Category: Carolina

Wallflowers

Carolina

“I heard he cut off Lord Brayton’s head himself, even after Her Majesty ordered he live,” I heard Cassidy Mainer whispering to Annabeth Weirs, two girls my age, as we walked into the Manor ballroom, “and that’s why he had to leave Dovetail.”

“I heard she found him in her cousin’s bed,” Annabeth giggled. I pressed my lips into my mouth. “And insisted he be dismissed from the guard.” Tristan was standing beside his grandfather, looking what to most probably seemed stoic, but I knew was likely him trying to mask awkwardness. “Not that I blame her.”

“The Queen or her cousin?” Cassidy giggled.

“Both,” Annabeth said, “or either. Gods, he’s perfection.” We reached the room and I made eye contact with Tristan.

“Caro!” Emily exclaimed running excitedly up to me. “Come on, Alex said Sir Tristan is going to open the dancing.”

“With Mistress DuFrey and you, surely,” I said. It was what made the most sense. I was fond of Charlotte Dufrey, for all that she was ten years older than us, she was always kind. Tristan walked over and smiled at me. Cassidy looked at him. “Sir Tristan,” I curstsied.

“Miss DuKarras,” he bowed, “I apologize, perhaps I should have sent a note?” I smiled at him. “I’m being unspeakably rude. Commander Trisstan Dugarry,” he nodded to Cassidy and Annabeth.

“Oh,” I said, “this is Miss Cassidy Mainer and Miss Annabeth Weirs. What would this note have entailed?”

“That I’d like to dance with you, first, if you don’t mind,” he explained, “Charlotte isn’t feeling well and retired early.” I smiled.

“I’d be honored,” I said softly. He nodded.

“Ladies,” he bowed to Cassidy and Annabeth, and quickly departed. They both looked at me.

“Are you serious?” Annabeth’s voice was so high pitched I could barely hear it. I shrugged as non chalantly as I could. Cassidy’s mouth was still hanging open in disbelief. “How do you know him?”

“Alex came by to call on me,” Emily explained, “and Sir Tristan came with him. Then we came to dinner here last night.” She looked deeply proud, “I should find Alex, at that.” She bounced away.

“Is he courting you?” Cassidy managed. Unlike Annabeth’s shriek this was more of a disbelieving hiss.

“It isn’t that serious yet,” I said shaking my head. “From my understanding he’s quite shy is all, so because we were introduced,” I shrugged again. “Excuse me.” I walked over to the front of the room, feeling like I had clouds under my shoes. Tristan smiled at me. “How did you know to do that?”

“Oh,” he said, “well, I saw you standing there, looking absolutely lovely, by the way,” I blushed, “and I saw those two whispering and I know the type.” He looked down. “You seemed to need a rescue.”

“They’re furious,” I admitted. He chuckled. “I was certainly not supposed to be the one you noticed first.” He looked at me and then back across at Annabeth and Cassidy. “Are you prepared for jealousy and rumors as part of our little game here?”

“After nearly a lifetime under Brayton,” he offered me his hand as the music started, “I think I can handle it.” I smiled as we danced. “I plan to pump them for information about you when I’m forced to dance with them.”

“Mm,” I nodded. “You will be deeply reassured that I’m nothing special. Also, that I’m shy and snobbish,” I shrugged.

“Well, then we have lots in common,” he said. “I am stoic and stand offish, and have been instructed many times to remove the stick from my,” he cleared his throat and I giggled. “Regardless, I’m happy to be of help.” I looked at him.

The music started, and he took my hand and started the simple steps. Emily giggled as Alex danced with her. I looked over at Cassidy and Annabeth. Cassidy was still staring daggers at me, while Annabeth had started scanning the room for open partners.

“Can I call on you?” He asked as we finished. “Alex tells me this is what I’m supposed to do next.” I smiled and nodded.

“It is, and you certainly can,” I said, “what would be next in Dovetail?” He grinned sheepishly at me.

“My experience was atypical,” he admitted. “But it amounts to the same,” he kissed my hand, “spending time together.” I nodded.

“You should see to your other guests,” I said and started walking away.

“Carolina,” he called after me, I turned, “Do you have a favorite flower?” I smiled widely.

“Yellow roses,” I said softly. He nodded. I stepped out onto the balcony and pressed my hands against my face, which felt unbearably hot.

“So I’ve done well,” I rolled my eyes seeing Alex appear next to me. “Grandfather is thrilled.”

“We all live to please your grandfather,” I said. He nodded. “You shouldn’t neglect Emily.”

“Emily couldn’t possibly care if I spend five minutes on you,” he pointed out. I frowned. “Is Tristan not a big enough sacrifice to absolve me?” I looked at him.

