He had never seen anyone like her before. Of course he never believed in love at first sight! That was nothing but foolishness and folly in the future. ...But that didn't deny the fact that he was following her around. And for what?!, he asked himself. Never mind that now. She was alone now, and he could watch.
Lina took a breath and leaned against the marble column. Lord Dyran was finally gone for a bit. Gone to socialize with fellow elven lords, and knowing Lord Dyran, later to talk business. She really should be following him to learn more about his affairs, and how better to manipulate him into keeping her. Afterall, nothing was more important than keeping her place of power, even if it was as his favorite concubine. Well, better than just another harem girl. They were demoted to cleaning drudges just as quickly as they were placed in the harem. Her position gave her almost as much influence as a guest at Lord Dyran's estate. The highest position any human could possibly achieve in a land dominated by elves. Lina had made sure that her every move was controlled and suited to pleasing Lord Dyran, so that she would remain his favorite. And it had worked. He took her everywhere with him, just for the pleasure of her company. But making sure her company pleased him was sometimes a tiring matter. Causing fatigue, physically and mentally. Lina took another deep breath, leaning more of her weight back, and looked out at the stars. Maybe, for just a moment, she could allow herself to relax. Just a moment... Lina stiffened. She had thought the balcony was deserted. She turned to look behind her, her ballgown swishing against the tiles. If those dainty, twigs of elven ladies were coming around just to make fun of Lord Dyran's little human pet...! A sillouette passed by in the shadows, heading for the door. It was gone back into the main hall of the party before she could follow. Lina stashed away her worry. Someone spying on her could be a warning, but then again, it could have been just a passer-by. Yeah, right. But she just wanted to relax...
sigh "I'm getting careless." She muttered to herself before returning to the main hall.
Zelgadis weaved through the party guests lining the ballroom floor. That was close. And stupid. What the hell was he doing!? Some human consort of Lord Dyran's starts making worthwhile comment on Dyran's political conversations, instead of just sitting and looking pretty, and Lord Zelgadis of the elven Greywiers estate is smitten?!! Such ridiculousness. He passed a hand through his lavender hair. He took a deep breath, steadying himself. She hadn't seen just who he was.
There he is! Lina weaved passed the other ashen faces, blue and green eyes, and pointed ears to the one framed by lavender. On the balcony, the sillouette's head had seemed violet, which can only mean lavender in the light. An elf with hair darker than a pastel? Sure...
"Good evening, your lordship." She curtsied.
"..." He just stared.
Lina stood, watching him.
He finally found his voice.
"Good evening, my lady."
"My lady? I appreciate your kindness, my lord. A human such as I could never hope to deserve it."
But you do... Was all he could think. Of course, thinking didn't alleviate a conversational pause.
"Zelgadis!"
He thankfully turned to the appraoching group of lords.
"Lord Dyran."
"My lord." Lina politely bowed her head.
"Zelgadis," Dyran began. "We need to discuss some issues. Will you come with us?"
"Of course." he replied.
"Lina." Dyran turned to her.
"Yes, Lord?"
"Stay and enjoy the ball, will you?"
Lina's mouth gaped for a moment. Then she smiled and bowed her head, acknowledging. She watched them leave the main hall, her features tightening.
"So it's agreed."
"I'll have it in writing by tomorrow morning."
Several of the lords in the study room raised a glass of wine, then proceeded back to the party.
"Zelgadis, aren't you coming?"
"No." He remained seated, watching the wine swish around in his glass.
They shrugged and all left, except one.
"Would you prefer a different vintage?" Dyran set down another bottle at the endtable.
"No, thank you."
Dyran seated himself beside the endtable, eyeing Zelgadis. "You don't seem to think it strange that I bring a human to a ball."
Zelgadis stopped swishing his glass around and turned to Dyran.
Dyran returned the critical gaze before leaning back into his chair again. "Truthfully, Zelgadis. Would you like her?"
"W-What?!" Zelgadis' face flushed.
"Actually, I've been getting tired of her." Dyran poured himself a glass. "And if you admire her so much, then it would be a waste to throw away a girl like that into the fields or cleaning drudges."
Zelgadis raised an eyebrow. "It would be a waste to dispose of her, but you're 'getting tired' of her." Zelgadis hmphed. "So you're dumping your problem on me?"
Dyran laughed. "You're not as gullible as the others, Zelgadis!" He calmed. "Yes, she is trouble. Or could be, actually. She's too smart for a human. You saw earlier. I wouldn't want to give her the opportunity to aspire for more. But if you took her, she would have to readjust to your way of working things. That could take quite some time before you'd have to get rid of her. So if you want her..."
Zelgadis stared at his glass in thought.
Lina sat on the strange bed, wanting to rip the sheets to shreds. After the party, Lord Dyran told her she would not be going back with him to his estate. And she thought she had played the part so well. Well, no more mistakes. Lord Dyran said that he had given her over because a fellow elven lord had admired her. No kidding. She knew from the start he was smitten with her. She should be happy. He'd be easy to control if he wanted more than just physical affection. Her thoughts were interupted by the door.
"Good evening." The elven lord blushed.
Lina smiled all the more. This could be a blessing. He was going to be too easy. "Good evening, Lord Zelgadis." She walked over too him, an elegent picture, still in her ballgown.
After forgetting to breath for a bit, Zelgadis asked, "Didn't the maids give you any night clothes?"
"Should I be concerned with wearing anything tonight?"
Zelgadis gulped and blushed even redder. It didn't help him that she was creeping closer.
Lina giggled to herself.