Mansion Lowblom 6 – The Ball

The ball was held inside the biggest hall the mansion had to offer. Like most things in Falbrein it was tinted in the tragic light of past glory. The walls showed empty spots were paintings used to be, empty tables were vases used to be but, perhaps most important, were the empty holes in the ceiling were magical lights had once been. From what Lacos had heard the disassembly of the lights had been a recent decision, he guessed that it followed in the wake of Sarine’s coronation.

The hall was connected to the courtyard and thanks to the clear weather the decision had been made to hold the dance there while inside would be reserve for talking and feasting. The four of them entered the hall through the main entrance.

As always the entrance of the Queen quickly gathered the attention of the nobles present. They didn’t stop talking or turned their heads to stare at her but there was this slight shift in the room that kept moving as Sarine did. Stef stayed directly by her side the whole time while Lacos and Reiline took some distance. They were no help in what was to come anyway.

“Lord Lowblom.” Sarine greeted the distressed host. “My Queen.” He returned and bowed slightly, his eyes darting over to the knight. Sarine noticed his nervous behaviour and asked “Stef, why don’t you enjoy the festivities?” “I am perfectly fine where I am, Queen Sarine.” Stef grumbled. “Please, Stef.” She gave him a pleading look that said ‘It must be done. Understand.’ “I know you would like to continue your search here.”

Even from where Lacos was standing he thought he could hear the disapproving gritting of teeth. “Fine.” He sneered and stomped off. With the knight gone the Lord breathed a bit lighter. He looked at Sarine as she watched after Stef walking off. He couldn’t help notice that she wasn’t wearing her usual red but a black satin dress instead. It gave her a slightly more dominating look but the greatest change was that she finally wore a dress that showed of her cleavage, not too much but enough to get the male fantasy going.

“What can I do for you?” Logar asked, ripping his eyes of the sight before he thought Sarine or anyone else would notice. She, of course, did and smiled a bit. A mask to hide her uncertainty, Lacos realized by the slight twitch of her eyebrow, by the answer that took a moment too long to arrive. “I was wondering if you would do me the honour of dancing, Lord Lowblom.” For a moment he was stunned but then he hesitatingly nodded. “It would be my honour, my Queen.”

He offered his hand and Sarine took it. They walked into the courtyard. The dancing nobles were quick to give them room in the middle of the garden, as close to the musician as possible. Lacos smiled and guided Reiline to the food. “Aren’t you going to spy on them?” Reiline asked, “Voyeurism isn’t my fetish.” He whispered back. “Nothing is earned by me stumbling around them.”