In Her Element
Chapter 15

Almyra and Miss Lisle walked around the shop, browsing through the items, going from dresses to shawls to accessories, here and there picking up a piece to try on, all the while discussing the impending ball. Hairclips were slipped into their hair, and then removed, pins were attached to their capes, and they took turns in choosing the oddest pieces of jewelry that they then clasped onto each other’s necks and wrists. The laughter and gaiety that filled the shop soon attracted many more customers, most of whom joined in the fun. The shopkeeper beamed as the coins piled onto the top of the counter and her record book filled with markings. Almyra was in the midst of trying on a particularly gaudy pendant when the door opened, and a young woman entered, bringing in with her a frigid feeling that seemed to drain all the joy out of the store

The young woman stood there, head in the air, surveying the scene. She had everyone’s attention and was enjoying it; center stage was obviously where she felt most comfortable. Her hair was piled high in a way that should have looked a mess, yet seemed to look like an intricate design on her, with jewel studded combs and pins strategically placed. Her thin face was pale, giving her a delicate air and making her dark eyes look even bigger. She was dressed to impress with a stunning peach number, the tight bodice emphasizing her tiny waist and gems glittering at her ears and throat, bringing attention to her long neck.

Those shadowed eyes found the piece that hung from Almyra’s neck immediately and she opened her mouth slightly, emitting a tinkling laugh that was fake as the smile that was pasted on her face. This young woman was Serena, one of the most influential in the county—not counting those who resided at the Court—second only to the governor’s daughter, who was all of thirteen years and the sweetest girl anyone had ever met. Almyra herself was the only one who actually gave Serena any competition, for the others feared Serena enough that they had no pluck to stand up to her. Serena’s personality was rather the opposite of what her name depicted and more like the way she pronounced it. When introducing herself, she said her name with an emphasis on the s, making it sound like the deadly hiss of a serpent. A haughty and shallow serpent, spoiled rotten (literally) by a father who quickly grew bored of her and her tantrums and sought a way to silence her without actually having to deal with her personally. She had a shrewd mind, and she excelled in putting others down; her insults were like the venomous saliva that burned long after the bite.

She took another step into the shop, allowing the door to close behind her and the now noticed young man on her arm, who looked to be as uncomfortable as everyone felt. Almyra found it funny that Serena seemed to be the one in control of the other, as usually it was the man’s job to guide, and her mouth twitched. Serena noticed it immediately and frowned, unsure what the source of Almyra’s humor was—most probably it was her. Almyra knew that Serena would feel that her only choice would be to go on the offense, and her expectations were not disappointed.

“Almyra, dearest,” Serena cooed, grimacing sweetly (Almyra was never sure how she managed to do that), her voice honeyed like a bee preparing to sting. “That bauble…it is a little out of fashion. Like by a year…or a few.” She looked around the store, waiting for someone to laugh at her jab. A few girls dropped their own pretentious items and stumbled to her side while giggling forcedly. These were girls that hopelessly tried to get on Serena’s good side, a good side that that they failed to realize she did not have.

Miss Lisle, great friend that she was, came to stand next to Almyra and hold her hand, which Almyra squeezed reassuringly. Serena was clearly not at the top of her game if that was the best she could come up with. “Serena, dearest,” Almyra replied, imitating the voice and facial expressions, although she managed to put even more mock affection in her tone. The others tittered, and Serena’s fake smile slipped a bit as Almyra continued. “You may very well be correct, but how can I be sure when your dress…well a few decades, if not a century. I think my great-great-grandmother would approve,” Almyra finished brightly.

Serena gasped and flushed crimson. The rest of the girls now laughed out loud; even her companion failed to control his grin at Almyra’s retort. Everyone knew Serena’s dress came from the city, from the tailor of the Higher Lord. Had the last of the Royal line not died, she most likely would have demanded that the Prince himself see to her gown’s perfection.

Serena knew that Almyra had won that one and she struggled with a reply, her eyes gleaming when she came up with the perfect one. “At least I have a father who can buy my dresses for me.” She smirked triumphantly, well aware of how deep that remark carved into her opponent’s feelings.

However, this was a mistake on her part, as now everyone was sympathetic to Almyra. They all knew what a low blow that was; no one ever broached the topic of Almyra’s father, who had disappeared without a trace, leaving a trail of horrible rumors in his wake, even though she had been too young to notice or to now remember anything strange or out of the norm. Some girls moved toward her protectively while others glared at Serena, including those that stood around her—not exactly noble of them as she had her back to them.

Almyra suddenly felt drained. This fight no longer held a thrill. She attempted to walk past Serena, to the door, when the latter’s companion caught her eye. He suddenly looked familiar, although Almyra could not place him. He met her stare with an amused look—he knew where they had acquainted themselves. It bothered her, but she could not think now; a headache was coming on. She cleared her throat and he moved back to clear the way for her and Miss Lisle, sweeping his arm in a “ladies first” fashion. Against her better judgment, she turned and threw one last barb over her shoulder. “At least my father loved me and always had time for me.” She knew she held the victory yet felt no joy for it. She pushed open the door and walked out with Miss Lisle, the chimes above the entryway jingling merrily, oblivious to the dreary atmosphere that now surrounded the shop.

They walked back to the carriage to wait for Rupert, Almyra playing absently with the ornament that lay around her neck. It took her a moment to realize it was not hers—rather the very accessory that had prompted the whole quarrel—and her shoulders sagged as she turned back to the store. A hand on her arm stopped her, and she looked at Miss Lisle’s outstretched hand. Almyra unclasped the pendant and handed it to her, following with a quick hug.

Almyra stood there waiting until Miss Lisle returned and they continued on to the carriage, where Rupert was now waiting. It seemed to Almyra that he too looked a bit depressed and as though nearly ten years had been added to his age. It was then that she realized he was not so young anymore; her strong and steady protector would not be around forever.

Rupert watched the two young women walk toward him. His well-trained eyes immediately noticed the way Almyra tried not to slump, and then went to Miss Lisle’s hand that clutched Almyra’s elbow comfortingly. He looked to Almyra questioningly as they approached him. She shook her head and allowed him to assist her into the carriage. Miss Lisle glanced after her worriedly and followed her in. She sighed over her shoulder, in a way that sounded suspiciously like “Serena”. Rupert grimaced as he swung the door shut, familiar as he was with the rich girl’s attitude towards his charge.

He climbed up into the driver’s seat and took the reins. “Yah!” The horses lurched forward at the sound of his cry. He flicked the reins again and they settled into a steady trot.

Rupert relaxed into the seat and began to mull things over when he saw something that shocked and worried him so that he nearly lost the reins. His head followed Samuel from the moment he exited the shop with Serena on his arm until they slipped out of view.