Chapter 168: Whitefall XXIV

Chapter 168: Whitefall XXIV

Its impossible to please everyone, much as we might wish otherwise. From the most splendid crafter in a city center to the most rustic tradesman, all ply their craft with this tenet in mind. If you try to please everyone, you will fail far more often than you succeed.

The Nobles Guile was a rare exception to the rule.

Timely strings devolved, becoming bawdier and brasher as highly trained musicians mimicked the self-taught expression of rustic folk songs. While the results were initially uncomplicated compared to their previous performances, the song itself was in a troublesome key, and in a short time it would change, becoming something else entirely.

I smirked as Maya studied her nails, barely visible irises of her white eyes flickering towards me, then back to her palm seemingly uninterested in the proceedings. Id known her to be clever, even brilliant. But this was the first instance I saw how damn calculated she could be. Despite her irritation and apparent displeasure with my mothers putting her on the spot, shed accounted for this. Chosen it intentionally and placed herself in the role of a noble lady, while I played the part of a lowborn jester attempting to win her heart. If successful, casting herself this way wouldat least in partchallenge the image of infernals as savage, cave-dwelling spellcasters who kidnapped children, while simultaneously raising her station. It was a maneuver worthy of a terrifyingly clever politician, assuming we could pull it off.

The conflicting image of the madmans assistant Id met in the woods swirled up in my mind, and not for the first time, I wondered how much shed changed in my absence.

But that didnt matter. Right now, I needed to do everything possible to ensure Mayas attempt was successful.

I put a hand on my chest, feigning shock, over-emoting so even those at a distance could make out my interpretation of a ridiculous court jester.

The question now was how to proceed. Most modern interpretations of the dance portrayed Tristan pursuing Elouise abstractly, while older choreography was more direct and difficult. Given that Maya had chosen the most difficult dance for an incredibly high-pressure moment, I had to assume shed prefer the latter.

With a brief prayer to Elphion that I wasnt misreading her cues, I scowled and trudged forward. Mayas cold eyes watched impassively as I approached, then widened slightly as I bent down and seized her torso and legs, and threw her over my shoulder. A raucous cheer rose from the crowd. Then I turned and walked off the floor.

My anxiety ebbed when I realized Mayas fists beat against my back in time with the music. She was being a little rougher with her strikes than she needed to be, but shed expected this. Right before we reached the edge of the dance floor, she pressed a palm flat against my back. This chapter is updated by nov(e)(l)biin.com

I loosened my grip, responding to the signal immediately, and she kicked upward, launching herself over my shoulder and retreating in a series of spins and swirls out onto the floor, glaring with open contempt. I closed the distance, stopping as she placed a hand on my chest. But instead of pushing as she had in the opening, Maya let her hand slide down, off, and away. The music shifted, incorporating the bawdy influence into a stately flair, becoming more complex, more whole.

The Nobles Guile was more play than dance, a story of an illicit courtship told in three parts. The first was a tale of clashing backgrounds, mismatched social standing, and an awkward beginning, while the second part detailed reticent, blossoming attraction between two contrasting opposites. While nothing in the surrounding mythos stated this directly, I formed the impression early in my exploration of the tale that it was a story of mutual respect.

As the story goes, Elouise is a queen trapped in a loveless political marriage. As an import from a foreign land, she has no friends, no connections to the cold and lifeless place to which shes been transplanted. She withdraws, growing as cold as her surroundings. Displeased with the state of his queen but disinterested in making any personal effort to improve her circumstances, the king heeds counsel to provide her with music and entertainment.

Enter Tristan, the lecherous court jester.

At first, Tristan sees Elouise as little more than an object of lust. He pursues her relentlessly in the beginning, the eventual consummation of that lust his only goal. But despite her repeated rejections and the dichotomy of power, Elouise never reports his advances or attempts to banish him outright. Instead, she keeps him close. Confides in him, elevates his career, music, and prospects. Becomes his muse. And by the end of the second act, when Elouise decides she wishes for more, it is Tristan that resists. Not because his feelings have fadedmore the opposite: He now cannot imagine a life without her, and understands that taking this step he once mindlessly pursued will threaten the once-in-a-lifetime connection theyve formed.

I tried desperately to keep the story in mind, the role I was playing, as Maya pursued me.

