1.14
To say that the coronation ball was opulent would be the understatement of the century. Cameron wasn’t even inside the ball room yet, still about a hundred meters from the entrance as he watched groups of people flock inside through the large alabaster doors which were swung wide open to allow for the influx of party goers. He sighed and straightened his vest. Try as she might, the last thing he was going to let his sister do was convince him to get into the litany of frills and lace that made up the standard noble attire. After a couple hours of arguing back and forth, she finally relented, allowing him to settle for a black long sleeved dress shirt, sapphire blue vest, and matching blue slacks. He had thrown her a bone as well by tying back his long black hair into a manageable ponytail. But now, as he stood outside the crowded and bustling chamber, he couldn’t manage to get his feet to move. He sighed, looking down into a shining silver vase as he checked his stubble and teeth in its reflection for the fifth time that evening.
“Ooh that’s attractive.” The familiar breathy giggle of Sybil Moore broke Cameron from his inspection as he whirled around to face her.
“Hey I don’t judge yo-,” he stopped mid sentence as his eyes fell on Sybil and her attire. From tip to toe she was stunning. Her shoulder length platinum-blonde hair was styled in ringlets, further accentuating its usual curly manner. Her green eyes shined under a dark layer of expertly applied smoky eye shadow which complimented the dark red tinge of her lips. Her dress was nothing short of breathtaking. Simple yet elegant, it was a black, body hugging number made of silk that went all the way to the floor. A slit was opened on the right side, giving her the freedom to show her tanned and toned legs as well as the thigh high strings that wrapped around them, holding her black high heels in place.
Cameron thought his jaw might go through the floor. He had to work to close it, his eyes never leaving her figure. There was only one way he could adequately articulate his feelings on this situation.
“Holy shit…” He said in a breathless whisper.
She rolled her eyes and giggled again, striding over and patting him on the cheek as she spoke. “Careful big guy, stare too hard and you may break something.”
“Yeah, we- well I… I mean I won’t break… You’re very pretty” Cameron was practically tripping over himself as he tried to form a coherent sentence. Soon he felt his face heat up as he became distinctly aware that Sybil’s giggle of amusement wasn’t the only one to be heard in the crowd. He cut his eyes and saw a few minor nobles and even a servant or two smirking at his expense. Sybil didn’t seem to mind, staying focused on him. She snapped her fingers in his face, drawing his attention back to her.
“Don’t worry about them. For right now I just want you to focus on me.”
“Oh I’ll try my best to stay on task.” He said sarcastically, finding his humor again as his shock faded.
“Good. I’d hate to have gotten all dolled up just to be ignored because of a few snickers. ” She said with a wink, motioning for him to take the lead as they began to walk towards the ballroom. Cameron didn’t even realize she had looped her arm through his until they had passed under the archway. He wasn’t going to complain though. If anything, it made him even more confident to have a catch like her hanging off his arm as they strolled through a maze of guests.
The party was in full swing by the time they made their way through the crowd of people and found their seats next to the triplets. They welcomed Cameron with warmth, after they finished staring at his date.
“Dude… How?” Dean asked him in a whisper, once his brothers went back to discussing the politics of court. Cameron could only chuckle in amusement and shrug as if to say ‘Your guess is as good as mine’
From his place at the royal table, Cameron got a full view of the elegance on display. Dark mahogany tables were arranged in a horseshoe like pattern, facing the throne. In the open center, a crystal chandelier was purposefully shined with different colored lights, casting a kaleidoscopic rainbow down onto the currently empty dance floor. Soft music tickled Cameron’s ears, the result of the string quartet filling the air with soulful melodies. Servants glided through the mass of guests carrying trays of alcohol and food. The spectacle of such an elegant machine was surely a sight to behold. As was the way it all came to a stop when the final three guests entered.
Trumpeted fanfare quieted all conversation, causing all eyes to turn to the entrance, where Marcus stepped forward, and with a dignified yell, introduced the trio, “Announcing the arrival or the King Augustus Pellyn, Guest of Honor, Logan Rake, and Successor to the throne, Lady Miranda Pellyn!”
Logan and the king entered first side by side. Logan was wearing what seemed to be his old guard uniform, a pair of black slacks underneath a wool sapphire coat adorned with numerous medals of battles long past. Next to him, Cameron’s father strolled inside, his kingly robes trailing far behind him as the jewelry adorning his person glistened in the light. They walked confidently, neither breaking their stride or looking anywhere other than forward. Decades of tradition and decorum had trained them well. They made their way to the center of the room where they separated. They each walked the perimeter of the dance floor, coming to a stop just in front of the throne where they kept space enough apart for the last guest.
Miranda entered the ballroom with the same quiet elegance she always carried herself with. She practically glided across the floor, clad in a dignified silver gown. Her hair was straightened and pushed behind her ears. Her pale face and blue eyes looked upon the crowd of people as she walked. Her people. Cameron could see in their faces how they viewed her. The respect they held for her. The love. The hope for a bright future. He felt emotion well in his chest as he watched her. Pride in his sister. She was in her element and she played her role perfectly.
