21. Chapter 21
21
T he next day unfolded like any other, but with an undercurrent of dread that lingered until Elise knocked on my door, holding out my dinner dress, which she said Levon had selected. It was a soft green silk adorned with shimmering gold tulle that cascaded along the skirts and climbed up the bodice like a constellation of the heavens. Thin straps embellished my shoulders with golden caps that trimmed the top.
Elise clipped a golden jewel into the right side of my hair before finger curling my hair, letting the locks cascade down like a flowing curtain.
"Elise, I apologize for running off yesterday. I…I've never been great at making friends," I confessed as she curled my ends.
"We understand, and we're always here for you. I'm happy to see you're okay." She squeezed my shoulders, offering a reassuring smile. "You look beautiful."
I glanced back into the vanity. "Thank you for everything. You must be a Magic to make me look this good," I complimented with a smile.
We shared a laugh, but it left me with a hollow feeling in my chest, reminding me of similar conversations I had with Aoife. I made a mental note to write to her before bed tonight to tell her everything, although I was sure Calum had already filled her in on the details.
I turned back to my reflection as Elise finished the last curl. My eyes sparkled like a brilliant green constellation against the shimmers of my dress, while the charcoal liner and dusty pink lips softened my tan skin. "Thank you," I whispered as she helped me into the nude heels that Levon had insisted I wear.
"Oh, these men are in for a delight," Saasha remarked, opening the door and settling onto the bed. I chuckled, uncertain how to act under the scrutiny of unfamiliar eyes.
"Do you know why we're having this dinner?" I asked, eagerly hoping it wasn't to parade me off.
The two of them shrugged in unison, shaking their heads. "Sir Alder enjoys lively company, and I'm sure he wants his friends to meet you before you head for the King's Court. The more people on your side, the better," Saasha explained.
"Why?" I asked, unsure why I needed people on my side or why I had to pretend to be someone I wasn't.
"A bigger wager for the contestants?" Elise faltered. "I wish I knew. But…come now, Sir Alder said I need to get you to his room by six."
She tugged my arm, pulling me off the chair, as Saasha followed suit, intertwining their arms with mine. We passed his study and the stairs, heading to the west corridor and balcony. It wrapped around the library below and led to several doors and various hallways I had yet to explore.
"His door is at the end. Good luck," Elise said, kissing my cheek while Saasha squeezed my hand.
I watched them until they rounded the corner and went out of sight. Pushing down the thrum of dread poking through the calm, I approached the dark mahogany door. Knocking, I heard a shuffle of feet, and then the door swung open, revealing Levon shirtless and frozen, his eyes grazing me as if he had never beheld such views before.
I smiled tightly, trying to push down the rising awkwardness, as he stepped aside and allowed me to enter.
The click of the door closing behind me echoed through the room. I glanced around, taking in the neatness of his space, with its gold and teal accents. A cobalt rug lay beneath his bed while a leather lounge chair sat nearby. The far wall was adorned with shelves of books, some resting on a small desk nearby. Turning back to him, I avoided meeting his gaze, focusing on his face, which was almost completely healed.
His features were marred with bruises only a few days ago, and they had seemingly vanished. His vibrant eyes furrowed, catching my sudden surprise.
"Elise came in, and," he breathed out, striding to his armoire, "powdered my face—made sure it wasn't noticeable. I couldn't be hosting a dinner with the guests to leave with that gossip," he mused as if nothing was unsettled between us.
"She did an excellent job," I remarked, holding my breath.
He turned back to me, taking hold of a white tunic, his eyes sliding up me again.
"She did, indeed." He pulled the shirt on, quickly buttoning it up. "Forgive me, I didn't realize it was already six."
I gave him a forgiving shrug, walking toward the bookshelf. My heart still racing with uncertainty.
I ran my hand over the spines of the books, waiting until he was fully dressed before turning back to him, not trusting my thoughts or eyes. Across the floor, I heard a shuffle of movement as I continued my survey of his personal library.
My hand slid over a familiar-looking book with black strappings. I traced the spine, recalling the first day I arrived at the library and my previous encounters. I pulled it out, seeing the cover tarnished from use. Unclasping the first latch, I was stopped by Levon's hand over mine.
