chapter Six
Mathieu had only been in the Grand Hall once, and it had been during his initial exploration; however, the room was now transformed. Originally, it had been just a very plain, if a not large room with floor to ceiling stone walls and small decorative mirror placed in the center of etched with swirling patterns carved into the stone.
Now it held a handful of petite, round table with beautiful white table clothes, dark blue doilies and ornate place settings on each. Along the walls, gossamer curtains had been hung with some pulled back, and some not; it had a pleasant effect that added a very ethereal feel to the room. A soft jazz band was playing on a stage set along a side wall, and men and women were milling about the room. They stayed towards the back where a sitting area had been arranged. It was a grand sight and it made Mathieu swallow hard.
Avian tightened her grip on his arm and smiled pleasantly, half-dragging him forward. Her voice was a low whisper, barely loud enough for him to hear. “You see the woman with the pink hair? That’s Elise.”
Mathieu looked in the direction that his date was nodding and he spotted her with ease. Elise had a wavy mess of hair that was a shocking bubble gum pink color. Her eyes were a light teal that sparkled in the dim lighting and were the same shade as the short, flowing dress she wore. A ruby-lipped smile was offset by her pale skin; the way she was talking to the person beside her gave her the air of casual politeness.
The woman beside her, however, was another story. She was in a tightly fitted dress that hung past her knees and was a simple black color with a plunging neckline. Her blonde hair was a short, shaggy pixie cut that was in direct opposition with her forest green eyes. Her mouth was not nearly as inviting as the gentle smile on Elise’s face had been. It was a hard line that matched the sharp look in her eyes. She was not a person that Mathieu was particularly excited about meeting.
Avian nudged him, nodding to the other girl. “The other one is Mina, and she takes the title of Kin to the extreme. Her sole purpose is to protect Elise. That’s it. If Elise has to go to the bathroom, Mina is beside her, not three feet from her at most. It’s creepy. Watch out for her, Mathieu. She’s a User too…”
“What power does she possess?” Mathieu murmured back.
Avian shrugged and guided them to a completely different person. This new person was a boy, around Avian’s age and seemed…lacking, in Mathieu’s opinion. He was skinny and had a slight case of acne. Sighing, Mathieu walked next her, sizing the kid up.
“Be polite, he’s the son of a defense contractor. Shh.” She said under her breath. “Oh, Jonathan! How lovely that you’re here!” Avian smiled sweetly and stood on her tip toes, brushing her lips to Jonathan’s cheek.
“Thanks. It’s always nice to see you, as well.” The tone of his voice implied that this was more pleasantries than actual happiness at seeing her. His eyes drifted away and towards a leggy woman. Mathieu gave a condescending smirk.
And Jonathan responded with a rude look. “And who might you be?” From the way he said it, it should have been ‘Who do you think you are’.
“I’m Mathieu.” Smiling, he tilted his head toward Avian. “Doesn’t the Princess look simply radiant?”
Jonathan looked at her and gave her a considering look. “I suppose she is. I don’t really think of her in that sense. She’s someone I grew up knowing, that’s all.” His sneer was enough to make Mathieu want to punch him.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, Mathieu smiled at the man. “Well, I find Avian to be as lovely as a flower and I’m very glad to be in her presence.” He already knew that he didn’t like this ass and Mathieu would not have this boy brushing Avian off.
Jonathan looked away and coughed, pretending to spot someone else. “Excuse me, I need to go. I see…someone…” and with that he walked away as quickly as common decency would allow.
Avian was barely holding in her giggles. “That was…great! He’s always so rude and you’re just like ‘screw you’! That was phenomenal. I knew bringing you was a wonderful idea. Let’s go see Venee. She’s actually the only nice one here.” She pointed to a blonde girl with a boy on either side of her.
“Alright, let’s go.” He put a hand on her lower back and steered her towards the designated girl.
