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  “You have, Sire.”

  “Look at me.” Arianwyn forced her eyes up, dreading what she would see. His eyes were burning with fury, two pieces of coal searing her with their intensity. “Do you promise?” he asked again, voice growling.

  “Yes, Your Majesty,” she whispered. He glared at her a moment longer before turning on his heel and leaving the room. Arianwyn picked up her chair, hands shaking. She collapsed back into it, gasping for breath. She picked up her book, smoothing the pages. She stared at her book, and then shoved it away. She was going to bed.

  14-Petitions

  Arianwyn stretched awake in bed, yawning. She did not know how she was sleeping so well at night. The physical demands as a lady were far lighter than those as a servant. She rolled out of bed and stoked the fire. Although it was still late summer outside, this deep in the mountain it never really warmed up. She contemplated getting dressed and then changed her mind. It was impossible without someone to tie the back. So she pulled out one of her new dressing robes and slipped on the slippers to keep her feet warm.

  Arianwyn went back to the table in her sitting room with her discarded lessons, wrinkling her nose as she remembered last night. She certainly had not meant to press her advantage against Lysander. She would have to make it right. She resolved to apologize when she saw him next. Feeling better, she set to studying her lessons until someone arrived to help her dress.

  It was nearly an hour later when Marie finally showed up, breakfast tray in hand. She smiled and curtsied. “I thought you would already be up, so I took the liberty of bringing you breakfast now.”

  “Thank you, Marie. I am rather hungry.” Marie set the tray down and walked into her room. Arianwyn ate quickly. She finished eating and turned to see Marie coming back out of her room, carrying a new dress and shoes. “Oh no! I was just going to wear the green one again. Then you won’t have as much laundry to do.”

  Marie snorted. “Begging your pardon, Lady Arianwyn, but how many ladies do you know that wear the same dress in the same week?” Arianwyn bit her lip. “Exactly. And you’re wearing make-up today. Tess said to tell you that.” Arianwyn sighed in defeat and returned to her bedroom, stepping behind the changing screen arranged in the corner of her bedroom. She took off her nightclothes and accepted the dress Marie handed her, sliding it over her head before stepping out for Marie’s help.

  This dress was less fitted than yesterday, tying in the back at an umpire waist level. The top was sky blue with small white birds embroidered into it. It had a square neckline. The sleeves were fitted to the wrist again. The skirt was a shade or two darker than the top, falling freely to the floor without any other embellishments. The tie was a single white ribbon, long enough that the ties hung to behind her knees after being tied. She slipped her feet into a pair of white slippers, nearly laughing at the absurdity of the color. Marie sat her in a chair and got to work on her hair.

  Marie twisted segments of Arianwyn’s hair back away from the face before pulling it into a thick, waterfall braid. She finished braiding out her hair before twisting it into a large bun at the nape of her neck. She trapped the bun into a fine, silver net, tacking it into place with tiny silver bobby pins. Each bobby pin had a small, blue enameled bird decorating the ends. Arianwyn sighed again at the finery. This was not what she had ever planned, or even hoped, to wear.

  “And now for the fun part!” Marie came to the front, brandishing several brushes, powders, and pastes.

  “Minimal, please!”

  Marie laughed at her. “Of course, minimal! It’s daytime. We’ll really get you done up for the ball!” She laughed again at the horrified look Arianwyn gave her and set to putting her make-up on. She powdered all over Arianwyn’s face, neck, and chest. Then she applied a small amount of rose blush, a bit of lip pigment and traced her eyes with a thick, brown powder. “There, all done!”

  Arianwyn turned and looked at herself in the mirror, sighing again dramatically. Marie shook her head and left, chuckling at Arianwyn. After Marie left, Arianwyn risked another look in the mirror, amazed, before turning quickly away. :You look nice,: Dragon commented. Arianwyn blushed. Dragon laughed. :You know you look nice!:

  Arianwyn focused on something other than Dragon, staring at her lessons. She thought more about yesterday, skimming over the brief conversation with the king and thinking about the lunch. Alyssa’s exhausted face and frightened looks kept crowding to the forefront of her thoughts. She stood up and opened the door. “Do you think I could petition the king now?” she asked Halvard.

