Swordplay

Part 24

On Sunday, she didn't know whether to follow the invitation or not, but her longing for Druidus was too strong. When he rang to fetch her, she wore her best costume, comfortable shoes, and little make-up.

"You look beautiful." He kissed her for a long time, and Moira regretted they had to leave.

When they reached van Steen's property, Moira marveled at the luxury. The house stood on a generous piece of land in the most expensive part of town surrounded by a high wall. The entrance hall was decorated with paintings of different time periods. The few Moira recognized would bring a lot of money if sold.

Moira whispered to Druidus. "Are they genuine?"

"Mother's inheritance." He helped her out of her coat. Wordlessly, he handed it with his jacket to the butler and pulled Moira past a row of visitors waiting to greet Excelsior van Steen and his wife. A dry and pungent smell cut though the air into Moira's nose. At first, she thought Druidus had tried a new after shave, until she noticed the smell came from Aparta. She wondered why she didn't use a perfume for women, but had to admit the scent fit the dainty woman well who just greeted the President of the Gendarmerie Magique.

Smiling, Druidus waited until she was done. He kissed her cheek and introduced Moira. "She is the love of my life."

Moira felt the truth in the way he spoke. Her heart thundered with happiness. But when she remembered Aparta's threat, her throat constricted.

"Aren't you exaggerating a little, darling?" Aparta took Moira's hand. "What a treat to finally get to know you. Druidus told us so much about you. We will have to talk later." Her voice sounded so friendly as if the scene in the restroom had never happened.

Moira admired her talent for playacting, but she wondered why Aparta pretended not to know her. She curtseyed as best she could.

Excelsior watched her with a frown. "So, it's you. Very well." He patted Druidus shoulder. "At least she's beautiful enough. Well, show her around." He turned to the next guest.

Moira felt as if she didn't pass the test.

Druidus put his arm around her and whispered in her ear. "Don't think twice about it. They will get used to it. If not, I will force them." He pulled her aside, and for a while, they watched Druidus parents receive their friends. He explained where his parents knew the guests from, but Moira only had eyes for Aparta's strained smile and Excelsior's jovial gestures.

"Are they always so … so cold?" Moira shivered.

Druidus looked at her with surprise. "Cold?"

"I've got the feeling they don't like most of their guests at all."

Druidus smiled. "That's true. Sabio really knew what he said when he told me about your excellent perception. Come on, let's go." He led her to the garden. On the terrace, Moira stopped rooted to the ground. A broad-shouldered man with close cropped hair stood there with his back to her. But even from behind, Moira recognized her father. Lavant Bellamie turned before she could pull Druidus in a different direction.

He smiled at Druidus. "I should have known you'd bring her here, lad. The way you looked at her …"

Druidus hugged Moira close. His voice sounded defensive. "I love her."

"One thing." Lavant bent forward and lowered his voice. "I haven't been a good father but if you hurt my daughter, I'll take it out on you."

Druidus stared at him open mouthed, and Moira found it hard to suppress her rising anger. "Will you please excuse us for a moment?" Before Druidus could say a thing, she took her father's arm and pulled him past the guests standing in groups to the edge of the terrace.