|[ THE FAERI'S KEEPER ]|

Chapter 11: Compromise - Part II

The table was crowded with people, all dressed in beautiful robes. There was more wealth studded on fingers, and woven around necks than I had ever seen in my entire life, and the table was so laden with food I doubted there was even enough people here for it. I wondered if this was like all the parties Soldin held, or if it was just for me. Soldin sat at the head of the table, his robes a rich red and his crown glimmered gold on his brown locks. I sat beside him, a few seats away from the next guest, a tall man with black hair and green eyes. His hair was long and fell charmingly around his face, and he was as beautiful as were all the Faeris sitting around me. I felt out of place, a weed amongst roses. I caught him watching me with a small smile and uncomfortably smoothed out my dress. I was the only woman present and did not appreciate the glances the men were giving me. Soldin did not seem to care that they were watching me like a cat stalking a mouse; then again, after our earlier conversation, I doubted he would care even if they pounced across the table and caught me.

Suddenly the doors opened and two men entered. There was a second of relief as eyes left my body and moved to the newcomers. One was a castle guard and other was someone I did not recognise – at first.

I had only ever seen him in his armour, never in handsome robes that made him seem even more gorgeous. Not even in his own court had he dressed this fine, and I wondered why Soldin had even gone to the trouble of fetching him such fine clothes.

I had always known Faeris were pretty; it was one of their tricks and charms – something I had worked hard to never fall for. But my heart skipped a beat as Cedric took his seat opposite me, his green robes flaunting his muscular arms and torso. His blue eyes sparkled like spring water and his blonde hair, now newly washed and brushed, seemed to glow like spun silver. He flashed me a small smile and I felt a strange warm flush move up my neck. What was happening? Was I sick? My stomach flipped and I could hear my blood rushing in my ears. I had to be sick… had the food been spiked? But I hadn’t eaten anything yet…

Soldin suddenly stood and I managed to tear my eyes away from Cedric. The quiet chatter that echoed around the table ceased and all eyes were on their king and some, I noticed, on me.

“My friends, it is indeed a joyous evening,” he said with a broad smile, “My niece, Irene, has returned to me, and I am glad to find that she is turning into a beautiful young woman. I am sure you would all agree.” I felt bitterness rise up inside me. I knew he really didn’t want me here, knew that if he could, he would’ve killed me in that garden and left my body to be picked by crows. But with Soldin it seemed what his people wanted, his people would get. And yet as Soldin presented me, like a trophy, I could almost imagine his ploy. His next words further confirmed it. “A beautiful, eligible woman.” Every man’s eye turned to look at me except Cedric’s. He stared at the empty plate in front of him determinedly, and I wondered what was so interesting it could hold his gaze with such strength.  The man with green eyes winked at me and lifted his lips in a charming smile. I didn’t smile back, only crushed the table cloth between my fingers as I struggled to stop myself from sprinting out of the room. “But of course, there are times for speeches, and there are times for feasting,” Soldin chuckled, “and I believe now is the latter.” There was an appreciative laugh, “Let us eat.” Soldin concluded and sat back down.  Servants holding even more plates of food entered and placed the dishes along the length of the table. There was no way we could eat our way through it all, and I realised it must have been Soldin’s way of flaunting his wealth.

The room filled with playful bantering and chatter. I watched as the men laughed warmly together, all except Cedric, who dutifully sat and ate his meal, whilst continuing to stare at his plate. Before we had been eating long Soldin clapped his hands and the doors opened once more. A dozen or so girls were led into the room, wearing barely more than underwear, and I knew they were the entertainment for the night. Some were Faeris I could see, others human, and from different parts of Eltor. I recognised the dark skin of a woman from Žiavo, and the starkly pale complexion of an Ulisian. More than one tried to steal Cedric’s attention away, running hands over his arms and shoulder, and down over his stomach. However, when he brushed their fingers away, they gave up and moved onto the next man.