Miranda slowed as she approached Logan and the King. They parted a little more, slipping a hand through the crooks of each of her arms as they escorted her up the alabaster steps. In one smooth motion, they spun her around, where she took her seat upon the throne. Then, in a move that was uncharacteristically informal for him, Cameron watched as his father kissed his sister on the forehead before he and Logan faded into the background, leaving Miranda staring out across a sea of her subjects. She offered a sweet smile before clearing her throat, ready to address the nation for the first time.
“It may be a little premature, seeing as the coronation tomorrow, but as your future queen, I’m ordering you to drain your glasses, and get this party started in earnest.”
Sybil had already had Cameron by the arm, dragging him to the dance floor before he could even hope to protest.
Cameron couldn’t remember the last time he felt nervous with a woman, but dancing with Sybil brought back those butterflies in his stomach he thought were long gone. The pair had been dancing uninterrupted for the past half hour, gliding through the ballroom without a care in the world. He smiled as he felt her lean into him with every passing moment, culminating into a slow swaying waltz to the sound of a soft romantic melody.
“I got to give credit where it’s due,” Sybil whispered conspiratorially in his ear, her lips teasing his earlobe with every syllable. “You backwater people sure know how to throw a party.”
“We’ve managed to master the art of drunken revelry over the years, that’s for sure.” Cameron responded with a giggle. He pulled back to look at her, gazing into those beautiful emerald eyes that seemed to draw him in deeper with every second he spent gazing on them. He leaned in slowly, feeling the butterflies in his stomach burst into a frenzy as he realized she was doing the same. He closed his eyes anticipating the moment their lips would meet… He was answered not with a kiss, but a sharp clearing of the throat coming behind him.
He opened his eyes, feeling a familiar twitch as he sighed and turned. Standing there before him was the human embodiment of a weasel, as Wervil Darwin met his gaze, a cheeky grin creeping across his thin lips.
“Good evening, Prince Pellyn,” He begin, speaking in a dignified tone while going into a low sweeping bow, “And to you as well Ambassador Moore. Might I say you look a vision.”
“Why thank Wervil,” Sybil said, giving a nod in response. “You look rather… Dignified yourself.” She wave a hand in his direction, motioning towards his ornate purple robe, draped in multicolored silks and held down by a litany of loose jewels.
“You flatter me, my dear,” Darwin guffawed with a wheezy high pitched chuckle. “To hear such kind words, leave such sweet lips does good to an old man’s heart.”
Cameron felt the butterflies in his stomach melt into a bubbling bowl of irritability as he greeted them with what could only be described as barely concealed hostility.
“You have… amazing timing, Darwin,” Cameron said through clenched teeth.
Darwin blinked, looking between Cameron and Sybil, before his cheeks turned a soft shade of pink. “O-Oh my, I can see I’ve interrupted a rather… intimate moment,” He said, finishing with a forced cough.
“Yes, you have,” Cameron growled. “Now what do you want?”
Darwin sputtered for a moment, before finding his reason. “Yes, well… I was hoping to speak to you, your lordship. Privately if you’d grace me so.”
Cameron rolled his eyes, watching the man bow again, before turning to Sybil with an apologetic look on his face.
“Can you excuse me for just a moment?”
She pouted for a moment, before flashing him a grin and a wink. “I get it, go handle your business, just don’t make me wait too long yeah?” She asked, trailing a finger down his chest, before taking her leave, leaving the two men standing in an awkward silence.
“So…” Cameron said, looking at the diplomat with a raised eyebrow. “What’s up?”
Darwin gestured for Cameron to follow as he lead them off the dance floor, ending up at a corner by the refreshments table. It was then he turned and opened his mouth to speak, beginning with a heavy sigh.
“I just wanted to see how you were doing after your… ordeal, a few days ago.” He said, looking at Cameron sympathetically.
Cameron blinked, a look of surprise flashing across his face. This was the first time he’d said more than two words to the man, as Darwin was usually riding along Lendrick’s coattails. To hear the man was concerned about his safety came as a shock, which he voiced as he stuttered out his response.
“Oh.. erm, thanks for your concern. Yeah, I’m doing alright I suppose. A few bruises and cracks but I think I’ll be okay.” He finished, laughing nervously as he did so.
“I’m glad,” Darwin said, his smile growing slightly more wolfish as he lowered his voice. “For the new queen’s sake.”
Cameron’s laughter came to an immediate halt. He looked at Darwin with a raised eyebrow, his tone returning to a neutral, if slightly concerned state.
“What do you mean?” He asked, his voice dropping to the same octave as the diplomats.
Darwin shrugged, a glint in his eye giving away the underlying implication in his response, “Nothing! I’m just say that it would be worrisome for a woman in her position if her military general were to be wounded and out of action for a time.