The musicality of her motions were hypnotic, dynamic, spellbinding. The only thing that kept me from outright embarrassing myself was that I could read her far better than any woman Id danced with to date. Perhaps it was because of the time wed spent together, the endless days fighting side by side. Perhaps it was because, unlike most noble ladies, shed learned to fight before shed learned to dance, and thanks to that origin her footwork felt almost martial.

Still, despite our familiarity, it took every bit of my fraying focus to keep up with her.

As the dance entered the third act, my anxiety spiked. The last section of the Nobles Guile was far and away the most difficult. It represented unity in the face of hardship, two souls becoming one even as the world itself attempted to tear them apart. So far, our version was nontraditionalmost preferred to dance the legendary queen as a lighthearted tease, becoming only slightly more serious in the second act and finally losing all frivolity in the third, in part to represent Elouises changing feelings, in part because the choreography was too demanding to do anything other than hold on. Technical prowess aside, Mayas interpretation of Elouise had been aggressive, almost combative. If she kept that demeanor going into the third part, the finish would be catastrophic.

Yet again, Maya surprised me. Her fingertips lingered as her touch became lighter and less demanding. Almost gentle. In the wake of singing strings and the deep thrum of a bass valintien our surroundings fell away and we danced as one.

The first of many. A deep sadness plied at me, as the distance between us seemed to widen. It was a gambit, but it paid off. You did exceptionally well this evening, though I fear for your legs, as there will be many nobles lining up to dance with the infernal diplomat after that display.

You think? Maya asked, suddenly daunted.

I shook my head. I know.

With that I bowed and retreated with as much dignity as I could muster. A voice deep within my mind, a voice I despised, told me that this was probably for the best. Id thought our time apart would dull my feelingsfeelings that were a distraction, and at worst could be my undoingbut they were still there, as strong as theyd ever been.

I spotted Alten and inclined my head toward the back entrance. The sun would be up in a matter of hours and the following day would be demanding and busy from morning to dusk.

Someone grabbed my arm. I turned, to find Maya there, breathing hard, determination written in her expression. She released me just as quickly, suddenly aware of the stolen glances directed our way. It was the first dance I learned. Thats why I chose it. Because it was my first.

That answered one question, but begged another. Why would you start with something so difficult?

For a moment, she looked as if her heart might break. Have you forgotten that our souls are tied? That Ive seen everything youve seen, felt everything you felt? Witnessed every triumph and tragedy as if I was there, an invisible, empathic observer. Maya regained her composure, the diplomats mask sliding back into place. After I began my descent into the depths of sanctum, I grew lonely. So lonely that I courted madness. The worst nights, Id pretend that you were there with me. Sometimes wed just talk. Sometimes wed dance. Your memories of the Nobles Guile were so vivid, so detailed, it was like you were there to teach me yourself. Like I wasnt alone.

Thats

Beautiful.

Embarrassing, Maya finished.

Maybe it was the wine talking. Or maybe it was something else, something more honest. When I said Id give you time, I meant it. Ill wait for you until the world ends. Maybe longer.

Maya flushed a darker shade of purple. If that turns out to be another lie, Im not sure I could bring myself to forgive you.

No more lies, Maya. I promise.

We both lingered awkwardly, unsure where we stood. When Melody finally arrived, looping her arm through Mayas and spiriting her away, the interruption was a mercy.

I returned to my previous aim, leaving the hall, and made sure Cephur knew I was leaving and would watch over our diplomat guest in my absence. It was unlikely that anything would happen, but I was past the point of betting against unlikely, and knowing he was there provided much needed peace of mind. The evening had taken on a saccharine tint, and my mind was so overwhelmed by the return and the many reunions that all I wanted was to get away.

Alten fell in step behind me, unknowingly mirroring the last time wed left this hall together. He was still vigilant, but seemed to have grown more comfortable in his role since we arrived. For all the noise about enemies and danger? Most action I got tonight was some nobles son who almost spilled a drink on me.

I looked out through one of the embrasures that lined the walkway, searching the city streets below for anything out of the ordinary. You think Im overselling it?

First day. Im giving it time, Alten said. He was being politefor him, anywaybut he probably thought I was paranoid.

Dont worry, I mused, taking one last look before I continued to my rooms. Thered been no interruptions, no invasions, no sudden attacks from Thoth. It was going entirely too well. The one truth Ive found over the last few years is that peace is fragile. Fleeting. Enjoy it while it lasts. Because it wont last forever.

Aye.