The young lady met them halfway, curtsying as soon as she was close. Mathieu noticed just how petite she was. “Avian! I didn’t think you’d come. How are you? And who’s the arm candy?” Venee winked obviously and nudged the Princess.
Laughing, Avian returned the curtsy and the nudge. “Venee,” she smiled, “I’m well enough. This is Mathieu.” she gave the other woman a pointed look matched with a smile.
“Oh-la-la. Well, these are my brothers that I’m always talking about. This is Rick, and that’s Will.” She rolled her eyes in a ‘make them go away’ manner. “But anyway, come and sit with me.” She led them to a pair of loveseats, taking one and pulling Avian down beside her. The brothers took the other and draped over it; Mathieu stood just behind Avian, leaning back against the loveseat.
Venee smoothed her dress. “So have you seen Elise? She’s crazy pretty tonight! How does someone who runs a whole country stay that beautiful?” The petite blonde said with a heavy sigh.
Avian scrutinized said woman across the room. “She looks a bit more…on edge than normal. Her veneer has a crack in it.”
As if sensing the attention she was receiving from afar, Elise turned and looked at them, one hand on her hip. Observing them for a moment, a small, genuine smile crept across her face; she was completely ignoring the person talking to her. The pink-haired woman started to walk towards them, her heels clicking loudly in the silence that fell. Her hair bounced with each of her elegant strides, hips swaying. People moved out of her way and Mina was hot on her heels. Literally.
Avian stood as Elise approached the small group. She curtsied as low as possible, head bowed. “Elise.”
A polite tilt of the head was the acknowledgement she received. “Princess Avian. I feel as though a small slight has been committed. I didn’t properly greet you.” She took the Princess’s hand in hers and kissed it delicately. “You’re very beautiful, Princess. Much more stunning than I have been led to believe.”
A flush climbed Avian’s neck and face, causing her to stammer. “T-thank you. I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you. You look as l-lovely as ever, Elise.”
“Oh, hardly. However, I would appreciate if I could tempt you to sit with me while we dine…” Elise kept a firm hold on Avian’s hand, eyes piercing. The Korinthian looked past Avian to Venee, as if daring her to object.
Mathieu watched with the eyes of a hawk as Elise talked to Avian. Something wasn’t sitting right with him. It could have been Mina, however, for she was giving the two her complete attention. Totally riveted. His hand landed on Avian’s shoulder and slid to her lower back in a reassuring manner.
Avian smiled softly over her shoulder at him. “Thank you.” Her voice was barely a whisper.
Mina made a sound of surprise as her gaze flicked to him. “Who are you?” Mathieu met her gaze, his energy reacting to the pair. Now that their attention was on him, he could sense that they were like him, Users.
Elise’s eyes followed to Mathieu after Mina’s remark, coming to rest heavily on the lightly tanned face. “Ah, Avian, you brought someone with you. And here I was told you would be alone.”
Avian gave a false giggle, reminiscence of a small bird. “This is Mathieu. He’s wonderful.”
Elise finally let go of Avian’s hand and raised a slender eyebrow at him. “Mathieu. Quite…exotic, aren’t you?”
“Er…” Mathieu tried to meet Elise’s gaze, but it held a knowing glint that made him want to fidget. “I suppose. I look just as I always have.” His fingers curled into the fabric of Avian’s dress, his instincts screaming at him.
Mathieu… Nikola moved in his pocket. He had forgotten that she was there until now.
Mathieu managed to hold a straight face through his surprise. Shh, Nikola. Where is Tesla?
The Shadowrider shifted more. He’s tucked into Avian’s dress. He’s
fast asleep. I was too, but you’re getting really warm.
“Well, you’re very…interesting looking. I enjoy your appearance.” Elise said with a bat of her lashes.
What’s wrong, Mathieu? Nikola continued to pry in his head.
Shh. Later. Mathieu wrapped his arm securely around Avian’s waist. “That’s very polite of you to say.”
