Diomere's Exile

Chapter Five

Chapter Five

That evening, Nadia walked into the royal ballroom escorted by Lord Krupin, one of the regular patrons of the Mermaid. They stepped up to the top steps of a long curving staircase and paused to survey the highly anticipated chalk drawings swirling across the dance floor.

“Lord Paulo Krupin, Earl of Pella escorting her highness, Princess Nadia de Quinones of Diomere,” the steward announced in a deep voice that echoed across the large room.

Nadia ignored those craning to get a look at the exiled aunt of their prince’s betrothed as Lord Krupin escorted her down the stairs. She continued to admire the elegantly chalked drawings depicting the coat of arms of both the Thunoan and Diomerean royal houses surrounded by flowers native to both countries in celebration of the much anticipated royal engagement. Negotiations to see Prince Stefan married to Princess Madalena of Diomere had been going on for so many years that upon receipt of the Diomerean King’s acceptance of the marriage contract, Dieuroi Mavros decided to hold a ball, despite the princess’ absence.

Across the ballroom, Thuno’s sovereign sat upon a raised dais, a goblet of wine in one frail hand and a huge smile spread across his sallow face. Rumors had the head pains and resulting mad rantings getting worse over the last months with the Dieuroi spending more time than not bedridden and Prince Stefan running the country in his father’s place. Dieuroi, indeed. If he’s the son of a goddess, then I’m a monkey’s uncle.

The Order had been the ones to so name him, declaring that Asha had inhabited the queen’s body during conception after she’d been unable to conceive for the first five years of the royal marriage. Beside his father, Crown Prince Stefan, a younger, healthier version of the god-king, sat watching those around him, his sharp gaze telling her the goblet in his hand was for show only.

Dieuroi Mavros’ sunken skin glowed with satisfaction as the orchestra started playing and dancers began to step onto the floor. He’d long had his eye on a stronger relationship with the shipping magnate that was Diomere. This marriage was a step in that direction. Things must be dire for her home country to risk its long standing neutrality and show favor to one nation over another.

As a patriarchal society, Diomere would never allow a woman to take the throne. Since her sister, Queen Lareina, couldn’t have any more children, Princess Madalena was being married off to make way for another branch of the royal family to ascend the throne if King Delmar died without Prince Areisteo being found.

Shifting uncomfortably in the sleeveless gown traditionally worn by the women in her home country, she searched the crowd for the reason she’d come. Having to wear skirts twice in as many days surely meant she’d earned the sea god’s wrath somehow.

“His majesty can barely look at his bastard since he and the two princes returned from their last father/sons outing. If not for the crown prince, I think the boy would find himself on the block,” said a pot-bellied man dressed in blue silk.

Nadia’s attention focused on Lord Krupin’s cronies, whom they’d joined upon arrival.

“Has anyone discovered why his majesty has had such an abrupt change of heart after twelve years of playing the doting father?” her escort asked.

“Rumors accuse the bastard prince of being a demon,” the Earl of Orangel said, his drooping mustache making his mouth appear set in a permanent frown.

Nadia tucked the information away, her mind turning to the guild-related reason for attending the evening’s event. Hired as the Shark to obtain information on a trade agreement between the Marquess of Elis and the Marques of Myndus, Nadia expected to finish the job tonight thanks to the Marquess of Elis’ unsuspecting daughter.

Spotting the younger woman, Nadia touched her escort’s arm. “I’m going to say hello to Lady Faina Alkaev, Paulo.”

Lord Krupin smiled indulgently. “Of course, my dear. Give the young lady my regards.”

Resisting the urge to curl her lip at the old noble’s patronizing tone, she nodded and excused herself. When she approached the group of debutantes, The Lady Alkaev’s eyes lit up. “Lady de Quinones, how wonderful to see you,” she gushed. “You remember Ladies Pajari, Utkin, and Vasilyev?”

Nadia nodded to each of the young women in turn. “Good evening.”

Once the greetings were out of the way, Lady Alkaev hooked her arm. “Won’t you join me in the powder room?”

