Tempest Rise (Treborel) - By Alaina Stanford Page 0,26
Lysette tried to calm herself. Slowing her pace, she wondered what it was about the events of the afternoon that had sent her into such a tizzy. Growing up with an Uncle who had been an important link in the Intelligence Chain of Lon Tesse had given her many advantages. One was the self-defense techniques he had constantly challenged her to master. It had been their favorite activity until he introduced her to the crossbow. Seeing her interest, he concentrated on teaching her all there was to know about the weapon. Lysette considered herself a confident, self-reliant person, priding herself on her independence.
She was infuriated by weak females, waiting for some strong man to come along before they felt their lives were complete. So why was she so apprehensive about facing this Mountain Rogue? She had dealt with Royalty all her life, titles and immense wealth meant nothing to her. If anything, she considered most of the Royal heirs she had come across to be self-concerned, overconfident and spoiled. There had been nothing unusual about this large man, except that he had been excessively filthy. She knew she had to confront her fears and defeat them. Once she saw he was just an ordinary man and not a demon, the nervous ache in her stomach would disappear.
Dressing in her pale, green shimmering evening gown, she piled her hair high up on her head. Then glancing briefly at her reflection in the mirror, she headed for the library. Finding Prince Roth's sparkling eyes smiling at her as she opened her door caused a frown to crease her determined brow. He had decided that the incident this afternoon had been a blessing, enabling him to assume the role of her protector. Then after dinner, he would sweep the beautiful Lysette off her feet with a pitiful apology. Smiling at the vision before him, Roth offered her his arm.
Her long blonde hair fell in ringlets down the back; about her neck. As his eyes fell to her plunging neckline and ample cleavage, he announced confidently, "I've come to escort you to dinner."
"I'm sorry, Roth, but I'm meeting my Uncle and Prince Katar. He wants to apologize for this afternoon's misunderstanding." She answered walking past him and heading down the brightly lit hall toward the open staircase.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to join you and make sure it truly is a formal apology that you receive." He followed, flashing a brilliant smile, not willing to be dismissed.
"That's not necessary, Roth," Was her only response. When he continued to walk with her, she decided it wasn't worth the argument and allowed him to accompany her down the stairs.
Above their heads hung an enormous chandelier, sparkling in the darkness of the stairwell. They reached the entrance way lavishly decorated in tan and deep brown, the colors of Lon Tesse. They headed for the library across the hall from the dining room. With Roth on her heels, Lysette stopped in the doorway as her Uncle glanced up and smiled. Frowning as he came to her side, Sean took Lysette’s hand and led her over to the fireplace. Prince Katar and Lord Wills rose from the high back chairs at their approach. The nervousness still plagued her, as she concentrated on her introduction to the tall Prince.
"Lady Lysette Nolan, we are humbled by your presence. You are most gracious to allow his Highness to meet with you." Hanlin spoke, bowing slightly.
Focusing on Lord Wills regal yet pointed nose, noting how perfectly it matched his long pointed chin, Lysette relaxed slightly. The charming Lord had made a great impression on her this afternoon when he so humbly asked for her forgiveness.
"How could I refuse such a gracious request?” She answered smiling back at him.
Turning to his side Lord Wills motioned toward Katar. "May I have the honor of introducing Prince Katar of Treborel?"
Chiding herself on her weakness, she forced her eyes to look up at the Prince before her. His attire was the formal, dark blue uniform of the Treborelan Air Command. It gave him an air of authority. His shoulder length, honey blonde hair was combed back away from his face. He looked a bit uncomfortable. Lysette suspected it was the uniform and not her presence that caused this. He didn't look like the sort of man who normally appeared in formal attire. He had looked more at home in the filthy animal skins she’d seen him in earlier.