I thought I had grown used to the opulence and shine of the Golden Palace, but as I entered the banquet hall on Andrian’s arm, I realized I was mistaken. The banquet hall trumped everything I had seen up until now. Hanging from the ceiling were hundreds of jeweled crystal chandeliers with the jewels placed in carefully chosen locations so that they drew a pink and red rose with leafy green accents across the giant white ceiling. The walls were white marble with almost no adornments other than the gilded window frames that surrounded the large crimson curtained windows that looked out at the garden. To the right were dozens of round tables, all with lush purple tablecloths and sparkling silver centerpieces. Each centerpiece was completed by a large and sparkling crystal rose, colored to match the ceiling. To the left, was a large dance floor with a stage for the small orchestra that provided the music. Past the dance floor was additional seating and a glass doorway to the outside patio and garden access. At the back of the room was table upon table laden with food of every variety, set up so people could serve themselves and bring the food back to their tables. On the back wall, hung above the buffet, there were five enormous coat of arms, one for each of the four Ducal houses with the golden Royal Family sitting proudly in the center.
All throughout the room, on the hardwood dance floor and orchestra stage, standing near the buffet with half full plates, and seated in the chairs around the tables, were the nobles of Vrayna. They were scattered haphazardly around the room, having stopped mid action when the First Prince made his entrance. There had to be over a thousand people in that enormous hall and all eyes were fixed on where I stood. Coming up from the area between tables and dancefloor was a wooden staircase covered in a crimson rug. That staircase led to the platform we currently stood upon, a grand entryway designed to allow the whole room to see each person as they were announced. Being a part of the First Prince’s party, we were naturally the last to arrive, so the eyes of all the party's guests were aimed at our group.
I had hoped that as the least eye catching of the group that I would be looked at last, or overlooked entirely. But staring out into the sea of faces, my desire to go less noticed was unheeded, as I recognized quite a few of the southern lords watching me very closely, their contempt for me evident on their faces. The Second Prince stood out in the crowd as well, an apoplectic look in his eye belying his calm facade. He didn't know how I'd outwitted him but he was furious that I had. Little did he know, I hadn't outwitted anyone. His brother, the First Prince, had done that all on his own. I was just a lucky beneficiary of that 'foolish kindness' the Second Prince so looked down upon.
"Lords and Ladies, tonight I invite you to celebrate alongside us as we usher in an era of peace with our neighbors and rejoice in the joining of two people who will be the pinnacle of that peace while finding happiness in each other's arms!" The First Prince finished his announcement, and perhaps this was the first time such a thing ever happened, the crowd didn’t immediately cheer at his words, still processing the contents of his speech. Slowly, amidst the whispers and murmurs that ensued, the sound of hands clapping could be heard, likely started by the nobles from the east. As the nobles realized they'd forgotten themselves, the clapping soon picked up into the thunderous applause that would be expected of subjects greeting their future King. The First Prince turned to us and said, "Come, my friends. Let's give them a good show."
Tightly gripping Andrian’s arm, I descended down the stairs and into the crowd. Following the First Prince who led the way, the other three generals stepped into formation around myself and Andrian, Shidah walking behind us with the other two on each side. I felt sheltered from the nobles and proceeded behind the First Prince without fear of being accosted. We followed through the maze of tables until we came to a larger one situated in the center of all the other tables, where the Second Prince was about to settle down with a heaping plate of food.
As he saw us approaching he put a fake smile on his face and greeted us, “Brother! Marquis Julien, and of course, our esteemed guests from the Beastlands.”
“Greetings brother of mine,” the First Prince said warmly, embracing his brother.
“Second Prince Eduard,” Rastai acknowledged with a nod of his head.
The other three gave him brief nods as well, while I retrieved my arm long enough to offer him a proper bow of respect. As soon as my figure returned to its upright stance, my arm was quickly reclaimed by the man next to me.
Andrian quickly led me to a seat that wouldn't place me next to or across from the Second Prince and pulled out the chair for me. I sat down and allowed him to push it in. He promptly took the chair next to me, putting himself across from the Second Prince. Once everyone was seated around the table, I found myself with Andrian on one side of me and Rastari on the other. Coraggio took the seat next to Andrian and Shidah placed himself between the First and Second Princes. Once we were settled, the Second Prince turned in my direction.
"Julien," he said, "I must say I was quite concerned for your wellbeing when I discovered you had disappeared from the guest room I prepared for you. I see now that my concerns were unfounded." He gave me a bland smile that didn't reach his eyes as he spoke.
"Yes brother," the First Prince answered for me, "I was quite shocked last night when you informed me of what had transpired at the Duke’s residence. I had no idea that Emma de Ramport had a secret fiancée, nor was I aware that the southern Duke had a son. I hope you understand that I simply had to meet him."
"Of course, of course," the Second Prince responded, "Brother, you are our future King and I obey your will. I certainly didn't mean to complain about your decision. I merely wished to express my concern for our guests' safety while in the Palace. You know how some of these nobles can be, afterall. But enough worrying, this is a joyous occasion and we should be celebrating, not fussing."
