Kros Voyeh Ch. 12

As Isonei came to stand before the King she made a graceful, if brief, curtsy while beaming. "Your Majesty."

"Little Duchess," King Orgath eyed the smiling Aran with amusement and annoyance both on his face. "Are you aware that it is almost unforgivably rude to invite someone to sit at my table when I have not had a place set for them?"

Instead of quailing and apologizing profusely as Lislora expected, the Aran donned a pensive expression and nodded slowly as she answered, "I was worried it might be, but it seemed worse to let her sit somewhere else." Isonei paused slightly, looking like a naif thinking deeply about her circumstances, "I had intended to have this discussion more privately but we wish to ask you to recognize Aran Arrangements as the equivalent of marriage. I didn't think you'd want to put Draeseth's second Duchess at another table." The way the Aran dropped her chin and widened her eyes in what seemed like a show of contrition made Draeseth snort a soft laugh.

The moment was broken however by the servant bringing his place setting stumbling and dropping it with a jarring clatter.

"That will be something to discuss after dinner, little Duchess, you are correct."

Lislora blinked in surprise at the way Isonei had maneuvered the situation. She'd seated Lislora at the King's table without being chided and broached the subject of the Arrangement in a way that would make the discussion impossible to avoid.

Out of sight on the other side of the King, Burgath sounded delighted, "You look lovely, Duchess Isonei. Not even Princess Daeira looked so lovely at her father's feasts."

"Thank you, Prince Burgath!" Isonei gave him a bright smile, placing her hand over her heart.

The King's gaze became wistful. "Were you dressed like this when you met my son?"

"No. We met at the Festival, your Majesty. For the masquerades, the women all wear nearly sheer gowns. They're thin and light, silvery as if we're wearing cloth made of starlight. We wear our hair down for the Festival as well as the loveliest masks that can be made. They shimmer and they're made in such a way that our eyes look larger and brighter." There was no trace of embarrassment or shame on the Aran's face as she spoke and the room had gone absolutely silent. "It was unseasonably cool that night and Draeseth was kind enough to invite me under his cloak."

Draeseth made a startlingly loud amused sound in his throat. "It was the first evening where the weather was not wretchedly hot. I wore my cloak only because I did not enjoy the way I was stared at without it."

"I forced him to attend," Burgath spoke up again. "He wore the most hideous mask that the mask maker would agree to make and chose to stalk around the gardens instead of enjoying the entertainments King Tamnaeuth had arranged for us. I thought he was avoiding temptation, not seeking it out."

"That was my intention. I wished to look at the flowers in the garden if I was forced to attend, not the women." Draeseth's eyes sparkled as he gave Isonei an adoring look. "But my Isonei looked so delicate and lost, her pale blue skin and shining silver hair under the moonlight made her look like a star that had fallen from the sky. I ached to protect her and keep her close."

"You found a silver jewel in King Tamnaeuth's garden and stole her away." Burgath sounded amused. "That was something her father said."

"The jewel of House Ernelis belongs to Torga now." King Orgath raised his glass and Isonei's smile became slightly strained. "We guard our jewels more jealously.

"May all of my sons bring home wives as gracious, charming, and forgiving. Though, perhaps not quite as delicate." He lifted his glass with his slightly teasing toast and the lower tables seconded him with amusement.

Isonei stood patiently as they all drank.

After a moment, the King asked curiously, "What gifts did my son bring you other than a second Duchess?"

"He let Lady Lislora bring Hodrim, and he gave me an exquisitely beautiful glass gift that had been made for me in the Kroscur." The Aran turned an adoring smile on Draeseth, "Lavendela blossoms and bees."

"I thought you were not one to be so moved by gifts, Nei." A sour woman's voice came from the other side of the King.

"Only thoughtful gifts move my silver Duchess. Her father has fields of lavendela and they have many hives they keep for honey. The gift was made for the sole purpose of cheering her and easing her homesickness." Draeseth answered with a proud tone and inclination of his head.

"Lavendela made of glass? I would think that to be difficult." The King glanced at his largest son with an expression Lislora couldn't immediately identify.

"It was not made hastily. I will show it to you, father. She wept because of its beauty."

