As they walked away from me one by one, I watched the members take their places around the large room, and spotted Nikolas walking over to me. He reminded me of a handsome prince; gallant with every stride he took towards me. His genial smile was like a ray of sunshine breaking through storm clouds. Nikolas took my hand and bowed cordially. He actually appeared to have tears in his eyes.
“We’ve all been waiting two long years for this moment. We’re all genuinely fortunate for the blessing of your presence before us tonight, my empress.”
“Thank you, Nikolas.” I nodded and smiled. With his final bow I was allowed to breathe again. I wished that I had been prepped for this part of the party. Bethany was in front of me now, and I whispered so that only she would hear the nervousness in my voice. “That felt like an ambush.”
“It was perfect, Father was wonderful, and everyone is delighted,” Bethany gushed. “You should feel honored.” She added almost as if she dared me to feel otherwise.
“It’s not that I don’t feel honored,” I said, hesitantly. “I’m flattered, but overwhelmed. Actually overwhelmed is an understatement. Flabbergasted maybe”
“Try to relax, and welcome the love and praise. You are amongst your disciples, your family.” She assured, beaming from ear to ear like a little girl who just got the gift of a pony for her birthday. Suddenly it came rushing back to me like a tidal wave; a genuine memory. Bethany did get a pony for her eighth birthday. I remembered her birthday party like it was yesterday. I remembered how Thaddeus had brought Topaz, a colt at the time, out from the barn, and marched him right up to Bethany who was enraptured with squeals of delight. I exhaled in relief. Finally a tangible chunk of memory had surfaced as it had with Gypsy when I rode her for the first time after my return.
I hadn't realized what this really meant to the coven. They had me up on a pedestal; their divine savior. It was all very clear and there was no going back. I was about to be crowned. Without me – there was no coven. My purpose was to govern them, protect them, guide them, and teach them. If only I had some background. Recalling my growth and learning of my kind was essential. Void of the ability to recollect my past made it incomprehensible. I fought to expunge the urge to explode right here in this majestic room full of exuberant people whose joyous spirit flowed toward me from somewhere deep within their hearts.
Unconsciously I started biting my lower lip, and tasted the salty blood. My gloved hand went for the medallion which hung low between my breasts and hidden from everyone. Unfortunately, due to the glove I wore, I couldn’t sense its cool calming factor, so my nerves stayed frazzled for a moment longer.
Evan was walking toward me, and I could feel the goose bumps rise on my shoulders and arms. He was bringing someone with him. The boy walking beside Evan was enormous in height, and I recognized him immediately. It was Julius Hepolis, whom I had seen for the first time in the vision I saw through Winston’s eyes. Julius was easily the tallest person in the room, but didn’t look awkward and disproportioned. He towered over Nikolas whom I regarded as a giant in his own right. As Evan and Julius came closer, Nikolas stretched out a hand to his fellow gargantuan and they partially embraced exchanging brotherly terms of endearment.
“Cordelia, you may or may not remember this fine gentleman, but we spent many summers playing in the gardens, ponds, and the mines... shh... it's still our secret. Julius is one of your most favored confidants.” Evan said, beaming at the stunning darkskinned warrior.
“Empress Cordelia, it has been worth the wait for your return. You look especially beautiful this evening. I’m at your service eternally.” Julius took my hands in his, and bowed on one knee as if he was about to propose. Even kneeling he was still at least five and a half feet tall. I felt my cheeks flush for the hundredth time this evening. Julius was up as quickly as he had knelt down.
“Thank you.” I said gazing up at his flawless and creamy skin. His eyes were as black as onyx, and his hair was tight black curls.
“Hey that’s my fiancé you’re talking too,” Evan said, pretending to box with Julius.
“I’ll take on the winner. My stash of silver’s on the dragon.” Nikolas said, leaning close to me, and chuckling. He had me laughing along with him.
Suddenly the breathtaking Ophelia appeared, and stepped beside Julius who was still play boxing with Evan. She wedged herself between the two fighters, and took Julius’ hand. Julius immediately halted and was entranced with her beauty which could only be rivaled by maybe her sister. Evan stepped back and stood next to me, slipping his hand into mine. With our fingers intertwined, we breathed in unison Ophelia gazed up at Julius, revealing the slim and elegant neck of a swan. She gave Julius a look that was seductive as it was loving, and his response was pure devotion. It was obvious that they were romantically involved. Then she turned around, her hand still in his.
