Eliot Strange and the Prince of the Resistance

54) Manners, Please

My mother has multiple admirers, including my father who she divorced long ago, because she is one of the most beautiful, intelligent women in the world. In the words of Professor Nation, my mother is "an exquisite creature."

Kerry Nation can't hide his admiration of my mother because he adds, "Simply divine," as he seats her at the table, and then bends over to let everyone know whose property she is by kissing her cheek. Again. He's in the middle of conquering a country, and world domination next, and Professor Nation is acting like a love sick teenager.

My mother doesn't seem repulsed at all and in fact says, "Thank you, my dear."

If she is on the right side now, I must add actress to her list of attributes. She and Cindy Lou will be fast friends, for sure.

One of the waiters for the meal seats me. I look at the lavishly decorated table with several glasses and nice china and try to remember which fork to use first. Outside to in, right? All my etiquette training, about an hour's worth, has left the room. I do remember Steven telling me once to watch others and mimic what they do. Steven was always going to be the one at this kind of table, not me.

Wonder what Steven is doing right now? Why is Torin not here yet?

Just as I am wondering where Torin is, he comes into the room with Gus. He is dressed in a suit that looks like it was meant for a much older man. It is black and either he is more pale than I remember, or the color of the suit makes him seem that way. The suit is hanging on him. Has he lost weight since I saw him last? It has only been a day. Am I imagining the worst?

I see no visible bruises, so I am hopeful that Torin has not been beaten until I notice him hesitate a little as he sits down. He seems to be favoring the side he was shot on. He glances at me and smiles. I notice his hand shake slightly as he pulls his chair out. The other hand seems to be wrapped in something.

Torin nods his head to me and says, "My lady."

Gus, who will not be outdone, says the same in his too loud way:

"Yes, my lady. So good to see you. You look quite lovely tonight, right, your Royal Highness?"

"Ravishing," says Torin. "I like your hair."

"Thank you," I say as I blush a little. I feel ravishing except my tummy feels poochy. Thank goodness for the tablecloth hiding it. This all feels so awkward, but I am determined to hide my cards. I won't put Torin in more danger than he is already in.

Gus sits down on one side of me, and Torin is on the other. I notice that Torin's wrapped-in-something hand is actually bandaged. I look at it and raise my eyebrow, and ever so slightly Torin shakes his head. That shake of his head tells me not to ask, not now.

I pretend. "Thank you for this dinner tonight, Professor," I say. "And for your generous hospitality."

"Oh please, Eliot. Call me General. And, you are welcome."

General Asshole, I want to say, but I smile and nod.

My mother looks pleased.

"Dinner is served," announces an old man dressed as a butler, but looking more like the mayor. I learn soon enough that is exactly who he is when the professor introduces him.

"Our distinguished mayor has decided to help out tonight as our host and server," explains Professor Nation. "Thank you for your hospitality, Mayor. Sorry, I forgot your name. There have been so many towns."

Join or die. The mayor joined all right, but not before they blacked his eye. He bows his head slightly at the introduction but does not give his name. He announces, "Our first course tonight is a cold cucumber soup with yogurt and fresh dill."