CHAPTER 2 HIGH SOCIETY MINGLING

❄ Snow ❄

It’s traditional for a session of social mingling to take place after official ceremonies. Some might call it a party, but it was nothing more than a battleground for nobles, influential people and the rich to strike deals, manage relationships between family businesses, and gossip. Happy discussions between jokes and wine were sometimes more intricate and in-depth than even major trade negotiations. Snow and her sisters knew this. It was one of the first things they were taught. Image was one of the most important things for them. Manners, vocabulary, and self-interest formed the spearhead of each conversation. You don’t talk to someone without a reason, and if you don’t know why you are talking to someone, it is to gain information. Being a daughter of the queen did not exempt you from this “game.” If anything, it made it worse, because you were a key objective for the majority of the “players.”. They were taught this not only to push for the interests of their family, but as a way to protect themselves. War was no longer an option for these countries, so gaining political advantage through interpersonal deals was the next best thing.

It was also unbelievably boring.

Snow hated these “parties.” She stood alone on the side of the table where her family were just seated. At least she could breathe again since Lamille fulfilled her end of the deal and stole away with that deathly corset.

“Snow, you should go out there and try to socialize dear.” Her mother gently suggested, as if it wasn’t a demand.

“Very well mother.” She obeyed and wandered onto the floor. The nobles that she gravitated towards were all entrenched in discussion, yet seemingly drifted away from her presence. She tried to interject into one of the conversations being held by two lords. “Hello lords, are you enjoying the gathering thus far?” She gave the standard introductory greeting.

They seemed to not even notice her at first until she repeated herself. “My lords, are you enjoying yourselves?” she spoke a little louder and they finally took notice.

“Hello there, yes, it is very wonderful princess...” She must have really caught him off guard because this man even forgot her name.

“It's Snow, my lord.”

“Ah yes, Princess Snow, of course. Thank you. We are discussing important matters, but we do appreciate the hospitality. Please excuse us.” They both bowed lightly before they turned their heads away and continued their gossip on the various ladies in attendance and out of earshot. A bit rude, Snow had an idea while they had their back turned on her.

“Say, You are Lord Emeric of the eastern province are you not?”

Lord Emeric turned her way.

“Correct, Princess.”

Snow looked at the other Lord.

“And you are Lord Ralid correct?”

“Indeed Princess.” Ralid nodded.

“Ah, Tell me Lord Emeric has the trade of the Westvale winery been successful? If memory serves me well. You were seeking trade for a new investment?”

Lord Emeric looked confused as Lord Ralid suddenly blurted out.

“New investment? Lord Emeric, what of our plans to expand the vineyard?”

Lord Emeric turned frantically between Snow and Lord Ralid.

“Oh, no no, she's mistaken. Princess I'm afraid that is incorrect. You must be thinking about someone else.”

“What other Lord own a vineyard here? I knew you were trying to swindle me!” Lord Ralid accused him.

“I must be misremembering, forget I said anything lords! Apologies, I will leave you two at it then!” Snow walked away as the two lords started to argue.

Snow figured now was the perfect time. She made her way up to the entrance doors, practically invisible to those around her. It was time for her classic escape, she made her way to the hall doors just as Brutus appeared in her way.

“Why Snow, where are you going? Your mother would appreciate it if you stuck around for the party.” His tone was neutral, but his eyes were questioning.

Just what she needed, Brutus breathing down her neck.

“I just wanted to go outside for a bit. Surely there are some lingering people out there. I want to make sure nobody is left out.”

Just before Brutus could give a response Lord Ralid and Lord Emeric who were still arguing where now making a small scene. Apparently the vineyard conversation led to heated debate on whose wife is more repugnant. The insults were becoming more and more descriptive ranging from rotten egg footwear to clothing lapped in locus seeds, or was it locus hair nest? Either way it was too so funny Snow had to cover her mouth to hold in her laughter.

“I think you might want to calm them down Brutus, I wonder what the altercation is about?” Snow said lifting her shoulders in question.

“Snow… Just… don't run off to your room please. Come back soon.” He gave her a firm look before hastily moving to defuse the situation.

“Thanks Brutus.” She waved him off before leaving.

After extracting from that boring party scene, Snow was out in the front courtyard leaning on a railing that overlooked the entrance ramp. Besides the ever-silent royal guard stationed along the outer walls, there were a few nobles out here talking to each other, but she had no interest in talking with them.

