"I am not sure that is proper, your highness." Replied the Duke, slowly, trying to retain some kind of loyalty to the crown.
"Why not, my lord?" asked Francis, while he approached, a growing smile gracing his lips. He ended with a slight tilt of his head, as if the question had come from a place of complete innocence.
Which we all know is far from the truth.
Francis didn't see it. Neither did Cedric, who had his glinting eyes glued on me. Nor Wolff or Fridh. They didn't see how Gobbie's hands clasped behind his back with such strength, his knuckles turned pale. They didn't see it, because he had his back on me and the girls. But for sure, they felt the chilling cold of his presence growing with each breath.
I watched them for some time until a pinch on my belly grabbed my attention. It was Jenni, reminding me, through her own bow, of my duty to greet the royal princes. It was while I did it that Cedric tried his luck with Gobbie.
"My Lord, think of it as a learning experience. Father-"
"This is hardly a proper way to learn anything, your highness." Cut the Duke, his voice harsh and loud.
About to retort in an ugly fashion, Cedric got interrupted (or saved- depends on who you ask) by a fool, peering from the open window everyone used to reach the patio.
"It seems interesting..." said Lord Joshua before a strong and cold wind washed him inside. Thankfully, I saw Lord Kristoff's hands (I think) securing the idiot, or he would have bumped into the wall on the other side of the room.
The boys were fast, almost as if used to it, and were able to dodge Gobbie's fury winds with mastery, which may have caused the displeased grunts I heard from the drama queen. The aides advanced quickly to protect their princes, and the tension grew on that poorly lit patio.
With a tremendous sigh, I called "Papa..."
Stop being such a drama queen! Really, you are an adult!
I wanted to call him out for his stupid behaviour, but I waited instead for him to turn to see me. His clear eyes were warm at the sight of his daughters. It was also then that I noticed Lord Castello's hand on Gobbie's shoulder, his body a protective shield toward both princes.
I waited until the cold subsided a little. "I would like to thank the princes for their presents."
"Presents?" his shock stopped his anger for a moment. He glanced at Jenni for confirmation. Then, I saw his eyes travel to our necks and a rush of furious red appeared on his porcelain cheeks. "Emmanuel..." he growled in rage.
"Oh, he didn't tell you?" came the unmistakable voice of Lady Di'Mello, a low chuckle beneath the polite and a very fake, oblivious attitude. She took vigorous steps with the help of her cane, a sophisticated piece of wood resembling a golden arrow. By her side was Eloise in a pale yellow dress and with a complex braid for hairstyle.
"He must have forgotten." She continued, waving her hand absently, mocking the situation.
Francis, never one to miss an opportunity in his favour, took advantage of Gobbie's blind rage, which caused him to be speechless for enough time so the prince could approach Lady Di'Mello and provide a well-needed distraction. He took her hand with an ease only he could muster and gently said, "My lady, glad to make your acquaintance." kissing her knuckles right after.
That sly, savvy fox!
"Father told me a great deal about you, my lady." he continued moving on to lady Eloise, who seemed a little more affected by his charm than her grandmother. The last just watched him with curiosity for a moment, the corners of her lips twisting softly.
"He did?" she asked, as Lord Fridh extended his greetings, glancing briefly at the prince. "I would have guessed he complained vigorously about my teaching methods, seeing he hated my punishments. Even when he knew he was the culprit, though he never admitted." She gave him a sly smile, and I saw her glance at Gobbie. "He always blamed someone else."
"Grandmother." gasped Eloise, her hands on her mouth as if it would make her shock muffled into inexistence.
Francis laughed. "Father said he was always caught, though. You must be very good, my lady."
"It was not me." replied Lady Di'Mello, her hands securing the handle of her cane and her posture straight.
Without thinking, I knew instantly who had managed that feat. And it was because of my lack of thought that the answer escaped my lips as a whisper "The snitches..."
I hadn't realized I had said anything until I caught everyone's stare on me. Francis's especially, with his eyebrows raised.
A laugh erupted from lady Di'Mello, who let her head up with the effort. "Indeed! It was Emmanuel who caught his majesty. Both Emperors to be exact, as they both liked to cause mischief and then run away. Yet, they could never be successful and they never learned why until they had grown enough to behave properly. Though a future Great Duke knew since the beginning."
Everyone turned to the duke, who was securing the bridge of his nose as if a colossal headache were threatening to erupt in his head. "This is not a place to discuss old tales, Lady Di'Mello." he said between teeth, looking at nothing but darkness, as his eyes were closed.
Lady Di'Mello let out another laugh, though shorter. "Don't be so sour, your excellency." She looked at her surroundings, giving a meaningful glance at the ballroom past the open window. From my position, I couldn't see inside, yet whatever she saw made her mood grow sunnier.
She took two steps more to our side, beating her cane loudly. Even then, she received no answer from the drama queen, who continued with his eyes shut. Any other noble lady would have taken offence, yet Lady Di'Mello maintained her silence, judging him, with a wicked grin on her lips.
"I actually came here to understand what was all the ruckus about." She looked around again at the people gathered on the patio. "We have here two great duke's and their daughters, two royal princes and their aides. All in this tiny space, secluded from everyone else. People are wondering if your excellencies are planning an engagement."
That caught the duke's attention, and he turned to her, a vein popping on his neck from the effort. I witnessed with extreme amusement the sheer panic those words caused on the cold-blooded snake of the empire.