King Orgath's expression became vaguely amused, "It was not an apology gift?"

"No. Bringing the boy was the apology for leaving her alone at Court. Duchess Isonei loathes being alone, she requires a constant companion." Draeseth frowned slightly and glanced to Lislora.

She knew he was contemplating telling the King that was why she'd been at the Keep to begin with. Lislora gave him a pleading look not to.

Isonei, however, very cheerfully spoke up, "I do. My playful nature makes that taxing at times." Draeseth tried to give the woman a discouraging look but she only smiled impishly at him as she continued, "He finds Lislora much more restful, I think, and she is a very dear friend to me. I love her like a sister."

"Take your seat, little Duchess." King Orgath turned his head toward Draeseth with amusement. "She tormented her Imperial Highness in your absence. The differences between Prince Andnaeuth and Duchess Isonei are immense but they share a certain relentless mischievousness. The company of Torgan women requires less effort to enjoy."

That drew laughs from the gathered nobles. Lislora glanced at the Aran woman making her way back without concern, seemingly unbothered by the jests at her expense. Reaching the table, Isonei ran her hand across Draeseth's shoulders as she crossed behind him and he made a pleased sound in his throat. Ougath looked at him questioningly.

"I enjoy flower wine because it requires more from me. My silver Duchess is the same."

"And your second Duchess?" Ougath smirked as he looked at her, she felt his gaze dropping to her throat.

It made her wish Draeseth were seated between her and his brother instead of only Isonei.

"Kros Voyeh of the Kroscur. I have a silver jewel and black flower, both are beautiful and gentle."

"The Silver Jewel of the Kroscur." King Orgath joined the conversation with a sly smile, "You inherited my taste, but I married my jewel."

"My jewel wishes to give me the gift of having no bastards. She knows that it would mean a great deal to me to have my sons be equals."

Lislora thought the King looked slightly annoyed, "Lady Lislora took the test as well?"

"She did. The barley sprouted for both."

"Two sons..." The King's face softened slightly and he smiled faintly at Lislora. "One at least will be a fighter; the other may be more of a charmer."

"Duchess Isonei can be formidable, father," Burgath's tone seemed mocking, "You have to watch her with a fork."

Draeseth began to open his mouth but Isonei beat him to an answer, putting on an exaggerated expression of incredulous annoyance and a tone to match, "If you looked more like me, Prince Burgath, I would swear you were adopted from Ara. You are so much like my brothers."

It set the King and Princes to laughing and she pulled her cloak up over her shoulders and fastened it with a smile as Draeseth relaxed.

"Have you tired of showing off your dress?"

The look Ougath gave Isonei as he asked his nearly inappropriate question made Lislora offer him as disapproving a frown as she dared, but the Aran woman took no offense. She placed her hand on his wrist instead.

"No, but I'm getting cold."

Prince Ougath made a startled sound and pulled back, "Your hand is like ice."

"The little Duchess chills quickly." The frown on the King's face could be heard.

"The dress is much lighter than a Torgan gown." The look on Draeseth's face suggested this was part of an argument that he'd made earlier. "She looks lovely, but I would prefer she be warm. Her health is delicate enough."

His father's mildly annoyed tone in response confirmed it. "Perhaps dancing would warm her. I have arranged for Adareth's instructor to join us after the meal and allow us all to see the Jara danced well."

Draeseth's jaw clenched and Isonei immediately whispered to Lislora, "Stroke his arm until he calms." She then turned to offer a cheerful reply to the King, "Dancing would help keep me warm and it isn't an Aran celebration without it. Does he know the Seivenis Jara as well?"

She placed her hand on her cousin's arm and earned a faint smile.

"He does. He traveled with us to Ara and learned it there, as we did." Burgath volunteered from the other side of the King and Queen.

"The Jara is such a graceful dance; I was told the Seivenis Jara is faster." King Orgath seemed displeased at the turn of conversation.

"It is, but still very graceful. House Seivenis-"

"House Seivenis?" The King interrupted her.

Lislora glanced at Draeseth to ask if she should pass along a caution to his silver Duchess. A slight shake of his head and down turn of his lips told her not to.