“I forgave you a long time ago, Alex,” I said. “Now you just irritate me,” he smiled and leaned against the railing.

“I kissed you here,” he smiled.

“I remember,” I said softly. “I was so embarrassed.” He nodded. “Don’t break my sister’s heart, Alex.”

“For you,” he whispered and pushed a hair off my forehead. “Anything.” I swallowed and looked away and walked inside. Tristan had been swarmed. I giggled as he sent me a pleading look.

“Miss DuKarras?” A page walked over.

“Yes,” I said. He handed me a small box and I opened it, revealing a clearly hastily cut yellow rose with a white ribbon ties around it. “Thank you,” I whispered. He nodded and left. I smiled and stuck the flower into my sash. It didn’t quite go with the soft pink of my gown, but I couldn’t bring myself to care.

Advertisement
Posted on by Reenie 0

The Manor

Carolina

“Red, I think,” Mother said, as a maid nodded going into my wardrobe as she herself tightened my corset. “It sets off your hair, and he won’t be used to it. As I understand it everyone in Dovetail wears blue and green.” I sighed.

“Mother,” I said, “I don’t want you to invest too much in this,” I didn’t want to. It was too much to hope for. A path away from the guilds.

“Nonsense,” Mother said taking the red satin dinner gown from the maid and sliding it over my head. “Your father already spoke to Trey Dumanis about the whole business.” She turned me and looked me in the glass. “You’ll be Lady Dugarry by midwinter, darling.” She kissed me on the cheek. “Hair up,” she instructed the maid sharply. “Her neck is her best feature.” She walked out. I slid my hand to my throat.

Arriving at The Dumanis House, a large palace like mansion on a promontory above Dorin city proper always feels like an occasion, even if this time it’s only for a small family dinner. We stepped out of the carriage and Emily giggled squeezing my hand. I nodded and went to follow after her when I felt my father’s hand circle my upper arm.

“Do not embarass me, Caro,” he whispered. I nodded. We walked in and were greeted and then escorted to one of the many parlors. Alex quickly swept Emily away to a corner. I looked around, it really was just us and the family. I took a drink off a tray and quietly sat down in an arm chair.

He wasn’t even here. I sipped lightly on my drink when Trey Dumanis walked over and sat down with me.

“You look lovely Miss DuKarras,” he said. I nodded. “And disappointed?” I blushed. “Tristan should be on his way. He had to go to the fort and pay his respects to the Garrison Commander.”

“Oh,” I said quietly. “I suppose that makes sense.” We didn’t mix much with the guards.

“He takes his responsibility very seriously,” Trey said, there was more affection in his voice than I’d ever heard from a member of The Dumanis. “Even if he is supposed to be on hiatus for his stay here.”

“I didn’t mean to assume,” I muttered, but Trey simply laughed.

“It wasn’t an incorrect assumption,” he said, “as much as we are very happy about that Alex has settled on well, anyone, and we especially like your sister, this particular honor is very much about making sure you and Tristan get to know one another.” I blushed again. “And speak of the devil.”

My next breath caught in my throat. He’d seemed attractive that afternoon in his travelling clothes, but walking into this stuffy room, in his simple, well cut guard uniform, it was impossible not to look at him. He looked how I imagine Cornan himself to look.

“Grandfather,” he walked over and cautiously bowed to Carland Dumanis, “I apologize, Commander Varys was enthusiastic for me to see her whole operation. I didn’t want to insult her by running off.”

“Of course, my boy,” Carland grinned and glanced over at me and winked. Tristan looked embarased and walked over.

“Hello Uncle Trey,” he said. “Miss DuKarras.” He took my hand and kissed it again. This I could get used to. “I’m very sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“It’s alright, really,” I said softly. He smiled and sat down next to me. “Your Uncle was saying you’re on Hiatus from the Guard?” He sighed and shook his head.

“An unfortunate stipulation of my grandfather’s,” he said, “and General Martin. If I were to stay active in The Guard I’d have to be residing in the fort, which was unacceptable.” I laughed at that. “It will be strange, it’s been my life since I was ten.”

“Ten?” I said. He nodded. Trey excused himself, with a cough then. “That is quite young. Is it normal?”

“No,” he said, “and yes. If Annalise hadn’t been,” he paused, “if things were as they were meant to be we might have been even younger. The protectors usually grow up with their charge.”

“Then why ten?” I asked.

“That was when my parents died and Trey and The General took us,” he explained. I looked at him. His face didn’t betray anything. Not grief, or regret.

“Why didn’t you come here?” I asked softly. He looked at me.

“Because,” he said, “I am a part of this family, but I’m also a Dugarry, and we serve Cammadan.” He smiled sadly. “And Athena would have murdered someone by now, probably. She carries a lot of aggression.” I laughed.

