Chapter Eight
You feed my curiosity.
~*~
Disappointment is evident on Lyma's face but because she is covering half of it no one noticed except for the person tailing her. Malus kept silent as he walk a step behind her trying to find the right moment to console her. He knew that he should be joyous because there is no way for the princes to traverse the dangerous ridge thus hindering her idea of travelling alone. But seeing how dejected she was as soon as they left the shop he cannot bring himself to be happy. He even felt dejected as well. He remembered how happy she look when she thank him a while ago. He can even imagine the big smile plastered on her face during that moment.
"Pandora." He called and unconsciously Lyma stopped and turn back.
"Yes?" Her voice is low. She still wearing the black handkerchief on her face. But the look on her eyes is enough for Malus to see how apparent her current emotion is.
"I'll find a way."
Lyma was taken aback by his statement. She did not expect him to say such a thing. She can still remember his obvious disagreement about her going to Krefja Kingdom but now she have his support? 'He doesn't even know why I want to go. And why I don't want to use the route that needs me to enter Eunis.' She thought. But even though Malus is still wearing the ring making his face blur to her, she knew he was serious and have thought about what he said.
"You don't have to. The envoy can always take the Eunis route. It's safer though it will took more days. But it's safe nonetheless."
Malus stared at her. She was the last person he can perfectly read aside from Vanus, Gustave and King Andorran. The four people that is almost an exception to his over-observation ability. Though he can't completely read their movements and emotions, he can still read the obvious ones. And right now, as she said those words, he can somehow feel that even though her words are true there is more to it. "Yes. That would be the safest route."
"Then that's settled! Now, I believe we need to hurry as I still need to prepare for the ball."
"I believe so too. And I think the palace is still in chaos because of your absence."
'Right! Guess I'll receive a good number of sermon.' Lyma was again reminded of how Lily nagged her about her going out on her own without her guards. Just then and idea flashed inside her mind. 'Of course I have a guard! And it's none other than the Captain of the Beta Battaglia himself!' She quickly forgotten about the conversation they had with the man in basement office and was replaced by the thoughts of how she would escape Lily's nagging and her brothers' sermons.
Malus heave a sigh as soon as he saw the change in Lyma's expression. "Let's go?" He said as he offered his hand. Lyma don't know what is it for but she still hold unto it. Then he immediately pulled her to run towards the Fortalitia. All the way both of them are smiling thinking that they're like children running home where a good scolding is waiting.
Lily was beyond furious when she found out where Lyma went to. It only subsided a bit when she learned that she was not alone and was with Malus. "It was a good thing that his highness Malus is with you, your highness. That place is dangerous. I shouldn't have told you about it in the first place! You even took my coin!"
After her nagging she went out to fetch the other servants that would help her to dress Lyma for the ball. And for almost five hours of laborious job of bathing, scrubbing her clean, putting on her make-up, doing her hair and helping her put on her dress they are done. But Lyma cannot deny that the fruit of their labor is worth it. She cannot take her eyes off of her reflection as she turn to see herself. "This is magnificent." She cannot help but to utter. Aside from her the other servants and Lily are also amazed by the final product of their efforts. They are almost teary-eyed as they look at her.
"You are so beautiful, your highness!" One of the servant complimented earning nods from the others.
"Indeed your highness is stunning. The red dress suit you well and it highlighted your body shape and your glowing skin."
'Woah! That's a lot of compliment in one sentence.' Lyma thought to herself when she heard Lily's words. "Thank you everyone. This wouldn't be possible without you all."
The servants then help her as they walked out from the walk-in closet into the bedchamber. Just then a knock came together with an announcement of Avarus' arrival. Lyma instructed the knight to let him in as she walked down to the receiving area.
"Woah! You look…" He exclaimed wide eyed as soon as he saw Lyma. "…a lot different." He walked towards her and look closely at her dress. "This is not something you normally wear, do you?"
"Thank you. You look stunning too. And yes, it's not my usual style." She look over Avarus' suit. It almost have the same design as her current dress. It's a red velvet coat with gold flower embroidery. "How did you managed to match my dress?"
"It's not easy, I tell you. I have to use a lot of my connections." He go over as he walk over to sit on the sofa. "How wouldn't I? When her royal highness asked me personally to be her escort?" He teasingly smiled at her. "Even it's the day prior I have to show my gratitude."
