“Don’t let me trip.” Rivka murmured, barely moving her lips, clutching Ellis’ arm tightly.
“I would never let any harm come to you my love.” Ellis whispered in her ear.
They descended the staircase with effortless grace, each step measured, their presence commanding yet welcoming. Courtiers bowed and curtsied deeply as they passed, murmuring their reverent greetings. Rivka acknowledged them with a serene nod, her keen eyes sweeping the room, taking in the opulence, the faces, the shifting currents of whispered conversation.
As they reached the ballroom floor, the music swelled once more, and the dancing began again. A noblewoman, obviously of high standing, approached, and Alex shifted slightly closer to Rivka. The woman curtsied low.
“Your Majesty, we are honored to be in your presence.”
“The honor is mine,” Rivka replied with a genuine smile, extending her hand to touch the woman’s arm.
The woman beamed at Rivka, gushing on how lovely they looked. Rivka found the woman’s enthusiasm endearing and wished that she had more time but knew they needed to make their rounds. “We must go and see Queen Vivian, my darling.”, Ellis said, placing his hand on the small of her back. “Please excuse us.”
The noblewoman gave her apologies and moved aside, allowing them to pass. They made their way around the room, making pleasantries with the guests. As they drew nearer to Queen Vivian, Rivka grew more tense. That woman always gave her the creeps, with her icy blue eyes that seemed to pierce straight to your soul. A shiver ran down her spine.
“Why do I always feel like she wants to crawl into my skin?” Ellis whispered with a barely restrained shudder.
“Oh hush! She can probably hear you with her cursed ears, twisted by the whispers of the wicked!” Alex hissed from behind Rivka.
Rivka snickered. “You two are ridiculous!” How these two always managed to ease her tension was something she would never take for granted.
The throne sat atop a raised dais, an imposing masterpiece of green velvet and gilded accents, its high back adorned with intricate carvings of serpents and thorned vines. At its center sat Queen Vivian, a vision of cruel elegance. Her gown, black as the abyss, shimmered with emerald embroidery that coiled like vines ensnaring her form. A heavy crown, dark gold setwith glistening jade, rested upon her white hair, framing a face, beautiful and merciless. Queen Vivian never failed to flaunt the jewels of her Province, nor the riches they provided.
Vivian’s lips curled into a knowing smirk as she stared at Rivka, Ellis, and Alex as they approached. Her sharp blue eyes glinted with amusement, and something far more dangerous. A single gloved finger tapped idly against the armrest, a silent display of patience thinning by the second.
Beside her, Luther, stood rigid, an ominous presence clad in blackened armor etched with sigils of loyalty and fear. His gauntleted hand rested on the hilt of a cruel-looking blade, a silent reminder that defiance in this court had only one end. He sneered at them as they approached the throne.
“Good evening, Vivian.” Rivka said with a respectful nod, “You’ve out done yourself this time. Everything looks marvelous.”
Queen Vivian stared at her for a moment before a cruel smile graced her lips. ‘I do hope that you enjoy your stay here, Rivka, and that you find your room extremely pleasurable.”
Rivka paused, choosing her words with care, “Thank you, I have found it quite pleasurable indeed.” Alex made a choking sound and Ellis out right smiled. “I will leave you to your other guests. Thank you again; you are very gracious.” Rivka said, hastily trying to get away.
Ellis led them around the room, where their table awaited them. He pulled out the chair for Rivka and she smiled at him, grateful for the help, these skirts were impossible! Once they were both seated, Alex moved to stand to the left, but slightly behind Rivka, so that she could be within arms reach.
Rivka, as per usual, began people-watching. She did occasionally love a grand extravaganza; watching the spectacle of swirling gowns, glittering jewels, and whispered intrigues beneath the glow of the candle lit grandeur. It made her wantto dance, to be spun around the ballroom by her love, head thrown back, laughing. But that could never happen, and Ellis, while he could dance, was always too flamboyant for her tastes.
Rivka’s eyes picked up her parents, Evanar and Queen Regent Sophiana, on the dance floor. Her mother’s dress was stunning. The navy blue bodice fit her curves perfectly before flaring out at the waist, accentuating her hips and cascading to the floor. The diamonds around her neck sparkled in the candlelit room. Her father was just as dashing in his silver coat with blue embroidery, his indigo eyes sparkling as he laughed at something her mother had said. She was amazed that even after the many years that they had been together, their love still shone so brightly. It was clear how much he worshipped her, and how much she was devoted to him. The people loved them too. They were favored among all the provinces, known for their fairness, and fierce defense of citizen’s rights. Rivka could only hope to be half the queen that her mother was and she longed for a love like theirs, infinite and everlasting. She had found that with Alex, but politics would forever keep them apart. They could never openly share their love the way her parents could.
A guard approached their table, bowing at the waist. “Excuse me, Queen Rivka, but we need to steal your Captain for a little while. She is needed for a security brief. Captain McConnell will take over in her stead.”
Alex narrowed her eyes. Rivka knew that Alex didn’t like this guard as he was one of Vivian’s trolls and she could tell that everything in Alex’s gut was telling her to stay. But Rivka trusted Captain McConnell, even if Alex thought he was an idiot. Glancing at Ellis, Alex sighed, “Do not let her out of your sight.”
Ellis laughed at her dramatics. “I will protect her with my life.” He pounded his fist on his chest in mocksalute.
Alex just rolled her eyes at him but brushed her fingers lightly down Rivka’s arm, leaning in to whisper. “Don’t get into any trouble while I’m away.” To anyone looking on, it simply appeared as a bodyguard imparting information to their queen. Only Ellis was able to see the look that passed between them before she sauntered away. McConnell stepped into her place immediately.
Rivka couldn’t help watching as Alex’s hips swayed back and forth, the view entirely too enticing. Her mouth watered at the thought of what she had in store for later that evening.
“Careful my Queen or someone may think your drooling is for someone other than me.”
Rivka straightened her back and sighed. The firm set of her lips confirming that once again Ellis was right, not that she would tell him that. She glanced at him, and noticed that nowheseemed to be distracted. Rivka followed his line of sight straight to Prince Tristan leaning against the wall, looking positively apathetic.
Apart from his indifferent facial expression at this moment, Tristan was an extremely good looking man. His broad shoulder muscles stretched the seams of his coat and his blonde waves always had that just tousled look. The sharp lines of his jaw led to full bodied lips, which she assumed would look charming if the man ever smiled. The depths of his green eyes were always staggering though, such a different, warmer color than his mothers icy blue ones.
Rivka swiveled her head between him and Ellis. Smirking, she casually lifted her napkin to the corner of his mouth.
“Careful there, or someone might seeyourdrool darling.”