"I'd rather my personal journal remain personal, " he teased with a smirk, taking the book away and clasping it shut.
He was lying. The tension in the air was suffocating, thick with unspoken resentment and awkwardness.
Straightening my back, I forced a strained smile as he extended his arms, his cuffs unbuttoned. He cleared his throat, "Help me with this, will you?" His request sounded hollow but sincere.
Suppressing a sigh, I complied, assisting with one hand and the other. His touch felt like a branding iron against my skin; I sucked in a breath. The atmosphere grew even more uncomfortable.
"Eliah," he breathed, his voice heavy with regret, his eyes searching mine as he grasped my hand. "I was unkind to have treated you as I did the other day and all the days following."
His gaze dropped to our intertwined hands, a fleeting moment of vulnerability. "I don't know how to earn your forgiveness, but I'll keep trying. I hope one day you'll trust me. I'll make things right…and perhaps it will all make sense one day."
His words tumbled out, but the sincerity in his voice only stoked the fire of my anger.
Trust? I scoffed inwardly. The word landed in my gut like a punch. There was no trust here. Our entire relationship was built on a foundation of secrets I wasn't allowed to know. Only empty promises of one day.
"When I was asleep, I saw things I can't describe. It felt real, too real, and for the first time, I truly felt fear, Levon…and I was fearful for my life," I confessed, gripping his hands tighter, searching desperately in his bright eyes for some kind of understanding. They seemed so distant, so unreachable. "I was scared to die, knowing that I never had the chance to truly live."
I sighed heavily, feeling the weight of my words pressing down on me, and continued. "Let's not pretend anymore, Levon. I don't want to keep playing this role. I'm not fearless or heroic by any standard, and I know you truly cannot trust me enough to give me any source of information. You're keeping secrets from me." I released his hands, gesturing towards it with frustration. "I don't know if I'll ever be able to trust you."
The hurt in his eyes cut more profoundly than I expected, and I turned away, striding towards the door, unable to bear the weight of the emotions swirling between us.
"Your dream," he demanded abruptly, his tone tinged with urgency. "What was it?" The image of the shadowy figure flashed through my mind, the icy grip of chains tightening around my wrists and ankles.
"It was just a dream," I replied curtly, meeting his gaze head-on. "You should focus on getting ready."
"Later, then?" he asked.
I walked to the door, not caring to meet his eyes. "The guests are arriving, and the host shouldn't keep them waiting," I said, opening the door.
He sighed, rubbing his temples in frustration before stooping down to lace up his shoes and don his dark blue overcoat. But I stormed out before he could finish, my anger simmering with escalating irritation.
The clatter of voices and the scent of food filled the air, drowning out the urge to yell in frustration.
" Eliah ," Levon hissed, his footsteps echoing behind me. "Eliah, stop."
I skidded to a halt, knowing there was nowhere to run. I straightened my back and sharply turned to him, folding my arms.
" What Levon? " I sneered. "Stop so I can go on with your little schemes and lies that you so fully parade in front of me?"
His face was a mixture of confusion, anger, and despair, mirroring my own.
"I'm tired of this act, complying and conforming to your needs when no one tells me a bloody thing!" I raged, trying so very hard to keep my voice low. "You're a coward," I rasped, beginning to walk away.
"From the moment I witnessed your fiery spirit in that wretched dining room Jesri never let you eat at," his voice quivered with raw emotion, stopping me in my tracks once again. "To the time I found you bloodied after your evaluation or your ruffled hair after waking up next to you in the inn—I knew," he stopped, holding back his emotions. "You have been more than I could have ever imagined." His confession was raw and vulnerable.
"I've made mistakes, Eliah. Horrible things that haunt me every waking moment," he confessed, his voice heavy with remorse. "But I'm trying. Trying my best. All I've ever known is heartbreak and duty. I'm trying to forge a life my mother would be proud of, to honor her memory, and to give you the freedom you deserve."
He gave an airy, frustrated laugh, palming his eyes. "If being desperate for redemption makes me a coward in your eyes, then so be it."
His words stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, a tumultuous storm of doubt and longing. Darius's last plea echoed in my mind, urging me to trust him and embrace his guidance—a choice that held the promise of freedom, of finally becoming who I truly wanted to be.
