Moonwater Perfume/Written just before dessert

Affairs have mutated from assured into confused…at least I can tap into great quantities of postprandial brandy and soignet with chocolate, because my head will implode unless something substantial can absorb the impact of this revelation.

I refused to pay attention when the appetizers started the evening’s festivity. As usual, idle chatter passed from guest to guest just like any other gathering populated with those born to the gold. For a woman carrying a broken heart, the dinner was terrible. My initial consolation was the universal aid for all those distressed: alcohol. Being present at one of the finest tables on Deiu assured the wine flowed, from Bellinigransa to Adalei; the highest quality products of our mountain vineyards were on display, and in our stomachs.

It was surprising that I got seated at the big kids’ table rather than being shoved into a dusty corner like any other courtesan. Lord Arcadin is egalitarian, since he permitted a kept woman to be seated among the nobles. Some guests cast quizzical glances in my direction between courses, and whispers floated about the room that I know were critical of my presence. But those folk would not dare to utter anything negative in our esteemed host’s presence. He is the First Minister on the Council of the Ancients, the most influential man in politics. Society here is often dominated by the flashy and glamorous, the young and often stupid, but even those fools bow to the decision making power of Lord Arcadin.

I wasn’t seated next to Josym. There was a glaring etiquette violation in place with the courtesan among the nobles, why commit another sin against delicate sensibilities by seating her and the young benefactor next to each other? So I was placed between Reunahn and Saschia Huranz, the only daughter and youngest child of Lord Arcadin. Saschia is cheerful, petite, with mixed honey and wheat colored hair falling down past her shoulders, very similar in composure and looks to her brother. She provided a certain amount of distraction from the other young woman seated across the table, next to the Prestatia of Novorodoras. The creature of the hour, the potential heir given for another Di’sallach generation: Lady Aurielle. She chatted with Arcadin’s wife, but paid no attention to Josym. The potential bride and groom exchanged pleasantries when first introduced, as dictated by custom. But substantial conversation was lacking between them, a sign of disconnection that doesn’t bode well for their union. Is any instantaneous emotional rapport required for marriage? If Jos and Aurielle have a cordial relationship, even without passion or love, that is far better than either party could hope to achieve within their arranged marriage.

Call me terrible, but I found their lack of chemistry reassuring. The jealousy bug has carved little trails in my heart. To see his intended wife didn’t create any impression on Josym thrills me.

Something else intriguing transpired across the hours, another knife in the beast (to utilize a tired saying) that bodes ill for the veted match. Lady Aurielle wasn’t interested in Josym, but she did cast quite a few merry gazes and words in Lord Sennes’s direction. The best-laid plans of landed gentry can be thwarted, by the untapped vagaries of the heart. If there is something true in miracles, then hidden forces are working another pair of destinies for me and...

Biting off more than I could hope for, eh? Just because there wasn't any initial spark between them doesn't mean there won't be some form of connection later in their courtship. The crackling between Aurielle and Sennes is undeniable, and will provide a major impediment against the future Di'sallach coupling, unless they obey traditional dictates and put aside their mutual feelings to allow the marriage. Children of the aristocracy are indoctrinated with the antiquated codes which nourish this beastly society, so Deity knows how many generations suppressed ambitions, dreams, desires, and hopes which ran contrary to the grand designs of their elders. If two were designed to become one, as created by fortune instead of fate, then no mortal could tear it asunder.

After we’ve finished dessert, then perhaps I can discuss these affairs with Josym. Throughout each course (grand total: six), his gaze was a steady companion that helped ease the nagging anxiety about our situation. At least I’m reassured he will not lose interest in me anytime soon.

Ah well, the bell’s rung; time for dessert, the missing seventh course. How much room is left in my stomach for chocolate soignet and brandy? Maybe I should lie down on this drawing room settee until midnight, and let everything settle for awhile―

“Hey.” Ah, so my writing has been interrupted by a pair of mischievous eyes and a delectable voice…”I’m ready for some damage. How about you?” Josym reaches out, brushes my cheek, and thrills my heart.

Tonight’s revelations will play itself out in the coming days. Whether it culminates in some major event or is nothing more than another road never traveled is yet to be decided by the universe, and ourselves.

Part XXI