She watched as a flock of late nobles came rushing into the castle, no doubt to apologize for their tardiness and offer a sum of money or trinkets to her mother in a desperate attempt to earn favor. Amity and gratitude was a convenient gauge of speculation after all.

“All these thoughts about politics are giving me a headache.” She complained out loud, before laying her head across her arms, her hair forming a small curtain over the rail.

“Watch my coat you imbecile!” Snow heard someone yell from the bottom of the ramp just inside the castle gate. A noble throwing a tantrum most likely. She lifted her head back up and leaned forward to get a better view.

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“I’m dreadfully sorry your lordship!” A stable boy apologized frantically. It looked as if he had been handling the horse’s gear and bumped into the noble, leaving a spot on his pristine white coat.

“This coat is worth more than your life and you tarnished it!” he scolded the boy.

Snow recognized the stable worker; it was Randal, her close friend. And it seemed he was in trouble again. She looked around quickly before quietly heading down the ramp, towards the stable by the gate, where the noble was still lambasting Randal.

“...And if this stain doesn't come out, I am coming straight for you boy!” The noble was just ending his tirade.

Snow started picking up speed while heading down the ramp and slid into the man ‘accidently,’ knocking him and her both down.

“Who dares!?” The noble roared on the ground angry and confused for a moment, before noticing Snow on the ground near him.

“Oww.” Snow pretended to whine while slowly sitting up, waving off the guards who had started heading over.

“Why you little clumsy piece of-!” The man turned red with anger until he took notice of the lotus insignia on Snow’s shoulder. Upon realization he gasped and turned pale. She could practically hear his heart racing.

“I mean! princess, are you okay?!” The noble quickly got up and helped Snow to her feet.

“It's so slippery out here. I apologize for the inconvenience; I shouldn’t have been so careless.” Snow said, her face apologetic and her voice remorseful.

“Oh no, princess, I was the one who was careless, I was in your way! My sincerest apologies.” His overwhelming fear of possibly offending someone from the royal family seemed to have robbed him of his anger and even his awareness of the stable boy. He dusted himself off, trying to make himself presentable.

“My lord, your coat is dirty. Please allow my servants to clean it for you.” Snow offered politely. “It is fine Princess, please don’t allow it to trouble you.” The little stain on the fancy coat had become a noticeable blotch.

“Is that really okay?” She asked again.

“Yes, do not trouble yourself, it would be a great shame to waste your time on such trivial matters. You are okay I presume? If you would allow it, I will be attending your family’s gathering now.” He bowed.

“Of course, my lord. Sorry again for the inconvenience.”

“No worries, princess, I feel I deserved it for being late. I will be heading up now, thank you.” He headed up the ramp and out of earshot.

“Thanks for the save Snow, I owe you one.” Randal sighed as he led the horse into the nearby pen.

“No problem Randal. That guy was a complete jerk.”

“Yeah, he deserved it, wish he got more than tha’ though. You coulda yelled at him or somethin’.” Randal whined as he closed the pen gate.

“I think I did enough. He was complaining about the stain on his coat. So, I fixed it for him. Gave him a whole new look.” Snow smiled mischievously, pointing her thumb behind her.

Randal leaned over and saw the noble’s entire back had a nasty streak of dirt all the way down to his pants.

“Ooh. he’s going to get a lot of attention in there; very stylish.” He grinned.

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Snow was sitting on one of the stable boxes whilst Randal was unstrapping the next horse.

“So, has every noble that’s come been like that guy?”

“Nah, most of them are okay. It's just that the ‘rotten apples’ are very rotten. It’s still a way better job than dealing with my father’s death beasts, you know he was trying to get me to tame a sting shark the other day? He’s crazy I swear!

“That sounds scary, I guess the only thing you have to fear is the wrath of nobility here, but I’m not sure if that is safe either.”

“Better than having my face bit off, I’ll gladly take my chances! But, ah man, I wish I could go to the party.”

“Why? It's just a bunch of sycophants trying to get stuff out of their rivals or out do their friends and ask my mom for stuff. It's unbelievably boring, trust me. I’m just waiting for it to be over so I can retire back to bed.” She rolled her eyes.

“What? Boring? The food is great and the music is amazing! I hear you guys got that famous elf band this year! They’re no Angelic Rifters but I hear they’re still super good!” He exclaimed, trying to dance a waltz with the air, but almost tripping over himself in excitement. His steps were sloppy but his motions were close enough.

“Ha, I think you still need practice.” Snow chuckled before looking at him again laughing louder. “A lot of practice actually!”