Ophelia faced everyone and said, “The mortals are arriving. I ask that everyone place their masks on at this time.”
Evan turned to face me again and assisted me with my mask. Once my mask was in place, I checked myself out in one of the many mirrors. Suddenly, I felt a wave of claustrophobia go through me as I looked through the mask. With the mask, you lost partial of your peripheral vision which forced you to turn your head completely to the left or right of you to view what was there. I looked at Bethany, whose exquisite mask made her look like she had eyes of a feline. Then I looked at Alexandria, whose mask hid the little crow’s feet that were beginning to creep around her eyes. Thankfully the sudden sense of claustrophobia, and being trapped in a room small enough for just yourself had passed as quick as the feeling had surfaced.
The boy’s masks matched their sashes. Evan’s was a simple shimmery black mask trimmed with teal piping. Thaddeus wore a silver mask with teal piping while Nikolas’ mask was silver with burgundy piping. Everyone's mask was elaborate in design and unlike any other. Some were adorned with colorful feathers from exotic birds, others were Venetian styled in a reflective metallic to look like wings, and some had jewels and tassels on them.
Evan moved close enough to kiss me but instead whispered, “Your mask is lovely, yet I must admit that I already miss your beautiful face.” Evan wore his mask and the idea of him hiding any portion of his perfect face was the real injustice. “I’m grateful that it’s only a partial mask.” He added.
Ophelia mumbled a few words, but I didn’t hear her because I was busily staring at Evan. He was the most beautiful thing in the room. As a hundred or so of the town’s people arrived, and were ushered into the lounge by the sons of Hercules, the two sets of double doors leading into the gleaming breathtaking ballroom were finally opened. Everyone entered the immense ballroom, walked across the glass like marble floors and lined up against the gilt paneled ivory walls which were ornamented by numerous enormous gilt framed mirrors beneath spiraling crystal chandeliers. Evan held out his arm and we made our way in.
I watched the faces of the town’s people, and that of the members of the family. Their expressions couldn’t be confused with anything other than genuine exhilaration. Tonight was Nickel City's greatest night of the year, and the revelers were ready to party until the wee hours of the night. I was not, yet I didn't allow anyone to be privy to the bees that swarmed angrily in my belly. I stood rigid as the Grecian inspired columns standing at each corner of the room, and eyed the guests who began to line up in promenade order preparing for the First Waltz.
“Stay where you are. I will guide you through the quadrille.” Evan whispered, and then walked away from me. He stopped once he was about six or seven feet away, and standing opposite me. In the center of the ballroom nearly a quarter of the guests were lined up in promenade order. The women were on one side and the men were lined up opposite them. On either side of me was Bethany and Alexandria. Opposite them were Nikolas and Thaddeus. Just beyond Alexandria, were some of the women of Nickel City’s aristocracy mixed in with the female members of the Ischeros. The buzz of excitement throughout the room, from guests who were lined up to dance and those who were lined up against the walls, was electric, and couldn’t be pacified; everyone wanted to dance. Suddenly, the men stepped forward appearing chivalrous as princes which many were, since they were demigods.
Evan took my hand, and held it up. Just as he did, the harmonious sounds of violins, cellos and harpsichords floated through the air. It was as if the symphony of musical notes waltzed around the ballroom floor alongside the dancers.
I wasn't prepared for what came next, and was positive that I must be dreaming to have such good fortune, but like magic it happened, just as Bethany had promised. It was instantaneous with my first step as Evan led me around the ballroom floor. The steps came naturally, and I felt like I was floating above the marble floor as if my feet weren’t actually controlled by my mind.
“Amazing. It’s as if you’ve never left.” Evan beamed, adoringly.
“I don’t know how it’s happening, but I’m grateful to whatever magic it is that’s responsible,” I said, gliding and following Evan’s lead. I waltzed effortlessly as someone who has ballroom danced for years.
