The Chronicles of Nir

22 | The Ball

Confusion and rage warred with each other in Tallon's mind, followed by the urge to go to Liari, sling her over his shoulder, and carry her to safety. Then he'd give her a good shake and ask what she'd been thinking to be in Grelorn's company, at which point she'd probably slap Tallon for behaving like a brainless barbarian.

Oblivious to Tallon's distress, Thaddeus waved them toward the ramp where a queue had formed. Tallon raced ahead, shouldering his way through the crowd until a dwarf whirled around with a glare. Given his compact size and their proximity to the edge, Tallon decided not to press his luck.

The line moved slowly, and Tallon bounced on his feet every time he was forced to wait for some doddering old man or chatty lady. Finally, when his turn to disembark arrived, Tallon hopped onto the platform and darted around the clustered revelers. Looking around plumed hats and over bony shoulders, he finally spotted Liari and Grelorn in their matching ballroom regalia.

Tallon stopped short of the pair, gulping air as if he'd run a marathon, right as Grelorn fed Liari a chocolate covered strawberry.

As the pair turned, startled, Tallon slapped the fruit out of Grelorn's hand, sending it rolling to its demise through the gold-wrought rails and into the open sky.

"Liari," he huffed, taking a moment to gather his wits. "How—? Why are you here?!"

Grelorn drew himself up and protectively moved in front of Liari, somehow managing to look down his nose at Tallon despite the fact he was shorter by several inches.

He spoke to Liari over his shoulder. "Given the resemblance, I take it you know this... person, my dear?"

Ever the gracious lady, Liari stepped around Grelorn and greeted Tallon with a demure smile. "Aye, this is my elder brother, Tallon. It was he who facilitated the cloth and pipeweed trade with Lord Strobelius, which prompted our meeting."

Casting Tallon a pointed stare that promised trouble if he misbehaved, she said, "It's wonderful to see you." She indicated Grelorn with her delicately gloved hand. "This is Lord Grelorn Tremesian. We met at the start of the social season."

Grelorn inclined his head and bowed at the waist, bending just enough to show the barest hint of respect and not a fraction of a degree more. "Delighted," he said, sounding anything but. "Curious we haven't met before. Having dined with Strobelius, I'm surprised you didn't call upon me as well. I daresay there aren't many of our station in Ballsdeep."

He smiled—a tightlipped, insincere expression that made Tallon's skin crawl—but if he suspected Tallon had anything to do with the theft of his box, he gave no sign.

A vein twitched in Tallon's temple, and his palms itched to slap the smarmy bastard. Instead, he donned a winning smile while returning the bow. "Forgive me for the awkward introduction. I was sorely disappointed to have not met in person, but I was swiftly sent away on the next ship by your magistrate after an unfortunate misunderstanding. Perhaps we might catch up now that we've been formally introduced."

Liari cast a faltering smile toward her companion. "Tallon is a good, if somewhat overprotective brother. Other nobles have not been so courteous while seeking my affections."

"Ah, I see." Grelorn's demeanor warmed, a subtle but noticeable shift, and he extended his arm to Liari, who rested her gloved hand on his elbow. "Well, Ballsdeep is hardly the center of culture; I am sorry, but hardly surprised, to hear your stay was less than pleasant. I've promised dear Liari I'd show her the better side of Ardenian society. My own property, Highbridge, is nothing to sneeze at, but even I won't pretend it can compare to Lady Trinnian's grand estate."

Tallon cast a careful glance toward the crowded platform, where Maisie held Eri's arm as they chatted with a human couple clad in white and black feathers.