The Charm of Deception- Chapter Five, Part Two

I let out a shaky breath as the band played the final note in their prelude. My eyes fixed out the doors to the balcony, I listened as the notes of the first dance of the evening rang through the hall. I felt my arm trembling as I lifted the wine cup to my mouth. A moment before the goblet touched my lips, it was snatched from my hands.

"No." Father never slowed his pace, as he plucked the wine from my hands and continued past.

I frowned after him. How do you expect me to survive tonight, if I don't get drunk? Ever since Prince Synakrein asked me for a dance, and I'd accepted, I couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom that settled over me. Something bad was going to happen. I wasn't sure what, or when, but a large knot that settled in the pit of my stomach made me certain that something would.

I shook my head, trying to calm myself. It's just a dance. My breath caught as a fresh wave of pain shot up my side. I swallowed hard as I put my hand over the spot that throbbed the worst; the place that my corset was digging into my bruised side. Breathe...you might not even have to dance. Maybe he went back to his rooms...or maybe he forgot--

"My Lady."

I cursed mentally, but smiled sweetly as I turned around. "Prince Synakrein."

"Shall we?" He gestured toward the dance floor.

I dipped my head and stepped toward the couples that were still making their way closer to the band. My body tensed as the Prince's arm was suddenly on my back, his hand covering my entire side, as he gently guided me through the crowd. I swallowed hard, my heart beating so hard I could scarcely breathe; my side hurting so badly I could barely stand it.

I avoided his gaze as he walked in front of me. I forced myself not to cringe, as I lifted my left hand to rest it on his shoulder; waiting for him to wrap his arm around me. His hand was heavy on my back, and hurt my side.

"You look dazzling tonight, My Lady."

I looked up into his chilling eyes, following his lead into the dance. "Thank you, My Prince." You're hurting my side. "You look nice as well."

"Mm." His gaze made me uncomfortable. I looked away again, focusing my eyes on a large, polished button on his shirt. It looked to be made of brass, finely carven, trimmed with elaborate embroidery.

Calm down...breathe...breathe... It was suddenly harder to breathe, than it was to think about breathing. I swallowed again. Stop worrying. Just focus on happy things...He smells good...that's a nice thing.

"I'm quite enjoying your country."

I looked up again, forcing myself to smile. "Are you? I'm so glad to hear that."

Of hickory smoke and...what else is that?

"Yes. It's quite different from my country."

"How so?" I let him spin me in a circle, taking the opportunity to take half a step away from him.

Cinnamon. Hickory smoke and cinnamon.

He gave my arms a quick tug, pulling me close to him once more. I wouldn't, couldn't, squirm, even though my side was screaming in agony. "The climate...architecture...women."

"Oh...yeah?" My voice was slightly strained. I silently prayed to whatever God might be listening that he wouldn't notice. That he'd loosen his grip.

"Oh, yes." His smiled down at me. "The noble women in my country never do anything interesting enough to hurt themselves..."

I felt my heart lurch, before it sank down into my stomach and began pounding. I wasn't breathing. I couldn't help it.

"I don't have any iiii-" I bit off a squeak, as he lifted me slightly and turned me in a circle, his hand squarely over my ribs. I gasped as he put me down, half-sagging against his chest as a wave of exhaustion suddenly hit me.

"It makes one wonder what the women of this country do on their Saturday afternoons."

I pushed against his chest, slightly, so that I could lift my head. I looked up again, breathless. "Nothing much."

"No?"

"Nope." I wished I could catch my breath. Wished he wouldn't look at me so intensely. Wished he wouldn't smirk like he knew my every sin.

"Is that what you're doing next weekend as well? Nothing much?"

I nodded, wetting my lips, looking at him carefully. How did you figure it out? "Most likely."

"Pity...there are so many more interesting ways to spend your time than not doing much."

"...Indeed." Are you going to get me in trouble, or not? What's your game?

"Well...if you don't have any solid plans, then I would propose some."

I frowned at him slightly. I didn't have any idea what plan he intended for me, but I was fairly certain that I wouldn't like it. I doubted I'd be able to refuse, either.