"The dance is named after them, they're known for their immense love of music and dancing. The music their sons and daughters write and play is some of the loveliest you'll ever hear. They wrote the music and the dance changed itself."

"You speak of them admiringly, were you pursued by any of them?" Ougath's comment was intended to provoke his brother and she squeezed Draeseth's arm gently.

The Aran, however, began to giggle as she answered, "No! They only pursue their music. They're often pursued, though. I require too much companionship to enjoy someone like that."

Isonei looked to Draeseth with a smile as if asking permission and Lislora felt him relax as he offered an almost imperceptible nod.

The Aran began fielding the jibes that were tossed down to their end of the table with surprising good-humor. She didn't seem to need a moment's pause to take the sting out of an insult or to turn one back onto the Princes with a grin and a laugh that miraculously kept her words from giving offense.

Draeseth relaxed, prodding at his food. The flavors were peculiar, and not even Isonei seemed to eat much. Whether that was because the conversation engrossed her or her difficulties prevented her from eating, Lislora couldn't guess.

She stopped trying to follow the fast-paced conversation and just watched. Even the Queen seemed to be enjoying the banter, laughing as Isonei made a light comment to Burgath about his need for a sharp-tongued wife to keep him entertained.

It turned her thoughts to their children again. Isonei's would be clever and quick-witted, she could only hope the boy would be as sweet-tempered as his mother and not as vicious as Draeseth's brothers could sometimes be. The two boys would be close in age, her son might have to learn to fight early to keep his smaller brother out of harm's way. There was no way the boy wouldn't be small.

The servants came and cleared everything from the tables, even the glasses and Lislora thought the meal had ended, readying herself to stand. Her cousin put his hand on her thigh and to still her. After a moment, desserts were brought. Isonei barely seemed to notice as she spoke to Rogath.

"She enjoys the blossom buns." Draeseth murmured, almost inaudibly.

Lislora nodded and offered the Aran woman the plate after baked apple roses had been brought around and placed in front of them.

"You have always been quiet, Draeseth, but I expected to hear you speak at some point during the meal." The King sent an amused look down to his son at the end of the table.

"There was no need, father. My silver Duchess has a more pleasant voice and I enjoyed watching her herd them like cattle through the conversation."

Isonei began to giggle as he gave his father a smirk with his answer. The woman nibbled on the bun she'd taken from the offered plate with a contented look. Lislora took one as well.

"She is well suited to the Court," King Orgath nodded, "but that you let her defend you from the barbs was surprising."

"They were not directed at me, father. My brothers were using them to see how quick she is on her feet." Draeseth took a bite of his baked apple.

"I was a little disappointed she refrained from jesting back for the most part." Prince Ougath's sly smile made Lislora feel nervous but the Aran showed no signs of feeling uncomfortable.

"Your father organized a lovely Aran meal; I was doing my best to remember the manners that go with it." She fluttered her lashes and he laughed in his throat despite the implication he'd been poorly behaved.

"How can you need a second Duchess when this one is so charming, brother?"

Draeseth looked for a moment as if he would respond sourly as he finished chewing the last bite of his apple and then he leaned back in his chair, letting his lips curve slightly, "It took three of you to entertain her over a meal. My second Duchess is restful. When Duchess Isonei feels well, her stamina is something even I envy. She often turns it to teasing to keep herself amused, and it makes a beautiful, restful woman feel like cool water after a bout."

She couldn't keep from flushing at the praise.

"When she teases you it keeps us amused as well," Burgath spoke up and set his father and brothers laughing.

Her cousin smiled and inclined his head. "I am becoming accustomed to her teasing. At times she can make me laugh at myself."

Rogath spoke up from the other side of the table sounding pleased, "You are always too serious, brother. Your silver Duchess is good for you. If she is willing to share you with another Duchess, I will support you both."

Someone coughed at one of the lower tables as if they were choking on their dessert. Lislora nearly did the same. To have what amounted to the public support of the Crown Prince for the marriage Arrangement they were asking for... it nearly guaranteed that their request would be granted.

"It will be discussed." King Orgath ended the conversation firmly but the matter had already been aired.

