Mathieu (White Flame Trilogy) - By Paula Flumerfelt Page 0,42

us work, trying to make this banquet as grand as possible? It is our job as the staff to create the perfect environment, meeting every expectation of our guests! How are you doing that at this moment?”

Avian bumped Mathieu lightly, “There she goes again. Man, I think she should just pop out a kid to yell at and leave the rest of our ears alone.”

“--ack to work. And I heard that Avian. However, you do look lovely and are perfectly, fashionably late. Now get in there before your father has a panic attack.” Narrie smoothly switched her attention to the stately pair. Avian nodded and allowed the bossy woman to lead them to the doors.

“I’m kind of nervous…” The Princess confided quietly, her cheeks tinting red with the admission. “What if I mess up or Papa thinks that I don’t belong there? I did sort of invite myself…”

Mathieu sighed softly and turned her to face him, setting his hands heavily on her shoulders. “Now you listen here. You’re one hell of a woman who never backs down from anyone. You can do this and you’ll do it with a flair that hasn’t been seen before. Everyone will think you are the most gracious, perfect daughter a man could ask for and he will be moved to tears by the aptness you show for such delicate, formal situations. If anyone is going to a make a fool of themselves, it shall be me and I will do it in my own dignified style.” Avian gave him a small, thankful smile. “Besides, if I think that you’re about to make a blunder, I’ll do something really stupid like spill my drink on myself or someone’s ‘entourage’. Fair enough?”

Avian hugged him quickly, giggling all the while. She straightening her dress, as well as her confidence, and nodded to the bossy lady.

Winking at the pair of them, Narrie grasped the handle of the heavy door and pulled it open, ushering Mathieu and Avian into the Grand Hall.

Chapter

Six

Mathieu had only been in the Grand Hall once, and it had been during his initial exploration; however, the room was now transformed. Originally, it had been just a very plain, if a not large room with floor to ceiling stone walls and small decorative mirror placed in the center of etched with swirling patterns carved into the stone.

Now it held a handful of petite, round table with beautiful white table clothes, dark blue doilies and ornate place settings on each. Along the walls, gossamer curtains had been hung with some pulled back, and some not; it had a pleasant effect that added a very ethereal feel to the room. A soft jazz band was playing on a stage set along a side wall, and men and women were milling about the room. They stayed towards the back where a sitting area had been arranged. It was a grand sight and it made Mathieu swallow hard.

Avian tightened her grip on his arm and smiled pleasantly, half-dragging him forward. Her voice was a low whisper, barely loud enough for him to hear. “You see the woman with the pink hair? That’s Elise.”

Mathieu looked in the direction that his date was nodding and he spotted her with ease. Elise had a wavy mess of hair that was a shocking bubble gum pink color. Her eyes were a light teal that sparkled in the dim lighting and were the same shade as the short, flowing dress she wore. A ruby-lipped smile was offset by her pale skin; the way she was talking to the person beside her gave her the air of casual politeness.

The woman beside her, however, was another story. She was in a tightly fitted dress that hung past her knees and was a simple black color with a plunging neckline. Her blonde hair was a short, shaggy pixie cut that was in direct opposition with her forest green eyes. Her mouth was not nearly as inviting as the gentle smile on Elise’s face had been. It was a hard line that matched the sharp look in her eyes. She was not a person that Mathieu was particularly excited about meeting.

Avian nudged him, nodding to the other girl. “The other one is Mina, and she takes the title of Kin to the extreme. Her sole purpose is to protect Elise. That’s it. If Elise has to go to the bathroom, Mina is beside her, not three feet from her at most. It’s creepy. Watch out for her, Mathieu. She’s