applepie

[I]I beat it out... writer's block that is. I've been having more trouble writing this chapter than what I seemed to think I should. I must have rejected ten different drafts before I finally wrote this. I hope you enjoy it, because it was a bear to write. I'm hoping the next chapter will not be as difficult, but I find I'm writing much more carefully. Setting up the characters wasn't too bad, but now I am trying to work all of the bits of the plot in so that the pieces will fall the way I wish them to. That isn't nearly as easy as I would hope, so it may be a bit longer than I would like before the next installment. I am thinking that I'll outline what I wish to happen and maybe I'll even write a synopsis of each coming chapter. That way I'll not do anything that may ruin the story and mean I'll have to rewrite much of it.

Enjoy,
Meg[/I]

Chapter 12

The dining room of the palace was crowded with two vast tables which seated about twenty people each. Both were filled to overflowing, but there were two empty seats on either side of Allarick at the head of the table. He was looking impatiently towards the stairs awaiting the arrival of his sister and Arabella. He had announced Arabella’s presence as a guest in his house at the close of his council meetings, and the tension in the air was thick as the people joining them for dinner considered who this mystery guest may be. There had been no mention from which family she originated. All that had been said about the woman was that she was here as a guest of the Syine and under his personal protection. He had also made it known that there were to be no questions prying into Arabella’s history. He didn’t wish for her to be forced in to telling lies, and that was all such queries would bring.

Allarick sighed; leave it to Philomina to choose tonight to be late coming to the table. He was drawn taught as a bow, because tonight it was important that Arabella fit in. He hoped that there would not be many questions about her parentage or status. He had not seen his guest since their lunch, and he was hoping that being dressed as a lady of his world would help to camouflage that she did not have the appearance of the ruling caste.

“Nechemya, please go and find my sister. Inform her that I demand her presence at the table now, and she is to com with our guest immediately.” As always, Nechemya was within ear shot, and he left to carry out the instructions.

Just as Nechemya neared the stairs, the pair of women appeared at the top. Philomina and Arabella had their heads together talking as if they were long time friends rather than women that were only introduced a few hours ago. Allarick had just turned his attention to the other dinner guests when he heard a collective gasp. His head turned, and he was able to understand why such an awed reaction was pulled from the assembly.

Philomina and Arabella were breathtaking. They were both stunningly beautiful, and the contrast of light and dark kept the beauty of one from overwhelming the loveliness of the other. His sister had exchanged her red gown for one the color of golden autumn leaves. She seemed to be kissed by sunlight with her radiant gown and her dark hair and golden eyes were highlighted by the golden gown. Arabella was wearing a gown of the deepest turquoise. It emphasized the blue-green of her eyes and her pale complexion. Both women had their hair pulled back from their face with small clips. Arabella’s was an intricate serpent design made in some silvery metal that gleamed against the inky blackness of her hair, and Philomina’s was reminiscent of a griffin and its coppery color matched the highlights in her hair. Arabella looked every bit a lady, and, if one didn’t scrutinize too much, there would be no mistaking her for anything other than what she was pretending to be. The only clue that she did not belong was the missing feline features and pointed ears.

Allarick rose to greet the women as they reached the table. Arabella had been apprised of the proper greeting, so there was no hesitation when Allarick ducked his head into the space between her shoulder and neck and nuzzled her with his cheek. Philomina had explained that she would be greeted in this way, and it would proclaim to all that she was a trusted friend as well as a guest in the household. It would justify her being given the Syine’s personal protection when most people were not granted such an honor. Secretly, Arabella admitted that the intimacy of the act was devastating to her senses. There was sensuality about Allarick that drew her like a moth to a flame. There was innate goodness and masculinity that called to the woman in her that was not normally expressed. Too much time had been spent trying to fit into the group of engineers that was primarily comprised of men. She had become one of them, but in order to become a member of the group she’d sacrificed much of her femininity. Now, in this strange world, she was being reminded of what it was to be treated as the woman she was. Her beautiful dress only accentuated the feeling by making her feel lovely and ladylike. It was a stark contrast to her normal attire of boots, slacks, and tank top.

