The Price of Power

Chapter One part Two

Chapter One part Two

Throughout the evening meal, Larkel made her mother proud. Not only was she looking much better than her earlier state - all due to her mother's words, no doubt - but she was sitting upright and looked every bit like the Lordane she would one day become. Well of course, that was disregarding the wayward curls that had escaped her altogether slightly lopsided bun, and the glowering looks she flung both her parents from time to time, not to mention the suspicious curve of her lips that looked almost too like a grimace for her mother's liking..but it was an improvement. She ate neatly, the traces of ink had disappeared from her person, and her green eyes, which she had often been told by her mother were her one and only beauty, were brought out nicely by her emerald green dress. Yes, Lordane Rosetta was very pleased. She was pleased that Larkel was behaving, she was pleased that the Maestra who had filled Larkel's head with such nonsense had left the Castell, and above all she was pleased that the old Lorden, Frendel of Zenith, was looking at her daughter with some approval in his eye. He had been looking for a wife for his heir for some time, and luckily the rumours of Larkel's bad manners had not been enough to put him off. Besides which, to strengthen the bonds between the neighbouring holdings of D'juenn and Zenith would be advantageous to both the families. Not to mention, nothing less than a marriage to one of the Thirteen would do for a Lorden's daughter.

The Lordane looked across to her husband, Lorden Alfric Rosetta, and felt her satisfaction increase. She had married her husband when she herself had been Larkel's age. Theirs had not been a union made of love - it had been one to settle a quarrel between the Vellanders and Rosettas - but over time they had become closer and affectionate in their older years. She had not failed him in giving him an heir, and it had been with great pride that Larkel's younger brother, Gareth, had been born. Larkel was now becoming a hindrance, since she was an unwanted daughter and unable to inherit, but Larkel would do well enough, as long as she was married soon and was married well. The Lordane looked with pity at her daughter who, in her eyes, lacked the finesse needed to succeed in court. Her daughter had inherited the Rosetta eyes, and had her own glorious Vellander hair, but was lacking in the womenly assets that would have snared her a husband long ago. Seventeen was far too old to be still unmarried. Still, the Frendels seemed willing, and it would be a good match, she was sure. 

   Larkel felt uncomfortable. The Lorden from Zenith seemed to approve of her, which was unsettling. Moreover, her mother had criticised her appearance only once, which was unheard of, and more importantly the seat she was perched upon was making her bottom go numb. It was hard and wooden, and unforgiving to the sitter who was without a decent cushion. She felt out of place in the finery, and longed for the solace of her chamber where she could be ugly in peace, and study her books and draw her charts.

Her spirits rose however, when the food was brought in. Normally her family dined modestly, but tonight, her mother had pulled out all stops. And what food! D'juenn was famous for its delicacies and use of spices from across the seas, and this meal did not disappoint. Tray after tray was brought in; choice selections of pork with the crackling on top, venison cut fine and tender, fish from the Bleakwash Channel and fish from the more exotic waters of the Principia Ocean. There were grapes from the Rosetta vineyards, and apples from the orchards, pears and even four oranges! There were strawberries and creams and sugars, and a sugar spun creation in the shape of a swan. There were truffles and mincemeats and delicious smelling cheeses. There were some smelly smelling cheeses too - but that was alright. It was a good sort of smelliness. Forgetting the presence of the guest, Larkel tucked in whole-heartedly. She practically groaned as a morsel of venison practically melted in her mouth. She fleetingly thought of what a waste the meal was - wasted on just four people, as her brother was still too young to attend the dinner table. It was lavish and meant to impress - obviously her mother was planning on winning the Lorden over through his stomach. 

Who cares? thought Larkel blissfully. It was a delicious way to be introduced to a suitor. 

Her eyes sparkled with pleasure, and she sampled small portions of everything - not large portions, which would earn her the displeasure of her mother. Just small, yummy, perfect portions. 

She sighed contentedly when she at last set her fork down, defeated by a sole strawberry sitting on her plate, begging her to taste it's luscious red flesh. She smiled wryly at it, but turned away. If she ate any more, she would explode. 

 Her father smiled at her fondly from the head of the table, and she grinned back. They had always shared a love of food. 

Servants came, and took the remains away, still piled high with uneaten food. Larkel suddenly remembered the purpose of the meal, and looked anxiously and Lorden Frendel and her father, who were conversing in low undertones. She shot a questioning glance at her mother, who motioned with her eyes to keep silent. At last, her father rose. 

   "Larkel my dear, the good Lorden Frendel has invited you to return with him to Zenith," he said in formally. 

In other words, she thought glumly, Frendel wants me to go with him so he can introduce me to his son. 

    "What say you to this generous invitation?"

As if I have a choice. She very nearly scowled at her father, but checked herself just in time. She saw the apology in his eyes, and gritted her teeth. 

   "I would be honoured, Lorden Frendel, to accept. You do me a great service with your invitation." 

As she spoke the words, Larkel suddenly felt afraid. What if she never came back? What if she ended up marrying Frendel's son, and never returned to Rosetta? But she looked at her father for reassurance, and saw with guilt and some sadness his relieved smile. He hadn't believed she could do it. She would prove, both to him and to her mother that she could. She would endure.