“It’s not magic, my love.” Evan whispered and his sweet breath warmed the curve of my neck. “You’ve always been a delightful dancer. I promised that it would all come back, and although it’s been painstakingly sluggish, what you know is surfacing.”
“I’m beginning to believe that.” I said, breathlessly. I was still in shock of how naturally I was able to move across the floor.
“You must believe. I mean just look at us.” Evan said, as I followed his intense gaze to the reflection in the mirrors of what looked like to accomplished ballroom dancers. “Simply splendid.”
I agreed but said nothing as I stared at our radiant reflection and sighed. It was as if the air around us lifted us up; I felt so free in Evan’s arms. It felt incredible to move with such fluidity like a swan making delicate ripples in a pond. All I wanted to do was listen to the beautiful symphony, dance and bask beneath the warm glow of the chandeliers above. Evan smiled knowingly, and he danced as if he was the weight of a feather while leading me in full command. I was prepared to dance the entire night.
It was time to change partners once the music paused for a brief moment. The ladies curtsied as the men bowed, and thanked their partner for the dance.
“They are just as nervous to dance with the new empress as you are to dance with them,” Evan said. My expression must have read as apprehensive.
Even if he was right, I still felt quite uneasy, but I gave him a reassuring smile and accepted the offer to dance with Thaddeus.
“Darling Cordelia, I’ve waited a long time for this night. You will rule with the guidance of your guardians. Alexandria and I will be with you every step of the way.” Thaddeus promised. I tried to hide my true feelings of not wanting him around me with a sheepish smile and kind words.
“I will do my best to be an empress that will make my parents proud,” I said, letting him know that I didn’t think of both he and his wife as my guardians.
“Yes of course, yet you will need the guidance of your elders; both Alexandria and I will take you under our wings.” He declared, staring me straight in the eyes, this time with an authoritative tone to his voice, as if he dared me to object. Our eyes were locked for a long moment as we twirled around the ballroom. I suddenly had the need to escape his intense gaze, but I didn’t. Instead, I bore through them and read his mind.
Don’t you dare challenge me, girl. Without me you cannot rule. You best respect your elders, girl.
It was as if he knew that I was listening in on what he was thinking because it sounded more like a message than just random thoughts. I felt trapped in his grip as he spun me around the ballroom. All the while we continued to dance, I fought to stop reading his mind as to not allow this powerless old man the opportunity to corrupt my evening.
“May I?” Evan said, taking my hand. His asking permission to steal me away from his father as a different piece of music was introduced, was perfect timing.
“Yes, of course,” Thaddeus answered, hesitantly before I could while relinquishing his hold on me. I couldn’t be wrong about the look in Thaddeus’ eyes, especially after hearing his thoughts. They were the look of possessiveness, I being the prize of course. It was almost as if he wanted me more than his son did.
“I would love to dance with you again Evan.” I said relieved. A genuine smile was smeared across my face as Evan and I walked away.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Evan asked, as he we began to waltz again. “You looked a bit uncomfortable with my father.”
“No, it was nothing. Actually it was nice.” I lied because I didn’t want to ruin Evan’s evening.
“It was? What did the old man have to say?”
“Oh he was just congratulating me on being crowned and stuff.”
“Hmm… is that all?” Evan asked, and whirled me passed a couple who looked like they were moving way too fast for the music.
“Yeah. Why the third degree?” I asked, wondering what Evan meant. He obviously knew of his father’s pushiness better than most.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know. My father’s been acting kind of strange lately. I thought maybe he might have said something. Look, not to worry, it’s nothing to trouble you about.”
“What is nothing to trouble me about?”
“Cordelia, it’s nothing.”
“Evan, if I’m going to be the Empress then I want to know what’s going on. Tell me.” My demand caught Evan by surprise as well as the sternness in my voice. Evan paused for a moment as he looked me in the eyes.
“We haven’t been able to locate Victor is all, and father is furious about it. He’s had a few glasses of champagne, and that can sometimes fuel the arrogant and impatient beast in him.”
“Oh, I see.” I said, thinking about the reality of the situation, the genuine reason for this gala. I looked up to watch Evan’s reaction to my next question.