Smiling her assent, she waited while the younger woman excused them from the group, then followed her to the lady’s room.

Lady Alkaev kept a gentle smile on her face even as she said in a low voice, “I have the most exciting news, Nadia.”

“It wouldn’t happen to be about a certain auburn-haired noble, would it?”

The younger woman flashed a wide smile at her friend as they entered the powder room and waited for it to clear. Once she was sure they were alone, Nadia flipped the door’s lock and turned just as the younger woman spun around.

“Peter officially asked my father for my hand last night. They are ironing out some details with my dowry now, but I hope to be able to announce it officially within the week,” she said, her round face flushed and brown eyes dancing.

Nadia wrapped the younger woman in a hug. “I’m so happy for you.” She pulled back and let her gaze wander from Lady Alkaev’s brunette head to her small feet.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I’m looking to see all the ways becoming engaged makes one more beautiful, so I can let the others in on the secret,” Nadia said with a grin.

Lady Alkaev swatted Nadia’s arm. “You tease.”

They laughed together then Nadia frowned. “But why do they have to negotiate your dowry? Wasn’t it set before you attended your first event?”

Lady Alkaev checked her complexion in the mirror. “I told Daddy I wanted Peter and that he should make sure Peter’s family sees me as a good match. Daddy met with Peter’s father and then added to my dowry.” The younger woman turned glowing eyes to Nadia. “Peter asked for my hand the next day.”

“Your father had to add to your already sizable dowry before Peter’s family would allow him to ask for you? What in all of Saimond did they want added?”

Lady Alkaev waved a hand dismissively. “Half ownership of some island Daddy owns in the south.”

Nadia nodded, her client’s suspicions confirmed. “I’m truly happy for you, Faina. I wish you both nothing but happiness together.”

Lady Alkaev grabbed Nadia’s hands. “Thank you so much. I would’ve still been hesitant to go to Daddy about it if you hadn’t given me courage. Thank you for being such a wonderful friend.”

Guilt flashed through her for using the girl, but she reminded herself she had helped the young woman land the husband she wanted. Smiling, she turned and followed Lady Alkaev out of the powder room. Bored out of her mind after nearly twenty minutes of meaningless chitchat, she bid farewell to the group of young women and started across the ballroom toward her escort only to run into a hard chest.

Large hands caught her shoulders. “Please excuse my clumsiness, m’lady.”

Nadia looked up into a striking male face framed by shoulder length brown hair. Something about his pale amber eyes and the surge of her a’mi prodded her memory. Her jaw dropped. Those eyes appeared in her dreams every night.

Heat crawled up her neck. “The fault is all mine, m’lord.”

The man stepped back and bowed, but before he could officially introduce himself a short, fat man dressed in a horrid shade of murky yellow clapped him hard on the back. “I see you’ve met our resident exiled Diomerean Princess, Marquess,” a voice boomed.

Nadia hid her balled fists in her skirts as she and the much-abused Marquess turned toward the potbellied Lord Victor Pajari, Earl of Juktas. The repulsive swine had been trying to get her into his bed since she’d first made her appearance in Thunoan society. She suppressed the need to roll her eyes as the beady-eyed man pounded on the Marquess’ back.

For his part, the Marquess kept a pleasant smile on his face. “We were just getting to that point, Victor.” He slipped from beneath the other man’s heavy hand and once again bowed toward Nadia. “As I was saying, I am Marquess Gregor Cyrene. I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, Princess.”

Nadia frowned. “My sister is queen. In Diomere anyone directly related to the King or Queen is called Infante or Infanta, which means Prince or Princess in your language. However, my father is only a duke. So you see, I’m not a princess the way you mean it here. I am Dona Nadia de Quinones, Infanta de Diomere.”

Gregor smiled. “Never-the-less, please forgive me for nearly trampling you.”

“No apology necessary, Marquess. It is I who forced you to use me as a running path.”

His eyes widened. “Indeed, my lady running path.”

