Reasons for Silence

Sheer Nightgown

Chapter Fourteen ~ Amador

            I saw Serefina, all the time, I just didn't get to talk to her.

            After getting caught by Daisy I tried to refocus my energy on the planning and execution of the coming ball. It was difficult getting the event planned in such a short period of time, but it kept me busy and out of trouble for a while.

           

            The invitations were sent out a week later and most of the Palace was being decorated for the occasion. I hadn't heard word from Daisy about Serefina's illegitimate engagement so I went out to find her.

            I walked down to one of the smaller ballrooms, figuring that Serefina would be in most immediate need of dance lessons.

            I paused at the entrance when I heard voices.

            "How do you know so many steps?" Daisy said and I took the liberty of peering into the room.

            I wasn't sure that I could ever get used to seeing Serefina and as I watched her dance I wasn't certain that I wouldn't be entirely overwhelmed by her. There was something that was fundamentally perfect about her... I didn't know what it was but I looked forward to finding it out.

            "There was a clay-maker in my village who was well-educated. He thought that one day I would need to know how to dance. He felt badly that my father couldn't teach me," Serefina's voice wafted through the air gently but it affected me in a violent way. I leaned against the frame of the door for support. I was so close, so close to being with her, that it wouldn't have made a difference whether or not I spoke to her then.

            Somehow I found it in me to restrain myself; I wanted our official introduction to be perfect.

            "So he was like an honorary father to you?" Daisy said.

            Serefina shook her head no.

            "My mother very much hoped that he would want to marry me one day," she said and I straightened up. I had no idea about anyone in Serefina's village being viewed as marriage potential for her.

            "Were you interested in him?"

            Serefina paused a beat and I held in a breath.

            "It would have been a wise decision to marry him if he asked, but I was summoned before he got the chance."

            I furrowed my brow at her words. How could I have not known about this?

            As they continued the dance I couldn't help but see the clay-maker teaching her each step. He would have wrapped an arm around her waist and she would have held him close. I squeezed my eyes shut and rested my head on the door frame. It didn't take the image away.

            But, honestly, how could all of the guards I had posted in her village have missed such a pivotal detail? What else had they failed to report to me?

            I opened my eyes and stared at the ceiling.

            "Excuse me." Daisy said and I heard her footsteps coming my way.

            "I'm just looking out for you when I say that you're not supposed to be here, Highness," she said once she reached me.

            I took a deep breath and looked at her.