Sacrifice

Chapter 32 - The Kiss

Kalli looked up as Feylanna came into her study the day of the ember ceremony.

"My Lady you must see the gown that your father has had made for you. It's truly fitting for an Empress." Feylanna's reluctant guardianship of Kalli's secret had turned to unbridled enthusiasm over serving a potential empress.

"Feylanna, I've been telling you for weeks that you're not to refer to me as an Empress, not to mention the fact that you're never to bother me in my study."

The maid's expression flickered to one of disapproval before a mask of excitement reappeared. "But my Lady, surely science cannot hold a candle to tonight's excitement."

Kalli shot a mournful glance at the equations she had been working with and then went to see her new dress.

It was snow white and delicate; the fabric was interwoven with silver thread, making the whole dress shimmer as the light moved over it. Stepping closer, Kalli examined the intricate silver embroidery. It was a work of art. Glancing at Feylanna, she conceded to preparations for the ceremony, knowing there would be no peace until the night's events were over.

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Bhirdan couldn't help but smile when Kalli entered the small sitting room where they were to await the ember ceremony.

"You look beautiful," he said, reaching up to touch the silver pins that held her hair away from her face.

Kalli glanced away embarrassed. "My father spent too much for this ceremony, especially since we're not heading towards a serious relationship."

Bhirdan didn't bother to comment on the second portion of her statement. "He wants his daughter to look her best when she appears before the whole empire."

"Oh God," Kalli said with a moan, closing her eyes, "I don't wish to be reminded."

Bhirdan took her hands. "You look like a dream," he assured her. "The ceremony will be over before you know it, just enjoy it."

"Enjoy it?" Kalli asked. "How could I possibly enjoy it? The whole world will see it, what if I mess something up? Make a silly face by accident and the reporters post everywhere? Or tear my skirt?"

Bhirdan shook his head. "You just need to learn to have fun and make jokes with this type of thing," he told her. "Imagine that all the reporters are wearing silly hats or something like that."

"Is that what you do?" Kalli asked.

"No," Bhirdan answered with a devil may care grin, "I make smart-aleck remarks to the people next to me and watch them try not to laugh."

Kalli did laugh at this.

# # #

Shortly, they were called to take their place in the Imperial gardens amid cascading flowers. The ceremony's bonfire had burnt itself down to embers, and the most powerful people in the Empire were gathered.

Kalli would be spared from mingling afterwards, as traditionally couples, especially those not married, went for a secluded walk after their jump. There were many an engagement proposed on those walks. All around the gardens, reporters recorded the event. A small orchestra played in the cool evening air, and small desserts were offered to the nobility present. The music faded, and Bhirdan took Kalli's hand as they came to stand behind the Emperor and the Empress. As the last cords echoed in the air, the Emperor and Empress stepped forward and then, in a small leap, crossed the bed of embers.

Reporters took their recordings, and the guests clapped at this sign that the Empire would have a successful year to come.

Bhirdan leaned down and whispered in Kalli's ear. "Don't trip."

Kalli didn't have time to react, as the steward tending the flames motioned them forward and they jumped.

Kalli felt a moment of warmth, and then she was safe on the other side of the embers. Incredulous, she looked up at Bhirdan's grinning face. That rascal, thought Kalli furious at his smart-aleck remark. Then, before she had a chance to think it over, she stuck her tongue out at him in retaliation. The silence that spread rapidly through the guests and the mad flashing of recorders told Kalli that she had made a grave error.

# # #

Bhirdan saw worry and fear cross Kalli's face the moment she realized what she had done. With so much on the line there was only one thing that Bhirdan could think of that would negate the error of her action. Leaning forward, he caught Kalli by the elbows and pressed his lips to hers.

# # #

The moment that Bhirdan started kissing her everything faded into the background. The sound of the crowd and the light of the recorders was nothing compared to the thunder of her heart and the warmth of his lips on hers. It seemed to go on forever, yet the moment he pulled away from her it was too short.

The crowd was now cheering at this show of passionate young love. Kalli knew that she was blushing as Bhirdan circled her waist with his arm and lead her down a garden path out of the sights of the crowd. They walked for a moment in silence before Kalli turned to face Bhirdan.

"That would have been very bad if you had not ..."

Bhirdan waited to see if Kalli could bring herself to mention the kiss. But her cheeks remained flushed, and her eyes remained down cast.

"Yes, it could have been, but now no one will remember your mistake."

Kalli forced her eyes up to his. "Thank you."

"It wasn't a hardship, I assure you." Bhirdan's voice had gone slightly hoarse. "Kalli – "

Bhirdan placed his hand on her shoulder.

"Your dress is warm." He said looking at where he touched her.

Kalli glanced down and held her skirt slightly away from her body. It was uncommonly warm and the light fabric seemed to becoming lighter. Bhirdan was inspecting her shimmering bodice in confusion when the realization hit her. Pushing away from Bhirdan, she stumbled back, pressing her hand to her mouth. Her eyes were fixed on her skirt through which she was able to see the outline of her legs.

"Kalli what's happening?" Bhirdan asked.

Kalli wrapped her arms around her chest and wished that she could vanish.

"The material," she gasped, "it's opatine silk, heat turns the untreated threads translucent."

Bhirdan could see that Kalli was right, as any part of the dress not made with silver string became more and more clear.

"My father," Kalli said half sobbing, "my father gave this to me. He did this too me."

# # #