Once again Magdalon’s handsome looks took my breath away and the blaze of desire in his eyes fueled my own. He stopped before me and said, “You came.”
“Yes.”
“I’m flattered. So I take it that you are interested in a possible union with me.”
“I’d suggest not jumping to conclusions so quickly. I’ll simply say that I’m intrigued.”
“Of course. You are interested because I am one of the most powerful men in all of Dwarkaa Capital.”
“I am discovering there are numerous powerful men to choose from.”
“But not all are available.”
“All men are available,” I emphasized.
He gave a sly smile. “Yes, but it is more honorable when it is legal.”
I smiled, turned back to the railing and viewed the property grounds. Magdalon stepped beside me, his arm brushing mine. His close proximity shattered my usually impenetrable staunchness as I felt my flesh respond. His finely tailored black suit, with red and blue details, accentuated his tall, muscular frame.
I normally prided myself in my ability to keep baser instincts under control. Magdalon’s closeness was putting my resolve to shame.
Pointing to his colorful details, I asked, “What do these colors signify?”
He placed his hand near to the red and blue markings lining the edge of his chest pocket and said, “All those who work directly on the Royal Palace Grounds or in any Royal buildings wear these telltale colors. Those employees who work within the city wear red and yellow markings. All naval personal, from commander, ship captains to crew have only red detail on their suits and hats.”
“That’s interesting. I didn’t know this.”
“I hear you grew up in one of the outlying villages.”
“Yes. I would see the city workers on occasion and of course, being close to a port, I saw the ship captains and their crew from time to time. I never saw the wardrobe of the Royal Palace employees before.”
“What do you think of Dwarkaa City.”
I found it completely dreadful and pretentious. What I said was, “I find the High Society here quite delightful. I’ve never attended such an elaborate event before. The colorful gowns, gorgeous women, dashing men, elaborate hall, bountiful food and these beautiful grounds take my breath away. And all the attention I’m receiving is a little overwhelming.”
“I didn’t overwhelm you so much that you didn’t come back for more. I did find you out here waiting for me.”
“You are very charming and I have to admit, I am interested in getting to know you better.”
Magdalon turned toward me and I shifted so that we were face to face. Holding out a hand to me, I lifted mine and placed it in his.
He said, “Do I have your permission to court you?”
“That’s an outrageous request.”
“Why?”
“I came here with another man. I’m sure this is not what Daegel will be expecting from this evening.”
“He will hope to propose tonight,” Magdalon declared. “And he will anticipate that you will move in with him within the week.”
Sighing loudly, I turned away and scanned the grounds again.
Magdalon stepped beside me, his hands gripping the rail and also studied the yard. “Deciding on a life long partner is a profound liability.”
The exact reason I chose to stay single. The weight of what I was about to do left me feeling trapped and as though I was suffocating. I’d vowed to never marry, never to settle down. My devotion to the revolution was coming with a great personal cost. At that moment I didn’t know if it was worth it. But I decided right then that I would make the decision as to who would cover me. The leaders of this movement would not dictate every aspect of my life.
With a resolve I struggled to embrace and without looking at him, I said, “I will allow you to court me.”
I could feel his eyes on me. “Did I hear correctly?”
“Yes.”
“Look at me.”
I slowly turned and matched his gaze.
“You’ve made me the happiest man in all of Dwarkaa. May I visit you tomorrow, let’s say mid-afternoon for tea?”
“Yes.”
“You don’t look overly excited,” he said, with disappointment.
“I’ve always reveled in my independence.”
“I don’t see why that would have to end. I’m a very busy man. You will have many hours to fill of your own choosing.”
“We will discuss this more tomorrow. Now I do need to get back to Daegel.”
“Of course. I will take my leave.” Magdalon took my hand once more and kissed it in farewell. He then headed back to the ball room.
I was about to follow him when I heard a familiar name.
“Razmig has not resurfaced and there’s much talk in the taverns about what may have happened to him.” The man who spoke looked to be in his early twenties.
