LITMIR.BIZ

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      “All kinds of desserts?”

      “Um…no, for the baked ones, like cakes or pastries.”

      Lanead nodded. “Very good.” He began to clear the table to Kahl’s surprise. “I think you have learned enough about the humans’ eating habits.”

      “Thank the Mother,” muttered Mat. Kahl ignored his cousin. He’d seen the mischievous glint in Captain Riverun’s eyes.

      “That’s because it’s time for your next lesson in court etiquette.”

      Mat frowned at the glee in the captain’s voice. “Which is?”

      Lanead stood and hummed a tune on the way to the door, beckoning for the two Dyhaeri to follow. They did as bid. Once on deck, Kahl noticed two things. One, most of the crew were present, and two, they were decked out in the most colorful, ridiculous outfits he had ever seen.

      “Welcome, my young princes, to a royal ball!” announced Lanead gleefully. At his words, a group of crew members in one corner began to play stringed instruments. The dancers separated into rows of men and women facing each other. As the music played, the two lines moved forward, curtsied in time with the beat, then danced backwards, each individual twirling round at the end.

      Kahl’s jaw dropped while Mat gaped at the dancers. The Dyhaeri marine was the first to recover.

      “No. By the Deep, no…”

      “Oh yes,” said Lanead, his eyes twinkling. He danced backwards into the two moving rows of female and male dancers who swayed as they faced each other. As the beat changed, partners were chosen, and soon, couples were twirling around the deck-turned-dance floor.

      Kahl and Mat kept watching in equal parts amazement and horror as the Weltonians danced.

      “There is no way we can learn this. We’ll need months!”

      Mat nodded, his countenance grim. “You couldn’t pay me to learn those steps. It seems…painful.”

      Lanead finally left his partner, who joined her group of dancers when the couples separated to form the two swaying lines.

      “So, what do you think?”

      “No,” said the two Dyhaeri at the same time.

      The captain’s grin grew wider. “Excellent answer. But, we all have to do things we don’t like.” He went to stand beside the puzzled cousins and added, “There is no way you can learn these steps in the time you have left.”

      “And how much time is that?” demanded Mat. Kahl shot his cousin an exasperated look. Could he not sound less aggressive?

      “I don’t know, but the high priest gave me the impression you’ll be moving out soon.”

      “So, why are we watching your crew dancing?” asked Kahl respectfully.

      “Because, I don’t want you gawking like tourists when the Malaquey nobles try to bedazzle you with their flashy clothes and fancy steps.”

      Mat stared at the captain when his tone turned hard.

      “Most of the nobles at court are vipers. They’re only interested in furthering their personal goals and have no love for the poor and unfortunate. To deal with the nobles, it is best that you appear aloof and unimpressed by their performances, and if they ask you for a dance…” Lanead gave Mat an expectant look.

      “Refuse,” said Mat thoughtfully.

      Lanead nodded.

      Kahl frowned. “But won’t that be rude?”

      “And why would you refuse?” Lanead didn’t even acknowledge the younger Dyhaeri. Kahl felt uneasy as he watched the exchange between the captain and his cousin. This felt like some sort of test.

      Mat looked at the Weltonians dancing, seemingly reluctant to reply.

      “Come on, don’t be shy,” coaxed Lanead in a deceptively calm voice.

      “Because then we’d be performing for the Malaquey court.”

      Lanead sighed. “Mat, you might just survive court life after all.” He glanced at Kahl. “You, on the other hand, better learn fast.”

      Kahl blinked. This lesson was…confusing.

      “This is the crew’s down time. You can watch or not. It’s up to you.” The captain wandered off.

      Kahl watched him go while trying to sort out his maelstrom of thoughts. At times, he could swear the captain was saying one thing while meaning another.

       Was he trying to prepare them for court by behaving like a noble? Had the captain lived in Malaquey for a long time? And why? He was Weltonian.

      He turned to put his questions to Mat, but to his amazement, his cousin was among the male dancers trying to mimic their steps.

      “What in the Abyss…?” He ran up to his cousin. “What are you doing?”

      “Learning.” