Page 29 of Oath of Rebellion

BELLA WORE A BEAUTIFUL yellow and red gown that hugged curves that made Eirwyn wince with jealousy. Whereas Eirwyn wore a matching red, white, and blue dress, she couldn't hide her petite figure. They went down the grand staircase, Eirwyn breathing heavily with nerves.

Several dozen courtiers loitered at the bottom of the stairs with drinks in hand as they mingled. A string quartet played softly in the alcove under the stairs, but the music stopped as they did.

Bella and Eirwyn stood shoulder to shoulder as the butler stepped forward and introduced them.

"The darling princess Eirwyn Whikin, and the future queen, the honorable and esteemed Bellatrix Bellichek."

They both curtsied, then they moved to either side of the stairs, placing a gloved hand on the railing and descending in unison. Eirwyn felt a blush stain her cheeks at the attention. She'd done this a thousand times over her life, but the nerves never quite went away.

It's just a performance, Eirwyn. Just smile and nod.

She hoped a furtive glance at Bella would reassure her she wasn't the only one feeling this way. But Bella smiled coolly and looked every bit the queen.

Eirwyn looked at the bottom of the stairs as the crowd parted. The king strode straight for them, his hand reaching up to Bella.

His smile was easy, but when he looked at Eirwyn, a shiver went up her spine. She'd felt like this at every function because of him. She was constantly afraid she'd mess up, trip and fall on her face, or otherwise disappoint her brother.

There was something cold and calculating in his gaze. She had the same feeling when she used to play him in chess. It was like he knew something she didn't.

"My dear Bella, you look captivating tonight," he said just a touch too loudly, as if he was speaking for the benefit of those around him. He leaned in and kissed the back of Bella's hand before tucking it into the curve of his elbow.

He offered his other elbow to Eirwyn and turned his smug smile on her. "So good to have you home, dear sister."

Eirwyn dipped another small curtsy, then took his elbow too. "Now Bella, I understand you might be overwhelmed by your first official ball. We're going to make the announcement to the commoners, then we'll mingle with the nobles before going into dinner, alright? Smile and nod. Just smile and nod. That's it. Well done. See? I told you you could do this," he said to Bella.

Bella chuckled. "I suppose you were right after all."

Eirwyn's brows rose. Bella must be feeling more insecure than she thought, if she'd confided to Gastone. As a real smile flitted on his face at the sight and sound of Bella's laugh, Eirwyn's brows rose even higher.

"You'll learn in time that I am right on nearly everything." He grinned wider, and Bella laughed again.

Eirwyn began to relax at their easy, flirtatious banter. It was like the tavern, just with fancier words. Perhaps their marriage wouldn't be a disaster after all. Perhaps she could survive this ball without making him angry.

He led them through the glass doors to the wide balcony that overlooked the courtyard below. He'd opened the courtyard up for the ball. People shopped at the carts along the castle walls. In the center of the courtyard, people danced to the musicians that played on a raised dais.

At the sight of them on the balcony, the music died. The dancing stopped and everyone looked up at where the three of them stood.

Bella looked at Eirwyn and said softly, "Step back. Give him his moment."

Eirwyn frowned but did as she wished. She didn't want to make Gastone mad and ruin Bella's big night stepping into the upper crust society. Had she been driving the tension between them all these years by standing just behind his shoulder?

Gastone stepped forward and lifted his hand as all noise quieted. "Esteemed guests, thank you for being here tonight to help me celebrate."

Eirwyn's brows rose. Esteemed guests? He'd never called anyone that before, much less regular people from town. Perhaps Bella was having a good influence on him after all.

"As you know, Glathen had requested a marriage alliance. However, I couldn't bring myself to agree. Since meeting this woman at my side, now I know why. I was simply waiting for her." He took Bella's hand and kissed the back of it, leading her forward.

Bella's eyes softened, and Eirwyn stood to the side taking it all in. She never in a million years thought she'd hear her brother talk like that. It was disconcerting. Was she the only one who could hear the faint mockery in his voice?

She watched Bella, but her eyes just shone with excitement and happiness. Gastone held up her hand, showing their hands joined.

"It is with great pride that I announce my engagement to one of your very own, the beautiful and talented Bellatrix Bellichek."

He lowered his voice and smiled at Bella. "Smile and wave, my dear."

When the applause quieted, he turned and led them back into the ballroom. They walked around the outskirts of the room as people mingled. The dancing wouldn't start until after dinner. This was the part that turned Eirwyn's stomach into knots.

One on one conversation was so much harder than putting on a show for an audience. He led them both around the room, Bella's hand on his elbow, and Eirwyn slightly behind and to the side of them.

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