Copia

Rank of Consummatus

I turn to see him laughing with her, his mouth stretched into a wide smile, his teeth on full display showing his complete and utter delight with their exclusive conversation. His fingers are wrapped around hers and she squeezes them, raising a fire in my chest as I stare blankly from across the room.

"Eve." I turn to the man beside me, barely registering the fact that he is still there. "Would you like to dance?" His mouth is pursed into a thin line as his eyes flicker between mine and the couple sitting so happily a few tables away. I can tell that he senses my discomfort despite my effort to mask it.

My eyes drift down and focus on the place setting in front of me, wishing that the dishes would give me some sort of hint as to whether or not everything is going to be okay. But as time goes on I feel any power being wretched from my hands, leaving me helpless. I am being pushed to defeat and consider how much easier it is when I simply accept the ranking that I was born into.

"So I hear that you are attempting to obtain a position as a Consummatus." The gentleman takes my hand as I stand from the table, whispering in my ear as though our conversation is that of high importance. "What steps have you been taking in order to do so darling?"

I raise my eyes to meet his, lifting my skirt with my free hand so as not to trip over it, and clear my mind of the couple I had previously been distracted by on the opposite side of the room. "Well, I feel that I am getting close." I don't find it that difficult to redirect my attention to the new subject, as it is one that is consistently on my mind nowadays. "I have taken up lessons with a private tutor. One who is also attempting the status of Consummatus." Glancing again at the couple and ultimately deciding that it is better for me to simply focus on the task at hand.

His head nods as he spins me around, placing a gloved hand on my lower back and pulling me close as we begin to dance. His movements match mine, stepping in a synchronized manner. The music swells around us and allows for our words to go unheard by any others in our direct proximity. This is ideal because generally speaking about ranking and status at formal events such as these is looked down upon. I glance around the faces of those surrounding us for extra assurance, once again feeling slight discomfort despite the fact that I know this man is my superior, thus making this conversation less taboo than it normally would be.

I refocus, aiming to please by answering his question to the fullest extent. "Aside from this I have been taking extra time to perform those arts which I have not yet perfected. Maths and sciences were all that my educators seemed concerned with in my youth, however, I have been told that the court has held a preference for those who excel in the fine arts more recently." I sense that his eyes have drifted down to my chest as I speak, and draw my breath inwards, feeling distaste and desperation all in one. Though this isn't the ideal situation, I know that this man holds my future in his hands. "I am trying to do my very best to make sure my abilities are known to those judging me."

"So are you hoping to speak before the court very soon?" It seems as though I have piqued his interest and my heart begins beating faster as I know the subject I wanted to broach tonight is finally coming into view. "I am assuming this is why you asked to be in attendance with me tonight." With a slight nod of my head, he remarks, "Smart girl."

As the last chord of the song plays, I am reminded of the fact that the night is coming to a close, regretting my earlier distractions. Due to the limited time I feel the need to uncover both of our intentions while I have him with me. Do not rush yourself Eve, he will sense your fervor and then you will truly be in trouble.

He catches a worried look flitting across my face and a wide smile begins to form at his lips. "Don't you worry little one. Provided you have the time, I would be more than pleased to stay with you longer."