With that said, the Second Prince picked up his utensils and started into the plate of food in front of him. Taking that as a sign, Rastari stood up, informing us he was going to get some food. Coraggio and Shidah were quick to follow, leaving me at the table with Andrian and the two Princes. The four of us sat in silence for a moment as we watched the crowds disperse from the buffet as the three beast generals approached. Ignoring the reaction of the human nobles, they grabbed plates and began loading them with various foods, while loudly talking to each other about what looked good. After we’d watched the spectacle for a bit, the Second Prince turned his attention to me again.
“Julien, my boy,” he said between bites, “I must say that I’m surprised. Entering into a love match, are you? I certainly didn’t expect such delightful news.” Nothing about his expression indicated that he actually considered it delightful at all. With a smile that did nothing to veil his disgust, he continued, “It makes me wonder what other tricks you have up that little sleeve of yours if you can tame a wild animal so thoroughly in a single afternoon.”
I heard a growling noise rumbling beside me. When I looked at Andrian, his face was contorted into a snarl and his gentle aura had turned menacing. “I am not some animal to be tamed,” he growled, “You should know that by now human Prince.”
Before things could escalate further, I placed a careful hand on his forearm. As soon as my skin connected with his, he lost his menacing aura and turned to me with gentle eyes. I begged him with my eyes to calm down. I didn’t want him to get in trouble in front of all these people.
“Brother,” the First Prince cut in, “I believe I’ve warned you about such comments. If the Beastlands are to be our allies in the future then we must treat with them as equals and with proper respect.” His exasperated tone gave me the impression that this wasn’t the first time he’d had to tell his brother such things.
I think I understand the Beastlands desire for the marriage treaty a little better now. So many humans think of them as just slightly evolved animals. But we don’t marry animals, we marry people. So if a human were to marry a beastman, then we can’t think of them as animals anymore. As I thought about it, I felt a little sad for my race. They put so much energy into hating the beastmen, but why? Even before the war, little children were often told that if they didn’t behave, the beastmen would come to get them. Their existence was seen as a threat to humanity, only considered to be a small step above the monsters that live in the wilds. According to our history books, they used to attack us in droves and only stopped because humanity had become too mighty for them to defeat. That was when the borderland was created and our societies cut off contact for centuries. It was only with the start of the current war that we made contact again, this time as the invaders, conquering for justice. Or something like that. At this point I was pretty sure it was all bullshit.
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“My apologies dear brother and esteemed guest,” the Second Prince conceded, albeit ungraciously, “I see that I have spoken carelessly and caused unintended offence. I meant to compliment the lad, not insult his partner.”
“I accept your apology,” Andrian responded flatly. Neither of them sounded convincing but it didn’t seem to matter to any of the parties involved. The First Prince and his brother moved on to another topic of conversation and the other beast generals returned, each carrying no less than three heaping plates of food and looking very pleased with themselves.
“We brought extra, too!” Coraggio announced with unbridled enthusiasm. He made no effort to hide his wagging tail either. He’s acting just like a puppy, I thought. He seems so harmless and friendly. How is someone like that a war general? Or is that exactly why they brought him here? Not that I was complaining. Their return was a much needed relief from the tension at the table moments before.
They produced a couple of empty plates and started offering us different types of food, apparently in a good natured competition for who could find the best food. As they heaped food on my plate and laughed at nothing, I realized just how unnatural their energy felt. While their goodwill towards myself and Andrian didn’t feel feigned, it still felt like they were working too hard to look like they were having fun. They were putting on a show for the nobles, but up close, I could see the effort behind their actions. But since they were trying so hard, I felt like I should play along with it.
As we ate and they chatted away, I realized that the Second Prince was no longer eating or talking with the First Prince. Rather, he was watching me as I smiled and ate alongside the beastmen. I could feel the distaste in his gaze as he watched me. I was surprised to realize that I wasn’t afraid of him anymore. I didn’t fully understand this odd trust, built within a single day of our reunion, but I still trusted that Andrian would protect me from the Second Prince.
“Isn’t it time for the couple of honor to have their first dance?” the Second Prince asked loudly, cutting into their lively conversation. “Or is it not too bold of me to assume that you are uneducated in the ways of noble society?”
“Ah, Prince Eduard, you are tactful as always,” Rastari said with a flash of fang, “I can assure you we took the time to study your little dances in preparation for the banquet. But I doubt anyone would have taught the Duke’s son how to dance the ladies’ part.”
“Oh, it’s not all that different,” the Second Prince insisted, “I’m certain he can figure it out. Besides, the people will want a closer look at the lovely couple. Have to make sure they see how happy they are, don't we? Isn’t that why we’re all here after all? Didn’t you all want to put on a nice play about how human-like the beasts can be? Or are you worried that Julian won’t be able to fake it that well?”
