Scorn and Devotion

Chapter 12

Warnings - Intense anger, mention of injury, alcohol and drunkenness, mentions of torture.

The next few weeks were to be absolutely packed with activities. First, each girl would be able to spend one whole day with Timothée. I had to wonder what it would be like to spend an entire day with him, practically alone, with the exception of a couple of guards. I assumed awkwardness would ensue, but perhaps not.

If I decided to be truthful with myself, I would not mind seeing Timothée. Lately, I could not make myself despise him quite as much. I was just tired, so tired of all these emotions I didn't understand and didn't want to touch. They weighed me down like rocks tied to my ankles.

Of course, when I was feeling my least creative and least enthusiastic, Natalie had announced the week after our one on one days, we would have a talent show. Each of us has to present a talent. Timothée was also required to do anything he could to help us with our acts. We also had to present him with an act of service, to prove we wouldn't get too prideful in our relationship with him. A meal, wash his clothes, etc. I supposed it was also to show the kingdom we were down-to-earth.

Then came the activity I knew I would despise the most. Each of us would have a week in which to prepare a ball. We would design it carefully, and delegate the decorations, food, guest list, and everything else that happened as well. So that no one had a head start, we'd be told who was up first after the talent show, and then after each ball, the next planner would be announced. Apparently, Timothée and the other girls would be rating each of our performances out of ten. There was one section for experience, and for hospitality, food, theme, and then a grade for the event overall.

I was incredibly nervous about the planning of everything. I just didn't have a knack for any of it. I was sure the other girls would blow me out of the water. Even if I did do well, the others would most likely give me poor marks anyway, because they all thought I was most likely to win. The way I saw it, the front runner was Juliet or Gwyneria.

Now more than ever Gwyneria was pulling Timothée aside for talks, constantly complimenting him, and beaming at practically anything he said. She was like a candle whose flame was extinguished whenever Timothée left the room, but became a cluster of dancing sparks and flashes whenever he was around.

So, it was to be expected when Gwyneria practically shrieked with glee when it was announced she would have the first day with Timothée. I was not quite sure why she was so excited. Surely, if you wanted to win, you would want to be the last date. That way, it would be fresh in his mind. and he would have improved with experience.

To my knowledge, which admittedly was lacking, Timothée had never gone on a date. He certainly had not before he left, he would have told me about it. Since then I had heard of his promiscuity and his parties, but I doubted he considered his rendezvous dates. I had to wonder if he even knew what to do on a date.

Thankfully, I had time to worry about my date later, I was second to last. I would instead practice my talent for the show. Of course, I had chosen swordplay. My arm had finally been cleared, and I was ready to learn more moves.

I had no more trinkets to give people since my room burned down, but my father had recently sent me three bags of gold coins to help me fund my new palace life.

I waited by the doors of the armory, decked out in full gear. Archangel was sheathed, but I could almost hear her begging to be used.

"Hello," I called out to a boy who exited the armory.

"Who are you?" He asked curiously. His visor was not yet down so I could see his face. He looked young, silvery blonde with large brown eyes. I hoped he was tougher than he looked or this would be a fairly easy fight.