Lady Di'Mello, however, hadn't finished. "The guests wondered, and some were even brave enough to come closer, maybe to ask your excellency, the host, about it. Yet when they saw the Great Duke of the North and his son flying, because of a highly suspicious gust of wind, they decided it was best to wait." She walked around, her cane moving through the wind with vigorous energy. When that still didn't enlist a response from the duke, she frowned, annoyed. "They are waiting for you to start the party!"
"I am afraid I must apologize." Francis intervened, causing the Duchess to turn to him, puzzled. His eyes grew larger and his face had a sad complexion. "It is my fault. I should have realized my presence here would have stirred gossip and caused problems."
The old lady let her cane knock the ground with enough strength to cause the boys to shriek and jump back one step. From her eyes, I saw she didn't believe a word the royal prince had said.
And I laughed. Inside, of course. Because an idea came to mind.
"We were discussing something important, though." I stepped in, making sure Lady Di'Mello noticed me. When I saw the recognition in her eyes, I continued. "I am glad you are here, as I need to request something of you, my lady." I jumped my eyes from Eloise to her, the corner of my lips giving out to a small smile. "Could Eloise join us for a sleepover?"
Eloise exchanged a silent conversation with her grandmother, who nodded before patting her on the head. The girl then came to my side, took my hands and told me with her usual jolly mood, "It would be a pleasure."
I took her to the side, to where Amelia was, and presented them both. While they both smiled and greeted each other, I looked on happily at such a marvellous scene. It would be the beginning of a nice friendship, which, hopefully, would avoid any future murder attempts.
"So what caused the Great Mountnero Duke to throw a freezing wind to a child?" asked Lady Di'Mello, a glee in her sharp eyes.
I wanted to jump with delight. My idea had worked. Of course, Lady Di'Mello would poke around. Now I just hoped she went along with the rest.
"Father is against both royal princes, joining our sleepover." I tattled, crossing my arms and tilting my head to the culprit.
No pity for you, drama queen.
"That is..." started the Duke, panicked.
"That is terrible!" exclaimed lady Di'Mello in outrage, her head bent, looking down at the duke. "Shame! Shame on you, your excellency! Especially when she requested it as her birthday gift."
Oooooohhhh I got you! Better yet, Lady Di' Mello got you, Gobbie!
"That is not true! Lucreatia never asked me...." he took his eyes from the duchess and stared at me, with that pitiful look of his that could annoy a saint sometimes.
However, if he could make a drama out of the situation, so did I. I misted my eyes and made an utterly miserable face. "You are right, Lady Di'Mello... To think father wouldn't allow for my birthday request to be fulfilled." I sniffed a little and I could hear some snickers from the onlookers.
My money, if I could bet, was on Francis and Cedric as the prime offenders.
"What??!" The duke's neck made a crack as it twitched back and forward. Though initially lost for words, he recovered quickly, trying to defend himself.
"Maybe you are right, my lord." acquiesced the duchess, tired of his incessant talk. Her hand was in the air, hoping it would put a stop to the noise. "However, she has now requested it, which means you now, my lord, would have to consider it."
Gobbie opened his mouth, incredulous. Looked at both Lord Castello and Jenni, maybe for support, before finally scowling. He refused to give an answer and to admit defeat in front of the royal princes. Instead, he conceded me a minor victory with, "we shall talk about it later."
Everyone tried their best to avoid laughing at his childish antics. Some were more successful than others. But it mattered little, as Lady Di'Mello clasped her hands together (her cane clutched under her arm) and declared the party started.
Not a very conventional start, but the Mountnero family was hardly what one would call conventional.
Francis, the crafty fox, was quick on the update and soon scooped in Jenni for a dance. Gobbie didn't have time to react before Lord Castello and Lady Di'Mello stopped him from causing a tantrum. Lord Fridh lost no time and asked Lady Eloise to be his partner. And Wolff, with his splendorous smile, conquered a dance with Amelia, whose shy demeanour prevented her from speaking her mind except for a brief nod. She still asked for her father's approval and he still gave it away without a problem. Yet, I happily noticed that she had a much freer spirit. Small steps.
The only ones left were me and Cedric, though I imagined it had been his idea all along. The cold turned into a storm as Cedric extended his hand and asked me with genuine joy, "Would you give me the honour of your first dance?"
I took his hand with a smile, while people in the garden began to fall without warning. An unexpected layer of ice had formed on the ground, causing their suffering. It took a beating from a cane, a vigorous nod from a reserved duke and the remembrance of Jenni's responsibility as a host for the ice to melt and the air to return to normal. And for some couples to avoid a gelid butt.
I didn't look back, and I didn't care. I let Cedric lead me into the ballroom, where the dancing pairs had gathered. There was a lot of laughter, murmured whispers and curious glances.
And then there was nothing but music...
Oh my, a dance!!
Hope you guys liked this chapter (it sheds some light on the relationships of the Emperors and the Duke- and Emmanuel of course XD). Can I say I love Lady Di'Mello?
Sorry for the delay as usual life caught with me and last week I suffered terrible pain in my teeth, I had to go in an emergency to the dentist. Horrible pain!
Anyway, I do like how the chapter turned out (funny at least). When I first envisioned I thought it was much longer, glad I was able to shorten it. Besides in the next chapter, we will have the dance and that is something I am very excited about!!