Philomina was not unaware at the charming picture that her brother and Arabella made. One only had to look close to know that the intimacy of the greeting was not feigned, and there was already the blooming of attraction between the two. Philomina had heard tales of her people finding their one perfect mate. Her own parents had shared a mating based on love, and it was a wonderful thing to behold. The reason that both her and Allarick had lost their parents at the same time was that they could not bear to be separated, even by death. When their mother became seriously ill, her father had slowly wasted away along with her. They had died the same night cradled in each others arms while their children looked on. They had mourned the loss of their parents, but they did not begrudge them the love that had tied them together in life and death.

Philomina was greeted in the same manner, and both she and Arabella were seated at the table. Philomina was seated to her brother’s right, and Arabella was given the seat of honor at her brother’s left. The next closest people at the table were Phelon and his mate, as well as the other two lords from the earlier council meeting.

“So, this is your new guest,” Phelon said, “It is a pleasure to meet someone who is so close to our Syine. Perhaps you will tell us more about yourself. It seems that the Syine was lacking in details about you, my lady,” the last was said with such mockery that Allarick narrowed his eyes at the lord.

“Arabella is my guest, and while she is free to socialize with whomever she would like, I don’t wish for her to be harassed with questions. She is my guest, and as such she is under my personal protection. You were told this at the council meeting, and I have no desire to hear that she is being bothered with questions about her person.” Allarick’s hands were working in his anger at being defied. He had made it more than apparent that she was not to be left alone.

“Allarick,” Arabella laid a restraining hand over his clenched fist, “I will be more than willing to talk lat--.”

“There will be no talking!” Allarick interrupted. The arrogant ruler was back, and he was not allowing any room for defiance. Phelon had overstepped himself in questioning Arabella after being forbidden, and she was falling right into the trap. He was already aware that Phelon was looking for something to use against him. The young lord was not very adept at hiding his emotions, and he could see the anger burning within his eyes. Phelon was very angry at his pronouncement earlier. Allarick had known that Phelon’s family had be a staunch supporter of the previous Syine, but he had no wish to become corrupt and tyrannical like his predecessor. He had spent his time as Syine trying to bring about more equality for his people. It wasn’t widely accepted yet, but he was even trying to grant more rights to the lower classes.

“As you wish Syine,” Arabella’s eyes dropped. She had only been trying to offer some help by explaining her presence in this house. She was aware that Allarick wished to keep her true background a secret, but it didn’t seem all that important to her if it would cause him trouble. They were offering her sanctuary, and she did not wish to repay this kindness by becoming a source of confrontation.

Allarick sighed. Arabella had been unable to mask the hurt that his outburst had caused. He had not meant to bruise her feelings with his demand, but he wanted none o his people pressuring her for information she should not supply. Did she not know that he was trying to protect her from those that may offer harm? He had been watching Phelon’s political progress for years, and he knew that the younger lord wished to advance his position. There had been a few years between them while they were growing, but it was no secret that Phelon was ambitious and vicious. He would not hesitate to use anything to his own advantage, and there was little doubt that Phelon wished him harm if the barely contained rage in his eyes was an indication. Phelon had accepted his ruling with grace, but Allarick was also privy to the fact that broken pottery was cleared from his room in the time following. It was a testament to the temper Phelon was rumored to have, and Allarick was only grateful that it was not spent on those who served in his home. It was often said that the servants within Phelon’s home were abused often by their lord.

The meal commenced, and Arabella was astounded at the variety of food laid before her. Watching her progress on the meal, Philomina offered her bits of food she thought Arabella may prefer. Still, much of her food was left untouched. While delectable, it was foreign to her, and the unusual spices did not seem to be agreeing with her stomach. As the night wore on, she chose to stick to more familiar looking foods. This included a salad of some unknown greens, and also fresh fruit. Her favorite turned out to be somewhat like a banana. It was of the same size and shape, but it had a brown skin and purple flesh. The taste was something of a cross between vanilla and berries.

It seemed an eternity before the dinner was complete. While she had talked openly with Philomina, Arabella had tried to ignore Allarick’s presence. She was still stinging over his curt dismissal of her offer to explain her predicament. She was surprised and wary when she heard address her.
“Will you join me in the gardens for a walk?” His golden eyes were beseeching her to accept his invitation. There was also a light of apology that prompted her to accept. She stood and waited while Allarick bid the others good evening. It was with a bit of apprehension that she understood he meant for it to be just the two of them. Summoning her courage she took the arm that was offered, and she allowed Allarick to escort her from the room.