The Four Swords

Chapter 9: Grand Entrance

As soon as the door to the meeting room closed behind us, Alina's graceful glide broke into a lively sprint toward a hallway table. A vase had been arranged daintily with a voluminous display of flowers. Alina hastily grabbed the flowers and emptied the contents of her stomach into the vase.

Cali has such a loyal spirit. She stood between the rest of the throng and Alina, shooting us a glance that fiercely dared anyone to say a word. I sure was not going to cross either of them.

Uncle John was the first to break the awkwardly uncomfortable silence with a cough to clear his throat. Knowing my uncle, he probably was trying to give the girls time to pull themselves together before he started speaking. However, I feel like if I had tried this same technique, it would not have gone over well.

"I know full well that I cannot dictate anything to your family, Princess, but may I make a suggestion?" A diplomat, Uncle John was not.

Alina wiped her mouth with a kerchief that seemed to appear from nowhere, before giving John an undeniably in control nod. Do ladies' garments often have hidden pockets? Maybe it was just the important dresses.

"Since we do not know what exactly the visions or the specters seen within them mean, I recommend keeping close to those who were in that meeting. Visitors in court generally want a chance to dance with you, but that might not be the wisest choice for this ball."

Alina looked up at him in a quizzical manner, and then her features softened. She was always the best hostess at these balls, dancing with all in sight. She would be giving up her favorite social event of the year if she was limited to only a few dance partners. Especially if my fumble-footed lead was one of the options. She would also probably not get to carry on her family's tradition.

"Thank you Sir John. I suppose your council is wise, albeit untimely." The longing in Alina's voice for the adventure of the dance floor was unmistakable.

"I would be honored to dance with you, Princess. I have seen the dancing of Sir Jacobson and would hate to have you embarrassed in front of the kingdom." Carrion jabbed. Quite the gentlemen, just not to me. I would be more hurt, but I know my dancing is not the best. At least my friend would get to dance with someone graceful for her birthday.

Alina turned on her heel to face Carrion. "I would be delighted to dance the second dance with you. The first belongs to Sir Jacobson."

I entered the ballroom with Alina on my arm. I could not wrap my head around the last few moments. Since there was no great way for our council party to exit the royal wing without suspicion, we became part of the grand processional. The princess was the main attraction for this particular ball so we would enter last.

I got to see the queen and king be announced and leave us in the grand hallway of the royal wing. The swordsmen entered next. I must have looked pale because my father gave me a look as he passed and mouthed the word "Breathe".

Carrion and Cali as well as my uncle entered shortly behind the swordsmen, and were the only members of the throng to not be announced by herald. It was my guess that the crown did not want to answer questions as to why those three were in the royal wing. The doors shut for a final time before we were to open them.

"It'll be alright" Alina said in the direction of the doors. I think it was for my benefit.

"Just remember to breathe." I returned. As I looked in her direction, she seemed a little taken back. Maybe she had not been talking to me. She straightened her spine and gave a nod, then the doors opened. The herald announced me as Alina's escort first and then Alina before we carefully proceeded to the dance floor.

"Shall we do the dance we practiced earlier?" Alina suggested.

I nodded, gulping down my nerves and slowly starting to black out my thoughts. I was only brought back to the present swirl and step of the dance by Alina's giggle. I had stepped the wrong way while reminiscing over what had just happened. Her giggle was gracious and allowed me to look like the pinnacle of amusement rather than the odious dancer I really was.

"Distracted? I cannot possibly guess as to why." Alina eyed me with a sarcastic smile. She could play the carefree party guest so easily. How many times had she played this part before? I fumbled for a second, unable to find the right words. With this many people in the room with eyes solely on us, I could not speak openly. Alina was brilliantly giving me an opportunity to act like nothing was amiss.

"With a dazzling beauty such as yourself as my partner, how could any man not be distracted?" I forced a smile. I had never been so charming, but had experienced the role through protagonist or foe in too many fanciful stories in the haven of the library. Alina rolled her eyes and laughed. I think I did well in terms of keeping up appearances.

"Do not be so playful, Sir Jacobson" I had rarely heard my full name from Alina's lips and in this setting it felt false in so many ways. I was her friend more than any other title. After all, she did just defend me in a way against Carrion.

"Thank you for choosing me." I figure that was pretty cryptic for our audience. She did pick me to dance.

"You are dancing sublimely." Alina eyes narrowed and smile widened. I knew that my steps were unsteady and that my lead was weak. She was making this dance look flawless and it was all her doing. She had to mean something else. She had to be referring to a different dance. Dancing around the topic I want to discuss, maybe? Luckily the music ended before I could decode or encode any other cryptic dialogue.

"Thank you for the dance, Your Highness" I bowed deeply.

"The pleasure is mine. Please keep another dance for me." Alina nodded and looked a little earnest.

I nodded back. I guess she was a little unsettled by the meeting that we had, just better at hiding it from her adoring, ever-vigilant public. As soon as I turned on my heel, Carrion was behind me. He gave me a deeply exasperated look before bowing to Alina and asking her for the next dance.