The Truth About Lies (An Inheritance Cycle Fanfiction)

The First Social Event of a Princess

"Really?" he said happily, a bright smile lighting up his face. "So am I! I've been visiting my uncle in Aberon, but it is nice to see a friendly face from home." My heart dropped into my stomach as I laughed nervously. I looked over at Isabelle who had clearly been listening to our conversation. But she only stared back with a helpless expression upon her face. "I've never seen you in Galbatorix's court, though. Who is your father? Perhaps I would know him?"

"Well, uh... Father's business is mainly in the southern portion of the Spine. We live in Kuasta," I explained, pulling these lies straight out of unmentionable places. "Uru'baen is such a long trek from our home that Father rarely ever gets to court. I don't think he's been in over ten years. His name is Lord Alaric Baellsson." Quickly, I shoved a forkful of greens into my mouth to avoid any further explanation. Evander pondered this for a moment with a look of consternation upon his face.

"Yes, you're right. I've not heard of him before," he finally said. I was eternally grateful to the gods that my lie had been convincing enough... for now. "When will you be returning to Alagaesia?"

"Not for many months," I said. "I am here visiting family friends—Lord Braeden and his son. I've brought my cousin along as well. We are having such a wonderful time, are we not Isabelle?" This last question was directed across the table.

"Of course, cousin," she replied merrily, taking a sip of wine. "I was just telling Duke Jacen how much I've enjoyed the countryside. I fear I may like to stay here forever!" Isabelle played her part perfectly, and I could tell everyone within earshot believed we were who we said we were.

"Yes, I find that I can get lost in the sweeping countryside of Surda myself sometimes," Evander continued. "It is breathtaking." The main course was finally laid before us and I gazed hungrily at the baked chicken. But then I recalled the delicate lady I was supposed to be. With a great deal of effort, I took only tiny bites out of the tender and succulent meat.

"Well, perhaps when we are both back in Alagaesia I may call on you?" Evander offered hesitantly. I could tell he was nervous. Was this the upper class version of courting?

"I... I would love that," I stuttered, unsure of how to respond. It would be difficult for him to call on me at an estate that didn't exist, but it didn't really matter. After tonight, I'd never see him again and I wouldn't have to worry about it.

"Excellent," he replied, clearly relieved. We spent the rest of the meal conversing with those around us about politics, the weather, books, and all sorts of other things. It was fascinating to me how dull these high society people could be. Miles, of course, was silent as the grave throughout the meal.

Once dinner was over, everyone stood and made their way into the ballroom. This time, Evander escorted me, which I was grateful for. Miles really was a downer.

"May I have to honor of the first dance?" Evander asked, turning to me and bowing. I felt my eyes widen in fear as the orchestra began to play the opening waltz. I don't know how to dance! My nerves were getting the better of me, but I had to calm down.

"Indeed, sir. It would be my honor," I replied, taking his outstretched hand. I looked over for an instant and saw Miles watching me as Evander led me onto the dance floor. There was something heated in his expression, but I only ignored him.

Evander wrapped his arm around my waist and took my hand with the other. I couldn't help but feel that we were closer to each other than was acceptable to society, but right now I didn't really care. I'd never danced with a man before, and I was sort of enjoying it. We swept around the dance floor to the fast paced waltz, the strings soaring lightly over the ballroom. I found that dancing wasn't so difficult when you had a strong partner to lead you, and Evander certainly was a strong partner. Or perhaps that was the inner princess in me. I chose to ignore my discomfort with embracing who I really was and instead focused on the man—and his many charms—that I was dancing with. I danced with Evander for two more dances before I told him I was tired and needed to sit down. He only laughed and said that I lasted much longer than most young ladies did on the dance floor.

"Really though, Tabatha, you must come to Uru'baen sometime for one of the king's masquerades. They are magnificent, and you'd fit in quite well, I daresay." I couldn't help but think how suicidal that would be, but I didn't let it show on my face.

"Perhaps I will, one day," I replied quietly. After being sufficiently rested, I was ready to dance again, but another young noble whose name I didn't catch beat Count Evander to it. I gave him an apologetic glance as the young man swept me onto the dance floor, and then I barely saw him the rest of the evening. It seemed as though every person in the ballroom wanted to dance with me, and the night quickly became a blur of partners and waltzes and tarantellas and reels.

I had just left one partner, claiming I was tired again—though I really just wanted to get away from his horrendous smell—when another came tapping on my shoulder. I sighed exasperatedly and most unladylike.

"Forgive me," I said angrily, turning to face the next suitor in line, "but I am much too... Oh, it's you." Miles was staring me down amusedly. This man was truly strange. One moment, he says he doesn't want me here at all, and the next he's almost teasing me.

"Who were you expecting?" he asked, smirking.

"Just about every other man in this room," I replied, looking around at all of the laughing faces and merrymakers.

"Not that Count Evander fellow, I hope," he said. I couldn't help but blush, as apparently it was obvious that we had hit it off pretty well.

"And why not?" I asked defensively.

He leaned in close to my ear and whispered, "You should stay away from him. He's too dangerous if he's from Alagaesia. If you want to be safe here from your father, then I suggest you get rid of him." He pulled away then and there was that wry grin upon his face. "Now, I came over here to ask you to dance. Whether or not you agree is up to you."

"Why are you being nice to me all of a sudden?"

He set his mouth into a thin line, just the way Murtagh used to. "I spoke with my father," he began. "He assured me his intentions are only to help you with your... abilities. And as the host's eligible son, I am expected to dance with all the young ladies at the party." I couldn't really argue with that, so I took his hand and allowed him to lead me onto the dance floor. The orchestra began a slow, lilting melody.

As soon as we began dancing, and Miles was holding me in his arms, everything else in the room faded away. I felt as though everything was the way it was supposed to be. Murtagh and I were back together in the hall outside of my room in Farthen Dur—when we'd told each other how much we loved one another without using any words. I was immeasurably happy, and I wasn't worried about what was expected of me by those who wished to be free from my father. I was lost in Murtagh's embrace, resting my head on his shoulder, and shedding a single tear. "Murtagh..." I whispered.

"Tabatha?" The voice snapped me back to reality. It wasn't Murtagh's shoulder my head was resting on, it was Miles' shoulder. I was in the ballroom at Lord Braeden's estate in Surda, not in Farthen Dur, and the weight of my responsibilities was heavy on my shoulders. "Tabatha," Miles whispered again, "is everything alright?" I pulled my head away once I realized that the music was ending and everyone was clapping. I wiped away that single tear and looked into his wolfish grey eyes.

"Everything is fine," I lied, not even bothering to put on a fake smile for him. I walked away from Miles then, leaving him standing bewildered in the middle of the dance floor, and noticed Evander waiting on the edge of the crowd, watching me and smiling. I returned his smile and stopped at his side.

"I had a lovely time this evening," I told him, "though I regret that we did not get to spend as much time together as I would have liked. I'm truly sorry, but I fear I must be getting to bed; the hour is very late."

"Of course," he replied. "It was wonderful to have met you, Lady Tabatha. I can only hope that fate will allow us another meeting in the future." I smiled and bade him goodnight one last time before heading out of the ballroom and up to bed, my salty tears leading the way.