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Chapter 6: Dinner Chaos

The dress I am squeezed into is pale blue with silver vine-like designs from the bust to the skirt. A thick layer of diamonds adorns the belt and sinches my waist uncomfortably. The gown is off-shoulder. Lyra had draped a thick shawl around my neck to hide the bandage. The skirt sweeps along the wooden deck as we approach the dining room. The dining room is on the lower deck and through a large ballroom. A winding polished staircase leads onto a gilded dance floor with a giant chandelier hanging overhead. The glass doors that separate the dining room from the ballroom are opened wide revealing a large circular table adorned with food.

“I hope you’ll find the food to your liking,” Lyra whispers as we walk towards the doors. The clinking of silverware stops as we enter the room and six eyes look at me. I freeze for a moment as the weight of their gazes press down on me. I notice the centerpiece is a giant pig with vegetables and an apple stuffed in its mouth. Pieces of its flesh are already cut and divvied onto the plates. I have a sudden realization of how prey must feel when being hunted by the predator. Each person here is savoring my appearance in different ways.

I swallow past the lump in my throat, “Good evening.”

Lord Ryeok breaks the tension with his easy smile and rises to his feet. Chan-Yung follows the gesture and Ha-Rae lingers in her seat with a bored smile on her face. “Good evening, My Dear,” Lord Ryeok says and gestures for me to come forward. I walk to stand beside Chan-Yung who pulls my chair out for me. I take a seat and Chan-Yung pushes me closer to the table until I am inches away from the wood.

“I hope you are hungry. We have prepared various dishes for you.” Ha-Rae says. I look at the other dishes surrounding the pig and I see steaming bowls full of fruit, meat, and vegetables I’ve never seen before. Stange soups bubble in pots set over open flames and the various smells waft in my direction. My mouth begins to water and my stomach lets out a tiny rumble of hunger. I flush with embarrassment and fold my hands in front of me as though they can dull the sound.

Chan-Yung laughs, “No need to stand on ceremony. Please, dig in.” He waves for a maid to come over and I am served a generous portion of just about every dish. My cup is filled with a deep pink liquid and it makes a sparking noise as the bubbles dissolve. Everyone has already begun to eat again and I pick up my cutlery trying to decide what to try first. I press my fork into the piece of pig meat on my plate and bring it slowly to my mouth. The flavor explodes on my tongue and I am swept away in a wave of sweet, savory bliss.

“Mmm,” I say with satisfaction and I take a bit of everything else, making sure to keep my manners about me. I am on my fifth bit of the beef stew when I hear a chuckle breaking into my food high.

“I think she will love it in Gwandeong if she eats this well,” Ha-Rae says sipping her drink and watching me.

I swallow the food in my mouth and dab at my lips with my napkin, “Forgive me if I am being rude.”

“Not at all! A woman with a good appetite is a good woman indeed.” Lord Ryeok laughs. I can’t help but smile at his jovial nature. Though a bit unsettling, his constant cheer makes this adjustment easier for me.

“This is just a taste of the things you will experience once we reach Gwandeong.” Chan-Yung whispers. He pierces a piece of fruit with his fork and brings the dripping morsel to my lips. I feel my smile slip away and reluctantly accept what he is offering me. The fruit is crisp and sweet. The juice runs over my tongue and down my throat. I feel a bit dribble down my chin and I go to wipe it off. Chan-Yung beats me to it. He leans forward and in a slow, smooth motion licks the remnants from my skin. I shudder and pull away from him. He smirks and goes back to his meal as though the exchange never happened.

“Ah, young love.” Lord Ryeok says and toasts with Ha-Rae as they gaze into each other's eyes.

“Love is love despite age, father.” Chan-Il takes a seat across from me, but he avoids my gaze.

“You would know all about that, son. You, too will be married soon.” Lord Ryeok chuckles. My heart sinks and I stare across the table at Chan-Il. He has a small smile on his face and leans back in his chair.

“I can’t wait to see her again.” His voice changes from a deep baritone to a smooth tenor as he speaks of this woman. My stomach twists into knots and I cast my eyes to my plate. I take slower bites of my food, but the flavors turn to ash in my mouth. I take a sip from my cup and realize it is alcohol. The biting taste of hard liquor mixes with the deep sugary taste of berries. It is delicious. I drink until the last drop and a maid is there to fill the cup again. I drink more. With each sip, I feel myself getting lighter. I feel as though I am floating in my chair as I down a fifth glass of the sweet drink.

“Slow down, Miss. This Hiland liquor has a way of sneaking up on you.” Lyra says placing a glass of water in my hand and taking my empty cup.

I groan in protest and reach for the cup. The world tilts and I feel myself fall forward. I can see the wooden floor coming for me and it takes my mind a moment to realize I am falling. I close my eyes preparing for impact, but it never comes. I feel arms around my waist and I am pulled back against a hard mass. I blink several times to clear my fuzzy vision, but I give up and sink backward into the warm embrace. The smell of honeysuckle tickles my nose and I find myself laughing. I turn and wrap my arms around whoever is holding me. I cling to the warmth and inhale the scent deeply. As my vision begins to fade, I manage to say one more thing, “Mine.” The world goes black.