A Battle of Pride and Desire

Chapter Twenty One

The following week was a busy one, filled with preparation for the ball and the queen hurrying around the house as though she didn't have staff to do it all for her. There had been no further developments in Brigette's gift but she could feel tensions in the castle rising anyway. Taran had plenty of meetings about a defence plan and hadn't allowed Brigette to attend. She went to her lessons and read in bed, that was about it. She was getting more excited for this ball then she'd like to admit; excited to meet Crea - Liam's partner - and to see the people of Magmella in party-mode. Taran had told her it was the biggest night of the year, even before his father had gone missing. Brigette had asked if it was an emotional time for him but he said it was actually rather nice to celebrate his life, whether it was ongoing or not. It was the day before the ball and Brigette was in full swing helping the serving staff hang up the final decorations. Taran was at another meeting but the queen was working in the kitchen, helping the catering staff should they so need it. Although it was a party and not running the country, Brigette wondered how Taran didn't think he was worthy of his crown even if he had only earned it through blood right. He was attentive and helpful, taking responsibility if something went wrong or didn't arrive. The staff seemed to absolutely adore him and the queen - smiling all the time. The staff seemed to enjoy their jobs and were proud to be serving the royal family. As Brigette worked with the staff they pestered her with questions about the royal family and what it was like to be Taran's lover. To be honest, Brigette didn't know what the diplomatic answer to either of those questions were. She liked the royal family and wasn't actually Taran's lover so she didn't have much to say. Regardless, the staff continued to press her, one of the women was even so bold to ask if Taran was good in bed. Brigette had gone a deep shade of red at the question and was mocked endlessly about it for the week. Today however, they had eased off on the teasing and were more interested in Brigette herself. How did she come to know Taran? When did she move in? These questions were harder because she had to come up with lies on the spot. Met him at a book store. A few weeks ago. The former was a lie but the latter being the truth was a small consolation for Brigette. She truly was going to the deepest depth of hell, she was certain the Underworld was waiting for her with glee.

Currently she was taking down expensive pieces of art work for fear they would ruin. She was atop a ladder and a sprightly young woman was holding it steady. Her name was Eithne (pronounced En-ya) and Brigette had grown rather fond of her over the week. The two had hit it off straight away and had an awful lot in common. Both Eithne and Brigette had an interest in archery - the two of them having learned from their fathers. Eithne was tall and lean with dark hair and brown skin. Her eyes were round and had a tired look about them at all times even though Eithne never seemed tired. The waterline of her eyes were lined white and when Brigette asked what it was Eithne explained that she had sanpaku eyes which was a trait in her family. Her nose was tall and sharp with a slight bump on the bridge. She was beautiful in an unconventional way and her personality matched her physical beauty. She was fantastic in an unconventional way. She was kind and giving but not in the way Brigette was taught to be as a child. While Eithne may forget to say please or thank you, she would remember a small comment you made. For example, during the week Brigette had mentioned that she loved chocolate toffees in passing and Eithne had arrived today chocolate toffees in tow. Brigette had forgotten she'd even said it to Eithne but Eithne said that she liked Brigette so much she had to bribe her to be her friend. This elicited a giggle from Brigette and a feeling in her stomach that felt a lot like adoration.

So while Eithne held Brigette's ladder in place, Brigette felt safe in her hands. Slowly and carefully, Brigette removed the large portrait from the wall and passed it to the man who was standing to Eithne's left. He took it with care and brought it to the storage room in the basement. When Brigette was finally done she climbed down the ladder and smiled at Eithne.