn’t get away from her fast enough after you left.”
I studied the floor. “I don’t know. I’m angry, a lot.”
“That’s expected. I’d be furious if I found Corin with someone else.”
I gave a wry smile. “You two are married. I’ve heard people say that I shouldn’t be this angry because it’s not like we’re committed to each other in marriage.”
“That’s ridiculous,” Hillarie said, offended. “Of course you have a right to be angry! You were in a relationship, and you have the right to expect that he be committed in at least a sense.” She raised an eyebrow. “But it looks like Quinn is showing interest, so all’s not lost, is it? Quinn’s good as far as things go. He can be a big flirt sometimes, just ask anyone in the castle, especially a female, but he’s a good guy.”
“I kind of figured that. He is really nice; I just have this problem of running off men.”
“Maybe in your world. I’m not seeing that happen here.”
I laughed.
She continued. “And tomorrow, I think no one will have more partners than you.” Her eyes shone with excitement. “You have to let me do your hair and makeup for the ball!”
I grimaced. “Hillarie, I hate balls with a passion. I absolutely despise social occasions.”
“But you’re going,” she reminded me. “Please? Let me fix you up!”
I sighed. “You’re one of those people, aren’t you? The ‘let’s make everyone look pretty!’ people. I thought I ran all those people off years ago.”
Hillarie laughed. “It’ll be fun,” she cajoled. “Please? No one ever lets me do their hair! It’s not something most princesses do.”
I gave in. “All right. But I have veto power.”
“Absolutely,” she said. “Within limits.”
“Don’t even pull the royalty card,” I warned. “It won’t work on me.”
She laughed and bounced up. “This will be fun! Let’s start now. I’ll show you my dress for tomorrow and you tell me what you think.”
She went to her closet and pulled out a long, flowing, pink and orange dress. It was slinky with ruffles and a few gems as glitter scattered across it. “What do you think?”
I whistled slowly. “Corin will go crazy and everyone else will be jealous.”
“I hope so, at least the Corin part. It’s been a while since I dazzled him.”
“That would do it!” I went closer to inspect the dress. “This is gorgeous!”
“Good,” she said, satisfied. “I hoped so. No one’s actually seen the dress yet, aside from the dressmakers. I hid it from Corin.”
“I’m honored,” I said dryly. “Why me?”
“I like you,” she said seriously. “You’re so down-to-earth and black-and-white. You don’t get a lot of that in politics.” She raised an eyebrow. “Do I get to see your dress?”
“I promise to show you before tomorrow night, if I can. I don’t know the plans or the schedule or anything. I just stay with Mari and Cathy all day.”
“I’ll find you then,” she said decisively. “This is going to be so much fun!” She suddenly brightened. “You haven’t met Chelsea yet!” She went and knocked on a wooden door that connected to the room next door.
The door opened and Chelsea came in. Chelsea was plump, but had such a sweet face that anyone would notice that long before even thinking about her weight, and even then all anyone would notice would be her curves. She had a happy smile, short red hair that curled around her face, and sparkling green eyes.
“Chelsea, this is Joan Ilion,” Hillarie introduced. “Joan, this is Chelsea Levine. She’s a lady-in-waiting.”
I shook her hand before I thought about it. “It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said first.
“And it’s a pleasure to meet you as well,” I replied, flushing slightly. “Sorry, a habit.” I curtseyed to her properly and she flashed a wider grin.
“Don’t bother,” she said, sitting down. “We studied customs in your culture. It was exciting and interesting.”
“I’m afraid of what information you have on the Flip Side,” I said dryly, taking a seat as well. “The things I’ve heard don’t indicate you know a lot of fact about us.”
Chelsea leaned forward, intrigued. “Really? This will be most interesting! Explain the differences, if you would.”
“Yes, do,” Hillarie chimed in. “We’d love to hear it.”
I smiled, already knowing these women would soon be very close friends.
We talked for several hours before I said my good nights and went back down the hallways to my room. Since it was still pretty early, I decided on a whim to take up Quinn’s offer. I asked the first person I saw where to find Quinn, and a maid giggled. “Oh, you don’t know where Quinnie’s room is yet? I don’t remember seeing you.”
“I’m with the Valerians,” I said calmly.
“Oh, so he’s hitting them up already. Quinnie’s such a flirt! He’ll be fun, you’ll see.”
“Quinn and I are just friends,” I said just as calmly as my last statement. “Nothing more.”
The maid rolled her eyes. “You’re passing up something good! His kisses...”
“Just friends,” I repeated, interrupting her.
She sighed, shaking her head. “You must be interested in someone else to pass up Quinnie.” She gestured. “He’s down that hall. Third door on the left. Knock before you go in. If there’s lipstick on the door, you might want to come back later.” Then she giggled again and continued on her way.
I shook my head as I knocked on Quinn’s door, noting with amusement that there was no lipstick on the door. Quinn’s door opened and he smiled when he recognized me. “Joan!”
“Hi. Quinnie.”
He grimaced. “What have you heard?”
“Apparently, you’re quite the Casanova.”
He colored slightly. “Ah, I suppose I was, not too long ago. I don’t do much more than flirt now, but I wasn’t always like that, if I’m telling the truth.” He gave a wry smile and stepped out of the way, leaving the door open as we sat down. “I wasn’t expecting you to come tonight.”
“I didn’t see the harm.”
He played with a knife. “So, what would you like to do? I would be open to any suggestions.”
