The Annex

Chapter 6

With one careful step after another, I made it to the last few steps and my breath hitched. As I descended, the rest of the candidates all turned to watch. There was a short distance to the center of the ballroom where the chandelier was hanging. I took slow tentative steps towards the center. The rest of the candidates were positioned in an arc around the center. I watched with every step as my dress came to life. A million stars, running free against a dark night, lighting up even the darkest corners of the room. There was a pregnant pause and a vast silence before everyone roared into a triumphant applause. Fueled by their joy, I gave a twirl and watched as the stars danced across the ballroom. The entire ballroom was decorated in a royal blue, with large banners and elegant tablecloths and runners. The dark color only amplified the light that my dress provided. I believe we had achieved the effect Lady DuPonte had requested. I took my place in the arc with the other candidates.

"My Lords and Ladies, I present to the Court, the eleven Candidates for the Annex. Let the festivities begin!"

Music roared to life and the crowd of Lords and Ladies began to swim. Lady DuPonte descended upon me in a swirl of grins.

"You, my dear, were fantastic," she clapped her hands. I noticed a sour and grim faced man in her tow. "Meet my husband, Casper DuPonte." She gestured toward him.

"Pleasure to meet you," I murmured.

"You as well," he said as he kissed the top of my hand.

"I'm starving," I said excusing myself to the tables lined with food of all sorts. Before I could make it to my target, I was stopped.

"The enchanting Cara Vos," a hand pressed to the small of my back to stop me from bumping into someone else. "May I have this dance?" I turned to see one of the candidates. One of my opponents.

"I believe I am at a disadvantage, I do not know who you are," my eyes narrowed.

"Atlas Moreau," he responded. Without waiting for an answer, he took my hand and led me to the center of the dance floor. "So you're the elusive Lady Vos. Hidden from the public eye for so many years. What's it like to be back?"

"I don't know yet. I haven't been here long enough to say," a slow and gentle song came on as Atlas whirled me across the ballroom floor, sending sparkles everywhere.

"You have made quite the entrance. Delia and Isotta are almost green with envy," he mused. "And I find myself quite interested."

"You can keep your interest to yourself."

"Playing hard to get only makes you that much more interesting."

"Do you ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?" His egotistical nature just begged the question.

"No, I find myself to be excellent company," he made an emphasis on dipping me and left me hanging from his arms a moment too long. We could both feel the vulnerability in the position. I depended on him to not let go.

"Don't let go," the words escaped my mouth without warning.

"I don't plan on letting go anytime soon," his gaze was strong and confident. He pulled me back into verticality and I extricated myself from his grasp.

"Thank you for the dance." I wove through the sea of dresses to escape Atlas. Warning bells in my head were going off. I didn't know from what. From the close proximity? The hitch in my breath he had caused? Or the danger within his eyes? Either way, Atlas Moreau meant trouble. I decided to keep my distance.

Still famished, I made my way once more to the food. A small plate of samples was made up for me by one of the servers who then escorted me to a seat. I was led to a table with several older Court members. To my left was an empty seat that bore an untouched plate. I set that thought aside as I was greeted.