Between the Shadows

The Mystery Man

2

Damae

Freshly bathed, I stand in front of the large mirror hanging in my bathroom. I look over my body. My long legs are full of bruises and small scars. My slim but toned body unmarked beside one scar acrossed my ribs where my father sliced me with his sword as he was teaching me how to wield. I run my hand over the scar, remembering the way my father didn’t see me as his daughter he just cut open. He only saw me as weak, someone who isn’t worthy of this time or love. From that day forward, I never let his blade touch me again. I wrap myself in one of the towels that are neatly folded on the counter, letting my wet hair hang loose on my back.

I walk over to the rack of dresses and run my fingers over them feeling the soft fabrics of each. There are so many to choose from. A pink ball gown with straps covered in diamonds, the bodice tight and the bottom flows perfectly to the ground in a cascade of lace and silk. There’s a red dress in the exact same style, and many more variations of ball gowns that I would never be caught dead in. I reached the middle of the selection on the rack, and there sits a long black dress covered in small diamonds which makes it looks like the stars in the night sky. The slit up the right leg is all the way to the upper thigh, this dress looks to be form fitting and strapless, I would prefer sleeves to cover my scars and bruises, but beggars can’t be choosers. I slipped into the dress. It fits perfectly, as it was tailored for me. It makes me feel more like a woman than a warrior. I admire the fabric on my body, makes me feel like and actual princess. I shake off that thought, I can’t get myself wrapped up in a fantasy.

I across my room to my armoire and pulled out my dagger. This dagger goes everywhere with me. It was my mother’s. The handle is black as obsidian, with carvings on the hilt, the blade is short but balanced. I lay it on my dresser as I strap the black leather sheath onto my left leg, this way it is hidden under my dress. I slide the dagger intho the sheath and my body relaxes under the familiar weight of it. Just as I get myself covered a knock is at my bedroom door, and it swings open.

”Hello, Princess Damae. Princess Nalamaire sent me in here to make sure your hair and make up is for the ball.” Our hand maiden Helen walks in, bows her head, grabs my shoulders and sits me down in front of the mirror. She takes her time drying my hair, she has always loved doing my hair. I watch her as she starts to curl my hair, tying half of it up into a pony tail, and half laying down my back.

I always have admired Helen, and how patient she has been with me over the years. She has always told me things straight, only one who has ever treated me like a person instead of a princess. Once she feels satisfied enough with my hair, she moves onto my make up. My eyes were lined with black, eyelashes done, and my lips covered in ruby red lipstick.

“Sit still Damae.” She smirks as she looks at me, her eyes close to my lips as she applies my lipstick. I didn’t notice my foot starting to tap. Regaining my posture and staying still isn’t a problem through this process, it is the whole entire getting pampered thing I dislike.

Helen has been part of our staff since I was little. She would always be helping me with my school work, or having tea parties with Nal if our parents were stuck doing royal business. Helen always told me I was exceptional and strong. Once my mother died, she was assigned to Nalmaire as her personal handmaiden. I didn’t get one and I rarely get to have moments with Helen anymore.

“Helen?”

“Yes Dae?” She responded as she was cleaning and wrapping the rope burn on my palms.

“Thank you. I am going to miss you when I leave.” I flashed her a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

“I will see you when you get back. I believe in you.” She looked at me, her light brown eyes matching the color of her skin. She has aged a lot since she first arrived here. Wrinkles and lines mark her face and her hair that was dark brown is now mostly grey. “All done, Miss Damae. You look beautiful. Hopefully, the suitors remember who the ball is really for.” She patted the back of my hand then walks towards my bedroom door. “I also left some long black gloves to match your dress there on the table. Princess Nalmaire said you should have your wounds covered tonight.”

“Thank you.” I bow my head to her, she turns around and nods before walking out and closing my door. I stand up and walk over to where the gloves were left, and started slipping on the elbow-length black gloves. Before I can get the second glove all the way on, my bedroom opens again.

”Dae, I am not sure I am ready for…” Nal cuts her sentence short. “You look absolutely beautiful Damae.” Her eyes soften.

