Back to Chapter 21
The scratch at the doorway told Laun that she was going to have to leave the relative safety and comfort of the green room.
There had been some preparation for Laun. She had been pouring over the history books and the etiquette book when she was not sleeping or seducing Falmir’s officers. They had been simple to spot and easy to get into bed. It was a diversion, but just for a moment or two.
Laun was dressed in the bright green under the blue and green cotharde. The veil was on and pinned into her braided hair. A little color was on her cheeks and her natural color was showing beneath. She stood from the vanity and nodded to her reflection.
Ithian was in the main room waiting for her. He had spent the night, watched her do her morning dance and had left. That was two days ago. He was shined up and looked like the Ambassador of Rosemond in his black with the red rosette on his shoulder. His blue eyes sparkled with just a little of the black and silver kohl around his eyes. He held out his hand and bowed over hers.
There wasn’t need for talking. Ithian was at her side, she was at his. They walked slowly through the hallways of the Palace, the lanterns bright in the middle of the afternoon. Several servants trailed behind, some of his and one of hers. Little groups of people, servants and nobles, watched as they went past.
The reception was in the place called the Gallery. It was also lit up and shone with extra mirrors and gilt. People were at the bottom of the stairs waiting, talking amongst themselves as the reception was starting. There was a herald at the bottom of the stairs that was announcing who was coming into the Gallery.
Laun looked at Ithian and he nodded once. They made their way through the groups of people, Ithian introducing Laun once or twice as they went. They were able to walk closer to the front of the line because of their status. Laun heard Lords and Ladies names being called out, Magistrates and Dukes introduced. Ithian pulled her forward with him and told the herald their names.
“Ithian Bedral, Ambassador of Rosemond. Lady Laun Salam-Dir.” »Read More