“It must have been lonely though,” I said. He shrugged.

“I had Athena,” he pointed out. I smiled. “And we had a job to do.” He looked down. “And my mother didn’t want this for us. I keep thinking she’d be very disappointed in me.”

“As someone who is a deep disappointment to her parents,” I smiled nodding towards mine, “I somehow doubt it.” He laughed.

“Tell me about you,” he said softly. I looked at him and sighed, a bell rang and we all stood up to go into dinner.

“There isn’t much to know,” I whispered, “I’m not that different from every debutante in Dorin.” He nodded, and pulled out my chair so I could sit.

“But that’s the thing,” he said, “I’m not from Dorin, the last time I was here I was seven.” I laughed. “So I am going to find everything you do endlessly fascinating and novel.”

“Or unbearably dull in comparison,” I pointed out. He grinned. “I read, and I go to parties and dinners like this one. I pick out clothes. You’re used to queens and warriors.” The grin stayed but his eyes became sad. “Is it true?” I managed.

“Yes,” he said, “I mean, I don’t know how much or what the stories,” he sighed, “but yes, we were. She, I,” he stopped, “it’s complicated.”

“Well, the only boy who ever showed interest in me moved on nearly instantly to my younger sister, so obviously, I understand complicated,” I stabbed a fork into the salad that had come been served. He nodded. “Not that I begrudge them, they’re much more suited than Alex and I.” He smiled. “Are you in love with her?” He looked me in the eyes then, and I swallowed, the intensity of his gaze is something else. He looked as though he were sizing me up, trying to decide if I could handle his answer.

“Yes,” he said simply, “I am.” I nodded. “Is that,” he frowned. “Does it matter to you?” I bit my lip.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “I don’t think so. But I’m glad you were honest.” He nodded. “And it really doesn’t make to much of a difference as my father and your uncle have already discussed the situation.”

“I’m sure they have but my uncle isn’t my negotiator,” he said. I looked at him.

“It isn’t my business, but you should not trust Alex with that job,” I said softly. “He isn’t, well, reliable.” He laughed.

“No,” he said, “my sister.” I looked at him. “I’m negotiating for her too. Though hers isn’t particularly complicated. Her first born inherits Tumona, and the weapons are to be evenly distributed and if our grandfather ever sets foot in Pantona he is to be arrested on sight.” I laughed.

“And The Count’s demands?” I asked. He smiled.

“To and this is a direct quote, ‘stop being bothered about this nonsense Tristan, I mean it, I don’t want to hear it again,'” he shrugged. “The nobility considers the contracts passé. Especially the inner circle. Anton and Marie had a love match and it’s now unfashionable to claim anything else.” I looked at him.

These people were myths to me. Stories I’d heard third hand. They were his family, his whole world. He said Inner Circle like it was something he was outside of and yet told casual stories about The Count of Pantona and called the King and Queen who’d died when we were children by their first names.

Before this morning I’d expected to be the old lady who my sister’s grandchildren whispered about and threw pastries at at parties.

He couldn’t actually want me. It isn’t possible. But the way he’s looking at me and smiling feels earnest.

“I’m used to being unfashionable,” I said. He nodded and smiled awkwardly, then I paused. “Did you say that your sister is concerned about the weapons in her dowry?” He shrugged.

“The Dugarrys have been in the guard for nearly two hundred years,” he explained. “There are a lot of weapons.” I laughed again, mid sip of my wine and it went up my nose. My mother sent me a glare and I swallowed.

Posted on by Reenie 0

A New Hope

Carolina

I sat at my vanity brushing my hair. I was already tired and the season was only just starting. 

“Caro,” my sister Emily bounced into her room. “Alex is downstairs.” I rolled my eyes at my sister. We’d both once harbored hope that the Dumanis heir would propose and while I’d been disappointed, Alex seemed genuinely attached to Emily.

I’m trying to be happy for them, which I think would be easier if everyone’s faces didn’t turn to pity every time I walked in a room.  

“Tell him I’m not seeing people today,” I said. I was too tired, too bored, to sit listening to him crow about his recent trip to Dovetail.

“He’s not alone,” Emily said and bounced on the bed. “His cousin is with him.” I turned in my seat. “He did tell you that Sir Tristan DuGarry was coming, didn’t he?”

“Yes, but Alex says a lot of things,” I stood up. Emily giggled. “What does he look like?” I asked, as Emily stood up and grabbed my hands and spun me in a circle.

“Like all of them,” Emily shrugged, “Tall, fair, though he seems more, well, you’ll see.” Emily giggled and skipped out of the room. I shook my head and looked in the mirror.

