I had already bought fabric and sewing supplies at the market and started tailoring a dress for the soiree when a few days ago a messenger brought this one dress, and a bouquet of red roses with a note attached on which he visibly excited wrote
›May this dress highlight your beauty and make the evening unforgettable!‹
Nervously I slipped into the dress while I still couldn't believe that he gave me exactly this dress I saw at Mrs. Nanette1 tailoring, which also fit me like a glove. I stood in front of the mirror for several hours and tried to look at it from all sides. Even Nimri and Sanise were excited and could hardly keep their hands off me.
»I don't want to see you again before tomorrow noon« Sanise joked
»What do you – Do you think there could happen more?« I asked embarrassedly as I looked at the dress on me in the mirror and stroked gently over the corset. It was the first time I felt beautiful.
»Are you kidding?« she giggled. »The way you look, he will have to fight to be the only one allowed dancing with you.«
I threw an unbelieving look at her. I'm a Drow in a human city. It was a wonder that at least one would want to dance with me.
»Trust me – I also packed your new underwear into your backpack. You know, the one you bought at that particular store« she continued excitedly.
I looked at her, shocked, but that didn't change her excellent mood and broad grinning at me at all
»Oh, don't look like that, sweety« she smiled, pushing with a finger over my stomach. »You'll have your big night with a cute boy. Be happy. I am delighted for you.« and hugged me.
»Milady, your companion, is waiting.« it came after a short knock at the door. ›Milady?‹ I asked myself quietly. As if I were of nobility. I took a deep breath and left the room. Blushing, I tried to ignore the whistles and comments as I walked through the tavern to the outside, where Ykril was already waiting for me in front of a carriage, which two noble white horses pulled.
»You look stunning.« he smiled with sparkling eyes to me broadly
My heart jumped out of my corset, and the heat was felt in the tips of my ears. Flattered, I glanced at the floor with a gentle smile. When I looked up again, he looked at me patiently. He looked handsome in his dark blue elegant uniform and his combed hair.
»A carriage?« I asked, astonished and could not believe my eyes
»For you – only the best« it came joyfully, while he seemed to devour me with his eyes and held out a hand to help me into the vehicle.
After a short ride through several gates, we stopped in front of a huge building that seemed to have no end at left and right. When he helped me out of the carriage, I felt how he put his hand on my back, and a warm, soothing feeling flowed through me. The pinching feeling that emanated from the scars I had from the fight with Tarlyn had disappeared, and I could breathe deep again without any pain. It was a wonderful feeling, but I couldn't concentrate longer on it as I marveled at the entrance, which was displayed under a canopy supported by marble pillars. Servants opened the huge massive wooden gates in a swinging manner as we approached. Before we entered, Ykril held out an arm to me. At first, I could do nothing with the gesture until I saw the first couple where the woman hacked into the man's arm. I imitated them, hacked into Ykril's arm too, and followed him on his side into the palace.
We came directly into a magnificent, warm, bright hall, of which several couples danced in the middle to the orchestra's music. Slightly intimidated, I moved closer to Ykril, watched further, and discovered at the edge of the room how a small group of ladies pointed their fingers at me, giggled, and mumbled. I wonder what they were saying about me?
At the other end of the dance floor, I saw this white-haired, older woman in a beautiful black ball dress and an enormous hat, who waved at me with a big smile. It was the lady from the tailor shop window who was displaying the clothing.
Ykril seemed to have noticed my insecurity, whispered »Don't worry. You are safe with me« and kissed me on the forehead. The only thing I could think of at that moment, while I was looking at him with a crush, was that I could start crying with joy. Like so many other things he did for me last days, I still couldn't believe that he managed to take me to one of these noble soirees. Wherever you looked, you could see the gold in the clothes of those presents.
»Can you wait a minute? I have to take a short talk to the orchestra.« he asked quietly
»Please – don't leave me alone. «
»It won't take long« he promised me and gave me a gentle kiss on the cheek before he left.
»Who let a Drow in here? That's outrageous!« a woman next to me mumbled to her companion. She didn't seem to care that I could hear her while they both moved away from me and took a few more couples with them. Hectically I searched for Ykril when I noticed that there was a gap around me.
Ykril kept his promise. A short time later, he stood in front of me and asked me with a gentle hand movement for a dance while the music changed to a slower beat.
»But I can't dance« I meant embarrassed, and he only smiled at me with »Me neither«
I followed him hesitantly onto the dance floor and startled slightly when he put one of his hands on my hip. »Just put your free hand by my side and follow my steps« he whispered. I nestled up to him gently and followed his steps.
I don't know how often the orchestra changed the song, and I didn't have to do much. At some times, it felt as if we were floating over the floor, and more than once, I could forget that we are not alone in this big hall. When the orchestra started to play a very calm rhythm, he pulled me gently so close to him that I could feel his warmth even through our clothes and perceive his subtle, pleasant fragrance. He smiled softly at me with these blue-grey eyes as if he adored me. With my eyes closed, I laid my head on his shoulder and followed his leisurely steps while I enjoyed his light strokes over my back.
Suddenly I felt his hands on my cheeks, which were guiding my head tenderly. I felt so comfortable at that moment that I kept my eyes closed and put my head in his hand while his other hand gently stroked my cheek as if he wanted to kiss me at any moment. He hesitated with his hand gently on my cheek, and I just started begging ›Come on, sweety. Kiss me!‹ through my head, and just when I tightened my grip on him, he found the courage, and I finally felt his lips on mine. I heard neither the orchestra nor the other people as if we were alone. I pressed myself as close as I can to him and passionately returned the kiss. Again, this pleasant, stimulating warmth radiated from him, just as it did at the entrance of the hall when the pain of the scars subsided. This time, however, it seemed to emanate from his whole body. I felt like I was in seventh heaven. All my worries were blown away. I held on to him so that I would not fall because of my weak knees. In his arms, I could give myself entirely and forget everything else for a moment. I enjoyed the way he tenderly held me in his arms, the warmth he radiated, the scent he exuded, and his lips caressing mine.
We were interrupted by a man, who stood stiffly beside us and cleared his throat
»The festivities are over. We would kindly ask you and your companion to leave the premises« he said to Ykril, without even noticing me and a derogatory emphasis on the word ›companion‹.
Ykril looked at him in annoyance, grumbled briefly but did not answer any further, but accompanied me to the reception, where I handed in my backpack.
»Would you like to join me for some tea? I recently bought mint, which is, according to the trader, the best in the country«.
The way he smiled at me, I only could say yes, even though I knew, or maybe even hoped, that he would try to seduce me.