The few men who were discussing Razmig’s disappearance all stood to the far end of the expansive veranda. All of them wore uniforms signifying they were part of the farrin patrols and were likely part of the ship crews that traveled the rough seas. I wandered a bit closer so I could hear them more clearly.
Another man said, “I’ve heard he was taken into custody and murdered.”
“No one knows that for sure,” said another.
“Where else could he have vanished to? He would not have voluntarily abandoned his home and left, would he? Casimer assigned him to the southeastern farrins. With Casimer’s sudden interest in the south, that assignment came with great esteem and importance. Razmig would never have abandoned that post.”
“Did he even return from his tour of southern farrins? Did his ship really make it back?”
“My ship captain said he’d gone to the docks and checked with the Dock Master. According to his records, Razmig’s ship did return and apparently all of his crew were with him and disembarked.”
“But I know some of the men who were chosen for that farrin patrol. I have not seen any of them. Mony, Waheid and Surye have all vanished. I have not seen them since they supposedly returned from the south. It’s like the entire crew has disappeared into thin air.”
“I know another man on that crew, Andrei. I have not seen him since his return either. I’ve gone to his home but he is not there. No one has seen him since the ship returned.”
“Soon Casimer will learn of it and then what?”
“I don’t know. If none of the crew can be found, what can he do? There’s no one to question and no one to give answers.”
The men grew quiet and thoughtful.
“The south is truly cursed.”
“It’s Tarman Farrin. I’ve heard that anyone who gets close to that accursed land mass loses their minds. We all know what happened to Umiko.”
“The former ship captain to the south?”
The other man nodded. “He began to lose his mind and he was demoted.”
“And I heard that his entire household was rounded up by the Royal Guard and they were executed,” added another man.
“Do you think all the crew members that have disappeared were also incarcerated and killed?” asked a young man.
“I don’t know.”
I’d heard enough. I turned away and headed back into the Grand Ball Room. Thankfully no one knew what happened to Razmig, Andrei or the ship crew and I hoped they’d never find out.
As soon as I entered the ballroom, I noticed Daegel’s focus hone on my face. He excused himself from the conversation he was in and walked toward me, looking stern and angry.
“Where did you go?” he demanded.
“I stepped outside to view the grounds. They are very impressive.”
“You should not have gone on your own.”
“You fear for my safety?”
“There are too many men that would be willing to help themselves. Next time ask me first.”
“And if I had asked you, would you have agreed to accompany me?”
“I would have.”
“Even while embroiled in a deep conversation with very important men?”
His face grew a shade redder and he raised his voice. “I would have finished my conversation first and then I would have taken you.”
That’s just as I suspected. I refused to be dominated by any man, seeking permission for everything I fancied doing. “I don’t need to be treated like a child and accompanied everywhere I go.”
“Oh yes, you do. As my coverling, you will do as I say.”
I made my decision in that moment. I would not become Daegel’s coverling, no matter how many love songs he sang to me. With a stiff smile, I nodded and walked away.
As I was about to pass him, he grasped my elbow firmly and turned me around to face him. “Where are you going?”
“To find someone interesting to speak with.”
“No you are not. We are leaving. I’ll go summon the carriage.” He finally let go of my elbow and stalked off.
Purposely heading in the opposite direction, Narcissa was the first person I ran into. She laid her hand on my arm, a good sign, and said, “I noticed that Daegel is acting very possessive. Should society expect an announcement of marriage shortly?”
“Are all men in Dwarkaa High Society this demanding and controlling?” I asked in frustration.
“Mine is not. I think he has grown bored of me. I can basically go and do what I want, when I want.”
Under my breath I said, “I will never marry that man.”
Narcissa lifted a hand to her mouth and said, “Oh my.” She then giggled. “Won’t he be surprised? I’ve heard he’s a volatile man. That’s maybe for the best. Magdalon seems like a much better catch.”
“I see that nothing goes unnoticed. How do you think Daegel will take my refusal?”
