He's a Mess of a Man

Prologue ~ Three

Inside the palace, the floors, walls, and steep ceilings were all made of clean-cut polished stone. A servant with a blue feathered cap came sweeping up to Portia and Leviathan. With a deep bow, they passed Leviathan and dashed to Portia's side, "Chamberlain. How are we doing on time?" she asked.

"Impeccable timing! The first course will be served shortly. Her ladyship and the others have yet to descend," said the Chamberlain.

Portia heaved a sigh of relief and handed her basket of fruit off to the bright-eyed servant. "Perfect. Tell the kitchen that our guest has arrived." With a curtsy, the Chamberlain slipped away, disappearing behind a panel in the wall that slid seamlessly shut. "I'll show you to the dining room. Everyone will be there soon."

"I'll be dining with the Countess?" asked Leviathan in disbelief.

Portia laughed, "What? Don't tell me you thought we wouldn't feed you!" She led Leviathan to a fine mahogany door at the end of the cavernous hall. She opened the door, leading him inside. Leviathan stepped into the dining room. Rich scents filled his lungs that were unfamiliar to him and tantalizing. Before him was a long table, laid heavy with platters of the most careful delicacy. Portia pulled out a chair for Leviathan, and he sunk into the plush seat. Now that the food was right in front of him, his hunger returned tenfold. But the Countess had yet to arrive. Leviathan looked around the room and noticed a strange painting on the wall across from him. The scene was that of a meal shared among a host of figures with the heads of beasts. The table was laden with small animals provided by a central character with the head of a goat. It had rays of golden glitter around its head, and its red eyes were strikingly lifelike. The goat figure became somehow familiar to Leviathan. Suddenly, its red eyes were so vivid that he could almost feel them returning his gaze.

"Welcome, Leviathan," said a feminine voice that was royally accented. Leviathan looked toward the head of the table. Countess Nadia was taking her seat. Her lips curved into a placid smile when her eyes met his. Two other people sat in the chairs closest to The Countess. The person on her right looked incredibly strong, and they had numerous scars. They possibly had many more under their clothing. The person on her left was much younger than anyone else in the room and had long hair that resembled a sunset. "I'd like to introduce you three," said the Countess as she gently took the hand of the person sitting on her left, "This is my daughter, Melanie. And the man to my right is Loganne."

Princess Melanie smiled softly, "It is a pleasure to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you," said Loganne with a nervous smile. Despite his appearance, he was incredibly shy.

Leviathan smiled and gave a small wave, "It's nice to meet you both as well. In the few years I've lived here, never would have guessed you to have a daughter, Countess."

Countess Nadia smiled warmly, "Really? Well, I suppose it isn't too widely known. Oh, do you like the painting, Leviathan?" the Countess asked, "I noticed you were staring at it when we walked in."

He had to pause and think for a moment, "Yes... It's odd but yes. It's somehow... very fascinating to me."

Countess Nadia gently drummed her elegant fingers along her cheekbone, watching Leviathan with idle interest, "You and Melanie have peculiar taste."

A servant appeared at Leviathan's side to place a bowl of yogurt and cucumber soup before him. He carefully brought it to his mouth to drink. After placing it back on the table, Leviathan looked back to the painting, captivated by the goat figure's eyes, "Such a striking red..."

"Ah, yes. It is striking indeed," said the Countess. Leviathan didn't realize that he said those words out loud. Amusement shimmered in the Countess's brilliant eyes, "The goat-headed one in the middle is my ex-husband, or so it is supposed to be." She sighed, "Providing for the people, as he saw himself. He certainly knew how to entertain." Leviathan's empty bowl was whisked away. In its place was a dish of flaky golden savories. "I know how fondly the people of this city remember the former Count's Masquerade. Did you ever attend, Leviathan?"