The next day as I prepared for my evening with Daegel, Akiko came to help me. She was my fellow clan member from Akoni Farrin, who took on the role of my lady’s maid. Akiko and I had travelled to this land mass together on a ship confiscated from Dwarkaa Farrin, along with a full crew who were all on the side of the revolution.
The two of us had endured much together while on the ruling land mass of Dwarkaa. After weeks living in the pauper’s district and learning all we could, starving and struggling to survive, the main leader of the revolution suggested this shift for us. Now we’d both been elevated into a life of extravagance and both of us balked at the change.
Akiko helped me don an elaborate russet gown, which plunged low in the front and showed far too much skin. I’d never shown my assets before and it galled me that I was suddenly required to do so. But this was part of my new assignment, an expected formality I was forced to endure.
My bed chamber had clearly been occupied by some fine lady before me. The elaborate gowns, accessories and jewelry were innumerable and astounding. The gowns were all my size, much to my delight. This spared me from going for endless fittings for a new wardrobe, something Vanora had said might be necessary.
I’d learned more in a scant few days of Dwarkaa High Society than I ever thought possible. Never had I seen a mirror before or all the knick-knacks involved in beautification. The bejeweled combs, pins and extensive gemmed jewelry were beyond anything I had ever laid eyes on. Each day I learned more and it elicited anxiety over my ignorance of my unfamiliar life. I hoped that my discomfort wouldn’t show and that I wouldn’t end up blowing my cover.
There was another girl that came with my estate, Azubah, my personal beautician, who did my hair in an extravagant coiffed work of art with glamorous, glittering combs inserted at various places. When Akiko was done helping me dress, she called on Azubah to come and work with my hair. When that was completed, Azubah suggested a dazzling garnet necklace and placed that around my neck.
I went to study my reflection in a large mirror which was attached to a stand in my bed chamber. I stared dumb struck at my image. Never had I appeared so elegant and stunning. The blood red gem in the necklace shimmered and danced in the dim light of the room. Shock coursed through me at my reflection and I stared in awestruck wonder.
“Is everything all right?” asked Azubah, fear in her eyes.
Closing my mouth and placing a hand over my heart, I said, “You’ve outdone yourself.”
Relief flooded her face, she released a nervous breath and her shoulders visibly lowered. “I’m so glad you like it. You look striking. Daegel will be very impressed.”
“Yes well. Check on the carriage and see if it’s ready for me.”
“Of course, Miss Tamasa.” With that she left the room.
Akiko, standing to the side of the mirror, smiled mischievously.
“What?” I asked tersely.
“Never have I seen you look so ladylike and gussied up.”
“My warrior’s garb, leather wear and weapons hidden in every conceivable spot is more my style.”
With arms crossed and shaking her head, Akiko said, “I could never have, in my wildest thoughts, imagined you looking like this. Any man would be undone at your visage.”
“I hate this!” I fidgeted with the tight fitting gown, feeling much too restricted. “How I despise this showy acting.”
“Just keep in mind that this is all for the better good. You are accomplishing something through all this suffering.”
“Yes. I’m committed to the cause and I will do what is required of me.”
“Things could be worse. We could be back in the pauper’s quarters and still starving. At least here we are well fed.”
I didn’t bother responding. Akiko handed me the white gloves from my dressing table and I slipped those on. Tucking a jewel encrusted clutch under my arm, I heard the door open and turned to see Azubah enter.
With a slight curtsy, she said, “The carriage is ready and waiting at the front door for you, Miss Tamasa.”
“Thank you.”
Akiko said, “Here. Don’t forget this, my lady.” I heard the mockery in her voice as she held a fur jacket in her hands and stepped in behind me to help me into it.
Azubah curtsied again and said, “I’ll wait at the entrance for you, my lady.”
I nodded and she left.
“You’ll accompany me,” I told Akiko.”
“You want me to join you and Daegel?”
“Yes.”
“No. I’ll be fine staying here at your lovely estate, in my room, sharpening my weapons.”
I turned to Akiko with a glare. “You are accompanying me tonight.”
Despondency covered her face. “Ach! All right.”
Akiko had also discarded her former clothing for more suitable attire. She wore the typical clothing of the servants of Krishay Manor, black trousers and blouse with white lapel, buttons, cuffs and cap. She looked as uncomfortable wearing what she was wearing as I felt with my elaborate clothes. Her garb didn’t look nearly as constricting as mine though.
