Till Death Do Us Part

13. The Banquet at Evergreen

"Yes, and you were scaring the servants. Now, why don't you go and prepare yourself, hm? I make sure everything else is in order here."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. Now go. There's not much time left now till the first guests arrive." Gawyn pushed her gently towards the stairs leading to the private part of the mansion.

***

When the party finally started, Skylar quickly forgot to stress about every little detail. She was too busy keeping a plastered smile on her face while they were greeting all the guests. Instead of wearing the usual Gryphonheart's black and red, Master Bailey prepared their clothes in white and red. According to him, it was supposed to highlight their significance as today's hosts. Skylar wasn't sure if she liked her dress in light tones. She was afraid she would ruin it the moment she sat at the table. But that was a worry for later.

"How's your face?" she asked Gawyn in half-whisper when another noble couple strolled inside, giving them a breather. "Mine is already itching from keeping that smile all the time."

"Mine too," Gawyn said and looked at her with a smirk. "Hopefully, not much greeting left."

A commotion erupted in the courtyard, where all the carriages were stopping. Skylar and Gawyn could hear the exasperated gasps and laughter erupting from the incoming mass of people.

"Has something happened down there?" Skylar asked, frowning.

"I'm afraid I know exactly who has just arrived."  Gawyn sighed.

Before Skylar could inquire more, a crowd gathered in front of the mansion parted, leaving a clear space for the woman that was confidently walking toward them. She looked unlike anyone Skylar had ever seen. Her long wavy hair was dyed bright blue, and her dress, contrary to the court fashion, didn't have a wide skirt but closely embraced her long, lean legs, with a cut exposing one of them up to her tight. If Skylar dresses were outrageously bold for the court, this one was out of this world. With the fabric in vivid orange, she resembled a marvellous exotic bird.

"See what I meant now?" the General said sternly.

"That's your sister, I presume?" Skylar asked, trying to suppress a laugh. She couldn't believe that this amazing young woman was from a family of stiff traditionalists.

"Gawyn! Good to finally see you!" the woman said, not wasting any time and giving the General a big tight hug.

"Blue hair? Really?" Gawyn groaned, patting her gently at the back, clearly uncomfortable with lavish public affection.

"Don't you just love it, dear brother? I thought a bit of colour would bring some life to this, no doubt, dreadfully boring party."

"What are you wearing?"

"It's the latest fashion in Torringland. You really should come and visit me sometime. It's a wonderful kingdom. People are so much more relaxed there."

"I don't doubt that," Gawyn said sternly. "Late introductions. Aliyah, this is my wife, Skylar. Skylar, my younger sister Aliyah."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Skylar said with a genuine smile. 

"Oh, look at you! Isn't my brother a lucky guy? I was sure you would die alone in your strategy room." Aliyah walked around Skylar, looking her up and down.

Skylar followed her with her eyes. Her face flushed red. "Ehm... what are you doing?"

"Checking out if you are a real person. Still can't believe my antisocial brother married such a fine-looking woman."