Flightrising - So You Think You Can Write
Oct. 14th, 2018 02:50 pmPrompt: Chocolate
Jazmin knows the way the room has begun to waver at the edges of her vision has very little to do with the corset cinched just this side of uncomfortable, and everything to do with the panic that has been her constant companion since the ill-fated request to join her uncle in his office a fortnight ago. In fact, the corset might be the reason she’s managed to cling to her composure for as long as she has during the course of the evening. Focusing on every breath and the corresponding ache in her ribs and spine has been a wonderful distraction from the reason for said gown.
Knowing she cannot afford to step out onto one of the balconies for a breath of fresh air, it would all too easily be seen as a form of retreat, she instead takes up a position near one of the wide open doors. Close enough to stay in plain view of most of the hall and still enjoy the cool air from outside.
“Would the lady prefer a glass of wine?”
“No, I think not,” Jazmin demurs, knowing that wine will only make everything so much worse. The small brown squares nestled in delicate paper bowls draws her eye and she gestures. “What are these?”
The servant promptly offers her one. “This is chocolate, my lady. My lord had it brought over from across the Sea of Storms.”
Jazmin almost draws her hand back but conquers the impulse and accepts the small piece of chocolate. “My lord Darius is generous. Thank you, that will be all.”
With the servant sent away Jazmin takes a moment to study the small treat. It is common knowledge that King Rutherford wants nothing more than to forge some kind of connection with the realms across the Sea of Storms. But the waters are treacherous, filled with ancient beasts of a bygone era and magical storms that would smash the hardiest ship to splinters.
That Lord Darius is not only capable of crossing the Sea of Storms but has crafted some manner of trade negotiation is the reason Jazmin is here now.
Jazmin’s gloved fingers twitch and she conquers the urge to crush the small chocolate. Instead she forces herself to take as deep a breath as she can manage in the rigid embrace of the corset, and slowly lets it out. It is painful to think about, how much things have changed in the space of a fortnight. If everything were as it should be, she would be in her rooms back at the University pouring over her books in one last review before class the next day. Tomorrow Master Virina is going to begin the coursework on the ancient city of Oepos, where history claims Rune-work was first created and Jazmin had spent most of the year looking forward to it….
Except she is no longer enrolled at the University. No more classes or late night study sessions where she and the others have a few too many drinks and try to Divine the exam answers, only for Herad to inevitably set something on fire. No more tentative plans to visit the Great Desert where the last remnants of Naming magic still linger and it is said their mages are nameless for fear of attracting demons. Every dream and goal she held for herself has been wrenched away in the space of a fortnight, and so here she is, clutching a piece of chocolate and focusing on each breath as she struggles not to succumb to the panic that will send her magic crashing out of her like thunder.
Eventually curiosity manages to usurp the panic enough that she succumbs and eats the small square in one bite. At once her mouth is filled with the rich flavor, smooth and warm where it melts across her tongue. It is delicious and Jazmin is forced to take another steadying breath when the back of her eyes begin to prickle.
She has barely mastered the impulse when a woman dressed in the livery of a House servant approaches her through the crowd. “Lady Jazmin, my lord has expressed the desire to speak with you.”
It was a request in everything but intent. Jazmin knows she can no more refuse than she can fly. Jazmin smiles and with a slight gesture encourages the servant to start walking. “It is my pleasure to indulge the Lord Darius.”
Jazmin follows the servant through the crowd and does not imagine the way the crowd parts, the slither of silk and faint whispers following in her wake. She can feel the pressure of dozens of eyes following her and it takes everything she has to keep her expression in place, her brow smooth and the faintest smile curling the corners of her mouth. She is being given the highest honor and she is grateful for this chance to serve her country and her family, or so she must appear.