Lyma sat on the opposing sofa as him. "I must say, you did a great job." Then she smiled. "And as a sign of thanks I'll tell it to you ahead of time so you can mentally prepare for it. Nobles will not love seeing you enter the hall as my escort."
"Oh! I have heard of that issue as I go around to find a suitable coat for tonight. Do not trouble yourself! I know attention and attention knows me." Not as dramatic as Vidia, Avarus did made a show of his hands as he said the last line. Lyma laughed a little and shook her head.
They went out of Lyma's room together when it was time for them to enter the hall. And met with the other members of the royal family just outside of the hall doors.
"Greetings, your majesty." Avarus curtsied in front of the king. "Greetings your highnesses. And to the beautiful ladies."
"Greetings, father. You didn't invite someone for tonight's ball?" Lyma asked when she noticed no one is beside the king.
"I do." His voice is calm and have a little touched melancholy. But his words are firm like saying something that is a matter of fact. Then the king tapped his chest.
Immediately Lyma's gaze shifted to the king's chest. And when she noticed the royal red insignia on the king's chest she understood immediately. 'He will always have her beside him.' She just smiled in return then turned her gaze over to her brothers and their companions.
"Good evening, brothers." Gustave and Guerrier are wearing their respective regalia. The two regalia have the same design and is adorned with the same badges except for the one badge Guerrier have as the crown prince. Other than that and the color, Gustave have a black and gold while Guerrier have white and gold, are the only difference between both regalia. But even though their regalia are a sight to see there is something else that caught Lyma's eyes. It did not escape Lyma's eyes how the two prince wore the same expression. They are both looking at her grimly. And then she remembered her escapade just this afternoon. She was pretty sure that the news of her escaping have reached both of them and they simply did not have the time to find her and give their sermons. She just smiled sweetly at them and just received a warning look that obviously says they are going to talk later. 'This brothers!' She complained.
"Greetings to the star of the kingdom, her highness the princess." Marionette greeted back bowing lightly at Lyma. "Greetings to the Crown Prince of Krefja Kingdom." She curtsied to Avarus. Marionette is wearing a light green ball gown. It is an off-shoulder ballgown that has yellow bead deigns.
"Greetings to the star of the kingdom, her highness the princess and to the Crown Prince of Krefja Kingdom. I am Michelle Tratatredan. May blessings shower upon the thrones." Michelle curtsied bowing to the both of them.
Michelle Tratatredan. She is the eldest of the two daughters of the minister of commerce, Minister Ciel Handel Tratatredan. A known family of merchants that deals not only in the kingdom but also to other neighboring kingdoms such as Eunis and Reafian. The family mostly deals with textiles and jewelries and it can be shown in the dress that Michele is wearing for the ball. She is wearing a silver silk A-line skirt gown. It comes with a lot of sparkling beads on its square neckline. Though the dress' cut is simple, the sparkling beads that most likely cost a lot of fortune just to be on that dress would compensate for it.
"Good evening, Lady Vozenilek and Lady Tratatredan."
Just then the doors opened and a voice have announce their names as they enter the hall. Lyma and Avarus came in last and most certainly received the most obvious disapproving look from the nobles. But neither of them minded the looks and concentrated on walking elegantly towards the prepared platform.
"They sure don't hide those apparent stares, do they?" Avarus whispers and then chuckle. "They are quite the number."
"Don't mind them. They cannot stare for too long. Someone will shed blood tonight if they continue to do so." She continued to smile at the crowd in front of her. "More importantly, where are the members of the Beta Battaglia?" She roamed her look around and still did not spotted even a single member. 'Even Remy is not here.'
"I don't know where they are but I'm sure they are just somewhere in this crowd."
She nodded and as they neared their positions on the platform, the lesser the disapproving look that was directed at them. Most of the crowd focused their attention towards he king without a partner. Everyone anticipated someone to be beside the king for a special occasion like this one. But it seems that the king's loyalty towards the late queen is strong. Then their attention shifted to the two princes, especially to Gustave's partner Miss Tratatredan. It was known that Gustave's partner is the minister of commerce's daughter but no one doubted that he would select the younger daughter for she is known in the social circle to be 'adventurous' and the elder one to be timid. The pressure of selecting your spouse as a member of the royal family is especially high if you're a prince. Selecting the bloodline in which the one who will bear the name and blood of the royal family is something that any kingdoms would have keen eye on. And so, many wanted to have a chance to be selected. But once it was announced that the crown prince will be engaged to Lady Vozenilek, the young maidens of the kingdom have shifted their desires towards the second prince. And seeing that the second prince have selected a timid girl for a special occasion, it would be clear that many would be disappointed. But even so, the amount of disapproving look is still few and more discreet for everyone knew the temperament of the second prince and even the whole royal family.