“You did suggest a tour of the castle.”
He stood instantly. “I did, and I would not impress you at all if I negated on that promise. My lady.” He offered his hand to help me up. I let him help me up, walking by his side and chatting with him as we toured the entire castle. He had a good sense of humor and was easy-going among the rest of the castle. Even the guards on duty felt comfortable enough to joke with him as we walked around the outside wall, down through the gardens, and back in to the hallways. We found the library at my request, in case Mari or Cathy asked, and I admired the stained glass windows along the south end of the castle. We ended in front of my room, and I called Yal good night as he took off, then chatting with Quinn a minute or two longer. “I will bid you good night, my lady,” he said kissing the back of my hand. “It was a pleasure and I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
I smiled. “Good night, Quinn.” Then I disappeared inside, smiling as I closed the door.
The girls were already in bed, but not yet asleep. They were focused in their game of checkers. “What number of game is this?” I asked.
“Fifty something,” Cathy said, eyes glued to the board.
“You two finish your game and go to sleep. You’ll be in a terrible mood tomorrow if you don’t get some sleep, and I’m not willing to put up with it.”
Cathy suddenly brightened and jumped twice. “King me!” she crowed. “I win!”
“There’s no point in kinging you if you already won,” Mari argued petulantly.
“Both of you, checkers get put away and you two get to sleep,” I ordered before the sniping could begin.
They did as told. It didn’t take long before they were both crawling into bed. I turned the lights out except for a small lamp on my side of the room as they snuggled under the covers.
“Joan?” Mari called. “Can I ride with you from now on instead of Charlene?”
“That’s not my decision.”
“Then can you ask? I don’t want to ride with Charlene anymore. She’s mean and scared of everything.”
“I won’t make any promises, but we’ll see.” I kissed both of them on the cheek, first Mari, then Cathy. “Good night, girls.”
“Good night,” they replied as I slipped back out the door.
Once the door had closed softly behind me, I stared at Martin’s door for a long minute, then pulled up my courage and walked over to his door and knocked.
My worst fears came true when I heard a female voice behind the closed door and recognized it as Charlene’s. When Charlene came sauntering out a minute later, smirking, I resisted the urge to turn and leave and made myself go inside, but my fingers were clenched.
“I wanted to ask if there was anything I needed to prepare for on our journey the day after tomorrow, after what happened today.” I kept my eyes trained on the wall and didn’t look at Martin at all.
He was silent for a long minute, but I didn’t waver in my gaze. I didn’t want to know what Charlene had been doing in here.
“I want you, Cathy, and Princess Mari moved to the front with me from now on,” he said at last.
“And Charlene?”
“She will stay where she is.”
I was sure he was doing that for me, but I didn’t say anything, keeping my eyes on the wall.
He sighed. “Nothing happened, Joan. I can’t stop her from visiting me.” His voice turned sardonic. “Just as I can’t stop you from visiting someone else.”
“What I do with my free time is not your concern,” I said in a clipped tone.
“That doesn’t mean I won’t pay attention. Quinn certainly seemed to like your attentions.” His tone was angry. “But you won’t so much as look at me. What is this then? You’re throwing yourself at the nearest man to prove you don’t need me?”
My temper rose. “Throw myself at him? I no longer have to watch my actions in order to protect my honor as an American, apparently, but I haven’t forgotten that I’m representing Valeria, so I think you’d better watch your accusations until I’ve actually done something to warrant this reprimand.”
“What does that mean?” Martin demanded.
Now I looked at him, and my gaze was cold. “Like you didn’t hear Charlene say that I was quite probably illegitimate. It was either that, or I’m a genetic freak, or one of my ancestors is a traitor. Remy at least stuck up for me when he was dating Charlene.”
He glared back. “I’m doing what I can. Charlene won’t say that again, Joan, and I’m sorry she said that to you, but I can’t stop her from disliking you.”
I still spoke in clipped tones. “I must go, sir. I’ve heard that a female alone in a man’s room means something.” A snide comment I couldn’t help making, since Charlene had been in here alone with him, with the door closed.
I turned to go, and suddenly he was behind me, his hand slamming the door shut. “Stop walking out on me all the time, Joan. Give me a chance to fix things before you start condemning me!” He stepped in front of me, but I refused to look at him, not moving. “Joan, please,” he said, voice softer. “You said you needed time to be angry, and I understand that, but how long are you going to be angry at me when I keep showing you that I’m sorry? I want you and I need to know if I’m ever going to be a part of your life again.”
“Not while Charlene is a part of yours,” I said. “She needs to be out of your life before I’ll come back. I’m not going to compete for your attention. I told you, her or me.”
“She is out of my life,” he said. “You’re not competing for my attention.”
“The way she walked out of your room, I wouldn’t say that. She seeks you out, and only someone who thinks they have the right to act like that does that. If you wanted her out of your life, you’d get her out, but she thinks she has a claim on you. She’s your date to the ball.”
He grimaced. “I agreed because I was angry at you. I wish I hadn’t, but I did. She doesn’t have a claim on me, Joan. Even if you don’t want me, I’m still yours.”
I shook my head. “Not today, Martin. I can’t do it today.”
He stepped back. “I’m not giving up,” he said quietly. “And I want you to know that.” Then he opened the door for me, watching as I went the short distance down the hall and into the room next door. I didn’t know whether to hope he would give up, or to hope that he wouldn’t.