Harmonia Calendar 715, Thal 24 - Ashspire Estate, Elandor
Late Afternoon - Entry Aisle
The servant guided me forward, each step heavy with the weight of watching eyes.
Murmurs thinned as we neared the high table, and I felt the air shift.
The Marquis stood, his cold eyes fixed on me.
His chin tilted ever so slightly toward the figures at his side.
The Grand Duke.
He stood with a stillness that carried more weight than motion ever could.
Silver hair caught under the chandelier's light, gleaming like steel. His green eyes landed on me and held me there, unblinking.
Broad shoulders filled his white suit, its fabric lined with silver threads. The hall itself seemed smaller around him.
My chest tightened. It felt like standing before a wall.
I bowed low, forcing my voice steady as I spoke.
"I greet your Grace."
The Grand Duke's gaze lingered a moment longer before he gave a single nod.
Straightening, I let my eyes flick toward the Marquis.
He tilted his chin, guiding me onward.
My gaze followed the tilt.
And then I saw her.
Selene.
She stood a step behind the Grand Duke, close enough to mark her place.
White-gold hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose waves, catching the chandelier's glow until it shimmered like threads of light.
Her eyes were striking, green laced with blue and a faint ring of gold around the iris, like sunlight burning at the edge of dawn.
Selene was shorter than me, yet tall for twelve.
She wore a pale white dress embroidered with golden lines, the pattern of a rising sun.
Her face still held a trace of youth in the cheeks, soft enough to remind me she was my age, even as she stood like a grown lady.
I swallowed, heat rising to my ears.
She wasn't pretty like Theodora.
She was…beautiful.
And when her gaze met mine, something inside me stirred.
I thought it was another vision.
But instead—warmth.
It spread through my chest, growing hotter as if something deep inside me had ignited.
Yet, there was no pain.
Only that strange heat rushing through my veins until it filled my whole body.
Then—
Just as suddenly as it came.
It vanished.
I let out a quiet sigh and stepped to the side, closer to her.
My back was straight, chin lowered in a practiced bow. One arm folded at my waist, the other extended forward.
"Lady Selene."
Her voice came calm and clear, her hand rising with practiced grace.
"Lord Adonis."
Her fingers touched mine, cool and soft.
I bent, pressing a careful kiss to the back of her hand.
A breath steadied me before I lifted my head again, my voice measured.
"Would you grant me a dance?"
Her lips curved faintly, the smallest smile.
"You may."
I glanced sideways toward the Marquis.
He nodded in approval.
Her hand was still in mine. I turned, guiding her step by step down the stairs, the hall's eyes followed us as we joined the slow circle.
My right hand settled at her waist, light but firm. My left laced with hers, steadying us both.
Theodora's voice echoed in my head, sharp and teasing.
'You're not holding a sword, but a lady!'
Selene's eyes flicked down.
A faint furrow touched her brow before she looked back at me.
Her voice was calm.
"The hand belongs to the back. The waist is for lovers."
'Lovers?'
It took a moment before the words landed, and heat shot to my face.
My words stumbled out fast.
"My sister told me this was the proper form."
Her head tilted slightly, eyes gleaming.
"Then did you fall for me at first sight?"
I shook my head, stammering.
"No…not yet."
Her smile widened, bright and playful.
"Then why is your hand still on my waist?"
I jerked it back, mortified.
But she caught my wrist with surprising quickness, guiding my hand gently to her back.
Her voice softened into command.
"Count. One, two, three."
I obeyed, whispering under my breath.
"One, two, three."
We moved.
My steps faltered, a slip on the polished floor. Selene's laugh chimed, light and quick, but not cruel. I adjusted, and on the next turn, my footing held.
Her question came light, as her eyes studied me.
"Your first dance?"
I let out a breath, keeping my gaze steady.
"If you don't count lessons…yes."
Her smile softened.
"You are better than you think."
I shook my head faintly.
"I still slipped."
Her chuckle came soft.
"We all do."
The song ended, and the circle dissolved.
I released her hand, bowed once more, voice quiet but sincere.
"Thank you for the dance and...lesson."
Her eyes glimmered as she inclined her head, a small smile on her lips.
"You are welcome."
***
Late Afternoon - High Table
I sat beneath the Ashspire banner, black and red spread wide behind me.
Beside me sat Evan, his presence filling the space as much as the banner did.
I raised my cup slightly, voice even.
"Your routes held strong this season."
Evan inclined his head, his words crisp.
"The guilds stayed on schedule."
I leaned back, letting the weight of the hall's noise fall away.
"Winter comes. Are your depots stocked?"
His reply came without hesitation.
"They are. Grain and salt are in place. Timber is already moving to the passes."
I gave a single nod, satisfied.
'Proper talk. The kind that keeps men alive.'
I let a pause fall, then shifted the conversation.
"We plan to raise iron shipments next month.
He traced a finger along the rim of his cup before answering.
"Send notice a fortnight ahead, and I will shift barges."
I nodded my head in acknowledgment.
My gaze shifted to the floor, where two children turned with the circle.
Adonis and Selene.
He held his ground better than I expected.
Stiff, but steady.
Selene moved with ease, composure already etched into each step.
I let my words come light.
"Lady Selene has grown. She will be a beauty when she is older."
Evan's gaze softened as it turned toward her.
A rare smile tugged at his mouth.
"She already is."
I set my cup down and pressed further.
"Adonis as well. Awakened at twelve. Luck, or favor."
Silence stretched for a moment.
I made the next step, light as dust.
"In time…perhaps there is room to talk."
Evan's reply came without pause, his voice polite, but final.
"Selene will choose. It's our promise. I won't place my hand on that matter."
'So, it's decided.'
Cold ran through my spine.
I lifted my cup to my lips. My eyes left Evan, drifting across the hall toward the pillar at the far side.
Favian stood there, waiting. His eyes caught mine.
I gave a single nod.
'Go.'