Lorcan was busy the whole week long and we rarely spent time together. I was allowed to walk around the city, of course not alone. Each and every time three soldiers were following me to secure my safety. So I was told. I decided not to question that decision. I enjoyed the city atmosphere. It was something way different from my previous life experience, I felt like back then when I ran away from Lorcan. Well almost, those three guards were a silent reminder that I was still owned by the mighty Lord of the Bridge.
The important party finally came. Since late morning I was slowly getting ready for it. I took a fragrant bath, ate something light and faced the prepared clothing for me.
It was black with silver finishing. The fabric had a deeper black floral pattern that was shimmering in the light. I sighed. It was still better than some brocade materials Lorcan might have sent me. White shirt with frills, opulent brooch and sparkling ornaments for my hair. A maid was pining some strands of my hair for almost an hour till she was satisfied and I must admit she has done splendid work. She also added some powder and my skin was shining. If I had been a woman, I would have been thrilled. Yet I was a man and from afar anyone could notice that I wasn't a warrior or a businessman but a kept man, a lover or a whore. Looking at all those jewels, a pretty expensive one.
There was no way about it. I knew Lorcan was fond of that kind of style and he wanted to show off having a former prince as his … let's say partner. I got up from the vanity table, corrected my clothing and looked in the mirror. My long hair was covering my back and the ornaments were sparkling with my every move. The only thing missing were probably earrings but I decided never to mention such a thing.
Lorcan was waiting downstairs and he was talking with someone. It was one of the twins, to be precise it was Tod.
"... have them on stand by. Not too many, only ten." Lorcan was clad in gray, very minimalistic clothes with white simple shirt and a small pin under his neck. He had a cape on his right arm with a bit of fur finishing . He looked impressive and powerful. As soon as he heard me coming down he looked up and for a moment both of them were looking at me, however only Lorcan was slightly smiling. Tod was gloomy.
"You look perfect." Lorcan touched my cheek and I could swear that somebody else was staring holes in my face.
Tod was evenly modest when it came to his clothing, wearing only black.
"You both look very elegant." I returned the compliment and Lorcan placed my hand on his arm as he walked me out of the house straight to the carriage. Tod was following us. In the carriage he was sitting opposite to me. I felt weird as he kept looking at me. after a while which felt like an eternity Lorcan suddenly said.
"Stop it Tod."
Tod looked at him and then turned his face to look at the window.
The silence felt uncomfortable so I decided to break it.
"Where is Jay?"
"He goes by separate carriage with mother, we shall meet at the party." Lorcan seemed a bit tense. I understood the situation and I knew it wasn't easy for them. The carriage stopped and we all stepped out. There were already a few people walking in front of us and another carriage arrived as soon as we stepped on the stairs leading to the main entrance.
The ballroom was huge. I remember we also had such a huge ballroom and the royal balls were the highlight of the society events.
The room was well lit, in the corner a group of six musicians were quietly playing some tunes. The crystal chandeliers were sparkling and in every corner there was a vase with fresh flowers. There were many women, I haven't seen so many since I stopped being a prince. Most of the time I was surrounded by men. So I was looking at them, their colorful dresses, bright smiles. Somehow that female presence took me back to my very own home. Back to the time when I was a free person, a prince. I must have smiled because within an instant I felt how Lorcan was squeezing my hand.
"Why are you looking at those women like that?" He hissed into my ear.
"No reason. I haven't seen so many people for a long time." I smiled at Lorcan hoping he would forget about me staring at the girls.
'Fine, but remember who you belong to. Don't make me angry."
I looked at him and smiled as brightly as I could and placed my hand on his arm.
"I won't."
We walked to greet some people Lorcan knew. I smiled lightly, bowed my head each time I was introduced as Kian Murreyson. Very few people knew I was a former prince but I was sure that all of them would know by the end of the ball. I noticed people staring at us, well me. Some were discrete, others were doing it openly. I noticed a few people looking at me with greedy eyes and I felt uncomfortable. I raised my head and decided to act like a true prince that was still inside me, deep inside.
Lorcan's wife was already there, she was talking with some other ladies. I felt awkward each and every time we met.
That woman must have an incredible resistance against all the gossip from the society. In a way I admired her. I smiled brightly when I approached her during this party. We shared the same burden, she was a rejected wife, I was a pretty slave, we both were owned by Lorcan and were providing food for the gossipers.
"Kian, what a pleasant surprise." She smiled back.
"My lady, you look stunning, as always." I made a compliment and bowed a bit.
Lorcan's wife was wearing a pale blue dress and a diamond necklace. She looked nice. She laughed and covered her face with a fan. All the other women were looking at me with round eyes trying to remember every detail about Lorcan's infamous male lover.
"We need to talk." Lorcan said to his wife." Ladies please excuse us for a moment."
Then he looked at me and whispered "I need to clear some things, wait here."
I nodded and looked back at the company I was left with.
"May I introduce myself, my name's Kian Murreyson."
"Pleased to meet you." Responded the oldest of the three. "I'm lady Rewana, this is baroness Delane and her sister lady Gally."
"The pleasure is all mine. It seems to be quite an event, I see many people still coming in." I decided to keep up this meaningless conversation, the women were eager for my company. We talked about the number of guests, previous balls and finally other cultural events this city has to offer. I was even invited to a concert. Making such conversations wasn't difficult for me, I felt like back in my element when Tod suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
"May I have a word with you?"
"Please excuse me." I moved away from that chatty company and followed Tod.
"What is it?" I asked curiously.
"Look there, at the main entrance."
I looked in the direction he told me and saw him. We met only once, yet his face was engraved in my memory. The prince of Moreta.