As she went down the steps to the Royal Ballroom with Jonathan on her arm, she noticed his hands were shaking. She gave him a small smile as the herald announced them, hoping it would take the edge off of his nerves. They were both wearing black, still in mourning for their parents and grandmother. The king stepped forward to greet them, kissing Lana's hand and giving Jon a friendly hug.
Michael watched from the balcony above as King Thomas greeted them. He was dressed in a dark blue suit, standing almost directly across from the royal box.
He frowned deeply as the couple next to him rudely commented, "Look at her. A common concubine from off the streets dancing with our king." He nearly laughed. They must not have heard all the titles the herald just listed as he announced Lana.
Of course, the king was her cousin, so Lana had been raised to high standards and even higher expectations. As he danced with her, she quietly asked, "Your majesty? When will we be able to take back control of our house? It is rightfully mine, but your Sorceror General holds it at this time."
"I'm sorry, madameoiselle. I can't take him out of that position until you are eighteen. It is the law, and I can't change it, even for you, dear cousin." the king said, radiating sorrow. His blue eyes were pale and frosty, but still kind. They sought in her own, gently probing. "You're troubled," he commented, pulling her into a garden terrace. She looked at him curiously, wondering if she could trust him. Before her parents died, they had been best friends, but in the past year they had grown apart. When she was sure they were far enough away that no one could hear her, she sighed and finally told him what the problem was.
"Thom, I know Catlyn's the queen of the rogue, but why does your pet sorceror get to chase Jon and myself as well? It's not our fault!" Her voice shook as the king took her hands.
"Lana, I can only try. To tell you the truth, he's taken over most of the kingdom. I've become a simple figurehead. I don't really have much power." he said, sheepishly. Lana sighed. Then, in a spark of genius, she whispered an idea to him. But Thom shook his head, saying, "Oh yes, he will. He wouldn't allow the fact that I was with you to change it. He'll say that I am a criminal and that he kicked me off the throne for the good of the people." He sighed deeply as Lana wondered what could be done now. He could still come, she thought, but why get any more of her family involved than was needed?
Later that night, in the rooms given her at the palace, she sat on the bed watching Michael. He was pacing the room impatiently. Finally, the door opened quietly, and Jon stepped in with Thom right behind him. The king glanced around furtively, and upon seeing Michael, started to draw his sword.
"Who are you?" he asked suspiciously, but Lana put her hand on her cousin's arm, drawing his gaze to her.
"Thom, this is Michael. He saved us from your sorceror-general." When she mentioned Naboril, her voice turned from a steady tone to a dangerous purr.
"Pleased and honored, your majesty." Michael said, sounding just as noble as any of the courtiers. Thom nodded, impressed by the fact that Michael had no accent, unlike most commoners.
The two men shook hands and then sat down. Michael slid down next to Lana, taking her hand in his. To his embarrasment, Thom pulled his younger cousin into his lap. Jon slid off and glared at him. "Thom! I'm fourteen! Leave off!"he cried.
Ignoring Jon, the king teased him lightly."Can't take a little affection from your favorite cousin?" he jibed, elbowing Jon in the ribs. Jon winced, and Lana sighed. "If you two would care to grow up, we should be discussing what we're going to do."
"Well," Thom intoned, quite serious now," I could evict him from office, but he would be back for my head in an hour or so."
Michael chuckled, and started to comment, but Jon looked at him furiously, coming to his cousin's defense. Lana gave Michael's hand a squeeze, and urged her cousin to go on.