Tales of Regventus : Adalwen
Chapter 16

The palace ballroom was dazzling. Candles lit up the space from the walls and overhead in the chandeliers. Rich and Beautiful folk dressed in bright ball gowns and smart tunics and britches spun around the dance floor. Tables overflowing with food lined the walls. Liquor of all kinds flowed freely. It was a grand party in celebration of harvest time. All across the kingdom cities, villages, and small hovels would celebrate the harvest over the next few weeks. None would rival the celebration in Aurumist, a weeklong revelry with parties across the city. The palace’s opening ball would outshine them all.

This was the place to be, the most exclusive invitation. Everyone in the first ring dreamed of attending balls in the palace, but only the most rich and influential were able to gain access. Kedan oversaw it all from the dais on which he sat in his large comfortable throne. He was dressed to impress in dark green tunic and black britches. He had on his plush red robe that signified him as Lord of the kingdom. His golden curls fell around his head just below his ears. On his forehead was a thin golden grown that looked like leaves. He looked every inch the lord of the kingdom tonight.

Young ladies from the first ring were paraded in front of him. He had already danced with several young ladies including each of the Quillen twins, their ample assets on display. He had been propositioned twice by extremely attractive older ladies, promising nights of pleasure if he would consider their daughters as his bride. Kedan was enjoying all this attention.

As he was observing the dancing, he caught sight of Teryn. She looked unbelievably beautiful tonight. She wore a dark blue velvet gown that fit her figure perfectly. The neckline gave every advantage of showing off her pleasing cleavage. Her light red hair was pulled up into a beautiful, braided bun with a few curls bouncing on her long pale neck. Kedan felt the tug of desire as he watched her partner spin her around the room in a dance. He knew he couldn’t have her as his wife, but he still wanted her in his bed.

She hadn’t come to him since their meeting in the tower four days ago. He had barely seen her in the palace. He did miss her in so many ways. He had hoped she would realize her place and be satisfied with being his mistress. He had thought a few times of seeking her out but had decided she must be left alone to decide what her future would be on her own.

Teryn had danced with many men, and Kedan had noticed. Influential men who would inherit large homes and fortunes. Maybe she wanted a way out of the palace. Kedan wouldn’t blame her if she chose marriage and a life of her own in one of the large manors in the first circle of Aurumist. He would hate it if she left, but he would survive.

He lost Teryn in the crowd, but he did notice his mother coming towards him. She waved at him, and he waved her over. She came up to the dais, and Kedan invited her up. He helped her up the steps and placed a kiss on her hand when she had made it next to him. She dropped a quick curtsy and then kissed him on the check.

“Kedan, it is so good to see you. I have missed you,” his mother said sweetly. She was an attractive woman for her age, with curly golden hair and pale blue eyes. She was dressed in a fine blue gown that had jewels that sparkled sewn into the material. Her neck was decorated with a large diamond necklace.

“Mother,” said Kedan “It is good to see you as well. You are welcome to come to dinner anytime you can. Just let me know.”

“I didn’t want to bother you. I know you have much to do, and your father has been dreadfully busy with harvest happening all over our lands. I do hope we can come to the feast at mid-winter.”

“I do so as well. Are you enjoying yourself tonight?” asked Kedan looking out over the crowd.

“Yes, very much so. This is the most lavish harvest ball I have ever seen. You have done well,” said his mother with pride in her voice.

“It is my servants that have done well, but thank you mother.”

“Kedan, I was wondering if you would come meet a few families with me. They all have beautiful well accomplished daughters that I think would make you a fine wife. You will need to marry soon.”

Kedan looked at his mother. He wondered if one of these girl’s fathers was needed for an alliance with his own father.

“Is there some particular reason you want me to consider these young ladies, mother?” asked Kedan.

“No, not really. I just figured as your mother I should help you where I can. If you hadn’t been made lord of the kingdom, I would have helped you replace your wife by now,” said his mother looking back at him.

She tucked a curl behind his ear.

“Let me help you, Kedan. I have missed out on so much of your life. I want to be a part of this.”

Kedan wasn’t sure this was the real reason, but he wanted to please his mother. He had been very lonely, and the thought that his mother might be interested in his life made him feel more noticed than he had in a while. He nodded at her, and she smiled. She took his hand and led him down off the dais and to a middle-aged woman and a beautiful black-haired young woman. He chatted with the mother and daughter and found them both pleasing. Names were exchanged, and Kedan found out the daughter’s name was Mira. He danced with her, and she turned out to be good company, if a little gossipy.

Next his mother led him to a large family. The mother was a short plum woman with a pretty face. She had four daughters, but only one of age to marry Kedan. She was a petite blonde with a slim figure and pretty brown eyes with long lashes. Her name was Della. He danced with her and found her a little shy but sweet. The rest of his night was spent with his mother introducing him to families, small talk, and dancing. It was not disagreeable.

As the end of the party was approaching, he found himself back on his dais in his chair with much to think over. He had met several young ladies he could consider being his wife. They would all do well presiding over his table and entertaining his guest. Many of them were very desirable, and he would not have any troubles taking them to bed and getting them with child.

Yet, none of them intrigued him like Teryn. He had seen her several times during the night always dancing or talking with a man. He had caught her staring at him, but she would look away as soon as he would catch her eye. She did her best to pretend she was ignoring him. He wanted to punish her for her wicked behavior in a way she usually found very enjoyable.