Mina whispered into Elise’s ear, who nodded. “Yes. We should take our leave. Until dinner then, Princess. Mathieu.” Her gaze lingered for a moment on his face before she turned away. With that, the people moved aside.
Avian sat back beside Venee, who began to speak immediately. “That was intense! Did you see the way she was staring down your man? I’d keep a closer watch on him.” Venee nodded to herself, folding her arms over her chest. “That was too crazy.”
As they continued chatting, Mathieu slid a hand into his pocket, petting Nikola lightly. Sorry I was short with you. What were you asking?
I wanted to know why you were so warm just now.
He looked across the room at Elise, who was locked in conversation with the King, and Mina, who was shooting glances his direction. Hard to explain. Some people here are just… He shook his head to himself.
Nikola rubbed against his palm in a soothing way. Is it dinner time?
Almost. I’ll make sure that I tell you. He thought fondly to her.
She started to slink up his arm. I wanna seeee. And with that, she popped out of his pocket and floated to hover just over his shoulder. Oh, this is pretty. I like it. Bobbing over to Avian, she rubbed against her cheek.
“Uh, Avian, what’s that?” Venee said with a note of uncertainty.
Avian looked confused for a moment before laughing. “Oh, Nikola!” Cupping her hands, she took the small ball of light and held it in her lap. “This is Nikola. She’s a Shadowrider and belongs to Mathieu. Tesla, her brother, is around here somewhere.”
Nikola pulsed once before smoothly changing forms, much to the awe of Venee.
“Ohmygosh, how cute is that?! Can I pet it?” The blonde’s fingers were already sinking into Nikola’s fur, massaging the feline’s back. The reddish Shadowrider purred and arched into the fingers, desiring more attention.
Avian laughed. “Nikola is the affectionate one. She’s so sweet.”
Mathieu watched rather unhappily as the girls loved on his companion. Are you alright, Nikola? Her purring got louder and she opened her mouth, letting out a soundless meow.
“Dinner is served.” The King had turned to address the whole room. “Please accompany me to the dining area.” Everyone gravitated towards the small tables, taking seats that seemed to be pre-determined, even if Mathieu didn’t know how.
Mathieu trailed behind Avian to a table for four where Elise was already seated, as was Mina. He pulled out Avian’s seat and sat beside her. Nikola, who had transformed back to her light form, nestled down in his lap. The servants had just laid the food on the table and it was piping hot.
Elise face lit up as they sat. “Oh good, you decided to dine with me.”
Mina rolled her eyes. “Of course they did. They wouldn’t turn down the leader of Korinth. Honestly, Elise, I swear…” The sharp woman continued to mutter in a tongue Mathieu didn’t recognize. From the look that crossed her face a moment later, it seemed as though Elise had stomped her stiletto down on Mina’s foot.
“Well, now that we’re all here and about to indulge in this wonderful meal, I was wondering, what changes do you plan to make once you’re in charge?” Elise was eating daintily, but Mathieu could tell that her attention was focused on Avian. “That’s only a few years away, after all, and I really would like to know what I’m in for.” Mathieu thought that the topic was a bit heavy for casual dinner conversation, but who was he to judge what they people considered ‘casual’.
Avian considered, tilting her head thoughtfully. “Well, to start, I’d open conversations with all the regions of the Korinth, not just the Southern District.” She said. It was something she had been going over for quite some time.
It was obvious that Elise hadn’t been expecting that for an answer. “Well that’s…that’s…reassuring to hear. You are more aware than my country believes.” She furrowed her brows for a moment before smiling warmly. “Simply adorable, I swear. Oh, and Mathieu, your…pet desires your attention.”
Looking at her curiously, he felt Nikola brushing his mind. What’s wrong? He queried.
I think she can hear me…I don’t like it. The ball of light began to swirl quickly, becoming much more dense and trembled slightly. Nikola was beginning to panic.