I pressed my fingertips against my temples, attempting to quell the rising tide of doubts and fears that threatened to overwhelm me.
Taking a deep breath, I locked eyes with Levon, finding a storm of emotions mirrored in his gaze, reflecting the turmoil raging within me.
"How can I trust you," I whispered, my voice barely audible over the tumult of emotions swirling within me. "When you keep me in the dark about matters that shape my life?" The words hung heavy, burdened with unspoken pain and betrayal.
His expression darkened as he glanced towards the festivity in his home, the noise of his guests a jarring contrast to the heaviness of our conversation. With somber steps, he approached me, a solemn aura enveloping us like a blanket of mourning.
"Tomorrow," he promised, his voice thick with emotion, uncertainty shadowing his features. "I'll show you." His breath hitched, betraying an uncertainty that seemed to gnaw at him.
I glanced towards the clamor of voices, the laughter, and the music serving as a stark reminder of the facade we were forced to maintain. With a heavy sigh, I nodded, I could endure the charade for one more night. But come tomorrow, the truth would be laid bare, and I would finally have the answers I so desperately sought.
We walked silently as he guided me down into the main foyer, where voices echoed with a resonance that seemed to freeze my heart in its tracks. The magnitude of attendees hadn't quite dawned on me until now.
A footman acknowledged us with a nod as Levon tightened his grip on my hand, leading us forward with a determined stride.
With a gentle push, he swung the doors wide open, revealing the resplendent dining room. It was a spectacle of elegance, filled with what seemed like a multitude of guests adorned in exquisite gowns, sharp suits, ornate hats, gleaming shoes, and gloved hands. I swallowed hard, summoning every ounce of courage to hold my head high as a sea of eyes fixated on us, washing over us like an overwhelming tide.
Clapping commenced as Levon's eyes wrinkled with joy, raising his hand to stop the cheering.
"My friends!" His voice rang out, starkly different from moments before and brimming with a joy that seemed to brighten the room, happiness I hadn't seen since Spring Harvest.
"It is an honor to be graced by the presence of each of you tonight! To stand by me in my endeavors, in my life's journey, and," he paused, his gaze tender as he turned towards me with sincerity in his emerald-blue eyes. "My queen," he muttered, loud enough only for me to hear.
Caught off guard by the unexpected statement, I felt a rush of warmth flooding my cheeks, rendering me speechless and flustered. The room erupted in applause as we made our way around the grand table towards our designated seats at the head.
Amidst the gathering, I spotted Edmon conversing with the captivating lady from our encounter at the market, a moment that now felt like a distant memory. A young girl sat beside him, accompanied by an older woman whose silver-streaked hair framed a face filled with gentle curiosity. The young girl's eyes met mine with an endearing innocence that softened my nerves.
I squeezed Levon's arm, remembering to breathe as the delicate fabric of my gown swayed gracefully against my shoes with each step forward.
"You do look like a queen, Eliah," Levon's warm breath brushed against my ear, igniting a cascade of conflicting emotions within me. His words, though flattering, only served to deepen the turmoil swirling inside.
"I'm still mad at you," I muttered, my gaze fixed on my shoes as I struggled to maintain a mask of composure.
"Good, that means you're being you," he quipped, his tone playful yet tinged with a hint of regret.
In response, I couldn't resist digging my nails into his forearm, a feeble attempt to convey my frustration. He chuckled softly, effortlessly evading my grasp as he pulled out a chair for me. Reluctantly, I lowered myself into the seat, acutely aware of the weight of strangers' eyes observing.
"Let's enjoy ourselves tonight; we can do introductions later. For now, let's eat," Levon announced, his voice breaking through the uneasy silence as the servants filled the room and began to serve the lavish feast.
Aveal, at the helm, placed each dish with practiced precision, the table adorned with tantalizing delicacies. The aroma was irresistible, tempting me to shovel everything in my mouth simultaneously.
The evening unfolded, and the room buzzed with activity as guests eagerly helped themselves to the luxurious spread, passing plates, platters, and utensils laden with food amidst a chorus of laughter and animated conversation.