  He glanced at Edmund, who shrugged. “Probably. He’s usually up by now.”

  “Will you please take me to see him? Or do I need an invitation or something?”

  “We will take you.” Arianwyn left her room and followed Halvard down the hall, Edmund following in the rear. They wound through a few corridors before arriving at a set of spiral stairs. They headed up three flights, and then walked back down another corridor. Arianwyn recognized the hallway as the one the king had dragged her down after her hearing. They arrived at the door to his study. The guards flanking the door indicated that the king was inside.

  Halvard spoke quietly with one of the king’s bodyguards outside the door. He poked his head in, announced her presence, and then stepped back, waving at her to enter. Arianwyn took a deep breath, suddenly wishing she had stayed in her room to study. She took another deep breath and entered. The body guard closed the door behind her.

  Arianwyn curtsied, waiting. “Come in and sit down.”

  She straightened up, glancing around. She had been a bit distracted the last time she had been in here. The fireplace was directly behind the king’s large desk. The desk was covered in neat piles of paper and a candelabrum on either side, candles burning steadily. Side tables were against the wall on either side of the desk. Bookshelves lined the walls in front of the desk, oil lanterns hanging from hooks in between each bookshelf with a mirror placed behind to reflect the light. There were no windows. A thick carpet lay on the floor. A bench was halfway between the desk and the door, two large chairs directly in front of the desk across from the king. A quick glance up confirmed that air holes had been drilled to the surface in this room as well.

  Arianwyn approached one of the chairs and sat on the edge, back stiff and straight, and stared at the desktop. “You came to petition me for marriage?” King Rael continued working, not even glancing up at her.

  Arianwyn blushed. “Yes, Your Majesty. I came to petition you to consider Lady Alyssa as your bride,” she rushed out.

  The scratching of the king’s quill stopped and he looked up, surprised. “Lady Alyssa?”

  “Yes, Your Majesty.”

  “No. Are you mad? You’re supposed to be bringing me your own petition,” he frowned at her.

  Arianwyn licked her lips. “I think she would be a great asset to you, she’s so young…” she trailed off under his incredulous look.

  “She is a terrible choice. Her father has minimal power at best and she is far too young. Were I to choose her, she would return with her father until she turned sixteen, an age more appropriate for marriage than twelve. I would have no influence over her education or her protection. Meanwhile, my people would be waiting for an heir to be born. Why have you really petitioned for her?”

  Arianwyn looked down at her hands, clenching them together until her knuckles turned white. “It will keep her safe,” she whispered. She could hardly believe that tiny child was twelve already. Or that the king had refused her petition.

  “From what?”

  She glanced at him and swallowed. “I believe she will be severely punished if she does not gain your favor.”

  King Rael’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Punished? That’s ridiculous. Her father would not dare go against the law like that. What reason do you have to suspect him of such abuse?”

  She shifted nervously in her chair, wondering what law the king was speaking of. “Lady Alyssa is afraid.”

  Ki
ng Rael continued to watch her for a moment. He sighed and leaned back. “Perhaps what you say is true. But I cannot protect her in the way you ask. However, there are two other people I can think of that can protect her.”

  Hope came back to life inside her and she straightened in her chair, eyes focused on the king. “May I ask who they are, Sire?”

  “The future queen may request her as a lady-in-waiting. She would stay in the Keep, then, and her education would be seen to by the queen. Or you can request her as an assistant or something of the sort.”

  Arianwyn blinked in surprise. “I can?”

  “Of course. Actually, that would be an excellent idea. Lady Alyssa knows most of the nobles and how to behave in court. You could use an advisor of sorts in that area,” he finished.

  Arianwyn blushed at his dry tone. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I will be sure to petition her father immediately.” She stood up and curtsied, prepared to leave.

  “You aren’t going to petition for yourself?”

  “Oh no, Your Majesty. Now that I’ve met the other women, I would recommend Lady Blythe, though. She’s very cheerful and seems honest.”

  King Rael sighed and shook his head, waving his hand. “You may go.” She curtsied again and left the room.

  Halvard and Edmund were nowhere to be seen, but Sigurd and Wymond were waiting patiently. “How did it go?”