Shh. I will handle it. Mathieu gave Elise a very pointed look. “Thank you for pointing it out, but you are making my friend very uncomfortable. I’d appreciate it if you could refrain from doing that too often tonight.” After that, dinner passed between the small group in an odd fashion. Elise continued to ask rather disjointed questions of Avian; Mina sat silently, staring pointedly at her plate; and Mathieu kept a private string of conversation going with Nikola.
Mina was the one that put him on edge, he decided. Elise by herself was harmless, just a smiling, curious woman who was interested in what was best for her country; whereas, Mina gave off an aura of…he didn’t know. But it was meant to unnerve people and it was rather effective.
Taking a deep breath, he took a plunge. “Mina, was it?”
“Yes.” The stern looking woman didn’t look up.
“How are you?” He had finished eating and had his arms folded over his chest, Nikola tucked into the crook of his elbow.
Her grip on her fork tightened, “I’m fine.” Her tone was clipped.
Smiling, he tilted his head. “Fine? That’s a rather…mundane answer from such an intense woman. Kind of a disappointment.” Mathieu jested lightly.
A muscle in her cheek ticked. “Well, aren’t you feeling observant. I’m fine. Elise is content, therefore, I am fine.”
Standing from his seat, he held out a hand to Mina and bowing slightly. “May I have this dance?” A silence fell over the room.
Mina cast a glance at Elise, who nodded, and she pushed her seat back, standing. Her hand slipped into his and she followed him onto the dance floor. She laid one hand on his shoulder, the other resting in his. The band struck of a decent paced waltz. Placing a hand on her waist, Mathieu pulled Mina close and counted out a beat in his head before starting into the waltz, pushing her lightly around the floor. He stumbled once or twice, but she recovered smoothly and didn’t comment. All the while, Nikola kept a beat for him in his head while hiding in his pocket.
“What are you playing at?” Mina’s voice was as tight as her dancing.
Mathieu looked at her curiously, an eyebrow raised. “We are dancing. Nothing more.”
Narrowing her eyes, she pushed against him as they danced, “You’re lying to me. You wanted me away from Elise. Why?”
“Simple. You are not a positive influence on conversation. Try relaxing. No one is going to attack her here.”
A small huff escaped thin lips. “You’re a traitor, you know.”
“Excuse me?” Mathieu said, almost coming to a complete stop but managing to keep dancing.
“You’re a User like us, given a gift that these simple-minded humans will never understand. Yet you serve them like a pet, not embracing who you are. I bet if you used your power here, there would be pandemonium.” Mina was looking at his shoulder, avoiding his gaze.
Mathieu, who was just barely taller than her, pulled her closer and whispered into her ear. “I’m not a pet. I protect someone very important to me, just like you do. And if I used my power, it would be awe-inspiring, not something worthy of mass panic. However, I feel that you would be more deadly than beautiful if you used your gift. Somehow, I think you are rather ugly when you want to be.”
Closing her eyes, Mina nodded. “My…gift is not something to play with. It’s meant for destruction, as all of our gifts are. I’d bet you’re just as dangerous as I am, if you so desired to be.” The blonde trod on his foot in what could only be an intentional manner.
Mathieu grinned through the sharp pain, dipping her in an elegant end to their dance. “Thank you, Mina, for a wonderful dance. You make an excellent partner.”
People around them politely applauded, having been watching the pair. As they concluded their dance, the others were rising and taking up position. Couples danced across the floor happily, swaying about. Mathieu gave Mina a squeeze and righted her. “If you get in Avian’s way, you will see how destructive my powers can be.” He released her.
Avian bounded towards him, taking his hand and dragging him into her version of a waltz, half pushing Mina out of the way. She was not as delicate as his last partner and instead, she pushed him around the floor, grinning. “Tell me, what were you two talking about?”
“Not much. I just told her that she should loosen up.” Mathieu said, having been expecting the Princess’s curiosity.