Seated beside me was a man of striking appearance, looking slightly older than Levon, his ebony skin contrasted with his silver hair and vibrant green eyes.
With a friendly smile, he extended a platter filled with an assortment of pastries my way. "Levon mentioned your fondness for sweets, and I always say it's best to start with the delicious things first rather than end with them," he remarked, his voice warm and welcoming yet foreign with a thick roll that sounded like he was from the eastern continent.
I couldn't help but laugh as I accepted the platter, selecting a few powdered pastries, and passed it over to Levon, who responded with a wink of acknowledgment.
"I'm Casmir," the man introduced himself, extending his hand across the food-laden table.
I shook his hand, noting the surprising softness of his touch, reminiscent of Elise's gentle embrace. "Levon has spoken highly of you. It seems everything he said is true," he added, helping himself to another plate piled high with meats while Levon nudged me teasingly.
"Casmir has been by my side for as long as I can remember. But be warned, he's quite the talker," Levon teased, earning a playful glare from Casmir as he handed me the plate of meats.
I couldn't resist the temptation, sampling each dish before more made their way around the table. Across the room, Edmon caught my eye and waved, prompting the young girl beside him to follow suit with an enthusiastic gesture. I returned the wave with a small smile, feeling Levon's reassuring hands gently resting on my lower back.
"You're doing great," he murmured, his words offering a moment of solace amidst the chaos of the evening. Ignoring his praise, I continued to eat, my stomach protesting against the onslaught of food and my dress silently pleading for mercy.
"Tell me, Casmir, what's it like to be friends with Levon?" I asked as the lady seated beside him rested her arm on his, awaiting her own introduction.
Casmir cleared his throat, a knowing glint in his eyes. "It's quite the adventure, I'll give him that," he chuckled before turning towards the radiant woman beside him. Her complexion was creamy gold, and her brown hair framed her face in soft waves that barely brushed her shoulders. Her almond- shaped brown eyes sparkled with warmth as she extended a graceful hand towards me. "This is Admearin, my wife," Casmir introduced with a fond smile.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lady Eliah. You're even more beautiful than Levon described," Admearin complimented, her words etching a shy flush to my cheeks as I shot Levon a pointed look. He smiled but remained engrossed in conversation with the lady to his right.
"Thank you, Admearin. Although I must say, Casmir here is a fortunate man to have such beauty by his side," I replied, attempting to deflect the attention away from myself.
"A beauty but with a temper," Casmir interjected between bites, earning a playful swat from his wife and a roll of her eyes but causing a warmth to flood into my own.
"Men," she muttered before turning her attention back to me. "But thank you, Lady—"
"Just Eliah is fine," I interjected, taking a final bite of the orange-infused pastry filled with sweet cream.
She offered a warm smile. "Eliah," she echoed before returning to her own plate while the lady beside her whispered something in her ear.
We all finished eating, wishing our clothes would expand over the fullness of our bellies.
Levon rose from his seat, a glint of anticipation in his eyes. "Now that we're sufficiently satisfied, let us move to the ballroom for some dancing and wine," he announced, prompting everyone to rise in unison, offering their gratitude to the nearby footmen as they made their way out of the dining room. Edmon lingered nearby, accompanied by the enthusiastic girl and the gray-haired lady, their presence triggering memories of our initial encounter.
"Hello, Eliah. Levon," Edmon greeted with the warmth of a towering oak. "Allow me to introduce my sister, Mel, and my mother, Cleola."
Both women offered graceful curtsies, their smiles revealing gleaming teeth.
"Nice to meet you both," I replied with a polite nod.
Levon shifted, embracing Cleola and Mel in turn. "It's wonderful to see you both," he exclaimed, but Cleola's sharp eyes caught sight of Levon's powdered face.
"What happened to you?" she exclaimed, her maternal instincts kicking in as she examined Levon's face with concern, her fingers trying to brush away the powdered facade.
Levon chuckled, his arm wrapping around me. "Training happened," he remarked, pulling me closer, his touch sending a warm flush to my cheeks.
Cleola shot me a playful glare, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Good, he needs a good beating every once in a while," she teased, prompting a surprised laugh from me as she and Mel followed Edmon into the ballroom.
