I wondered who would be the next of us to get down to the hall for the five hours past noon deadline for leaving.
Of course I was first, although I knew now that Corst would not be far behind me.
Scuffing my toes along the floor, I felt highly conscientious of how I looked now. I had put my hair up in a complex bun, black tendrils idling out of it in a casual, sultry sort of way. A slight hint of gloss to the lips, and rouge to the cheeks; I had forgone kohl for my eyes, it would have looked too daring with my black hair.
I had pondered, and picked out a gown that I had never worn before. A deep violet, it almost looked red in the right light. It rustled softly when I moved, making a velvety sound as I walked.
Corst had not seen yet; in fact, I hadn't seen him since our encounter this morning.
To say I was nervous was an understatement.
I sensed him before I saw him, coming down the stairs, which were to my back. I heard his gasp, his curse, and his thirteen footsteps before he reached me, each one a ringing reminder of earlier and what had passed between us.
He came up behind me; it took me by surprise. I hadn't expected him to approach me so forwardly, after earlier. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he kissed the nape of my neck lightly, and I gasped. He just as quickly let go, coming around to face me, his face appreciative.
"You look stunning, Mia." I could tell he still didn't entirely trust himself, by the lowness of his voice.
"Thank you, Corst. And you look sharp as well." I didn't entirely trust myself yet either; the smell of him alone was enough to bring me to a sort of brink, that could easily be plunged over in a heartbeat, the span of a breath, a modicum of time.
Luckily, it looked like I wouldn't have to face that for right now. I heard another dress float down the stairs, and a slight giggle. Looking up, I saw Tinoya, trying to keep herself away from Fizan. They were a cute couple indeed, and you could see the spark float between them, each gaze a sort of sacred code that though everyone could see, only they could understand.
It was precious, and I longed for it myself, for me and Corst.
I pushed the thought out of my mind for now; we had more important things to focus on for the time being; namely, what would happen to us at the court tonight.
Aurienne and Avelyn were the next two down, and a sulking Gianna followed. We had all heard her break down of sorts earlier, and we respectfully stayed away from confronting her about it. I didn't want to incur whatever wrath seemed to be pent up inside her beautiful, lithe form.
Jaliya and Marsoi were next, dressed more appropriately this night than last. Jaliya looked stunning as always, in a deep emerald green. Marsoi was, of course, dressed in similar, complimentary colors. He was positively beaming, and I could see his collar flash underneath his dress shirt; he was wholly hers, which was unmistakable.
Kelem was last down, dressed in a darker blue that set off all his sandy features fairly well. He looked like a beach personified, and in a way, it was sort of comforting; it reminded me of peace and relaxation.
We loaded into carriages; Corst and I in one with Fizan and Tinoya, Jaliya and Marsoi in with Gianna, and Avelyn and Kelem riding in one with Aurienne. I again found myself closer to Corst than was probably advisable for the situation. Our hands brushed briefly, and I looked away, out the window, as Fizan and Tinoya bantered.
"Have you ever met the Doyenne of right now?" Tinoya was questioning Fizan intently, trying to find out the extent and frequency of his time travelling abilities.
