Castles - Book 5 - The Frencolian Chronicles (complete)

Chapter Fifteen

Tiredness, verging on exhaustion, caused Jobyna to feel thankful Brian carried her to the dining hall. She would never have managed the distance on crutches. To Brian's massive frame she was just a featherweight. She stared up at his pinched countenance, his thin sharp features and shock of orange hair. His long strides kept pace behind Elliad without effort. After being announced to the people assembled in the dining hall, Jobyna was placed on a couch, near the tables. The knights and their ladies formed a reception line like the one at Chezpro Castle. Jobyna thought of Prince Gustovas and Princess Rhaselle, wishing she could be with them —anywhere away from here!

Most of the Chezkovians spoke in their native tongue, and Jobyna felt sure she would never remember any of the names. Some of the ladies uttered short Frenc phrases, obviously memorized. When the introductions were complete, all eyes turned to the entrance.

In the moments of silence, Jobyna felt sad. All these people, yet not one friend who cares for me more than they care about the couch I sit upon. We may as well be statues in the garden for all we mean to each other. What emptiness. How lonely it is! It's more lonely to be here in this company than to be alone in the wilds. I'd rather be on my own in the valley, at least I would feel my own company and that of God's Presence. Here, I feel like a caged bird on display. She shook her head slightly, trying to pull her thoughts away from her surroundings.

The knave made an announcement, "His Imperial Highness, Czarevitch Kenrik, Imperial Heir to the Czardom of Chezkovia. Her Imperial Highness, Czarevna Cynara, sister of Czarevitch Kenrik."

Jobyna watched as Elliad introduced his court to Czarevitch Kenrik and his sister. The captive knew she would not be able to curtsy to the czarevitch, it would be foolish to try. How unprepared I am... I've never had any training on how to act while at an official occasion in the company of royalty other than the salutation and welcome of the king at the manor frontage. I wish I were a sparrow and could fly back to Frencolia to hide in my nest, she thought.

Jobyna's eyes studied Czarevitch Kenrik. She wondered how old he was. Eighteen or nineteen was her guess —maybe twenty even; older than Luke for sure. He was broad-shouldered, very tall, and as dark as his sister. His black beard was short and trim and his curly hair was cut short in a definite style, unlike Frencolian men. The crown he wore was the shape of a gold dome, covered with precious stones and edged with ermine. The czarevitch's clothes were the same as the other men, red and white, but around his shoulders and neck hung rows of jeweled medallions, reminding Jobyna of the seal to the kingdom of Frencolia. Each of Kenrik's fingers, on both hands, bore at least one elaborately jeweled ring.

Thoughts of the sparrow filled Jobyna's mind and again, she wished she could fly away. The room felt hot and close and she was conscious of a blush creeping up her neck. Some of the ladies had fans and were using them discreetly. If only she could feel the coolness of air moving against her hot face. Elliad turned towards her couch for his final introduction.

"Princess Jobyna from Frencolia, now of Elliad's Castle, in Chezkovia." Czarevitch Kenrik turned towards her. She bowed her head and when she raised her eyes she saw his extended hand. On placing her hand on his, he leaned his face towards the back of it, barely allowing his mustache to brush it. Pungent smells of perfume emanated from his being and for a brief moment, his dark brown eyes met her green ones. Jobyna was sure his eyes were filled with amusement toward her. Elliad accompanied the royal pair to the guest positions at the table. Brian carried Jobyna to the chair beside Cynara. Elliad sat beside Kenrik. Jobyna felt immensely relieved that she was not sitting by Elliad.

Eating a slice of meat and a small portion of vegetables, Jobyna noticed Cynara receiving large helpings time after time. She also noticed the controlled silence under which the meal took place.

"No wonder you're so skinny, Jobyna, you eat like a mouse!" the czarevna chastened, her voice a mere whisper. Jobyna was glad she had not said, 'like a sparrow.'

And no wonder you're so well rounded, you eat like a horse, she thought, smiling back at Cynara. Jobyna scanned her eyes across the waiters, catching the eye of one she recognized. A few moments later he brought her fruit juice. Cynara, whose goblet had been filled several times with the bubbling beverage, said with a giggle, "You don't drink kvass?" Jobyna did not answer, but poured more fruit juice and sipped from the golden goblet.

When the leftovers of the last course had been removed, Elliad and Kenrik became deeply involved in a discussion about new inventions in armor and weaponry. Elliad broke into German and Kenrik laughed loudly. Cynara joined in their conversation for a while and then fell quiet. Her voice vibrating with censure, she broke into the discussion before turning away from them towards Jobyna. Ignoring her, the men continued talking and laughing.

Cynara spoke softly in her native tongue before apologizing, "I'm sorry, Jobyna. I forget, you cannot understand. Just as well, I suppose." She held her goblet up and the waiter filled it. Sipping from it, she continued, "My brother and your Elliad are as bad as each other!"

"He's not, my Elliad," Jobyna whispered.

"Oh?" Cynara looked at her in surprise.

"What are they talking about?" Jobyna asked this behind the back of her hand, knowing it was not good manners to talk in undertones.

"Women! Of course; what else!" Cynara retorted. Jobyna was embarrassed, for the Chezkovian men and women were listening to the men's conversation with great interest. Cynara whispered again, this time behind her hand, "I don't suppose you want to know what they said about you?"

"No!" Jobyna responded, too loudly. The men ceased their conversation, staring across at her. Cynara stood to her feet, followed rapidly by the Chezkovians, copied by many others, a chain reaction.

"I'm tired! I'm retiring." She nodded to Elliad, "Goodnight, Elliad, king in exile." Cynara curtsied to her brother, "Goodnight, Brother." Turning to Jobyna she said, "I plan to spend some more time with you tomorrow, Princess Jobyna." With her ladies-in-waiting following, Cynara swept from the dining hall.

Jobyna drew a deep breath, which was noticed by Elliad. Before she knew what was happening, Brian lifted her from her chair. She said a weak, "Goodnight," and was borne away, back to Sleven and Brenna's quarters.

Jobyna realized she had dined with Czarevitch Kenrik and Czarevna Cynara, of the Czardom of Chezkovia and wished she could tell her brother about the royal occasion.