"And here I thought your only friends were Edmon and Kaizen," I remarked, the latter's absence suddenly weighing heavily on my mind. "Where is—"
"He has other matters to attend to," Levon stated with a smile.
Slowing my pace, I allowed Levon to enter the ballroom ahead of me, taking in the simple yet elegant decor adorned with strings of flowers cascading from the ceiling. It lacked the opulence of Jesri's gatherings, but it possessed a quiet charm sufficient to infuse the evening with a touch of grace.
Levon tugged on my arm, guiding me from one individual to the next. We mingled with people from all corners of Creos and even some from the Eastern Continent. Among them were sun-kissed figures, freshly returned from vacationing in Kleads, while others were Artisans, Merchants, or Publicans. It was a breath of fresh air to interact with such a diverse array of individuals and to encounter people beyond the confines of Fernwen or Jesri's tightly woven network of connections, where all I was ever known as was the orphan girl.
After greeting every last person, I collapsed onto a plush couch and took a long sip of the strawberry-lemon wine. Sitting up straight, remembering my etiquette, I surveyed the room, my gaze landing on Levon, who had shed his dark blue coat, leaving it draped over a nearby chair. In the background, the footman from earlier played the pianoforte, setting the backdrop for the lively chatter that ensued. More footmen entered, bearing trays of wine and an array of pastries.
Amidst the commotion, Admearin caught sight of me, the click of her red heels punctuating each step as her sparkling red gown billowed behind her.
"How are you holding up?" she inquired, taking a sip out of her glass, wreathed in her red lipstick, and settled beside me.
I responded with a shrug and a half-hearted smile.
"Well, you seem to be handling it better than I would," she remarked, shaking her head. "Meeting all these people, all at once? No, thank you." She took another long swig of her wine.
"I prefer to observe rather than be the center of attention," I admitted, watching as she finished her drink.
She nodded in agreement. "I despise parties and only attend for Casmir's sake. That man could talk the ear off a statue if given the chance." We shared a laugh as we observed Casmir engaging a group of men, his animated storytelling leaving no room for other conversation.
"I'm glad to know I'm not the only one," I smiled.
With a nudge and a graceful adjustment of her tight dress, she prepared to rise. "Perhaps when Levon and Casmir are distracted doing their duties, you and I can go exploring."
"I'd like that very much," I replied earnestly.
She squeezed my hand affectionately before standing. "I should go rescue those poor men; their ears are probably close to bleeding out," she quipped with a playful grin. After a few steps, she turned back towards me. "It's truly an honor to meet you, Eliah. Levon speaks highly of you, and now I can see why," she added before walking off to the group of men, leaving me to ponder her words.
I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, pretending to take sips of wine and longing to shed the confining dress to indulge in a hot bath.
Levon's gaze met mine, a silent question lingering in his tilted head before he excused himself from his conversations. He crossed the ballroom floor with purpose until he reached me, hand extended.
"Care for a dance?" he asked, his tone hopeful.
"No," I retorted, batting my lashes.
"Then what do you care for?" he mused.
I shot him a sharp glance, caught off guard by the unexpected question. "Why should anything I care for matter to you?" I muttered, aware of the prying eyes that had turned in our direction.
"Because you matter to me, Eliah," he asserted softly, his hand reaching for mine.
Reluctantly, I allowed him to pull me to my feet, aching in my unforgiving heels. I followed him onto the dance floor, acutely aware of the eyes of those around us.
"No one else is dancing," I lamented as he pulled me close, his hand slipping to my waist.
"Then let's give them something to look at," he said, a grin tugging at his lips, drawing me closer to him.
Trust him.
I forced a smile as Levon guided me through the dance. The chatter around us gradually faded as more couples joined in, including Edmon and Jeane, the pretty lady at the market, and Admearin and Casmir. We moved with the music, synchronized with the others, twirling and stepping in harmony until the music came to a lyrical stop, met with a round of applause as more guests joined in for the next dance.
"You're stunning," Levon whispered, his words soft against my ear as he dipped me.
"Don't think flattery will sway me from being angry with you," I countered sharply.
"No? And here I thought a little flattery and some good pastries would do the job," he remarked.
