The Dragon's bond

Chapter 10

Elara carefully examined the midnight blue dress laid out on her bed, trying to decide if she could bear to wear something so revealing. Her actions were halted by a loud knock.

“Come in.” she called out expecting it to be another servant.

The door opened to reveal a stern-faced woman in formal palace attire. Behind her stood two younger attendants carrying what looked like jewelry boxes.

“Miss Vane. I’m Mistress Viremont, head of the royal household.” She said in a brisk, professional tone. “His majesty has sent me to prepare you.”

“Prepare me?” Elara’s stomach dropped. “For what? I can do…”

“For dinner, of course. In the great hall. You have an hour.”

The room tilted. “T..the great hall? But I thought…I assumed…”

“His Majesty dines publicly on the first day of every week. As his personal attendant, you’re expected to attend be present.” Mistress Viremont moved into the room, gesturing for the other women to follow.

“Now we haven’t much time. Your hair needs to be styled, and you’ll need the appropriate jewelry….”

“Wait.” Elara’s voicer came out higher than she intended. “I can’t…I don’t know how to…...I’ve never been to a formal dinner...”

“Then it’s quite fortunate that you’ll be seated next to His Majesty.” Mistress Viremont’s expression softened slightly. “I understand this is overwhelming, Miss Vane. But refusing is not an option. His Majesty was very clear about his expectations.”

Elara sank onto the edge of her bed with shaky hands. “There will be nobles present, important people, they’ll know I don’t belong…”

“You’re under the king’s protection and that’s all that matters.” The woman gestured to the attendants again. “Now we really must begin. Let’s start with your hair.”

The next hour passed by in a blur of hands pulling at her hair, adorned with jewelry she’d never once dreamt of wearing. She caught glimpses of herself in the mirror, barely recognizing the girl who stared back. The girl who’d scrubbed pots in the kitchen had been replaced by someone who looked like she belonged in the high society. But she knew better. Silk and jewels could never erase who she truly was.

“There.” Mistress Viremont stepped back, critically examining her. “This will do. And remember, speak only when spoken to, use the outermost utensils first, and for gods’ sake, do not spill anything.”

“I don’t think I can do this,” Elara whispered.

“You don’t have a choice. His Majesty chose you for a reason, try not to embarrass him too badly. You must attend to his every need.”

Then they were gone leaving Elara with her reflection and growing dread.

Another knock sounded at the connecting door making her jump.

“Elara, its time.” Draeven’s voice.

She slowly opened the door. He stood tall in formal black and gold looking every inch a king. His eyes swept over her and something predatory lurked inside them.

“Perfect.” He said, his voice rougher.

“I can’t do this.” She immediately said. “Please your Majesty, I don’t know to behave at a formal dinner. I’ll humiliate you…”

“You won’t.” He offered her his arm. “Because you’ll follow my lead and everyone in that hall will be too busy trying to curry favor with me to pay much attention to you.”

“That’s not true…”

“Take my arm Elara, we’re already late.” His voice hardened.

She placed her hand on his arm feeling the corded muscle beneath the fine fabric. The same sharp jolt of electricity went through her as she touched him. He shut his eyes trying to fight it.

“Why are you doing this?” she asked as he led her toward the door. “Why make this public? You could have...”

“Could have what? Hidden you away?” his eyes cut to hers. “You’re mine Elara. I don’t hide what’s mine.”

“I’m not….”

Before she could finish her sentence, he was leading her through the corridors toward the great hall.

With each step, the sound of conversation and laughter grew louder. And then they reached the massive double doors and Elara’s breath stopped.

The great hall was gigantic. Chandeliers dripping with crystals hung from the vaulted ceiling. Tapestries depicting dragons on the battlefield covered the walls and down the center ran a huge long table filled with more food than Elara had ever seen in one place.

At least twenty people sat at the table. Nobles in silks and velvets, adorned with exquisite jewelry.

All eyes turned to them as the doors opened. All conversation halted at once.

“Head up.” Draeven murmured too low for anyone else to hear. “You’re with me so act like you belong.”

But she didn’t belong and everyone in the room was aware of it.

The walk down the length of the wall to the high table felt like walking to her own execution. She could feel every eye on her and the whispers that had already began.

“Who is she?”

“Isn’t that the servant girl?”

“The king’s new whore you mean.”

Elar’s face burned but she kept her eyes straight ahead, her hand unconsciously gripping Draeven’s arm tighter.

The high table sat on a raised dais at the far end of the hall. Several people were already seated there, probably the most important members of the court.

Draeven led her directly to the center of the table, to the two seats that were clearly meant for the two most important people in the kingdom.

“Sit.” He quietly commanded, pulling out the chair to his immediate right.

She stared at the chair in horror and disbelief. That was the seat of honor. It was clearly meant for the queen or at the very least a high-ranking noble woman.

Not a kitchen maid.

“You Majesty,” she desperately whispered. “I can’t sit there..”

“Sit. Now.”

The absolute command in his voice left no room for argument.

She sat and she felt shock ripple through the whole room.

Draeven took his own seat with casual grace, as if placing a servant in the position of the second highest honor was the most natural thing in the world.

“Everyone, this is Elara Vane, my new personal attendant. She’ll be joining us or dinner from now on. I trust you’ll all make her feel welcome.”

The silence that followed was deafening.