“Then I’ll do my best to make the council see reason.”
“Thank you, Sam. If anyone can do it, it’s you. I’m going to miss you.”
He chuckled. “You’ll see me again in a few weeks. There is no chance I am missing your ball.”
“Cole and Gemma promised they’d come, too.”
“Plus Jeff and Kayla. You’ll wish you could have left Skorsa behind completely.”
“No,” I said quietly, “I don’t think I’ll ever wish that.”
???
I returned tothe palace without fanfare, as was my custom after traveling through the various parts of the country. I loved dressing like the women of the lower classes—I found their fashions more comfortable and practical—but I also understood the importance of clothes among the court. Until I bathed and armored myself in the proper silks and jewels, it was better to be an anonymous body slipping through the palace corridors.
Knowing my habits, my maid had a steaming bath waiting for me, along with a tray of food. Gathering my dusty riding clothes, she left me to soak in solitude. She returned just as the water turned cool enough that I decided to end my bath.
“Let’s keep it simple today,” I told her as she pulled out a fresh chemise. “I only plan to see my family.”
Simple, of course, meant something entirely different in the palace than outside these walls. The gown my maid chose for me was still a beautiful confection of silk, requiring the special underpinnings I had forgone for the past month. At least the dress didn’t require panniers. I needed to ease myself back into wearing court attire.
The gown was a pale spring green, with ribbons crossing back and forth over the bodice. The skirt split down the front, displaying an undecorated lavender underskirt. It was lovely, but most ladies would disdain it for being understated. I wasn’t immune to the allure of a beautiful gown, but there was something to be said for comfort and simplicity.
Once I was dressed, I dismissed my maid and debated how to spend the remainder of my day. Father would be busy until after supper, but I could probably find my mother and brother without having to brave the court. Before I could decide who to seek out first, the decision was made for me.
A gentle knock on the door was followed by my mother’s voice. “Charmina, are you recovered from your journey?”
I pulled open the door. “The trip from Skorsa to Haiwella is hardly a journey.”
My mother smiled at me. She had the same blond hair as me, but the emerald green eyes she had given my brother. “A month in the village is a journey, though.”
“Then yes, I am recovered.”
My mother’s lips thinned. She must have sensed the lie beneath my words. Physically, I was fine. The ride from Skorsa to the capital had been easy. But emotionally, I didn’t know if I would ever recover from my journey.
“Is there anything I need to know about?”
I shook my head. “Not yet, Mama.”
She didn’t pry. “In that case, we have some ball details to discuss. Come, let’s walk in the inner garden.”
I followed my mother through the wing of the palace reserved for the royal family and out into a courtyard accessible only from said wing. She waited until we were out in the sunshine, the scent of roses surrounding us, to continue the conversation. “It is time for you to make some decisions about your ball, my dear. No more avoidance.”
I sighed. For the most part, my mother had been happy to plan this ball, seeking out my opinions, but not minding when I claimed indifference. Not that I had done so often. I never brushed off the questions about how to balance men and women during the event, or how much help the crown should offer for people who might not be able to travel to the city without support. I understood the importance of the ball, but what did it matter how we decorated?
“I scheduled a series of performances for the first day of the festivities. On the third, we’ll keep things simple, since the ball is that evening. You need to pick an entertainment for the second day, however. Something active, preferably, since the men vying for your attention will only be spectators on the first day.”
I tilted my head back, letting the sun wash over me. “I’m not sure there is any one activity I can suggest that will accomplish what you want, Mama. Nor do I want to be the lone woman while they show off. It has to be something that allows the female guests to participate.”
Though I was the one who had suggested three days of activities instead of a single ball, I was no longer convinced it was a good idea. Three days wouldn’t allow me to get to know hundreds of men any better than a single evening. Not that I wanted to get to know them.
“Fine, but if you include the women on the second day, then I insist you mingle with the men on the day of the ball, Charmina. You can tour the gardens and socialize.”
“I will,” I promised.
“Then what would you like to do the second day?”
I thought it over. Mama wanted some sort of competition where the men could show off. I wanted something that didn’t leave me feeling like a prize to be won. I also wanted to make the festivities fun. This would be a once in a lifetime event, and several people would be present simply to have a good time with no interest in marrying me. The second day should give visitors the chance to explore the city and make the most of the experience.
