Page 94 of I Ran Away to Evil 3
“Welcome, everyone.” Grand Duchess Calisto descended the grand staircase in the lobby, glancing around the room until her eyes rested on Julian. He caughther eyebrow twitch when she saw whom he was partnered with. “And thank you for joining me today. I’ve moved us to a shaded area near the goblin-lily pond.”
There were a few happy whispers from the crowd of debutants. It was a hot summer’s day, and no one wanted to be out under the direct sun for long. Especially in semiformal attire.
“Please follow me.” His mother looked kindly at a few of those standing off to the side, alone, adding, “And if you have yet to find a partner, you may pair up now. Do not worry, we are simply making introductions. Meeting new people is all a part of the experience … I will partner with you, Lord Shiro.”
The fox stiffened but recovered quickly and hurried over to offer the grand duchess his arm.
Calisto eyed Julian once, and from the look she gave him, he realized he’d dodged a flaming arrow—she’d planned to partner withhimand use him as a proper etiquette demonstration.
He barely contained the shudder, unconsciously holding Gerda closer.
It was time for tea.
CHAPTER 53
Enough Emotional Maturity to Count for Two Lifetimes
Gerda
“Please find a seat; I will be with you shortly.” Calisto waved at a long table set under an open-sided tent. There were beautiful lily floral arrangements in front of every fourth seat, and vines hanging from the beams of the tent.
The duchess smiled at us before leaving to go speak with one of her attendants just a little ways off.
“Your seat.” Julian courteously pulled out my chair for me, and I raised my eyebrows at him. His mask of polite indifference was back in full force. I had to admit, it made me want to tease him.
“Thank you.” Was all I said, taking my seat.
We were seated just down from the head of the table where his mother would be sitting. Lady Amy was seated at the far end, between Lord Erik and the arson in pink. It was too far away for me to lend a helping hand if Amy needed it, but the elf girl seemed happy, laughing at something the giant said.
There were a few things to note about Grand Duchess Calisto’s afternoon tea. This was often the first “official” event for coming-of-age youngsters. That number varied from region to kingdom, with it being as low as sixteen in some and as high as twenty-five in others. That didn’t mean I was surrounded by teenagers, because there were as many reasons to join high society as there were to avoid it.
If a baker leveled up to sixty, they would join the other elite on the continent and receive an invitation. If a once cursed hedgehog prince was finally freed, he might decide to join—considering if he was still single after that. The point of the afternoon tea was to help marriage-minded individuals meet other people around their level. And, of course, there were political alliances to be made, rivals to be tested, and enemies to be bested.
Tabitha and Gail, Duke Julian’s cousins, had told me all about the tea party at the Spring Ball—and I noted that Duchess Calisto had startedthatevent off by leaving everyone to their own devices as well …
“How many of these have you been to?” I asked my escort.
“Too many.” His eyes met mine, and he broke into a small half smile that made my heart beat faster. Stupid heart. “This is usually only for newcomers because Mother wants everyone to be at ease, but I’ve been brought in to even out the numbers when there’s need.”
I poked him in the arm to lighten my own mood. “Why do I think that is more often than not?”
“I’m sure she’d like me to find someone, but …”
“But you have business in the North,” I said, repeating the phrase he’d used in the game. I nodded.
Julian stared at me. I smiled at him.
After a moment, he leaned in close to whisper. “Miss Gerda …”
“Yes?” I replied.
“I would like to apologize,” he broached, “for being late to pick you up in the garden, and I understand if you are—”
“Oh my gods.” The words slipped out before I could stop myself. I felt the blush all the way up to my pointy ears, and I covered my face. “I am so sorry. I completely forgot that was where we’d planned to meet.”
The half elf raised an arched brow. “This from the oracle who knows all? Am I so forgettable?”
He was playing with me, I could see it in his eyes, and so I answered accordingly. “Oh, you should be flattered that I remembered we were partnered at all.”