Smiling, they danced in silence for a moment. Then, her face took on a very serious look. “Elise wants to take you home with her. She feels that you are a prize that can be bought.” The lines on her face were hard. “She actually asked what bargain could be struck for her to gain you.”
Mathieu tilted his head so that his cheek was resting on top of Avian’s head. “Don’t worry, I have no intentions of leaving you. Elise couldn’t win my favor even if she tried.”
Her face visibly softened at his words, golden eyes glowing and holding happy glint they normally did behind their glasses. “Thank you Mathieu. You’re my very best friend.”
“And you are mine. You know, Mina is the true danger here.” He murmured.
Avian hummed off tone. “Yes, I know. Elise is very sweet when her lap-dog is away. We had a lovely conversation and she has invited me to her manor once I take over.”
He looked across the room at Elise who was dancing with a very stately man. “That is very kind of her. I wish that we knew her under different circumstances. She would be quite the friend.”
They had reduced to just swaying on the spot, talking. “I think Mina is nice too, when that stick isn’t up her--”
“May I cut in, Avian? You can’t hog the cute guy all night.” Venee wrinkled her nose at them, hands clasped politely at her waist. With a roll of her eyes, Avian let go of Mathieu’s hand and let Venee step into her place. She returned to her seat, watching them from afar.
Mina came to sit beside her. Mathieu closed his eyes, listening through his connection to Tesla.
“Tell me, where did you find him?”Mina said stiffly.
Avian smiled. “He found me. And don’t worry, he’s not going anywhere. Mathieu is mine and I won’t give him up without a fight.” Behind her mask of sweetness, a hint of chill was there, peeking out.
Mina nodded before looking away.
“Avian is very happy around you, you know. She is normally quite…rude to people.” Venee peeked up at him, a genuine warmth in her face. “You two really must come visit me. We’d love to have you.”
“That is strictly up to Avian, but I will suggest it to her.” Nodding to her, he swept her around the room in a wide arch, making her giggle happily.
After a while longer, the night began to wind down and people were taking up pairs, seating themselves around the room for a night cap. Drinks were passed around for all and Mathieu found himself sitting beside Avian on a loveseat, her head on his shoulder.
“Tonight has been fun. And I learned a lot more than I thought I would. My father is going about the relationship with Korinth the wrong way. Soon, I’ll be in charge, though.” Stretching, she slipped her shoes off and pulled her legs up under her. “I think that this is the beginning to a bright future.” Avian barely hid a yawn.
“A golden age of Unith. Oh, Venee wants us to visit.” Taking a sip of some sour liquor, Mathieu sighed before relaxing into the seat. “This is the life, I swear.”
“Don’t I know it.” She closed her eyes. “Best part is, no lessons tomorrow.” Her eyes snapped open and she looked around, “…Hey Mathieu, can I ask you something?”
“Hm?”
She did a quick sweep to ensure no prying ears before continuing. “Did Mina say anything to you…that might indicate that there are…uh, potential issues in their government?”
“Issues? Like what?” Mathieu said, recalling his conversation with the strict woman.
“Like maybe Korinth is considering starting a war; I’ve been hearing rumors of it lately, but I wasn’t sure. Elise seemed very on edge when I mentioned my father and I’m afraid that war really may be coming soon. And that could be disastrous…” Her eyes were full of concern as she looked around the room at everyone there. “I don’t want to see a war erupt. I want to find a more permanent peace within the land, not this tenuous thing that we have now. Fighting accomplishes nothing, but I know my father. He’d never back down if he thought that Korinth was thinking of starting a conflict. He’d strike first.”
Mathieu pet her hair calmingly. “Avian, from what I know of your father, he’s a smart man. Surely he’ll see through any rumors and find a way to fortify the peace between the two countries. He doesn’t seem like the kind of person to jump at shadows.” His voice was full of convictions as he took a sip from his drink.