"Perhaps if you weren't so lacking in certain areas, you'd have more admirers beyond superficial things," I taunted as we parted, skillfully rounding the couple next to us before rejoining, his hand placed a bit lower than before.
"And what would it take?" His voice was a whisper against the backdrop of the rising crescendo, sending shivers down my spine and igniting a flush in my cheeks. I sucked in a breath as his hand trailed up my back, leaving a trail of warmth in its wake.
"The truth," I murmured before stepping back, leaving him standing alone amidst the other couples who ended their dance with affection. All I wanted was a drink to cool my reddening cheeks and to escape these tumultuous feelings that danced within me.
As the party drew to a close well into the night, everyone departed with tired, red eyes, yearning for sleep. I could barely muster the energy to climb the stairs to my room before collapsing onto the bed, still fully clothed.
Hours later, I awoke to find my feet aching, still cramped in heels. In the darkness, I kicked off my shoes and shimmied out of the dress, relishing the soft embrace of the sheets as I settled into bed. With a sigh of relief, I unclipped my hair, allowing it to cascade around me, before succumbing to the warm embrace of sleep.
"Eliah?" The sound of my name jolted me awake, and I was greeted by the warmth of the sun filtering through the window. I rubbed my eyes, adjusting to the light, to find Saasha gathering my dress and shoes into a large tote placed at the foot of the bed.
"Sorry for waking you, but you have a long journey ahead and haven't even packed yet," she explained softly.
"Journey?" I croaked, trying to find my voice.
"You're to leave for the King's Court," she said, questioning.
"Today?" I asked, sitting fully upright, feeling a heavy weight press into my chest.
"No one told you?" she inquired, knitting her brows together.
I rubbed my eyes again, blinking back against the light. "No, no one told me," I muttered, feeling the full weight of leaving bearing down upon me. I sat up and shifted off the bed.
Realizing I was only in my underthings, I hurried to the dresser and swiftly donned a pair of dark green pants and a black top.
"Thank you for waking me. I didn't intend to oversleep," I apologized, quickly weaving my hair into a coronet.
"Don't worry. Most of the staff did, too. We all celebrated last night," Saasha reassured me with a smile, deftly packing several of my clothes and dresses into the tote. I hastened to lace up my boots before assisting her with items from the vanity and dresser.
"What does one wear in front of the king?" I murmured, my gaze lingering on the dresses hanging in my armoire.
In a few days, I would be dining with King Thealor, a man I knew so little about besides the endless comments from Jesri, who constantly raved about his Court.
My mind returned to King Leonard and the Leonardian War, where all those innocent Magics were slaughtered. I hoped that I wouldn't be facing that same evil in the eyes of a descendant of a man who destroyed an entire race.
"Anything you wear will be perfect," she said. "I'll finish up here; Levon needs you and is waiting in his study."
I nodded my thanks as I walked to his study. Through the crack of the door, I saw him and Kaizen engrossed in something on his desk. With a soft knock, I pushed the door open.
The two straightened as I stepped in.
"Seems like you had quite the night," Kaizen remarked with a mischievous grin.
"Too bad you didn't," I retorted.
His grin wavered as Levon chuckled and gave him a playful pat on the back. "Can you make sure the carriage is prepared?" Levon instructed, nudging Kaizen toward the door. Kaizen huffed away, his footsteps heavy with irritation.
"Why didn't he join us last night?" I inquired again.
"He was patrolling. The Miehja have been acting up," Levon explained. My mind flashed back to the sight of dried blood on Kaizen's hands as he disappeared into the whispering woods a few days prior. "But don't worry, we've stationed guards to keep watch. No harm will come to anyone in my home," he reassured me.
I nodded, hoping his words held true.
He swiftly gathered the papers strewn across his desk, carefully bundling them into a leather satchel. With a quick motion, he tucked his charcoal and rag inside as well. "I promised to show you the truth. Let me stash these in my room, and I'll meet you in the foyer," he said, flashing a reassuring smile before slipping out and heading down the balcony walkway toward his room.
Left alone, I couldn't suppress the mounting unease about the truth I was about to confront. Feeling that it was something I might not be prepared to face.