”No Nal, you look stunning. Every man is going to be falling at your feet, groveling, begging for you to be their wife.” We both laugh. I step in front of her and grab her hands in mine. “Nalmaire, this is your night and I am here for you. You need me to cut awkward dances short, you look at me and wink. You need me to kill someone.” She laughs even harder. I can feel the tension leave her body. “You scream. I am there. I promise. Tonight you will find the man who is worthy of your love.” She pulls me into a loose hug.

“Okay, the ball starts soon. I must go to make sure everything is running smoothly. Father-” Her voice goes quiet. “He-he wants me to send you to his study.” She grips my hands one more time, turns and walks out without another word.

I walk through the halls of the palace, thoughts running through my head. What could father want? I have done everything he has asked of me. As I reach my father's study, I knock with conviction against the heavy wooden door.

“Enter.” His strong deep voice carries through the door.

I step into his study as the door opens with a creak. Its deep red walls are covered with maps, tall wooden bookshelves that were stacked and full. Two paintings that sat directly behind him as he sat at his desk. One of him, standing proud in front of his throne and one of our mother, she had flowers in her hands as she sat on the hill we used to play on.

“I was told you needed to see me?” I stand in front of his desk, squaring my shoulders, back straighter and lifting my chin high.

“Yes. There will be heirs from the other kingdoms here tonight.” He states, never looking up from the papers on his desk. “Some of them will be in the trials, some will not. You need to get close to them, find out weaknesses, things you can use against them to win.”

“This night is about Nalmaire. Not the trials father.” His head snaps up, his eyes narrow on me.

“Do not talk back to me, you will not show any disrespect and you will do as you are told, child.” He places his hands on his desk and stands. He is a tall muscular man, his figure would scare anyone who would be standing before him right now. “I will not let you lose this blessing for this kingdom. If that means you are to scheme, lie or even seduce every single one of those men down there tonight then you will do so!” I don't recognize this man. He is not the father who held me when I fell off my first pony, or who played with me and my sister in the fields when we were children. He was someone completely different. A broken king.

I bow my head in agreement.

“You are dismissed. Go to the ballroom. Everyone is arriving and I expect you to act accordingly.” I turn quickly to walk away, I’m lucky I didn’t lose balance in these high heels. I slam the heavy study door as I left. My fists clench so hard my nails are threatening to rip through the fabric of the gloves. I have never been so angry at him. I will do what he says, but damned if I sleep with any of the men that are there for my sister. I will be his little spy, but I will do it my way.

Turning the corner, I slam into a brick wall. I grab for whatever I can keep myself from falling over I grip onto fabric. I stare at my gloved hands, gripping a black suit jacket that is molding around rock hard muscles. I slowly look up from his chest, to his strong muscular neck that was begging to be free of the tie that is too tight. His jawline looks like it was carved from stone. My eyes trail to his lips, they are twisted up into a smirk. His lips look soft and full, tempting me to see if they are as soft as they look.

“If you're done drooling over me, I would like to get to the ball I was forced to attend.” His voice is deep and s****l. I could listen to it all day. I have to lift my head up to look into his eyes, grey as steel. Feeling pressure on my waist, I glanced down. I realize he caught me before I fell, he starts to slowly move his large strong hands up my sides. I blink and snap back into reality. Quickly stepping back, I clear my throat.

“My apologies.” I nod my head and start to walk away. I feel a strong grip on my arm that stops me in my tracks, forcing me turn and look at the stranger. His dark hair styled, slicked back, a few pieces falling onto his forehead. He is more gorgeous than I originally thought. My mouth slightly open, words stuck on my tongue. I have never been one to not have words. Closing my mouth and standing straight, “Please let go of my arm. I have somewhere to be.” I tried to pull my arm out of his grip, but he tightens his hand, refusing to let go.

“Why don’t you and I find a different place to be?” His smile is seductive, and his eyes rake over my body. A shiver rolls up my spine, and a warmth forms in my lower stomach. This man is dangerous, but little does he know I am dangerous myself. I step into his body, and I feel his chest rise and fall against mine. I bring my lips an inch away from his and slam my heel into his toe. His hand quickly releases from my arm and I step back away from him. “You little.” His face turned into a snarl. Now, he looks even more dangerous, and his eyes, I swear, they are now a darker grey than before.

