Snippet #2708782

Tamiera enjoyed seeing the contempt flash across Jordane’s eyes. She knew Jordane stayed only because he felt honor bound to her. She thought honor to be a ridiculous and archaic emotion. Lucky for her she had none, and even luckier men like Jordane felt compelled by their sense of honor. “The sickly prince?” she pouted and shook her head. “No, unfortunately that ripe peach has already been plucked. It’s a shame really, I think he would have been a good husband to me.” And by good, she meant easy to dispose of. It wouldn’t have been hard to induce a high fever to take Lelinus’ life after she was secured in her position. No, that opportunity had already passed her by.

“Don’t you think I would make a great queen?” the question was rhetorical and it was the only evidence of her schemes. She watched as the herald disappeared and waited patiently. It wasn’t long before he had returned.

“His Majesty extends his welcome and bid I show you to the ball.” The herald bowed and Tamiera slid a grin to her fact much like a cat who caught a mouse. She allowed Jordane to help her dismount the steps of the carriage. She curled her fingers around his firm bicep and the two ascended the stairs and were led through the great entry hall towards a grand ballroom.

There was a swirl of color and an animal kingdom’s worth of masks packed into the grand room. “Now behave, won’t you?” her nails dug lightly through his sleeve. “We need to make a good impression,” her lashes fluttered behind her mask and her eyes scanned the crowd for the king.

~~~

Tyr took the slippers from her hands and slid them onto her feet. She felt his fingers brush against the sensitive skin of her ankle and a pleasant tingle shot up through her leg and into her spine. She felt regret as he pulled his hand away and then mentally admonished herself for such foolish and dangerous thoughts. Tyr had never expressed interest in her before now. Things hadn’t changed between them. They were nothing more than the close friends they had been since they were children.

She laughed a bit uncomfortably and looked down at the gown. “It’s too much, and I feel a bit like a stuffed duck,” she sighed. “Brynjar requested I wear it tonight.” She bit her lip at her slip. She wished she hadn’t mentioned Brynjar. She knew the tension that was rife between the two royal men. Tyr had extended his hand to her and she quickly dispelled thoughts of the tyrant king and slipped her small hand into his larger one. She could feel the callouses from his years of sword wielding and horseback riding. They were rough but she took comfort in them. “I never thanked you for helping me with my burns after the fire.” She spoke quietly as they left her rooms and made their way to the masque. “Actually, I’m quite glad you came to escort me. I’ve only just realized I may stick out like a sore thumb if I walked in looking like this without anyone at my side. You’ve done me a great favor,” her eyes glinted teasingly. “How could I ever repay you?” while she was trying to joke with him there was a serious edge to her words.

They entered in through the doors together and even with Tyr at her side several eyes swiveled their way and it made her feel gawky and uncomfortable.

~~~

Brynjar was pleased to see that the masquerade was in full swing as he had entered. He saw people twirling in dance with the music while others were clustered together in small groups around the edge of the ballroom floor. His eyes scanned the room trying to locate a particular person but his attention was cut short.

“Lady Tamiera,” he greeted with a polite smile as the widow approached with a strapping young buck at her side. Brynjar knew the woman liked to keep a prized pet and it seemed this poor sap was her latest model. “It is good to see you, I was surprised when my herald said you had arrived. It has been a very long time since you have been in court.”

“Indeed it has my king, and I had missed it greatly.” She curtsied politely to him. “I must say I was rather offended when I hadn’t received a personal invitation from you.” Her signature pout fell to her cherry lips.

“To my last recollection you were in a mourning state over her late husband.” Brynjar responded diplomatically.

“That is true, I must say I have the worst luck in finding young and abled husbands. These old men can’t really hold up very well with my own youth.” She laughed and waved her free hand quite ignoring Jordane at her side though she kept one firm grip.

“Come now Lady Tamiera, a woman such as yourself should not have a difficult time finding a husband who can keep you with you.”

Lady Tamiera was about to respond when Brynjar’s eyes were drawn away. She frowned as the attention was diverted from her and she followed his gaze. His eyes had settled hungrily upon a fresh arrival. Lady Tamiera narrowed her eyes and her jaw stiffened to see the swan princess step into the room. Her eyes darted to Brynjar and he seemed to be calculating.

Brynjar watched as Elska arrived though she wasn’t alone. He felt frustrated to see her already escorted by another and it didn’t take much deduction to discover who her companion was. Brynjar knew his time was running out. The secret glances the two were exchanging were evidence of something more and Brynjar had to put a stop to it.

“Excuse me Lady Tamiera,” he bowed to the woman and left without another word leaving the woman offended and frustrated.

“How terribly rude of him.” She huffed. “Who is that gaudy woman anyway?” she whined in Jordane’s ear as they watched Brynjar approach.

Brynjar reached the two who had only enough time to move out of the walkway. Elska’s eyes widened behind the blue steel mask but she offered a pretty curtsy.

“Your Majesty,” her head was lowered.

“You look more radiant than I had expected, I am pleased to see you took me up on my offer.” His words were less of a compliment towards her and more of a jab to Tyr who stood solidly at her side.