I took one more look at myself in the mirror.
Akiko said, “Will my outfit do for tonight?”
Glancing at her, I nodded. “Yes. You will fit in with the servants at Daegel’s Estate. We don’t want to make more of a scene than necessary.”
Akiko grinned. “Oh, you will make a scene all right.”
“Stop it! Let’s go.” I left my room and headed to the expansive foyer.
The Footman opened the door for us and we stepped outside. Both of us stopped short at the sight of the elaborate horse and carriage before us and stared. Knowing we were acting out of character, I recovered quickly and walked toward the carriage as though this was a normal happening for me. The coachman assisted both of us inside, closed the door and took his position to guide the horse team through Dwarkaa City.
I’d never ridden in one of these elaborately ornamented contraptions before. The richly adorned coach with cushioned seats was far beyond anything I’d ever seen. Akiko and I sat opposite each other, both of us with round eyes and nervous glances.
The ride was surprisingly smooth and took us through the upper class area, down level cobbled streets and oil lit throughways. I couldn’t help but stare at all the frippery used to embellish a roadway. As we traveled, I noticed a massive complex off in the distance, every building white-washed, light shimmering from the grounds and illuminating and accentuating every structure. The vision was one of extreme extravagance, beyond what I’d seen so far and I wondered who owned it. As we passed by, I kept looking back to absorb as many details as possible.
We eventually arrived at Daegel’s home and at first glance I had to admit that he was also quite wealthy. His estate was large and impressive and servants were everywhere to do his bidding.
Akiko stayed in character, allowed me to exit first, the Coachman offering his hand to assist my descent. Glaring at him, I initially balked at receiving help from a man. Gritting my teeth, I willed myself to behave and act my part. Grudgingly, I placed my hand in his and allowed him to assist me down.
The massive front doors of Daegel’s home opened, the Footman exited, holding the door wide and waited. Daegel soon appeared and approached with open arms.
“Tamasa. I’m so glad you came.” His eyes roamed my body from top to bottom. An appreciative smile slowly spread across his face. Shaking his head, he said, “You are absolutely stunning tonight, a visage of Takara’s treasure and more.”
“You are very kind,” I said.
He came forward, gave a slight bow, took my gloved hand and placed a lingering kiss on it. I battled with the desire to pull my hand free but I resisted.
Straightening, he offered his arm. I placed my hand in the crook, as I’d been taught, and he led the way into his lovely home. Daegel guided me down an expansive hallway and into a rustic sitting room, a fire blazing in the fireplace on one wall and thickly cushioned couches surrounding it. A large fur rug graced the floor and weapons of every kind were attached to the walls.
We were barely seated when a servant boy came scurrying in with a tray of goblets filled with an elixir as well as a flask to refill our cups.
Daegel took both cups and handed one to me. “Here, drink this. This will relax both of us and will surely begin our evening on a light and pleasant note.”
I looked at the contents and it glistened a golden hue. “What is it?” I asked.
“Mead from the vineyards I own west of Dwarkaa City.”
I had not heard he owned vineyards and he mentioned they were west. I was thankful they were far from the home I claimed as mine in another village to the east. I’d tasted grog on a few occasions but I found it bitter and difficult to swallow. I’d tasted mead only a handful of times. My home farrin had limited produce to make any type of elixir.
I took a sip of the mead and was pleasantly surprised. The liquid tasted smooth and delightful. I downed it in a few big gulps.
The servant boy stared at me. Daegel’s eyes were also glued to my face but a he had a slight smile. He signaled the servant and the boy stepped forward to refill my goblet with the flask.
“Bring us another flask,” Daegel commanded and the boy left the room. His eyes still focused on my face, he said, “The mead is meant to be sipped, enjoyed as a before dinner drink while chatting.”
I allowed a meager smile. “Yes. I know this.” I had no idea. “I am quite famished and thirsty. And I quite enjoy the taste of the liquid.”
“Have you had mead before? You must have, coming from a line of the high-born of Dwarkaa.”
“My parents preferred grog. I’ve had mead only occasionally but am not very familiar with it.”
“Well, be careful. The mead is very strong.”
I glanced around the room, Daegel and I were alone. Akiko had been shown to the servant’s area when we’d arrived to help and assist. She would be gathering information, speaking with as many servants as possible. I hoped they would be willing to divulge secrets.