She knew she probably shouldn’t reveal herself, but she couldn’t resist the impulse. Her a’mi hummed in satisfaction at his obvious recognition and reached for the striking man.

Pulling on years of hiding her thoughts and emotions, she ignored the inner voice that called him hers and lifted a brow. “I prefer Lady Nadia. It reflects my coquettish personality so much better, don’t you think?”

Lord Pajari stepped into Nadia’s personal space, forcing her attention away from Lord Cyrene, and leered at the cleavage revealed by her gown. “An exotic name to go with an exotic and coy personality, to be sure.”

Nadia bared her teeth at the noble she privately referred to as Lord Pig. “Not coy, m’lord, but simply overwhelmed at the generous welcome I’ve received in Thuno. You’ve all been so very accommodating.”

Lord Pajari crowded closer until his protruding stomach brushed against her hip. “It’s such a shame that you’ve been forced by exile to work in order to support yourself, Princess. I’m currently in need of a wife. I’d be more than willing to overlook your lack of a dowry”—he licked his plump lips—“for the chance to produce an heir with such superb pedigree.”

Suppressing a shudder, she stepped aside, forcing herself to retreat rather than pull her dagger and stick it into the pompous lord’s lecherous heart. “As much as I am humbled by your offer, m’lord, I must decline. The Emerald Mermaid is quite profitable, and I’m not nearly as destitute as you seem to believe.” She glanced up at the quiet Marquess who watched their exchange with an amused expression. She clenched her jaw.

His gaze clashed with hers and she lost her breath. Her cheeks grew warmer as her a’mi buzzed inside her, heating her blood. A smile spread across his face, brightening his eyes and turning him from striking to beautiful.

Lord Cyrene reached forward and lifted her gloved hand. “It seems the lady isn’t interested in your rather unromantic proposal, Victor. Do be a pal and go find someone else to produce that heir for you.” His voice stayed pleasant, but neither Lord Pig nor Nadia could mistake the steel underlying his words. He flicked a dismissing glance toward the fuming noble and pulled her toward the refreshment table. “Exiled princess, business owner, and masked contact for the notorious Shark?” he asked, one brow raised. “I hope that once we know each other better, you’ll regale me with your story.”

Firmly squashing the fluttery feeling his smile created in her stomach, Nadia attempted to pull her hand from his grasp. “You presume much, m’lord.” She frowned when he failed to release her. “If you’ll excuse me, I have an escort to return to before he comes looking for me.”

He swept his gaze over the room of assembled nobles. “Oh? And who is this escort?”

“I don’t see how that’s any of your business,” Nadia said, both brows raised.

“I simply wish to see whether my competition will be difficult or not,” Lord Cyrene purred.

Nadia’s jaw dropped and he quietly chuckled.

Gritting her teeth, Nadia gave him a cryptic smile. “Don’t bother. I’m not interested in anything complicated. My current escort understands this.” She let her eyes drift over every delectable inch of his tall frame then back to his smoldering gaze. “Somehow, I doubt you’d be as amenable to that.”

He smiled, his eyes lighting with the challenge she hadn’t meant to issue. “I very much look forward to changing your mind.”

“I don’t like you. Your arrogance makes you no better than Lord Pig and his disgusting proposal.”

Unruffled by her cold words, he lifted a hand and smoothed an escaped wisp of hair off her cheek. “I’m nothing like your Lord Pig.” He leaned forward until their breath mingled. “I look forward to proving that to you.”

She sighed. Geeta always told her that her mouth would be the death of her. It might not be the death of her this time, but it hadn’t helped deflect his attention. No matter how her a’mi pushed her toward him, she didn’t have time for the complication that was The Marquess Gregor Cyrene.

Deciding that anything else out of her would just make the situation worse, she dipped her head in a regal nod. “My lord marquess.”

His eyes burned into her back as she walked away. She reached Lord Krupin’s side and, unable to help herself, darted a glance back toward Lord Cyrene. He gave her a small smile and regally nodded his head. She sneered and forced her attention to return to her escort.