“As I said, I have somewhere to be.” I turn and walk at a faster pace away from him, releasing a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. I make it to the grand staircase without anymore strange encounters. Standing at the top, I look down and I see Nal down by the ballroom doors. They are closed and she is pacing back and forth, talking to herself. She is one of the most beautiful women in all of Gallie. Her big green eyes and her small nose fit perfectly upon her round face. Her lips are a natural shade of pink. Her dark green dress flows down to the ground behind her, the sheer fabric covered in matching green laced flowers. She is wearing her tiara; no doubt the dress was picked to match the large emerald in the middle of it. Her hair is curled and styled half up, half down. She is picking at her painted fingernails as she paces.

“Nal.” I smile down at her from atop the stairs. She stops pacing, smiles at me with her whole body.

“You made it. I was worried Father was going to make you do some deadly training again.” I can see her visibly relax as I walk down the staircase. The trumpets sound, indicating that the ball has started and we are about to be announced to the entire court and the people who are attending the ball. I grab my sister's hand into mine, as we both take deep breaths, holding our chins high with our shoulders back, the way we were taught.

The king is announced first. He always enters through a private hall that leads right to the thrones that are set up at the back of the ballroom. After him, I will be announced. I let go of Nal’s hand and kissed her cheek before I step in front of her first to be called. The floor-to-ceiling doors with our kingdom's crest carved into them open as my name is announced.

“Princess Damae Arics, youngest heir to King Harlow Arics ruler of the Kingdom of Jalari.” I step into the ballroom with all of the confidence in the world. Each of my steps down the deep red carpet echo through the room. I take in my surroundings. The ballroom is decorated beautifully. Red and white roses wrapped around each of the white stone columns that run along the length of the room. Each table is round and has a white linen cloth covered with the same roses and tall candles as centerpieces. Halfway down the carpet, I look around at all the attendees of the ball. As I notice some of the Elders, I nod at each of them, showing them my respect.

Everyone is dressed up in their nicest ballgowns and suits. As I look forward at the king, I catch a pair of steel grey eyes staring at me. I gasp as just his eyes on me filled my body with need. I can not feel this way about him, or anyone, while I am headed to my death in a week. I tear my gaze away from him and finish walking, or mainly presenting myself to everyone. Once I reach the dasis where my father sits on his throne, I curtsy, which is hard to do in this tight dress. I hold my hand ou,t and one of the King's soldiers grabs it and helps me walk up the few steps to reach my throne. Once I sit down, I cross my legs at my ankles and place my hands upon my lap. Playing the part of the perfect princess, my father never taught me to be. He left all of that for Nal. I am the warrior, not the future of the kingdom that she is. Without her teaching me the little things about manners and etiquette, I would bring my father shame with every grand event he throws.

The final trumpets played as they announced my big sister to the court.

“Princess Nalmaire Arics, oldest heir to King Harlow Arics, ruler of the Kingdom of Jalari.” Same announcement, different name. It is the same at every event we have, but this time I was announced first, since she is the main event of tonight. I watch as the large doors open and my sister strides in. She looks like every part of the queen that she will be one day. I try to watch my sister as she makes her way down the aisle, but my gaze locks with him. His eyes are not on my sister like they should be, he is supposed to be here for her. I must have captured his attention, and I am not sure if that is a good thing. I mean, I might have broken a few of his toes, hopefully, but he shouldn’t touch a woman without her permission. I give him a wink, and I watch as his lips turned down, but his eyes gave him away. They show everything he feels. I can see lust, curiosity, and a little bit of hate.

As Nal steps in front of the thrones, she gives a deep curtsy to my father, then is helped up to her throne on the opposite side of him. I turn my head and glance up at my father; his face is stoic, regal, the king he was born to be. He abruptly stand,s and all small chatter ceases.

“Thank you for coming to my Kingdom for the chance to ask for my daughter's hand in marriage. Just know, I will have the final say in any consort. You must not only impress her, but impress me.” He stares down at all of the men and women who were present tonight. Yes, women, mainly the high-standing court wives and families of our kingdom. They never miss a chance at a fancy event of any kind. “Let us eat.”