“He will fume and rail, demand his own way like most men do. But you are not tied to him yet. That will be your one saving grace.”
I noticed Daegel at the main doors, waving for me to come. What an overbearing and self-centered man he was. His overblown importance has made him demanding and rude. I liked him less and less as his true character was exposed by degrees.
Soon were we seated across from each other in the carriage and traveling through the oil lantern lit streets of Dwarkaa City. Daegel still looked upset but by a measure less. I remembered I was to ask about his servant, Osman.
“Your servant Osman, you did not punish him too severely for not returning with me this afternoon?”
“He was punished but he will live.”
“I’m glad.”
“You’re glad a servant will live? Why? Of what importance is my servant to you?”
“I care about all my staff and make sure they are well taken care of. I would never abuse my servants or my staff.”
This caused Daegel to snicker condescendingly. “My servants know I demand perfection, anything less than that is repulsive and deserves a whipping. Of course, I would have a difficult time hiring servants if I killed each one so I am lenient but they always remember the beating.”
“Are you always this cruel?”
“I suppose you will learn my ways with time.”
If he was as cruel as the Royal Guards under his control, those who terrorize the poverty stricken areas of the beggarly districts, I had no interest in this man at all.
Looking out the window, I waited until we neared my estate before giving him the news.
“Daegel, I have made my decision.”
He looked at me expectantly and allowed a small smile.
“I will not become your coverling. We are not suited as a couple. You will need to look elsewhere for a woman.”
His smile vanished as a look of fury replaced it. Wrapping his hands into fists, he pounded on the side of the carriage, over and over again. I was sure he would dent it with the force he exerted. The carriage rolled to a stop and we could feel the shake as the Coachman disembarked and came to open the door.
“Master Daegel, is everything all right?” he asked.
Daegel kept hitting the side until his knuckles started to bleed. He finally stood to his feet and yelled at the Coachman, “Don’t stop the carriage! Keep going!”
The door closed and Daegel towered over me, his fists clenched tightly and his fury thick enough to cut with a knife.
I fingered the throwing knife at my waist and pondered whether I’d have to use it. I didn’t want to kill the immature tyrant of a man. Everyone in High Society would hear of it and I would surely destroy my chances of being covered.
“You will marry me!” he shouted.
Tired of his foolish tirade, I raised my voice to match his and said, “Sit down, Daegel, and stop acting like a spoiled child!”
He looked utterly shocked at my words.
“I said sit down and stop this ranting of yours. It is not befitting a man of your rank or station.”
His breathing gradually slowed and he did as I asked. Looking suddenly deflated, he asked, “Why will you not marry me?”
“Do I need more reason than what I just witnessed?” I asked. “You need a mother, not a wife.”
A look of shame actually crossed his face. “My mother was very subservient and too afraid of my father to correct me. He forbade it. And my father was quite vicious.”
“Perhaps that is why you are so volatile; you never had a mother’s direction.”
“I realize that I have anger issues but that does not mean I will not treat you well. You will want for nothing as my coverling.”
“I want for nothing now while I am single and free.”
“Is there anything I can do to change your mind?”
“No.”
He still looked angry but at least he controlled it.
“I am completely certain that you will find a woman that will be a good accompaniment to your home and position. I saw many young maidens with their eyes on you tonight. It is not like you are without options.”
“I only wanted you,” he said with a grimace.
“It is not to be.”
The carriage rolled to a stop outside my estate and the door eventually opened.
I looked at Daegel once more and said, “Thank you for the ride and for escorting me tonight. Good night.” I stood and allowed Daegel’s Coachman to assist me down.
I walked to my door, which opened as I approached. The Footman held it wide. Before I entered, I turned and watched Daegel’s coach lurch and turn back to the road. As it faded from view, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Marrying him would have been a burden too great to bear, even if it would have advanced my position and proximity to Casimer and his regime. Advancing the revolution would have to come another way. Perhaps Magdalon would propose. I desperately hoped he would be a more suitable candidate.