Cameron felt his body beginning to heat up from the inside out, causing a fresh wave of pain to ripple through his chest as he looked around, eyes wide in shock like he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He stepped into Darwin’s space, leaning down to get to eye level with the man.
“That’s not funny Darwin… Keep those thoughts out of your mind and off your tongue.”
Darwin shrugged, holding his hands up in slight surrender, but Cameron’s change of demeanor did nothing to help him hold his tongue.
“I agree Lord Pellyn. You and you alone are the shield protecting not just your planet, but your sisters safety as well. Should you falter in your duties, Lady Miranda would likely be killed, and if not-,”
“Shut your fucking mouth!” Cameron’s voice cut out across the ballroom, accompanied by the sounds of instruments coming to an abrupt halt, a large thud, and the audible straining of man fighting for air. He had pinned Darwin to the wall by his neck, growling and baring his teeth, completely overtaken by anger. The man flailed in the princes grip, trying to grasp the fingers clamped around his throat.
“M-Master… Pellyn!!” Darwin shouted as best as he could with the Princes massive hand squeezing his larynx, “P-Please! Let me go!”
“Let you go?!” Cameron shot back, spittle flying from his lips, “I ought to beat you to within an inch of your life for those not so subtle threats!”
“Th-They Weren’t..”
“Let me make this very clear for you Darwin,” Cameron said, leaning in close to the diplomats ear speaking in a low, yet dangerous tone, “If I even get a single iota of a thought you’d think about harming my family, I will fucking kill you.”
“What’s going on over here?” Lendrick’s throaty shout rang out directly behind Cameron. He turned back over his shoulder to see the Amreith dignitary’s face beet red, as he stood never to a very shocked Miranda, and a furious-looking Augustus. It was at this point, Cameron had realized. that all was quiet, save for Darwins inept struggling, as all eyes were on him. He closed his eyes, taking a breath trying to gather his calm.
“Well?!” Lendrick bellowed again, “Explain yourself?”
Cameron didn’t answer. Instead, he turned, tossing Darwin at the two men’s feet, sneering as he the frail man bounced off the floor.
“Ask him,” He said coldly, walking away from the scene he had inadvertantly created in his fury.
“Cameron Pellyn you will get back here this instant and explain yourself!” Augustus bellowed, causing Cameron to flinch, grinding his teeth. He turned and was getting ready to open his mouth to respond when he saw Lendrick pat the King’s shoulder, looking at Cameron rather… sympathetically.
“It’s alright your majesty.” Lendrick said, looking from him to Cameron. “I can imagine what was said, as I believe I’d heard a rather… uncensored version from Wervil all day today, and as much as I hesitate to say this, I believe your son was in the right for his emotions to flare, though perhaps not the actions he took.
Augustus’s eyes went wide as he looked from Cameron to Lendrick and back to Cameron again, struggling to think of a response, as was the prince himself. Lendrick on the other hand, took charge of the situation, approaching Cameron in front of everyone, holding up his hands and speaking loudly to be heard by all.
“Please don’t concern yourself with this my good people! Go on and have a good time, enjoy the Queen’s party! These little shindigs don’t come around every day, you know?”
Cameron looked around as Lendrick spoke, watching as peoples looks of worry and concern change into that of passive acceptance, as the band picked back up again, filling the air with melody as the partying continued. Lendrick waited another moment to make sure everything was returning to normal before approaching Cameron.
“I deeply apologize young Master Pellyn. Darwin is a bit inconsoleable on my behalf after the assessment. Please, allow me to make it up to you what are you drinking?”
Cameron raised an eyebrow, still on his guard, “A Malkavian whiskey.” He said, watching as Lendrick made a whinnying noise, flapping his lips.
“On a day like today? Why my boy, you deserve the finest spirits money can by.”
“I like the whiskey.” Cameron said with a huff. “I’m not much for the finer things anyways.”
Lendrick had a glint in his eyes as Cameron spoke. “Ah but that’s simply because you haven’t had the chance to enjoy them. I happen to have some alcohol in my quarters that would make that lovely whiskey taste like sheep’s piss.”
Cameron raised an eyebrow in confusion, looking around to make certain that the dignitary was talking to him. “Are… are you inviting me to your quarters to drink?”
Lendrick smiled and gave a nod. “If that would help smooth over tensions between us, I’d be honored if you would come.”
Cameron felt something in his stomach stir, twisting in pain, like his senses were telling him to avoid this at all costs. But then his thoughts went to his father, then his sister. How hard the former had worked to keep up good relations with the other two empires of the system, how hard the latter would have to work to keep up those appearances. If he could make a good impression now, he was sure it would make things so much easier for Miranda in the future. So with a shrug and a nod he looked at Lendrick, speaking with a genuine kindness.
“What the hell, lead the way Lendrick. Let’s have that drink.”
Lendrick smiled softly, his eyes glaring intently, like they were trying to discern the contents of his very soul. “Excellent.”