The music played for the champions to begin the long journey down the grand staircase. My clansmen ended up near the front of the pack.
Gella's graceful form held the banister with a majestic daintiness. Even if her father wished she would have a common life, she seemed so natural in the presence of royalty. Yet another reason she and I were not meant to be.
Another. That word does not even begin to encompass the list of things separating us. Her family, my duty, and most importantly I have no idea if that is even something she wants.
My mind raced. I had not even thought thoroughly about if that was something I wanted. She certainly captivated my attention in more ways than just a pretty face.
I could feel someone drawing my gaze. My mother gave me a knowing look before she descended down the stairs. This would be an excellent night for the Norads to invade so that I do not have to be publicly humiliated by my mother playing matchmaker at a royal function with my brother's date.
Both champions from the clan of Falcon let Captain Darius and his escort proceed them into the hall. From the looks on both of the men's faces, there were different motivations.
Sir Gavin motioned the couple in front of himself with a slight bow. He looked like a footman opening the door for a noble man's coach. Humility must drive that man in all aspects of his life.
Sir Chalmers and his wife, however, wanted to be as close to the entrance of the members of the royal family as possible. The stand off of who might enter next revealed the flaws perfectly.
Sir Gavin motioned a similar motion for his uncle. Sir Chalmers stood to his full height and attempted to politely shake his head. The corners of his mouth found the pleasant expression so foreign that a myriad of wrinkles exploded upon its canvas. I stifled a chuckle at the man's strained grin.
"Uncle, I insist. More people are awaiting your entrance than my own. You are so well known." Sir Gavin placated.
I do not think that branch of the family picked the correct form fowl to associate with. Falcons were known for their cunning and majesty. Looking at Sir Chalmers and thinking of his son, Sir Balor, left the impression of a preening peacock in my head instead of the clan's bird of prey.
"If you insist." Sir Chalmers stumbled over the words as though he attempted to find ones to contradict them even as they were falling from his mouth.
"Do not worry, Sir Chalmers," Gavin's mother spoke with authority. "We will be right behind you." I guess at least someone was tired of letting everyone pass them in line.
Sir Gavin let his head dip in the slightest motion. He looked like he was steeling himself. The expression sparked my memory. I guess somehow in the fog of my exhaustion I completely forgot about Sir Gavin's injury.
Maybe I should have attributed his generosity to stalling instead of his own humility. Although nothing says that both are not true.
Without missing a beat, Sir Gavin followed the rest down the staircase. With his mother's hand on the inside rail, he did not even have the benefit of using something to support his weight.
The man continued with the steady gait down the stairs without so much as a single misstep. The same could not be said for all champions.
Lord Jacobson continued next with Calista by his side. Next came Lord Carrion and Princess Alina with myself in tow behind them. At least the focus would be on the lovely lady in front of me. The eyes at court seemed to judge me too harshly.
Halfway down the steps, the ever graceful Carrion caught the hem of Alina's gown with the toe of his boot. Having Lady Calista on his arm for most functions has a downside of not learning how to walk next to a large gown.
Alina tripped forward just enough that young Jacobson caught sight of it and dropped Calista's arm momentarily to make sure the Princess did not take out the entirety of the honored guests on the stairs.
Alina caught herself and waved off the attention. In the end, Lord Jacobson's help was unneeded. I could see Carrion's ears turn red. That heat might be from embarrassment but if I were a betting man, I would put my money on him somehow making that interaction Lord Jacobson's fault.
All reached the bottom of the stairs with ease after that slight hiccup. The doors were closed at the top of the stairs before the fanfare played once more. Lord Carrion took the moment while most of the ball goers were distracted to address the incident.
"Lord Jacobson, I do in fact have the princess well in hand. You cannot have every eligible young lady in the kingdom fawning over you after all."
Cali turned toward her brother with fire in her eyes. Lord Jacobson simply put his hand on hers that was still nestled in the crook of his arm and the flames seemed to disperse.
"Dear Brother, please do not consider Jack's concern for everyone's safety as an affront to your capabilities. I certainly felt safe on his arm and I am sure the Princess did on yours as well." The words were as diplomatic as I ever heard from Calista.
Lord Carrion's rebuttal never passed his lips as Alina joined the conversation.
"Please everyone! Tonight is not about me. Let my mother and Sir John have this moment." Her tone pleaded.
The doors reopened and the engaged couple emerged with thunderous applause. Confetti fell from the upper level corridors as servants joined in the celebration.
I surveyed the room instead of taking in the couple. Princess Alina squealed her excitement. Lord Jacobson breathed in relief as he escaped the ire of Lord Carrion. Lady Calista looked thrilled for her best friend.
Lord Carrion's scowl was the only one to be seen.