A Falcon's Light

Chapter 5

Mr. Hughes and I returned to the hotel later that day. The events of today banged through my brain. I now was in the possession of two very sharp swords, one of which was a relic of the old kingdom in perfect condition, and a hunting knife. Gamil had given me a couple of other sheaths for the knife, one fit around my thigh like a garter, one fit around my wrist, and the last could be clipped to either my bra or pants. I could hide it quite well, 'for protection' if needed.

The next day was the party so I pulled my magnificent dress out from the suitcase to hang it up. I was staring at it with a smile on my face when I got a knock at the door. I knew it was Mr. Hughes just by the knock and smiled, although confused why he would see me so soon after parting.

"I hope I'm not intruding, my lady." He smiled before motioning to the woman next to him. Her butterscotch colored hair was streaked with strands of silver and pulled into a loose bun at the top of her head, showing off her beautiful eyes which reminded me of a forest. Brown hazel with flecks of emerald green stood out due to her light brown shaded eyelids and perfect liner. Her dark freckles stood out in contrast to her pale skin. She was naturally beautiful and her smile gave off a motherly aura.

"This is my wife, Elaine. She just arrived a few minutes ago."

"Well, I just made a pot of coffee. Care to join me?" I motioned inside and the two smiled finding places on the couch.

"It smells much better than the dreadful blend the hotel gives." Mrs. Elaine's voice was soft but rich. She smelled the coffee like it was a candle.

"Well, I knew I probably wouldn't find my particular blend here, so I smuggled it in my luggage." That brought a laugh from everyone. "I'm glad there's a coffee bean shop nearby, hotel coffee always tastes the same."

"Nothing can beat a good cup of tea though." She took a sip before snatching a couple of packets of powder creamer.

"Yeah, I get it. I'm a green and rooibos type of gal. Of course, I get the flavored teas from an online store. I like drinking a couple of cups at night."

"Have you ever had a true evening tea?"

"Nope. You offering, Mrs. Elaine?" I smiled sipping my creamed coffee.

"Perhaps my dear." She smirked. Her eyes locked onto the dress hanging nearby. "That's a beautiful gown, is it for tomorrow night?"

"Yeah. Hope it isn't too formal."

"It's not, dear. What are you thinking about your hair? Maybe some tight ringlets or a low decorated bun. And what about makeup?"

"I don't know what to do about either. I didn't bring any hair things other than a couple of rubber bands. My makeup skills are non-existent. I didn't know what I was going to do tomorrow, to be honest." I gulped what was left of my cup. I hadn't thought about any of that. Usually, I would have asked Jess, but she wasn't here. I was screwed.

"I could help you if you would like. I am a fashion historian now, but I was once a singer. I know my way around hair and makeup." She lifted her now empty cup with a smile.

"I would appreciate the assistance ma'am." I lifted my empty glass to clink with hers.

The next day I stepped out of the car that had come to pick us all up and walked into the ballroom right behind the Hughes couple. Elaine had put the top half of my hair in a braided bun decorated with pearls and had put the bottom into tight victorian style ringlets. My makeup was done liberally, to accentuate my 'natural beauty' as she put it. My eyes were painted in deep brows and gold with my eyeliner done with a high wing. A very light blush darkened my cheeks and a light pink lipstick was expertly applied. Other than those, no other makeup was applied to my face, which made me happy since concealers and highlighters made my face feel weird.