"As I mentioned, our countries are quite different...and I'd quite like for you to come see my country."

His words sent panic through me, even in the midsts of the jumbled thoughts that raced through my mind. No. No. Absolutely not. There is absolutely no reason for me to go to your country if you don't plan on--

"Who knows? You might like it enough to want to make a home there."

I still wasn't breathing. My chest was burning, but my mind wouldn't respond. Wouldn't understand anything-- wouldn't allow any thought other than sheer terror. Just leave me alone.

"Have I struck the Lady speechless?" He smirked again.

He did far more than strike me speechless, he'd stolen my breath away, and, I was fairly certain, would make me faint quite soon, if I didn't start breathing again.

"I..."

No. I can't faint. If I faint, he might catch me, and I don't want to be near him any longer than I absolutely have to. I swallowed hard, taking a deep, shaky breath.

"I'm sure this took you quite off guard."

I nodded weakly, feeling sick.

"That's okay." He nodded once, smiling. "Take time to think about it."

I don't need time. I need a way to tell you no, without both you and Father getting angry at me.

"Ah...well... I...I'm not sure...I mean...I've never...really...done something like this...and..."

"I know."

I frowned at him harder. How do you know?

"I've already spoken to your father about it."

My Father be damned. I bit back a sigh. "You have?"

"Yes...he's quite fond of the idea, though I wanted to ask you about it."

Of course he is. You're filthy rich, and will take me far away from him so I can't be a bother anymore. "Oh."

The song was coming to an end. Prince Synakrein stepped back and bowed, kissing my hand. "I do hope you'll accept. I'd like to hear what happened." He gestured at my side, grinning.

"How...?" I stopped, trying, and failing, not to glare at him.

"I saw you holding your hand to it." He answered, leaning close to me. "Otherwise, I'd be none the wiser. Well played."

He turned and walked off, leaving me to glare after him.

~

I leaned against the banister, my arms shaking under the weight I forced upon them, my breaths coming heavily as I looked out on the night. I could just barely see over the castle walls that stood tall and solid, nearly a mile down the hill in front of me. The inner city was still brightly lit; the outer city was already dark and still.

I closed my eyes and let a silent sob out with my breath, my shoulders shaking. I was beyond sore. Beyond exhausted. Beyond the point of being able to tolerate this ball any longer. I'd danced with what seemed to be every prince in the Known Kingdoms of all of Beirania-- and my side was making known its complaint. Stop whining. You don't have time for self pity-- you need to figure out how to keep from having to go to Grekeiua.

"Are you okay?"

I started at a voice behind me. A large hand landed on my shoulder. I whirled around quickly, straightening my shoulders, my eyes flicking up to the face of the man who stood behind me. I let out a sigh of relief as I saw Aldik. "Oh. It's just you."

"Yes. It's just me." He agreed.

I rubbed my face tiredly, my heart starting to beat again. I took a shaky breath, decidedly refusing to rub my side again. Showing weakness got you in a bad situation with Esmond. It'll probably be worse with Aldik. "I didn't...didn't mean it like that."

"I know." His eyes flicked across my face. "What's the matter?"

"Nothing." You'll probably make me go to the physicians if I tell you.

"Tired?"

"No." I leaned against the banister. Yes. But I'm in more pain than I am tired.

"Hurting?"

"No."

"Is it your side?"

"No."

"Miss Elstan." He said warningly.

"Lord Munen." I countered challengingly.

He lifted his eyebrows. "Don't lie to me."

I frowned.

"It is your side, isn't it?"

I frowned harder. He nodded. "I thought as much. You should get that looked at by the-"

"Miss Elstan?"

I looked past Aldik, at the short, nervous boy who stood wringing his hands.

"Hello." I smiled at the boy, whose name I couldn't recall.

"C-can we dance, o-or are you busy?"

"No. I can dance." I daintily laid my hand in his, and let him lead me toward the dance floor. Let him save me from the lecture. From having to go to the physicians.

I glanced at Aldik as we passed by him. He shook his head slightly, narrowing his eyes, as he bowed a little. Our argument wasn't over. That much was obvious from the look in his eyes. From the fact that Aldik would never let anything go.