Viata

Chapter XV: Creative Expressions

 "William wants to know if you are coming down to dinner in the great hall."

I turned to the very same doorway that Tyson had walked out of just a few hours ago. It was now well past dark out and he should be on his way on the same path that my dearest father took only days ago.

Avril looked like a gleaming Valkyrie standing there with the strong torchlight of the hall reflecting a halo around her. Such a kind yet powerful face. I love her kindly.

"Tell him I got caught up with my work and will be taking supper in my chambers."

She walked in, her dress trailing sweetly behind her as she pretended to look around my room. Her hands were clasped behind her while she feigned seriousness.

"I do not see any important work."

"Only to the untrained eye, I am afraid. If you look closely at vanity here you will see the very serious business of this cream made from the flora out of doors and it is of the most vital timing that it gets wiped from my face in precisely one hour or else my skin may become simply too dewey for me to bear."

She sat down next to me on my small vanity chair and took my hand in hers. Her head tilted slightly as she pulled a bit of cotton from my hair and smoothed the strands back down in a very motherly manner.

"Why are you hiding from him? I saw you two out by the fountain earlier. You looked happy."

"I am not hiding from him, Avril, I am simply waiting."

"Waiting for what?"

"Waiting for him to come up here and ask me to dine with him himself."

"Why would you want to do that? He has only just sent me to bring you down to him."

I sighed and pulled my head down to watch my hands with care and precision. The small lines carved across my palms created a broken pathway from one side to another. I took up the two of her hands in my own before looking back up at her.

"They taught me many things in Graiden, darling friend, but the most important lesson was in the making of infatuation of men. I would hate to do this to William but. . ."

"But you need him to solidify your position."

"Exactly. He is a good man - a kind one, as well - and he is handsome and of high birth. If I can make him fall in love with me then I will have his family at my beck and call and I will have him when I face the court during my transition into power."

"But you are only sixteen."

"Seventeen in no more than two fortnights. I will be a spinster sooner than later and I cannot rule Viata without the promise of future heirs."

"Do you not think you are getting ahead of yourself?"

"No, actually, I do not. I have been training to do this since I was a mere babe. We all have. Soon I will have to look for suitors for all of you as well."

"Well, do not rush to find one for myself. My place is at your side as you navigate this."

"Thank you, Avril."

She smiled at me before patting my hand and standing. Her dress swayed differently as she left the room. More confidence, less caution. She stopped at the doorway and tapped the frame with her small knuckles.

"I will tell the Duke of Rain that the princess is simply too busy to be trifled with a dinner invitation and if he wishes a meal with you he simply must request it ahead of time."