  She smiled at them. “Very well.” She turned to one of the pages waiting outside the King’s Study. “Could you find Master Aldous and have him meet me in my rooms, please?” The boy jumped to his feet and took off. Arianwyn and her guards returned to her rooms. She thanked them for taking her back and entered, pulling out a fresh piece of vellum and checking her charcoal stick. She fidgeted nervously until Master Aldous arrived.

  She stood up, curtsying slightly. He sighed, bowing to her. “Lady Arianwyn, you do not need to curtsy to me.”

  “Oh. Sorry.” He shook his head again. “Will you help me write a petition?”

  He looked at her, surprised. “To whom?”

  “Thane Julius. I am going to petition that Lady Alyssa be released to my care as an advisor.”

  His curious gaze turned grim. “He will not be happy to receive such a proposal.”

  “I know. I have discussed this with the king already and he approves it.” Aldous shrugged and sat at the table, pulling out his own writing utensils.

  “Forgive me if I draft with my own tools. A petition to a thane should be written on something of higher quality than vellum.” He grinned at her to take the sting out of his remark and set several fresh sheets of parchment down before sharpening his quill.

  They pounded out a brief petition, informing him of the need Arianwyn had for counsel and that his daughter had been selected. They then made the formal request and signed it. Aldous had Arianwyn practice her signature several times on the vellum with charcoal before allowing her to sign the parchment. She held her breath until she was done and then sat back.

  “What if he says no?”

  Aldous snorted. “He can’t. It may be a request, but a request from someone of higher rank may as well be an order. And as the king has already given his approval and backing...” Aldous shrugged, the matter already taken care of in his mind.

  They sealed the petition and delivered it to a page to deliver it to Thane Julius. When he had left, Aldous sat Arianwyn down and ran over her letters and numbers, quizzing her to see if she had been practicing. Nearly an hour later, he was interrupted again by Lysander. “Oh, yes. Send him in. I need to apologize to him,” she said to Wymond.

  Aldous shook his head at her. “Don’t apologize, Lady Arianwyn.”

  “But I used my dragongift against him.”

  He snorted. “He probably deserved it. You are of higher rank than him. You have no need to recognize a mistake to someone lower.” Arianwyn frowned, feeling uneasy about it. Aldous sighed. “Lady, it is kind of you to wish to apologize. But, if nothing else, allow your common sense to rule you. If you apologize to him, you will lose whatever modicum of respect you have earned.”

  Arianwyn sighed. “Yes, Master Aldous. I shall be guided by you in this.” He rolled his eyes and gathered up his supplies, passing Lysander on the way out. The rest of her afternoon was spent reviewing court manners and dancing when Master Fred arrived.

  “Did you practice like I told you to?”

  Arianwyn groaned. “No. I forgot.”

  He frowned at her. “This is important, Lady Arianwyn.” He turned towards the door. “Master Lysander, a moment of your time?” Arianwyn shook her head at him. He ignored her. “Lady Arianwyn must practice dancing with someone other than me. Would you, please?”

  “Of course. But remember that you owe me.”

  Fred snorted. “What need have I of remembering with you around?”

  The lesson went horribly. Worse than the day before. Lysander made certain to point out each mistake she made. Fred made her repeat the steps, only to throw his hands up when she forgot them while paired with Lysander. It was a relief when Marie interrupted the dancing.

  “It’s time for Lady Arianwyn to get ready for the ball,” Marie said, waving the tutors away. There were nearly three hours left until the ball.

  Arianwyn looked at her skeptically; certain she was going to be ready hours before the ball. Marie did not seem concerned. She had brought a very light snack for Arianwyn to eat before she began getting ready. While Arianwyn ate, several servants entered, staggering under a large copper tub, which they filled with warm water. Marie added various scents and perfumes until she was happy with the smell, and then helped Arianwyn bathe and dry off.

  “I’ve already spoken with Lady Ethelinda’s servants to make sure that you aren’t in the same color dress as her. You’ll be wearing a chocolate colored satin gown. You’ll look beautiful!” She helped Arianwyn dress.

