Rebellion

Chapter Four: Edward

Chapter Four: Edward

            Dinner that night was a torturous affair. Grace had invited us to dine at the palace, and it was impossible to refuse. Luke and I arrived a few minutes early, both of us uncomfortable in our stiff party clothes.

            “Really makes you wish we were traveling again, doesn’t it?” Luke said wistfully. “Better food, less ridiculous clothes. Better company.”

            I choked back a snicker as Salina entered the room, accompanied by Nia. Salina shook her head at us, trying not to smile, and Nia batted her eyes at me, fluttering her fingers as she went to take her seat.

            Luke rolled his eyes. “Flirt.”

            She scowled at him, sticking her tongue out. “I could say the same of you,” she said primly.

            “Children,” Salina said, sighing. “Please, don’t start bickering yet. Wait until your grandmother arrives.” At our startled expressions, she looked vaguely surprised. “Did I say that out loud?” She smiled slightly, and we broke out into laughter.

            “Glad to see you’re all enjoying yourselves so much,” Nick said, walking up to kiss Salina on the cheek. She smiled at him, patting his cheek absently. Luke stiffened next to me, and I looked over at him, confused.

            Before I could open my mouth to ask him what was wrong, Luna entered, looking less than pleased.

            “The witch is coming,” she hissed, taking a seat on my other side. “Watch out.”

            Everyone straightened in their seats and turned to face the door as Grace stepped through, scowling slightly. She took her seat at the head of the table, and at once servants stepped through the doors that led to the kitchens, setting massive amounts of food on the table. As quickly as they had entered, they vanished again, clearly not wanting to fall victim to Grace’s infamous temper. Once Grace began eating, the rest of us followed suit. For a long time, silence was the rule—no one wanted to say anything that offended Grace.

            Finally, an argument broke out between Salina and Nia.

            “Well, when are you going to have the wedding?” Salina demanded. “You’ve been putting off selecting a date for months now, ever since poor Landen asked you. He shouldn’t have to wait for your whims so he can get married.”

            “Landen loves me, Mother,” Nia said angrily. “And he is perfectly content to wait as long as I like.”

            “He shouldn’t have to wait,” Salina argued.

            “If he had any sense,” Luke put in, “he’d find another girl who actually wants to marry him.”

            “Luke Stephen Ryannos, I love Landen and he knows it!” Nia cried, standing up. “And he knows I want to marry him more than anything!”

            “Then why don’t you?” Luna asked. “I agree with Mother, you’ve been putting it off.”

            “How dare you!” Nia screeched, outraged. “I thought you were supposed to be my sister!”

            Luna smiled mildly. “I’m Luke’s sister, too, and I think he has a valid point.”

            “I, for one,” Grace sniffed, “can’t believe your parents are allowing you to marry so obviously beneath your rank in life.”