Below the Peak (Sola)(65)
Gilnith gave her white undergarments once she dried herself. The women waited patiently as Nara dressed until she was satisfied her naked skin was covered from the curious eyes of the servant who stared at her like she was a strange being. Perhaps she was in their eyes, and by the look of their expression, Nara didn’t think the two maids had ever seen a human. As if following some form of procedure, Gilnith again handed her a splendid gilded silver lace tunic with encrusted crystals on its sleeve. Eyes sliding on the lush and heavily embellished with crystal jewelry, Nara couldn’t help appreciating the beauty of the delicate fabrics and its ornaments. “Beautiful” she muttered.
“Indeed, beautiful for the new princess of Forod” Gilnith added with a small smile.
Nara quietly wore the tunic then the skirt which Gilnith carefully helped cinch her in and close its button when she asked for her help. Gilnith spoke over her shoulder in elvish as she did the last button on her skirt. A long-gilded scarf hanged over her shoulder and was secured tightly around her waist with a thin gold belt. The woman who had carried the chest rushed toward them with a pair of good looking shoes. She placed the shoes at Nara’s feet before taking a step back. Nara slipped her bare feet into the fitting shoes.
“May you please sit here Your Highness,” said Gilnith, motioning to the chair at placed near dressing mirror.
Nara inhaled deeply, asking the gods for a bit of tolerance. The hair at her nape raised at the touching she was about to feel. Hands on her hair, face. Uhh… she shivered and swallowed painfully. She chewed on her lip as the uncomfortable ordeal began with one of the maids standing behind her with a comb and started brushing her hair. She counted randomly.
“Gently” she hissed when the woman combed too hard. Gilnith muttered something to the girl with a scowl, causing the girl to bow several times at her side while she repeated “Forgive me”.
Nara pursed her lips. What she felt like forever and painfully slow, the maids continued prettifying her with lavish jewelry. A head piece with a long gold chain and round pendant was tied on her parted hair which was secured to a bun. Staring at the mirror, the pendant hanged lightly on her forehead as did the long allodia earrings. Her face…the dark colors they applied on her face and lips, enhanced her features even more. Nara didn’t know what to feel about this appearance since she had never bothered to pretty herself as did the ladies back in the King’s wall.
The knock on the door saved her from deciding what to feel and from being poked, dabbed and prodded by the women. Nara welcomed the person in. Prince Calemir stood inside. The four women curtsied hastily.
“Ready?” the prince regarded her. Out of the riding clothes he wore in the journey, Calemir had changed into splendid formal garb. A fitting high collar shirt with long sleeves paired with a trouser and a long dark cloak with intricated woven gold pattern. A sheathed sword hanged on the side of his hip. His wavy hair tussled loosely down to his shoulders. Dangerously beautiful, the two words laid thick on her tongue.
“Yes, I am” Nara breathed, standing up.
“You look beautiful” he deep voice was whisper as his eyes travelled up and down her form before settling back on her face. A blush spread over her face, at the same time as the women pretended to look elsewhere.
“Walk with me” the prince stretched out his hand, palm open. Nara wiped her damp hands on her skirt, heartbeat picking up with apprehension setting in her stomach. She lifted her chin and met his gaze. Confidence and assurance gleamed back from them.
“Lead the way Your Highness” she ignored his strong fingers that were ready to clasp her own.
Chapter Twenty-seven
Calemir
The dining hall looked majestic, fit to host a king and queen. His mother hadn’t disappointed with the preparation despite the limited time. The dining room was lavishly decorated with lively flowers which hang in garlands over the silk curtains draping from the walls and windows. Candles flickered from crystal lamps and chandeliers around the room. A variety of food prepared to be feasted on sat warm on the large table.
He approached the high table with his human wife on his side and accompanied by the nobles unveiled stares. His wife…was dressed splendidly in the tradition elvish clothes looking beautiful and even more captivating with her chin high, back straightened and shoulders back. She wore her expression blank, a mask that fitted her well but Calemir felt her anxiety. The nobles stood and bowed as he and Nara found their seats amongst them. Looking at her from the corner of his eye, he saw her chewing her lips, her body rigid with tension.
This girl is going to be a problem He thought as the restlessness exuding from her stirring his senses. Just a little…He drew her emotions into him. A little that it wouldn’t be easy to note the difference except he could. The girl’s shoulders relaxed a fraction, her knuckles that turned white from clenching tightly, flushed with color with the ease of her fingers.
Just shortly after their entrance, the king and queen’s arrival was announced. The chatter ceased in the hall, and everyone stood and straightened as the king and queen walked in.
The majesties found their place at the high table. The feast commenced by servers moving around filling plates and goblets with wine for the royal family and the invited guests.
“Welcome,” the king’s voice carried across the room once the commotion died down. “Today we celebrate my son not only as the prince and warrior of our great kingdom but as a married man to lady Nara Jae Thani.” He paused. “May their union mark the beginning of a peaceful alliance between our nation and kingdom of Murisa.” Rising his goblet to the crowd and then directing his solemn eyes at him, the king toasted. “To new beginnings.”