Chapter 23

Naomi fidgeted in the chair as Yula arranged her hair. The old woman had pulled it up and fastened it with small bejeweled combs and hair pins. Naomi knew the hairdo was going to give her a headache after a couple of hours, but Yula was so determined to make her look like a fairytale princess that Naomi kept her reservations to herself. Naomi had a feeling that Yula was using her to prove something to Mrs. Boon.
Naomi had on a long shimmering gown that was light on her back. The top material was gauzy and iridescent while the lining was smooth and soft. Jewelry hung all over her. She had two heavy bejeweled earrings on. A large necklace with a ruby the size of a baby’s fist hung from her throat. Gold bracelets dangled on both her wrists, and several rings were on her hands.

She had asked Yula about proper etiquette for the feast. Yula had arranged a place setting on the table and instructed her on the proper utensils to use for each course. She had also informed given her tips on how to interact with the guests. They would be affluent farmers, merchants, and soldiers. Naomi had asked if there would be dancing, and she told her that there would be dancing, but Tavik did not dance and thus she would not be expected to. Naomi had experienced no small amount of relief at this tidbit of information. As the guests of honor, they would watch the dancing for a while and be the first allowed to leave the festivities. Naomi dimly hoped that Tavik would want to leave as early as possible. The sun had just begun to set when there was a loud knock at the door. Yula had finished dressing Naomi’s hair, and she and Naomi had been sitting silently for several minutes. Naomi rose, but Yula hopped to the door and opened it. Tavik stood on the other side in a long red cape, shining boots, black gleaming pants, and a black tunic with gold geometric embroidery upon it. They had been dressed to match.

They stared silently at each other for a moment each taking the other in. Tavik finally bowed low to her. “Is my lady ready to descend to meet our guests?” he asked.

In response, Naomi curtsied and took his arm. “Let’s get this show on the road,” she muttered. She did not know what to expect when she entered the hall with Tavik. What greeted her made her hold her breath in surprise. The hall had been transformed. Torches lit the large room from all sides with candles sparkling on the long tables. Flower boughs and wreaths hung everywhere with rich cloth draping walls, windows, and tables.

While Naomi gaped, the guests in the room had turned to look at Tavik and her. She became aware of their stares and quickly tried to school her features to a more haughty expression. She could do this, she chanted to herself as goose bumps and a cold sweat broke out over her. She had not seen a silent cue, but the hall broke out into applause finally at their arrival, and Tavik raised his hand in acknowledgement at the welcome and nodded at a few of the people closest to them. She nervously smiled. They walked further into the room.

People began stepping forward to greet Tavik. They bowed and murmured how happy they were to see him well and welcome to his new bride. Tavik greeted the men by name and thanked them for the warm welcome. Naomi nodded politely and smiled shyly. She tried not to make the iron grip she had Tavik’s arm too obvious, but short of a crowbar, he was not going to be leaving her alone with these people anytime that night. Naomi spotted a group of women standing to the side. None of them smiled at her, and she had the feeling that anything they said in relation to her was not flattering. She wasn’t going to be making any friends that night.

Naomi had been minding her p’s and q’s vigilantly throughout the dinner. She was sitting beside a grandfatherly sort who she happily let monopolize the conversation by telling her all about his grandchildren.

Tavik tended to listen to others and nod and say little to anyone as well. It appeared everyone was having a good time. People were laughing and chatting merrily down the table. She envied their ease. She hoped she was not sweating through her gown. When dessert was over, she glanced at Tavik. He had his chin resting on his hand. Musicians came into the room carrying their instruments. People began to rise and pair up for the dancing. Naomi wondered how long Tavik would stay to watch. She was ready to go back to her rooms. The musicians made noises like they were ready to begin, and dancers took their places. She watched the dancing with mild interest. It was not fast or complicated, but knowing the steps beforehand was definitely required if one did not want to run into someone else or step on another’s toes.

Out of the corner of her eye, Naomi saw Tavik wave one of the servants over. He said something low into the manservant’s ear and sent him off. Naomi watched the man go to the musicians and whisper into one of their ears. She looked at him with confused curiosity. Had he made a song request? Tavik turned and saw her looking at him. He nodded to her and put his hand over hers that rested on the table. She gave him a nervous smile and wondered what was next. The current dance was coming to an end.

Tavik rose from his seat, drawing Naomi with him by her hand. Naomi rose stiffly. With sickening dread, Naomi realized they were going to the dance floor. She tried to balk, but he merely put his arm around her and drew her closer.

“Yula said you didn’t dance,” she hissed.

“Normally, I do not.”

“Well, I don’t know how.”

“What do they teach young ladies in your land?”

“Nothing you’d appreciate.”

Continue to Chapter 24.