“Really? How bout’ you show me how it's done then!” Randal retorted, pointing his finger at her.

“I can. Actually, are you going to pay me for the lesson?” Snow teased.

“Haha. very funny.. Wait! You owe me for covering you for that one time you almost got caught sneaking out!” He smirked and followed up with a counteroffer: “I’ll consider at least two dance lessons suitable repayment.”

“I guess that’s true- “

“Snow, what do you think you are doing?” A stern voice echoed in her ear, making her flinch. She slowly turned her head and saw Brutus towering over her with a face that could only be described as carved from stone. She hadn’t even noticed him come down the ramp.

“Oh Brutus, I was uhm, catering... to the late oncoming guests... to ensure they received a cool welcome!” She replied, stuttering out an excuse that felt weak even to her own ears.

“Cool welcome? I see, and do these ‘cool welcomes’ include paying our late guests with a new fashion sense to bout?”

“Uhm, well, not exactly- “

“Enough, let's go.” he extended his hand.

“Do I really need to go back up there? Can’t I just stay here?” Snow complained.

“Of course not, this isn't up for debate. Your mother is very displeased.”

“When is she ever pleased?” She sighed while hopping off the box.

“I will pretend you never said that and I suggest you watch your comments, now let us return, please.”

Snow took his hand and they started walking back up the ramp. When they got more than halfway to the doors, Brutus spoke again in a lowered tone.

“I don't want you talking to that stable boy again either.”

“What? but Randal is my friend?!”

“He is a stable worker, and more importantly, his father is not very popular among a lot of noble houses right now. It is not a good look for your image if you are seen with him.”

“What does that have to do with anything? I should still be able to talk to him!”

“You know it goes; the family name comes first.”

“That isn’t fair!”

Brutus noticed her rising ire and they once again stopped right before the castle doors.

“After the party is over, you can take it up with your mother. But right now, you need to do this, okay? I'm not asking you to play ambassador, I am just asking you to make another appearance. Now chin up and don't forget what is most important.”

Snow gritted her teeth.

“Fine.”

They walked back into the castle, the “party” was still going strong. The majority of the crowd was spectating her youngest sister Lilly performing acrobatic tricks while skating on a patch of ice. The room felt colder to everyone but their family of course, since Lilly was using her frost blood to enhance her body to pull off all these tricks, not to mention creating the patch of ice in the first place.

Brutus led Snow to a man with a large cavalier hat and purple coat.

“Snow, this is Lord Lazarus, he is a lord from the Mountaineer Republic. He has requested to have an audience with you.”

Snow looked at Brutus with a blank face and mouth agape.

“Wait, an audience, with me? Why?”

In her confused state, Lazarus stepped up and took the initiative.

“Silly me, I forgot my manners. Allow me to introduce myself formally, as your butler has declared I am Lord Lazarus, Head of House Rene.” He nodded to Brutus and Brutus walked off, leaving them alone. Snow looked at him, that name was familiar, it then dawned on her, Lazarus Rene was the famous tailor that Lussuria was always bragging about her clothing being designed by.

“Lord Lazarus? As in the famous designer Lazarus Rene of the Mountaineer Kingdom?” Snow couldn’t believe it; this was the guy who made all of Lussuria’s clothes. He was supposed to be a tailoring legend.

“The one and only.” He bowed.

“My lord you must be mistaken, my sister Lussuria is the one who absolutely loves your clothing line, I believe she is the one you would want to speak with.”

“You are too modest Princess Snow; I specifically sought a personal audience with you and no one else. I wanted to ask your opinion on a few topics.” Lazarus looked over his shoulder. “However, I’d rather converse with you in private if that’s okay.”

What a strange thing to ask. It’s not like she would have a choice anyways. She should focus on getting some useful information out of him.

“Very well Lord Lazarus, but what questions require such discretion?”

“It’s a combination of business and personal selfishness. To be blunt, the stench of politics and cheap perfume is poisoning my mood.” He twisted his feathered cavalier hat, revealing his eyes much more clearly. His face looked like she felt: like he hated this party.

Snow smiled, thinking she was pretty lucky: Lazarus’ low opinion of this “party” made her feel a lot more comfortable talking to him.

“Okay, let’s get off the floor then, where do you wish to go Lord Lazarus?”

“Perfect, I know a great spot where we can be at peace, right this way.” He led her to the west garden, to an area just before a flower bed surrounded by hedges, secluded and empty save for the few guards positioned throughout. There was lone bench and painting canvas set up within.