"Oh! I spotted one. Vidia is standing by the second window on the left with a couple of lady around him."
When Lyma turn to look she immediately spotted the gleaming silver satin coat with eggplant colored tie and silver pin. It's so eye-catching that she wondered why she didn't noticed him earlier. "That's a very striking choice of color. But I won't expect nothing less from him." She commented and then chuckled covering her face with the fan she is holding. 'He wouldn't be the leader of the three-man parade without a reason.' She wanted to add.
As they reached the platform, there are still quite a few eyes that are bearing ill remarks. But Avarus is more attentive on finding the rest of the Beta Battaglia as he continuously turn his head around scanning each faces in the hall.
"Welcome everyone." The king started his speech. Everyone turn their attention to him. "I want to thank each and every one that is present here tonight. Specially, our honored guests from the other kingdoms." The king continued.
As Lyma listened to the king's speech, flashes of memories keep on passing her thoughts. Mostly, the memories consists of the events that involved large crowds. She cannot pinpoint the exact occasions as they changes so fast that she in fact is becoming a little bit dizzy.
"The royal family wishes everyone to enjoy and help us to celebrate the founding of Cockaigne Kingdom." The king finishes. Then everyone clapped their hands. And when conductor gave the signal, the orchestra started to play.
"I don't seem to find the captain and the vice-captain." Avarus whispered. All throughout the king's speech he keeps on informing Lyma about the whereabouts of the other members. "They must have been behind those big pillars." Lyma too look around and indeed she cannot find the two of them.
The Crown Prince together with Lady Vozenilek led the first dance. Everyone seemed to be mesmerized by the pair as they look at them with gleam in their eyes. The two look good together that no one can stood up and contest that they shouldn't marry. In fact, when it was announced that Lady Vozenilek will be the Crown Prince's fiancée everyone almost have the same reaction. They have already expected that will be the next Queen. Lady Vozenilek is known throughout the kingdom not just because of her family background but also with her outstanding appearance, aptitude and attitude. She is the very definition of a refined lady that all ladies look up to.
"They dance so good that it looks like they are using magic." Avarus commented. When Lyma heard this she immediately was reminded of the reason why she chose Avarus to be her escort for tonight.
"Magic. I'm just curious." She bagan but he quickly interrupted her.
"Nope. You always start a long series of questions with that line." He interjected. "And as much as I'm proud of my Kingdom I am not in the mood to spoil your curiosity." He asserted which made Lyma gaped at him.
'How could you!' She wanted to demand. "You're not being nice right now, you know. How about this? I will only asked you ten questions." She negotiated.
"Make it five." He demanded to her. She shook her head.
"Ten." The two began negotiating and I the in the end they both settled to have only five questions. "You're not being reasonable!" She complained.
"I am." He defended. "Everyone knows that you have gluttony as your curiosity. It's insatiable! Do you want me to give concrete examples?" He reasoned and she groaned.
"Have I told you that I don't like this side of you? Fine. Five questions." Lyma fee defeated but she don't have any other choice. 'I thought he would be a blabber mouth just like Vidia.' She sighed. "Then for the first question. Do you know of any magic that deals with the souls of people? Ah no! Let me rephrase that, does Krefja have any records about a magic that can transfer someone's soul to another body?" As soon as she finished her question. Avarus have the obviously reaction of 'her imagination is going wild again'. "What? Just answer it!" She demanded.
