Mathieu (White Flame Trilogy) - By Paula Flumerfelt Page 0,43
a User too…”
“What power does she possess?” Mathieu murmured back.
Avian shrugged and guided them to a completely different person. This new person was a boy, around Avian’s age and seemed…lacking, in Mathieu’s opinion. He was skinny and had a slight case of acne. Sighing, Mathieu walked next her, sizing the kid up.
“Be polite, he’s the son of a defense contractor. Shh.” She said under her breath. “Oh, Jonathan! How lovely that you’re here!” Avian smiled sweetly and stood on her tip toes, brushing her lips to Jonathan’s cheek.
“Thanks. It’s always nice to see you, as well.” The tone of his voice implied that this was more pleasantries than actual happiness at seeing her. His eyes drifted away and towards a leggy woman. Mathieu gave a condescending smirk.
And Jonathan responded with a rude look. “And who might you be?” From the way he said it, it should have been ‘Who do you think you are’.
“I’m Mathieu.” Smiling, he tilted his head toward Avian. “Doesn’t the Princess look simply radiant?”
Jonathan looked at her and gave her a considering look. “I suppose she is. I don’t really think of her in that sense. She’s someone I grew up knowing, that’s all.” His sneer was enough to make Mathieu want to punch him.
Wrapping an arm around her waist, Mathieu smiled at the man. “Well, I find Avian to be as lovely as a flower and I’m very glad to be in her presence.” He already knew that he didn’t like this ass and Mathieu would not have this boy brushing Avian off.
Jonathan looked away and coughed, pretending to spot someone else. “Excuse me, I need to go. I see…someone…” and with that he walked away as quickly as common decency would allow.
Avian was barely holding in her giggles. “That was…great! He’s always so rude and you’re just like ‘screw you’! That was phenomenal. I knew bringing you was a wonderful idea. Let’s go see Venee. She’s actually the only nice one here.” She pointed to a blonde girl with a boy on either side of her.
“Alright, let’s go.” He put a hand on her lower back and steered her towards the designated girl.
The young lady met them halfway, curtsying as soon as she was close. Mathieu noticed just how petite she was. “Avian! I didn’t think you’d come. How are you? And who’s the arm candy?” Venee winked obviously and nudged the Princess.
Laughing, Avian returned the curtsy and the nudge. “Venee,” she smiled, “I’m well enough. This is Mathieu.” she gave the other woman a pointed look matched with a smile.
“Oh-la-la. Well, these are my brothers that I’m always talking about. This is Rick, and that’s Will.” She rolled her eyes in a ‘make them go away’ manner. “But anyway, come and sit with me.” She led them to a pair of loveseats, taking one and pulling Avian down beside her. The brothers took the other and draped over it; Mathieu stood just behind Avian, leaning back against the loveseat.
Venee smoothed her dress. “So have you seen Elise? She’s crazy pretty tonight! How does someone who runs a whole country stay that beautiful?” The petite blonde said with a heavy sigh.
Avian scrutinized said woman across the room. “She looks a bit more…on edge than normal. Her veneer has a crack in it.”
As if sensing the attention she was receiving from afar, Elise turned and looked at them, one hand on her hip. Observing them for a moment, a small, genuine smile crept across her face; she was completely ignoring the person talking to her. The pink-haired woman started to walk towards them, her heels clicking loudly in the silence that fell. Her hair bounced with each of her elegant strides, hips swaying. People moved out of her way and Mina was hot on her heels. Literally.
Avian stood as Elise approached the small group. She curtsied as low as possible, head bowed. “Elise.”
A polite tilt of the head was the acknowledgement she received. “Princess Avian. I feel as though a small slight has been committed. I didn’t properly greet you.” She took the Princess’s hand in hers and kissed it delicately. “You’re very beautiful, Princess. Much more stunning than I have been led to believe.”
A flush climbed Avian’s neck and face, causing her to stammer. “T-thank you. I’m sorry that I didn’t come to you. You look as l-lovely as ever, Elise.”
“Oh, hardly. However, I would appreciate if I could tempt you to sit with me while we dine…” Elise kept a firm hold on