I wouldn’t make the best impression, but I’d do. I wasn’t expecting to do anything but maybe read today. I walked downstairs to the parlor. Emily was chattering quickly and I heard Alex’s laugh. I walked in and Emily smiled at her.

“Carolina,” my mother said, standing up and encouragingly placing her hand on my lower back to push me forward. “Master DuCray and Sir Tristan can’t stay but they invited us to the house tonight for dinner.”

“Always an honor, Mr. DuCray,” I said to Alex who smiled at me. It was then that I noticed the other young man in the room, he was standing awkwardly, as if he’d risen from the chair he was beside quickly when I entered.

“Goddess, where’s my manners,” Alex said and stood up, “Miss Carolina DuKarras, this is my cousin, Sir Tristan Dugarry.” I curtsied.

“It’s a pleasure, Miss DuKarras,” he said and walked over, taking my hand. I expected him to look like Alex, and he does a little. He’s tall and blonde, he has the same narrow nose, but his eyes are a striking green color, offset by his guard uniform. He was also more broad than his cousin, and I realized it was likely because the sword on his hip wasn’t worn for fashion like most of the boys I knew.

“That’s kind of your Sir Tristan,” I said softly, “or do you prefer Master Dugarry?”

“If you’re going to be formal,” Alex said teasing, “it’s Captain Dugarry now, isn’t it?”

“Commander, actually,” Tristan grimaced and sat down. “Lis-that is Queen Annalise promoted my sister and I after her coronation but Tristan is fine.” 

“What’s she like?” Emily breathed out. I sighed and tried not to roll my eyes at her. I also realized Mother had slipped out. She was good at that.

“Who? My sister?” Tristan said. “Infuriatingly stubborn, The Queen couldn’t spare her obviously, and her betrothed, the Count of Pantona had an opinion too. This is the first time we’ve lived apart, it’s very odd for me.”

“I think my sister meant Queen Annalise,” I smiled. I liked how nervous he was, he met my eyes. “Although I am disappointed we won’t meet your sister. From what your cousins tell us, she seems very interesting. You both do.”

“Right,” he said, “The Queen is,” he stopped, like he was looking for the right words, everything about him softened, “well she’s not like anyone else. She’s very intelligent and dedicated to her duty and the people she loves.” He stopped. “She’s decided to go South this year instead of come North, which is probably for the best. The Prince of Phania is visiting so Brightcoast is the logical choice.”

“How disappointing for us,” I said and sipped my tea, “I’d hoped to meet her, and it’s always nice to see Prince Eric and Lieutenant Lestoff, they’re quite popular.”

“Are they?” Commander Duggarry’s voice went flat. “They must be very congenial then, they’re well liked in Dovetail too.” I suddenly got the impression that neither man was popular with Commander Dugarry himself.  Alex cleared his throat. 

“Emily,” he said, “perhaps we should take a turn in the gardens.” Emily nodded and followed him outside. I realized then that we were alone. 

“I’m sorry if I said something,” I started and he shook his head. 

“You didn’t,” he sighed, “I’m just, awkward in new spaces.” I nodded. “I don’t know the rules here, and don’t say there aren’t any, there are always rules.” I smiled.

“Well,” I shrugged, “yes, but I think you’re sufficiently grand that no one will take note when you break them.” 

“Exciuse me?” He laughed.

“Well,” I said, “first and foremost, this is Dorin, and you’re a Dumanis. You could slap every man in every room across the face as you entered and then insult their mother’s and they’d thank you and ask after your grandfather.” He laughed. “And you’re a personal,” I cleared my throat, “friend of the Queen’s, that doesn’t mean nothing.” We weren’t so disconnected from the real world that I hadn’t heard the rumors of the extent of Commander Dugarry’s relationship with the queen. 

“I see,” he said. “So asking for your help would be useless?” I smirked at him. He was good. “I don’t like games, Miss DuKarras.” 

“Then I’m afraid you’ve certainly come to the wrong place, Commander,” I said softly. “It’s all a game.”

“Do you intend to win?” He asked.

“I intend to stop playing, however possible,” I said. “I don’t particularly like this game either.”

“I’m glad we agree then,” he stood up. “There’s going to be some sort of ball or party tomorrow night at my grandfather’s. My Aunts are arranging it, but I would be very disappointed  not to see you.” I stood and offered my hand again.

“We’ve only just met,” I said softly, “but I would very much hate to disappoint you.” He took it and kissed it and then left almost silently. I sat back down almost in shock.

Alex hadn’t been lying. He was here to take me away. 

“Well,” Emily rushed back in. “What do you think?”

“I think that,” I looked at her and smiled, “I think that I’m going to be getting out.” 

Posted on by Reenie 0