A Battle of Pride and Desire

Chapter Twenty Two

The day of the ball was a warm one and the sun made the carpet of Brigette's room warm to the touch. It would take Brigette the guts of an afternoon to get ready although she wasn't quite sure why. Apparently the castle had staff to do makeup and hair. Brigette couldn't quite believe the money that must be flowing through here for this to be possible. If Taran wanted to change Magmella, perhaps it would be worth his while stopping these unnecessary luxuries. However, Brigette wouldn't complain about the luxuries for one day, she had never had anyone do her hair or makeup. She was going to be wearing a custom made gown made especially to match Taran. The seamstress had taken her measurements a few weeks ago and didn't want her to see the finished product until she was putting it on. It stayed in a black cover in the back of her wardrobe until this afternoon.

Brigette ambled down the stairs for breakfast in her nightgown, perhaps she was getting too comfortable here. The castle was in a frenzy, with people running to and fro, rushing to get everything done. As Brigette entered the dining room her gaze locked on Taran who was eating silently, watching the staff work around him. The queen wasn't going to be attending breakfast this morning because she wanted to spend time alone before everyone would come. Brigette had suggested to Taran that they skip their lessons today and he rest up before the ball. Although they hadn't really discussed it, she was sure he would be feeling sad about his father and worried about the fae. He didn't look himself this morning, he looked slightly more lethargic, it looked like he hadn't gotten much sleep last night. He registered her arrival when she sat down and gave her a small nod.

"Good morning," Brigette said gingerly.

A gruff sound of acknowledgment as he ripped a bite from his toast.

"How are you?" Brigette asked and cringed at how chirpy she sounded.

"Fine."

OK, one worded answers were how it was going to be today.

"For what it's worth," she began. "I have no doubt if your father were here to see you today he'd be very proud of who you've become. And whether or not he is alive or dead, you know he is always with you."

Taran met her eyes carefully and she saw the little pool of water that began to fill them.

"Also," she smiled. "If he's anything like you, you know he's giving whoever took him hell."

A small smile began to form on his face and Brigette didn't like how it made her feel, "He would be, wouldn't he?"

Brigette nodded, "I feel sorry for them personally."

A bark of laughter, "Thanks, Ettie."

"For what? The truth?"

"Something like that," he said and took another bite of his toast.

Brigette raised her glass, "Happy birthday," she said and took a sip once Taran had done the same.

"So what kind of music does your dad like?" Brigette asked, lining her plate.

"All kinds, but really he had a soft spot for Erinean music, said it sounded rooted in reality."

"Really? That's so fun, will we be listening to some tonight?"

Taran nodded, "We'll have a live band."

"Oh yes," Brigette said. "You'll have to dance all night."

"I'm not very good at it."

Brigette rolled her eyes, "I highly doubt that, you're a prince."

"Fine, I don't really like it."

Brigette feigned hurt and put a hand to her chest, "But I'm Erinean! We all love dancing there, how could someone not like it?"