The Living Wife

The Ball (II)

She didn't speak to him again after that night. Serving the Dalis kept him away from the manor more often, leaving her to entertain herself with the silence of his gloomy home. She only hoped he wasn't in any serious trouble because of her. She could hardly see him but from what she had heard from Ida, who was more than willing to keep her updated about his well being, he was well and still in one piece.

In the meanwhile, she spent her time in her room, stepping out to only the grand room at times. Ida had been kind enough to invite her to go into the city for a change of scenery but she had politely declined, her last encounter with their outside world still fresh in her memory. So she remained inside, Ida keeping her company as Amara watched the older woman embroider, her hands busy as well with painting delicate patterns on the chinaware Ida had given, having expressed her interest in it.

She hadn't touched her phone during that time. Daya would have probably filled her inbox with messages by now. Carlos normally settled for one message, letting Daya do all the badgering. It pained her to have to make them worry but every time she tried turning on her phone, she had no idea what she was going to say to them or where to even begin. She decided to focus on the upcoming ball instead and figuring out how to sever her bond with Xelan. She didn't have much hope in being able to find a solution with the Dalis, but there had to be one person at that ball that had at least a lead.

She had been deep in that thought as she applied strokes of navy blue and golden yellow on a plate. She almost hadn't heard the footsteps, until she felt a presence in front of her. She looked up, meeting the gaze of amber eyes she hadn't seen for almost a week. She smiled a little.

"Hello," she greeted, setting the plate down on the centrepiece table. She didn't think she would be excited to see him. It might be because he was the only familiar face she was used to. He returned her friendly smile, his attention caught by her finished works spread across the table to dry out.

"I was worried you would be bored to tears here. I see you found something to keep you busy," he said, shrugging out of his black long coat. He sat on the chair facing hers on the other side of the room. She paid no mind to the distance he had placed.

"Yes, thanks to Ida. I didn't think you'd be here this early," she replied, paying attention to her paint-covered hands. She loved the vivid nature of the paints here. It made her small floral patterns almost lifelike.

"I was dismissed early," he said, hesitating for a minute before adding, "To prepare for the ball."

She nodded, taking a napkin to clean her hands.

"The entire Dalis are curious to know the one who had been able to form a bond with me."

"How funny, I'm curious to see the all-powerful council that rule this world," she returned with a small smile to mask her jitters at the thought of their interest in her.

"I would rather not put you through this," he muttered, his brow furrowed in concern.

She shrugged. "They already know about me. It won't do much good if I didn't show up."

"Not if you go back to your world," he replied. He was so persistent.

"And where does that leave you?" she asked, folding her arms.

"That does not matter."

"That doesn't give me an answer."

Their eyes locked in a silent match, his filled with worry. She appreciated his care but she had no intention of leaving him to face the Dalis or Lyle alone.

"You shouldn't worry too much about me. I was the one who was selfish enough to try to steal your life just to feel better about myself."

"And I let you. It was a mutual agreement, don't forget that. Besides, I also have my reasons for wanting to go. Not everything is about you."

She stood to take her leave, putting an end to the conversation. She stopped at the archway, remembering something.

"I'm not sure I packed for a ball. Will my red dress do?"

Amara stood in front of the floor-length mirror on the night of the ball, running her hand on the blue-grey gown with lace bodice and short puffy sleeves she had tried on, courtesy of Xelan's mother. She had barely managed to contain her surprise and scolded herself for acting like he couldn't have a mother. She had thought of asking where the older Calthrope was but the dark shadow on Xelan's face on even mentioning her was enough to tell her that subject was off-limits.

Ida had made adjustments to the dress to make it fit her, Lady Calthrope being a bit more slimmer than she was. She stood behind Amara, admiring her work.

"You look lovely, Miss... Amara," she commented, her poker-faced expression making it hard for Amara to read into the compliment.

"Thank you," the younger woman replied, admiring the gown as her fingers glided against the soft silk tulle fabric of the A-line skirt. The nine-year-old her would be squealing in joy at this fulfilment of her youthful daydreams. If only she knew what it cost to get here.

She broke out of her reverie to see Ida studying her intently through the mirror. Her gaze was almost as intense as Xelan. She guessed it must be common with magi.

"Um, is something wrong?" She asked, feeling a bit unsettled.

"I wonder, could it be possible..." Ida began but trailed off. She shook her head, reverting to her impassive self. "Never mind. My thoughts wander at times."

Amara nodded, not sure what to say in reply.

"I'm sure Xelan is waiting for you downstairs," the older brunette said, retrieving her sewing kit.

"Of course," Amara replied, walking towards the door.

"Amara," Ida called out, making her pause.

"Yes?"

"Please be safe."

"Oh, I will," Amara replied, taken aback by her genuine concern that shone in her green eyes. Ida had been much warmer in her demeanour towards her. It almost felt... Motherly. She smiled wistfully, letting herself out of the room. It had been so long she had felt that.

Xelan was waiting for her downstairs, an epitome of elegance in the navy blue velvet coat with silver buttons and silver silk undershirt. He looked up, giving her a small appraisal.

"The dress suits you," he said, placing his hands in the pockets of his pants.

"Thank you. You look nice as well. Are we leaving soon?"

"Yes..."

A knock on the door interrupted whatever he was about to say.

"Were you expecting someone?" she asked.

"No," he said, frowning slightly as he strode across the hallway to open the door. She held up her dress, walking to see who it was. She noticed Xelan go still as she moved closer.

"What is this?" he hissed. She frowned at his hostility and peeked over his shoulders, feeling her breath catch in her throat at the sight of a blue-grey and silver carriage parked right outside the house. Silvery wings spread on either side of the carriage, its wingspan the length of a banquet table. The man wearing the same colours as the carriage bowed slightly in front of Xelan.

"Courtesy of the Dalis," he said with his raspy voice. "They would be honoured to have your Lord and Ladyship be the winter host couple."

***

Hello again, sorry for the short chapter. I really wanted to be able to post this week. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Our characters have placed in an unfavourable position. How, we will find out in the next chapter.

Till next time.