"Of course there is none. Magic cannot be used like that. And besides there is no such a thing as souls transferring to another body in the first place. How can you imagine that? There really is no limit to your insatiable curiosity, huh." To say the Lyma was disappointed is an understatement. She is so dejected enough that it clearly shows on her face. Upon seeing this Avarus shook his head and heaved a deep sigh. "You're making me guilty with that look on your face." He sighed again. "But I have an answer to your original question." That made Lyma look back at him, feeling a little bit positive. "But don't expect too much! I don't know everything, I just happen to hear it from my instructor way back. And I remember it because it is interesting. Anyway, he told me that there is a myth that one's soul can help preserve a body." Lyma got interested and quickly adjusted herself so that she can hear him clearly. But just then, the king walked towards them which made turn
"You both seem to be engage in a topic and forgot about the celebration." The king commented, smiling at the both of them. "Care to include me?"
"Of co-…"
"Of course, father. I was just asking Avarus about his past experiences t such occasion. As we all know, this is my first time after my debut to society so I am a little bit nervous." She straightforwardly lied. It was an excellent excuse and was spoke fluidly that no one can know it was a fabricated answer. "There was this time when he was nervous that his hands are literally shaking. When was it again, Avarus?"
"Ah. Yes. It was when I turned eight. My hands are shaking that I have to grip the handles of my seat just not to be noticed by someone. And later on…" Avarus began to babble. Lyma was amazed at how efficiently he connected to her lie and came out with things to support it. She even doubted that some of the things he just spouted are fabricated events. And Lyma cannot help but smile at this gesture.
After some time, the king excuse himself to speak with the other guest.
"Woah! I just sold myself to a fiend!" He uttered. "I just lied to a king with a straight face." He then turn to the lady on his side with a big smile on her face. "You owe me for this."
"Of course!" She confirmed and laughed. He laugh too.
"Why do you have to do that in the first place?" He asked after their laughter died down.
"I don't want my father to have any weird ideas about me."
"Weird ideas! The king already knows you have them!" He teased.
"I don't!" She protested which earned a chuckle from the prince.
"If you're not weird then I'm no prince." He reasoned and laughed a little while shaking his head.
"How could you say that? You're not being nice again." After a heartbeat she continued. "Anyway, let us continue."
"So as I have mentioned, my instructor told me that there's a myth that one's soul can preserve a body. He mentioned about this Fire of Life that when consumed it can make you immortal. But in exchange, you have to feed it with souls of people."
"So basically, you are living off of some else's soul?"
"Exactly. It's interesting, right? But sad to say that no one can prove of the existence of the Fire of Life."
"Yes, it's interesting indeed." She replied. "Anyway, Avarus-…" Lyma was about to ask about a way for her to travel to Krefja without going through Eunis when she was interrupted by someone.
"Mushroom!" It was the second prince and walking shyly behind him is Lady Tratatredan.
"What is it brother?"
Gustave eyed Avarus for a while before turning his gaze back to his sister. "Father asked me to remind you that this is a ball you are attending." Lyma quickly realized what her brother meant with his words.
"I apologized. We were just so engaged in our conversation." Then she turn to look at the prince beside her. "Right, Avarus?" Avarus on the other hand has a stiff expression on his face. He did not say anything but Lyma can tell that he's uncomfortable with the situation. Lyma knew that the second prince don't have a good relationship with the other members of the Beta Battaglia except for Malus. Gustave does not like the idea that there are too many numbers of unengaged princes around the only princess of the kingdom. And so, he give cold shoulders to them. Especially that now, Avarus is her escort.
"Even so. Though it's not your fault that someone is not competent enough to remember such simple responsibility." He made a quick glance at Avarus as he said the word 'competent'. "Anyway, you and I will have a talk tomorrow about the commotion you created this afternoon." He reminded her.
'I did see this coming.' She told herself.
"Then excuse us." Gustav bid farewell and walked back to their assigned seats. As soon as the second prince is away, Avarus stood up and walked in front of Lyma. Then he reached out his hand to her.
"Princess, will you dance with me." Lyma can clearly see that his eyes bear indifference and is just trying to smile at her to lighten the mood.
"Of course." Then she placed her hand on his and he pulled her towards the crowd of dancers. "You know. I'm thinking. I should be the one to ask you for a dance since I was the one to ask you to be my escort." She narrated as she placed her left arm on his shoulder.
"Not necessary. I'm still the escort. It's my responsibility to worn out your shoes tonight." His face no longer shows the stiff and fake smile. He is slowly back to his usual joyous self. And that made Lyma smile. And they began to dance.
"Really? Is there a rule like that?" She asked as the both of sway along with the song.
"I think it's in dance ethics." He answered guiding her.
