Lucy Wickshire 195 Chapter twenty-two 16

"The less people know, the better." Lord of Merve answered.

"Are you okay?" he asked Amie. Seeing as she remained silent, he hoped she would play her part well. Someone he claims is his betrothed, one would expect a certain kind of self confidence.

"My parents think I am going to a ball, I would prefer that they continue to think so long after I returned." she said, not sparing him a look.

"You must remember, Your Majesty, you are her chaperone. You must only follow her lead; never make the mistake of taking the lead." Lord of Merve ignored Amie's words and proceeded to remind Queen Raine.

"I got the message the moment I had to put on this ridiculous attire." she snorted and looked away.

The carriage rolled into the palace gates like all others. They were asked to hand in their invitation, as the Isne soldiers looked to see who was in the carriage. The soldier looked at the invitation, then back into the opened carriage windows.

"This invitation is for you and a plus, Lord Merve. I see three people." the soldier said.

"This is my intended and her chaperone.... oh and it's Lord of Merve." Lord of Merve corrected. The soldier nodded and let them through.

The tension in the carriage did not lessen as they rolled into the palace grounds. Lord of Merve stepped out first, before helping Amie out. Queen Raine followed behind the pair as they made their entrance into the hall. Lord of Merve was quite impressed by Amie's composure. She did not at all seem nervous under the stare of the audience. Lord of Merve never went to an occasion with an escort, so, many made sure to take in her features.

All the guest were seated, while melodious singing filled the stone hall. The hall was richly decorated; the usual intricate carving on the twenty foot tall stone columns, holding up the elaborately painted ceiling. The polished marble statues were brought to life by the gold and blue drapes; colours of prosperity and happiness, hanging delicately around the columns.

Despite the lovely hall, the air was tense. The cautiously seated dignitaries with their faces affixed with frowns, made one wonder if one had walked into the wrong ceremony. Tensed eyes followed Lord of Merve and Amie as they made their way to their seats. Queen Raine took a seat behind them silently.

"Lord of Merve, where is your better half?" a nobleman sitting beside him asked jokingly. Everyone listening was well aware he was referring to Lord Morge.

"She is right beside me." Lord of Merve gave his signature smile and the nobleman laughed.

"And here I was thinking Lord Morge had taken that seat. Who is this fine young lady?" Amie could tell that everyone nearby were discreetly listening.

"Miss Krain, sir." Amie introduced herself politely.

"Well, Miss Krain, you better sit back. The way this ceremony is going, one might get tired of waiting and leave." the man did not bother to lower his voice. Amie smiled, even though she thought it low of him to use her to voice his dissatisfaction.

"Worry not, sir, we women are accustomed to sitting home all day." the nobleman burst out in laughter after a brief pause.

"Yes, by the looks of it, we may all become women today." he nodded, but Amie had long looked away, as though whatever he was saying had nothing to do with her.

After a while of children singing, Official Ghuil made his entrance with the priest. He wore a large flowing robe with the crest of a king maker; two eagles in a bow, embroidered into it's back.

Chapter end

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