They reach the dais at the far end of the room and Jazmin swallows hard to see that Lord Darius has abandoned his seat at the top to meet her on the first step. This is the closest she has ever been to the man and she seizes the moment to study him. Golden eyes with slit pupils follow her approach and as she gets closer she can make out the faint pattern of scales across his face and down his exposed throat. Jazmin would not call him handsome, there is a coarseness to his features that denies him that, but she would not be remiss in thinking him compelling.
“My lady.” He offers his hand and Jazmin can see that the scale pattern covers the back of his hand as well. From the position of his hand, she can also see the curved points of his claws.
She does not hesitate, she cannot afford to not with everything that has led her here, and allows him to guide her up the steps. There are two chairs atop the dais, thrones in everything but appearance for everyone from King Rutherford to the lowest peasant knows that Lord Darius is beholden to no one.
Jazmin takes her seat and looks out at the sea of gowns and suits and the way everyone is staring without actually looking at her. She clenches her hands into fists, and is startled when she realizes she is still holding the small paper bowl the chocolate had come in.
Lord Darius follows her startled look and makes a small sound of satisfaction. He takes his seat and says, “How did you like the chocolate, my lady?”
She can still taste the chocolate where it coats her tongue, rich and strong. “It was delicious, my lord. Like nothing I have ever experienced before.”
He nods and Jazmin does not know whether to be relieved or concerned that he is not looking at her, but rather at the rest of the nobles as they dance and socialize, the music overlaying it all in a bright tangle of noise. She is trying to come up with something to say when he breaks the heavy silence that has settled between them.
“I am aware of the circumstances that have brought you here, Lady Jazmin.”
Cold washes through Jazmin and it is only the corset and her refusal to jeopardize an already fragile situation that allows her to keep her composure and not immediately panic. Of course he was aware. Everyone knew about how her cousin abandoned her family and years of negotiations regarding her betrothal to Lord Darius to elope with Lord Heath’s second son. Both had been cast out and rumor was they had fled the country entirely, but the damage had been done.
It might have led to war, if her uncle had not seized upon the notion that Jazmin might not have been raised with the proper education of an heiress, but she too was a powerful mage and more than capable of fulfilling her cousin’s side of the negotiations.
For King Rutherford wanted an alliance with Lord Darius and access to his connections across the Sea of Storms, and what better way to do that than to offer him a wife from one of the noble families. Even more important, a wife who was also a mage, and would be able to carry a dragonborn child to term.
“I wish to commend you on your honor and your courage.”
Jazmin freezes and this time cannot control her expression. She stares at Lord Darius with wide eyes and he turns to meet her gaze. It is a hard face, for there is nothing soft in a creature rumor says was born from the bones of the earth, but Jazmin does not think she is imagining the flicker of regret that passes through his strange gold eyes.
“I am aware that you were studying at the University before agreeing to be my wife and I wish to assure you that if you desire it, I will do whatever I can to assist you in finishing your studies.”
“Why?” The question escapes her before Jazmin can swallow it back, but once she has voiced it she finds she desperately needs to know. Her cousin had risked everyone by her betrayal. There were stories of the kind of destruction a dragon’s fury could bring about and Jazmin had known what she was being asked to risk by taking her cousin’s place. “My family humiliated you. You would be well within your rights to take retribution -”
His hand closes over hers and Jazmin stops, feeling the prick of his claws through the thin satin of her glove. “I do not blame you for your cousin’s actions.” Lord Darius’ voice is a deep rumble, carrying the hint of a growl. “Were I a younger drake I would no doubt let my rage carry me into some manner of vengeance, but I am not. Instead I see a woman who is determined to uphold the honor of her house, and a partner I believe I can respect.”
It takes an act of will Jazmin did not know she was capable of to hold back the tears that burn behind her eyes. Instead she looks at the man who would be her husband with clear eyes and feels the panic that has been clawing at her slowly fade. She slowly twists her hand in his grip so that she can hold it in return and takes some satisfaction at the way his strange eyes widen.
With the taste of chocolate in her mouth, rich and warm and sweet, and the first stirrings of hope in her heart, Jazmin manages the first real smile in a fortnight.