Daegel discoursed on his vineyards and the servants that oversaw the mead’s production. I learned that the drink was made from grapes grown on his land and he explained, in understandable terms, the process of picking the fruit, crushing and fermenting the elixir. I finished another glass of mead while he spoke and he poured me a third.
Although I found his discourse fascinating, I began to feel the effect of the mead, the room began to sway and my head did not feel right. Focusing on Daegel’s face was growing difficult. Placing a hand to my heart, which was racing wildly beneath my ribs, I tried to steady my swaying body.
Daegel grinned broadly and said, “I believe you might need the chamber room, no?”
“Yes.”
Daegel picked up a bell and rang it. A servant girl came running into the room and curtsied before him. He said, “Help Lady Tamasa to the chamber room. She will need your help.”
“Certainly, Master Daegel.” She curtsied once more and then assisted me to my feet and led me from the room.
I felt like an imbecile but I could not walk straight no matter how hard I tried. I clung to the servant girl as though I were a fretful child beside her mother. Never had I felt so foolish.
Inside the chamber room, I struggled with my elaborate gown and sat down on the finely polished wooden seat. I stayed there for quite some time, leaning forward, my head in my hands while I tried to make things stop spinning around me.
Some time passed before I heard the servant girl say, “Are you all right, Lady Tamasa? Do you need help?”
“Go get my maid,” I said.
Within minutes I heard Akiko outside the door. “What have you done now?” she asked.
“I drank something I should not have.”
“What?”
“Mead. I cannot even walk on my own.”
“Did Daegel attempt to poison you?”
“No, no. At least I don’t think so.”
“Can I come in?”
“Yes.”
She opened the door and found me sitting in my compromised position. Clucking her tongue, she closed the door and stood with hands on her hips. “What should we do? Do you wish to leave and come back another night?”
“I cannot function like this.”
“All right. I will go inform Daegel that I will assist you back home and you will plan to come another time. I will also inform the Footman to summon our carriage. You will be all right by yourself for a few minutes?”
“Yes.”
Akiko left and I struggled to regain my equilibrium. Slowly I stood and lowered my skirts, trying to straighten them the best I could in the small room. Holding to the wall for support, I waited for Akiko to return. My stomach began to churn wildly and I turned toward the chamber pot just in time to empty the contents of the mead. The bitter taste that stayed behind was awful and I swiped at my mouth with my sleeve.
A knock at the door brought me a wave of relief. Akiko entered, took my arm and led me from the room and toward the front entrance. Daegel was there waiting for me.
Bowing at the waist, he straightened, that irritating smile still on his face, and said, “I do apologize for allowing you to drink as much as you did. I should have realized the effect the mead would have on one not used to such strong brew.”
“Apology accepted. I should have shown some restraint,” I said, while clinging to Akiko’s arm.
“I would love to suggest we meet tomorrow night but I am occupied. Come here in two days time and I will receive you for the evening meal.” He lifted a finger. “And I will be vigilant in restricting your mead intake next time.”
“Don’t worry on that account. I will never drink that much again.”
“I’m glad to hear that you will still drink it.”
“Of course. I found it smooth and delicious. Perhaps too delicious.”
His chuckle was low and inviting. “I’m glad to hear it.”
I found myself bending to his charms and I had the uncanny urge to giggle along with him. I curbed that foolhardy notion and nodded.
He stepped forward and, instead of taking my hand and kissing it, he leaned forward and placed a kiss on my cheek.
I found myself leaning in for it and immediately chastised myself for my ridiculous response. Pulling away and trying to bridle my attraction, I said, “Good night, Daegel.”
“Good night, my fair lady. I will you see in two days.”
Picking up my skirts with one hand, I allowed Akiko to lead me outside and to the carriage. The Coachman offered a hand to help us both inside and closed the door.
As the horse and carriage team navigated us back toward my estate, I hardly noticed the trip, my head was still spinning and my world felt off-kilter. I had determined not to have any feelings for Daegel and my unexpected response to him upset me. He was much too charming and that could be a dangerous thing. Falling in love with the enemy was not my idea of infiltrating Dwarkaa and sabotaging Casimer’s rule. I vowed to be more careful, never drink that much mead again and keep my head clear and focused when around that man.