Isonei finished her sticky blossom bun and smiled as a servant hurried forward with a bowl of cool water for her to rinse her fingers with, murmuring, "Thank you."

The man was so surprised he darted back without waiting to allow Lislora to do the same. For a moment she was distracted, trying to subtly signal for a servant to bring more water.

"If you have finished, little Duchess, perhaps you would demonstrate the Jara for us?" King Orgath inquired cheerfully.

Isonei turned to smile at him. Wiping her hands on her napkin, Lislora studied Draeseth's quickly souring face.

"I would love to."

A slim, young man in an Aran doublet entered the room with a small group of musicians. They took their places at the back of the room and looked to the King for a command. As they did, Isonei unfastened her cloak and rose from her seat, making her way toward them with a bright smile.

At the end of the hall, Lislora couldn't make out what the Aran was saying to the man in the scandalous doublet. But whatever it was seemed to upset the musicians.

There seemed to be a small argument until one of the musicians agreed to something. The young man in the doublet glanced back toward them and seemed to pale.

Looking up, Lislora knew why. Her cousin was scowling at the man as if he were preparing to bed his wife in front of him. She rested her hand on his arm again and when he didn't relax, tentatively stroked his arm until he glanced down and made the effort to calm.

The Duchess came toward them on the man's arm. When they stopped and faced each other, cheerful, serene music began to play. He bowed as she offered a curtsy and then they stepped together.

Lislora squeezed Draeseth's arm. She'd never seen Aran dancing. It was graceful and effortless, like everything the Duchess seemed to do. The smooth movements and gracefully sweeping turns were entrancing. Her insides twisted with envy. When it finally came to an end in the same respectful positions it had begun in, the King looked delighted.

"Exquisite. Adareth will be heartbroken he was not able to join us."

"It may spare us pages of poetry about Duchess Isonei being as graceful as a bird on the wing." Burgath sounded slightly teasing.

The Aran seemed to ignore Prince Burgath, "Your Majesty would enjoy seeing the Seivenis Jara."

"If you wish to dance it you may, little Duchess, but if I do not enjoy it you will dance the Jara again for me."

"I enjoy dancing, your Majesty. That isn't a threat." She gave him an impish smile.

Draeseth's hand curled into a fist.

Smiling, King Orgath made a gesture, "Show us the Seivenis Jara." He glanced toward Draeseth, "I could watch your little silver jewel dance all evening. Perhaps when your doublets are brought you'll dance with her instead of glaring at young Master Senith."

The large Prince made an unhappy sound and Lislora squeezed his arm again. When she looked back, Isonei was beaming at the young man and speaking quietly to him. Master Senith looked delighted. One of the musicians stepped forward and a hauntingly lovely tune began to be played.

The dancers seemed closer together than they had been before. The tight circles they spun in made it seem at times as if their hips were touching, and her gown looked as if it should be tangling in his legs. The movements were undeniably quick, but Isonei looked as if she were gliding with a serene expression on her delicate face.

Bringing his fists onto the table, Draeseth ground his teeth, glaring furiously at the man dancing with his wife.

The King murmured something and Ougath gave a curt nod before leaning toward them. "Father won't ask her to dance again. He said she's making a lovely point about the differences between Ara and Torga without a word of argument."

With a curt nod, Draeseth acknowledged his brother's words but kept his eyes on Isonei, his jaw clenched tight.

The slim man maneuvered her back to the middle of the floor for more of the tight circles before leaning her back suggestively as the music ended. Lislora's mouth dropped open and her cheeks flushed. Draeseth's hands flattened on the table. The Aran, however, was beaming.

She turned her smile on the King and to Lislora's surprise even he looked stunned.

"If I have you dance again, little Duchess, your husband may crack his teeth." He made a gesture to the musician who had played alone and the man came forward. "The dancing may have been more scandalous than expected, but the music was exquisite. I wish to hear that played again, as does my Queen. Expect to be summoned."

Isonei had walked to the far end with Master Senith. Lislora watched her walking back to their table with the relaxed pride of a woman who'd never felt a moment's shame in her life, oblivious to the incredulous looks she was being given.