Captured: A White Road Tale novella #1

Chapter 5- The Grand Ball

Clouds, looking like tarnished silver, threatened snow on the higher mountain peaks. The cold wind blew through Tarek's blue jacket. He hurried inside the castle, hoping the fires blazing in the ballroom hearths would soon warm him.

Towering marble pillars soared up to an arched, gilded roof. Light from candle chandeliers cast a warm glow over the massive room. Lively violin and flute music played, yet the guests clustered in small, hushed groups where questions filled their faces and talk. Most were dignitaries from nearby cities, whose power and strength matched Racah's.

The tension in the room was as thick as a muddy bog. Tarek wanted to tell them that King Darnel wasn't so bad. His family certainly had fared much better since arriving. However, he'd been instructed to not speak unless spoken to.

After the first hour—and several rounds of wine and ale—shoulders relaxed, smiles appeared on wary faces, and the chamber slowly filled with stilted laughter and chatter.

On his fourth trip to restock, he spotted his friend Roderick with a few of the servers, huddled in a secluded corner outside near the garden. Despite the chill, the cooler air provided a relief from the heat and crowd inside.

"Did you fellows hear ol' Tare is now an official hunter?" Roderick popped a small cake into his mouth and handed one to Tarek. "Don't let Steward Stiven catch you doing this." He also offered Tarek a mug, but Tarek shook his head at the drink. Roderick leaned closer and shoved the cup into his hands. "Just a bit, eh? Otherwise they'll take you for a possible snitch. You need to fit in more, know what I mean?"

Is that why Pop was always drinking? To fit in with his crowd? Tarek gave a shrug and gulped the whole mug. Despite the fact it had been watered down, the frothy liquid burned his throat and warmed his insides.

He handed the cup back to Roderick. "Doesn't the king attend his own parties?"

"Sure, he'll make a grand entrance when he believes the guests are relaxed enough. His reputation makes him a bit intimidating."

"I've only caught sight of the king a couple of times. From a distance." Tarek accepted another cake and a refilled mug that he did not intend to drink. "King Darnel doesn't seem so terrible."

"Right nice fellow, till you get to know 'im," a dark-haired man agreed, chuckling. He wore the red coat of the kitchen staff. Tarek's attendant's jacket was a dark blue like the early evening sky. "There's to be a bonus tonight. They say we'll also be graced with the princess' presence. This will be the first ball she's attended. Will need to keep your hearts in check, lads. Heard she's quite the looker."

Roderick laughed. "Unfortunately, looking might cost you your sweet head. I, for one, plan to pretend she's not even there. Just to be safe."

Tarek bit back a grin, remembering how the strange girl had snuck into the kitchen for a late night snack. What would they say if he shared that little bit of gossip?

Before he could try it out, he caught sight of Steward Stiven heading toward them "Time to go, fellas." Tarek grabbed his empty trays. "I fear Stiven more than some princess."

Tarek entered the kitchen, his head feeling light with a pleasant, relaxed sensation. He steered clear of Ma, fearing her dog-like senses would sniff out the stench of mead on his breath.

The servants' hall was packed with people loitering about and doing things he wished they'd find a more private place to do. Face burning, he grabbed a tray of drinks and headed outside, hoping he would remember where he found one of the secret passages that ran throughout the castle. He'd come upon it while cleaning and had spent a whole day exploring.