  Arianwyn looked in the mirror, feeling undressed. The back of the dress came up to just below her shoulder blades, leaving her upper back bare. There were no sleeves on this dress. The front, at least, was high, dividing into two sections that fastened at the back of her neck. The dragon twining around her arms and across her back was completely visible. The dress fit snugly down over the top of her hips before flaring out into an impossibly full skirt. Arianwyn kept twirling slightly, watching and listening to the fabric swish. Marie giggled at her. “It’s a lovely dress, isn’t it?”

  “Inappropriate, though,” Arianwyn murmured, rubbing her shoulders. Marie fetched a pair of high-heeled shoes so the dress did not drag on the ground. The skirt had been carefully patterned to look like lace on the bottom foot of the dress.

  Arianwyn sat in a chair so Marie could style her hair. “Okay, we need to keep this up,” Marie muttered. She twisted and brushed and retwisted, playing with several ideas. She smiled abruptly and worked it into a sleek, clean twist at the base of her neck. Then she pulled out a soft, velvet case. Inside were more bobby pins with white enamel flowers on the end. She artfully placed these throughout Arianwyn’s hair, her smile growing.

  A knock on the door had them both turning. A young page boy entered, holding another velvet case and bowing. “His Majesty sent you a gift, asking that you wear it at the ball.” Arianwyn and Marie exchanged a curious glance before Marie fetched the box, thanking the young boy. He bowed and left.

  Inside was a necklace of opals with matching bracelet, rings, and earrings. Arianwyn oh’d softly over the finery. Marie sighed, disappointed. “How can you be disappointed by such a beautiful gift?” Arianwyn asked, shocked.

  “It means he won’t choose you. I heard he sent a gift to each woman, the best being a set of fire diamonds. He’ll give those to his intended.”Arianwyn laughed, relieved. “You’re daft, if you don’t mind my saying, milady. Every girl dreams of being a princess.” Arianwyn smiled and shrugged. Marie helped her put the jewelry on before setting to work on her make-up.

  Marie did her make-up much the same, adding bolder colors to her lips
and eyes than before. She used a shadow on her eyes and added something that made her lashes appear darker and longer. “Marie, you’re amazing!” Arianwyn said softly, looking at herself in the mirror.

  Marie just smiled and stepped back. “Stand up and let me look at you.” Arianwyn obeyed, twirling a circle. Marie nodded slightly, stepping forward to tuck a hair here and there and wipe a smudge of lipstick from the edge of her lips. “Perfect. And just in time!” Arianwyn blinked.

  Sigurd knocked and poked his head in. “Are you ready yet?”

  “Has it really taken three hours?” she asked, stunned.

  “Yes. Are you ready?” She nodded and thanked Marie. She turned and followed Sigurd out the door. They escorted her to the antechamber where she began fidgeting nervously with her hands. She had seen her image. She looked the part of a lady. She felt like a child playing dress up. She was not ready.

  The other ladies slowly filed into the room. A quick glance confirmed Arianwyn’s dread: Ethelinda wore the fire diamonds. Blythe wore rubies. Each stared curiously at the Dragon Mark. Lady Blythe actually gave her a small smile. Arianwyn noticed that each of them were able to wear sleeves. Ethelinda’s sleeves were fitted to the wrist. Once the women had given each other a cursory inspection, they turned to study the walls of the antechamber. Not a word was spoken. Only Alyssa had not arrived yet. Arianwyn could hear chattering on the other side of the doors.

  “Presenting the Lady Arianwyn, dragon Bonded!” The shouted introduction could clearly be heard through the door. She took a deep breath as the guards on either side of the doors opened them, framing her in the center as she had been taught. She stepped forward to the top of the dais and half-curtsied. She could feel the eyes of everyone staring at her, curious.

  “One, two, three,” she counted under her breath as she descended the small dais. Her heel caught on the last step and she stumbled slightly. She flushed and straightened. She kept her gaze straight ahead, shoulders back and hands folded in front of her. She heard a soft snicker and had no desire to see the amusement echoed on the faces. The people rippled in a short wave as she passed them, curtsying and bowing. She felt her cheeks heat more and quickened her step slightly until she reached the foot of the King’s Dais. She full curtsied to him. He walked down the steps and took her hand, bowing over it and kissing her hand while raising her up at the same time.