Chapter 219 - Bk 2 (2)

All bowed to King Adrian who walked in leading Amie by hand. Many saw that there were two seats beside the King's and could already deduce it was where Amie was going to seat. Queen Mother Raine was standing before one, so Amie was sure the other was for her. King Adrian led her to her seat before taking his.

After he sat, the two women beside him followed before, he nodded for the music to continue. Those dancing danced and those eating ate. Amie looked around the crowd and her eyes immediately found her parents. Her father stood stoic amongst those who tried to chat him up, while her mother was operating in the fifth level of heaven. As though she had never left society, she mixed in quite well; fast making friends who spared nothing to flatter her. She found Allen obediently amongst children his age, oddly not lost at all. It was as though he had inherited their mother's ability to socialize.

"Take something, Amie." King Adrian took his eyes off those who came to greet him to talk to her. He waved at a servant to bring soft wine but she shook her head in rejection.

"Tea." she said and the servant rushed away and returned back with her tea.

It may look at that moment that all was well, but those in the room could feel the tension. Amie had recalled her mother once told her that the measure of nobility is in the ability to pretend, and those in the room where worthy of the theatre stages. If one looked hard, they would not be able to find a smile out of place. These laughs seemed genuine and the smile reached their eyes. She resisted the urge to scoff at the scene, as though she was watching the worst theatre production in the laughter square.

"You don't seem entertained, Amie." King Adrian whispered and she withdrew her attention from her peers who had gathered around her, talking as though they had been friends their entire life.

"Your guests are of the highest calibre, you throw a great party, Your Majesty." she answered.

"The greatest calibre is sitting next to me." he threw back at her. He more than any, had been watching her reaction. The guests may be good at pretending, but compared to them she was basically a celestial being. She did not seem overly excited nor did she frown, yet she never spoke more than a word to a person, keeping that soft smile on her lips all the time.

At this, Amie turned to respond, only to notice his face was really close. For a few seconds, the two kept their eyes locked on each other's; a smile on their face, yet none lowering their eyes first.

"Amie, right?" someone seemed to break the tension between the two, making Amie look towards the two girls walking forward. She was more shocked that they called her by her name. These girls were much younger than her. One looked to be fourteen or so, while the other looked fifteen.

"I'm Methrede, Lady Jeuteh. This is Christy, Lady J'hunten." the girl called Christy introduced.

"Is that your real hair colour? Your mother looks blonde." Methrede came closer and asked.

"Many people ask if my hair is real too, but I suppose you should at least have good hair." Christy flicked her hair as she said.

"I heard if you stand in the snow with your red hair out, you will turn into a mush tomato." Methrede said secretly, "How do you go out? I come with a veil whenever I go out in the snow." she placed her hand on her head as though protecting it from an imaginary falling snow. Amie was lost at this moment. She did not understand what was going on.

King Adrian laughed at the look on her face and the entire situation, "I knew Lady Wickshire would not have normal friends." he said to Amie's confusion.