At that final question, the table fell quiet. Beyond us, people talked and danced and made merry, but you could cut the tension at our table with a knife. If ever there was one, I felt like this was my moment to finally be brave. It was the same dance either way and I was pretty sure I could figure it out. Besides, I didn’t want to let the Second Prince win after what he’d just implied. Giving the Second Prince a brief glance, I stood up and offered my hand to Andrian, who was silently simmering in his seat.
When Andrian saw me stand and hold my hand out to him, his angry expression melted away and a warm, contented one emerged. He took my hand without hesitation, but he remained seated. With a hint of concern, he quietly told me, “You don’t have to do this. We don’t need to prove anything to anyone, especially not him. I know he’s just saying those things to get a rise out of us.”
I appreciated the sentiment, but I still felt like I needed to prove something. Not just to the Second Prince, but to all the nobles in the room. Be it the ones who pitied me or the ones who reviled the beastmen and lusted for war, I intended to show them they were wrong. Not knowing how else to express what I wanted, I used my free hand to grab onto Andrian’s arm and gently pulled him towards me. All it took was a soft tug and he was on his feet.
“As you wish,” he said agreeably I pulled him away from the table. Maybe I was being stubborn, but this was something I could do. I didn’t want to feel like a burden. I didn’t want Andrian to think I was a disappointment.
Between us and the dancefloor were at least a dozen tables and various nobles milling about, trying to get a better look at the beastmen seated at our table. As we walked hand in hand, the crowds slowly made way for us. There were so many sets of eyes on us that I began to question my decision. Rows upon rows of staring nobles, burning holes in me with their eyes. I suddenly wished I had eaten less. I wanted to be brave, but anxiety radiated through me in waves and I suddenly felt nauseated. I felt like all of them were silently calling me out for being so disappointing, disgusting, pathetic. I was dizzied by the hatred they felt. I was suddenly scared they might hurt me.
I felt an arm wrap around my waist and I was suddenly being led forward through the sea of faces. As I came back to myself I realized that most of them weren’t glaring at me after all. There weren’t a lot of friendly faces, but I knew I’d let my fear get the best of me. Andrian’s arm around my waist and his warmth at my back steadied me and I breathed deeply to calm myself. I wasn’t sure what it was, but I could smell some sort of calming scent, almost like the smell of the forest. I wondered if it was Andrian’s scent. It was nice and peaceful. It reminded me of the fog. I felt safe again.
The sea of faces passed by in a blur and we were soon standing upon the dancefloor being given a wide berth by the other couples on the floor. We turned to face each other and both attempted to move into position. Initially, we both tried to take the man’s position before both trying to take the lady’s.
Andrian chuckled softly at our awkward exchange before moving close enough to whisper in my ear, “Don’t worry, I’ll take the ladies’ part. I only recently learned this dance thing anyways, so I can adapt. But please,” he paused for a second as he got into position, “no twirling. I don’t think my ego could take it.”
Realizing he was joking with me, the corners of my mouth curled up and I felt myself relax. The ear he’d whispered in felt hot. My skin was still tingling from his breath.
We began dancing to the music, a simple waltz, and neither of us were particularly good at it. Despite the potentially hostile crowd, I was almost having fun. With nowhere else for me to look at regardless, I was able to study his face up close without feeling shy about it. I couldn’t help but admire that face. I was amazed by how handsome he was.
The sound of the crowd seemed to fade off into the distance and all of my awareness was focused on the sound of the music, the heat of his body that was so close to mine, and the look in his eyes as he stared back at me. My heart began beating faster and faster the longer we continued to dance.
Eventually the song came to an end and the crowd around us stopped and applauded. We just stood there looking at each other, not letting go. His hand slipped down from my shoulders to my waist and he pulled me in close. With our lower bodies pressed tightly together, my heart was pounding in my chest. It felt like a precursor to a much more intimate type of dance. My breathing became shallow and I looked into his eyes. The desire I saw in them shocked me. Does he… ?
Before I could finish thinking, he closed the gap and pressed his lips against mine. It was soft and quick, but it was undoubtedly a kiss. He pulled away for a moment and I stared up at him in amazement. With my mouth slightly agape, I traced the place when our lips had met with my tongue. He seemed to take that as an invitation and rushed to seal my mouth with his again. His tongue invaded my mouth, entwining itself with my own that seemed to react of its own accord. I felt everything else disappear, and for just a single moment, nothing else existed for me but his mouth, his breath, and his body against mine. His tongue explored every inch of my mouth, caressing me, tasting me. I soon forgot to even breathe as I melted into his embrace.
It wasn’t long before he pulled away, perhaps more mindful of our current location than I was. As I gasped for air after receiving my very first kiss, our surroundings came back into focus for me and I realized exactly what we’d been doing in front of all of these people. I felt my face heat up and without thinking I buried my face in Andrian’s chest, ashamed of my behaviour. I was embarrassed but I couldn’t deny how good his kiss had felt. I wanted more. I leaned my cheek against his chest and realized his heart sounded like it was pounding as much as mine was.