"Oh. I must have been absent or asleep during that lesson." And both them smiled.
***
After her first dance with Avarus, she was bombarded with multiple dance invitations. But in the end she only accepted the invitations from the other members of the Beta Battaglia except for Malus. Remissus told her that Malus needs to leave early to attend to something urgent.
"I heard Malus needs to do something urgent. Do you know what is it?" She asked the second prince of Eunis kingdom who is currently her dance partner.
"It's for tomorrow's hunting event. Prince Gustave have also left with him. I believe it is something about the beasts to be released as they must have arrived earlier than expected." Vanus answered. The both of them swayed as the song continues to play.
"What beasts do we have this year?"
"I'm not particularly sure. But it might include the basic ones such as deer, wolves and black bears. And that special beast from Krefja, the Inkanyamba."
'An Inkanyamba? That a hard beast to catch.' She thought. The Inkanyamba is a giant serpent-like creature with a horse's head. It is known to be very evasive and is quick to flee because of its serpent-like body. The scales on its back serves a strong shield against ordinary weapons. And a single whip of its tail can send someone into the air.
"That's interesting. How did they grab ahold of such beasts?"
"I think it's a gift from Krefja Kingdom. Did your escort not told you anything?" Though Vanus put just a little emphasis on the word escort Lyma still was able to detect it. Most royals knows or have acquired such level of detection skills since it a need for them to be wary of everything around them. Though this level of detection cannot be compared to Malus' ability. And besides, it's not only Vanus who have faintly displayed their disappointment on the matter. Especially at how Vidia displayed his dissatisfaction on her choice. "I'm a better dancer, you know. And I am your closest friend!" She remembered him saying that at that time when Avarus boasted about being her escort. And just like that time and all the other times the other princes shown such disagreement her answer was always the same. 'The peace of the continent.'
"He have mentioned nothing about it. But I think Krefja and I thought of the same idea. Through this celebration, we can express a strong connection between the two kingdoms. Them gifting us an 'Inkanyamba' for the hunting event. And I on the other hand…"
"Invited Avarus to be your escort." Vanus continued her sentence. "A clever move I guess."
"I will take that as a compliment!"
"Of course it is."
They continued to dance along the song and afterwards Vanus invited her to the balcony to catch some fresh night breeze.
"The night seems to turn into day with all those lights." She commented as her gaze fall on the Main Palace Garden that is full of crystal balls and torch lights. She leaned on the balcony's bolster and stared at the guests that have gone down to the garden and is currently looking at the beautifully maintained flower bushes. She rested her chin on top of her right arm and turn to the prince beside her. "You did not invite me here just to catch some night breeze, right?" She have thought about it. Vanus is not someone that likes to 'appreciate a view'. He is a serious and hardworking person that does not seem to know the word 'breathe' and is always on his responsibilities. Among all the members of the Beta Battaglia, aside from Malus, he has the most number of things that he have to take care of. All the princes have their offices where they can work on their respective duties as a royal family member of their respective kingdoms.
"Of course, you'll be able to tell." He whispered to himself. He shifted himself and stand facing Lyma. He stared into her eyes as he admitted. "I have something to tell you. And I hope you'll listen to me."
Lyma smiled at him. "I can do that at least." She straighten herself and stand facing him. "What is it?"
"I…I'm going to pursue you." He confessed while still staring directly ay her. She was dumbfounded for a second before her brows knitted together.
"You'll what?!" She asked to clarify. "Pursue me? Did you eat something wrong? Or…did you hit your head somewhere? How can you pursue me?"
"I have not liked you from the start. But as I spent time my time here I come to realize things about you." He confessed. Then he continued. "You're loud and reserved at the same time. You are fragile but brave. You are strong-willed and knows what she wants. And you care for others more than yourself. Your character…have somehow…moved me. And without me noticing, my feelings have transformed."
To say that Lyma is shock is an understatement. She did not expect him to confess to her. And most of all she did not expect the words he have uttered. She knew him. He is not the kind of person that easily compliments someone. He is known to be a private person and have built walls around him even with the other members. He socializes but just to have a conversation about serious topics such as trade and commerce. The stone-faced prince. And that person just confessed to her.
"As I come to an agreement with these emotions, I decided to take it a step further. I will formally pursue you, Pandora."