Golnar had watched the young Lord dance and talk throughout the night. He thought Kedan did well as lord of the kingdom with the public. He seemed well liked by this group. Kedan was good at talking with women and men alike. He was charming, well spoken, and warm while still being haughty. He was perfect, and Golnar was pleased. He would need Kedan to be all these things when his plans were ready.

Golnar also noticed Teryn throughout the night. She talked with every man that would notice her, and plenty of men noticed her. Teryn was able to attract almost any man and hold his attention. Golnar thought some of these men would propose tonight if she gave enough encouragement to any of them. He wasn’t surprised by this if what he suspected what Teryn was, was actually true.

He knew she wouldn’t give any man but one any encouragement towards marriage. No matter how engaged she seemed to be with these men, her gaze often went to the young lord. Golnar noticed that Kedan was often staring back at Teryn. She wanted to marry him. She had told Golnar that. Golnar needed Teryn so he would get her what she wanted.

Towards the end of the night, families started to depart. As Kedan’s parents were bidding him a good night, Golnar took the chance to signal to Teryn to come talk to him in the adjacent room. She nodded. Golnar walked into the next room, and soon Teryn came in as well.

“You seem to be having a productive night, Teryn,” remarked Golnar sitting down on a chair in the room. “You hardly sat out any dances, and I think almost every young man was captivated by you.”

Teryn looked at Golnar and shrugged. “It was alright. There were some very influential men here, some of them very charming, but none of them have what I want.”

“And what is that?” asked Golnar already knowing the answer.

“The ability to make me the Lady of Regventus. It’s not just that. I want Kedan, all of him. I want him to be mine and no one else. I don’t want to be his mistress and know that some nights he will be with another woman. I don’t want to watch another woman bear his children,” said Teryn as she paced in front of Golnar gesturing wildly with her hands.

“So, get with his child. You surely know how it works?” asked Golnar eyeing Teryn.

Teryn stopped pacing.

“Of course, I know how it works, but only the lady of the kingdom can bear a child for the lord. It’s how the Ancients have made it. I would have to be his wife to have his child.”

“Don’t be naïve, Teryn. That is rubbish. There is no magic spell that makes it so. There have been plenty of bastards begot by lords in the past; just usually they are by lower women then yourself. The have been easier to hide. The women didn’t mind being paid off and sent somewhere, but you don’t seem that kind of person.”

“You are saying that I could become pregnant by Kedan? If so, why haven’t I. There have been enough times where it could have happened.”

“Kedan is no fool. I’m sure he has taken…precautions. There are things he could take or use. He could have avoided doing certain things, though surely you’d have noticed it.”

Teryn looked at Golnar. “Maybe, but it’s not easy to think straight when those things might happen.”

Golnar smiled.

“Teryn, what if I told you I could help you become the mother to the lord’s child. If you get with child and you tell Kedan, he will want to marry you. I can persuade him it is the right course of action. He will listen to me.”

“What do you mean you could help me?” asked Teryn.

Golnar pulled a small vial out of his robe. It was filled with a dark yellow liquid.

“Go to Kedan tonight in his chamber. Let him have his way with you, and make sure he finishes inside of you. After the act is over drink this. It will guarantee you conceive.”

Teryn took the vile. “Where did you get this? How do you know it will work?”

“I made it, and it will work. If you do this, you will get what you want. You will be Kedan’s wife.”

“I don’t know about this. I ’m not sure this is right,” said Teryn looking at the liquid.

“It is your choice, but if you want Kedan as your husband this will be the way to do it.”

Teryn slipped the liquid into her pocket and nodded.

“The ball should be over, and Lord Kedan should be returning to his rooms. I think you have somewhere to be. Don’t forget Teryn. If this goes as planned, I will expect something in return soon.”

Teryn breathed deeply and nodded at Golnar before she hurried the room.

Kedan’s servants had helped him into his night attire. He dismissed them and flopped down into this chair by the fire in his chambers. He drank some wine that was left on his table for him. Closing his eyes, he let the warmth of the fire wash over him.

Suddenly he felt a soft kiss on his neck. He was not alarmed as he knew the scent that surrounded him.

“You came to me? Does this mean you will stay at the palace?” asked Kedan.

“Yes, my Lord. I have no plans to leave you,” said Teryn between kisses on Kedan’s neck.

Kedan turned and grabbed Teryn pulling her into his lap. “You seemed to have many admirers tonight. Did none of them persuade you to leave?”

“Were you watching me, my lord? It seemed you were busy enough with all the young ladies you had around you.”

Kedan kissed Teryn fiercely. He pulled back and sucked on her pale neck and she moaned.

“You are mine, Teryn. I may eventually take a wife, but you will always be here for me,” he said quietly. He then picked her up and took her into his bedroom.

Later Kedan drowsily stretched in his bed. Their love making had been like nothing before. It had never been that intense. So much so that unlike other times he had not taken his usual precautions. He was glad he had remembered to take the drink Golnar had made for him, the one he said would guarantee no child would come of their love making. He rolled over and reached out for Teryn, but she was not there. He sat up and looked around the room. She was standing in the corner. He watched as she poured something into the chamber pot that was there.

“What are you doing, Teryn?” asked Kedan sleepily.

“Nothing, go back to sleep, my lord.”

“Come here. Don’t leave me tonight,” said Kedan, his arms outstretched.

Teryn smiled and laid down in the bed as Kedan’s arms encircled her. He happily fell asleep with her scent and warmth enveloping him.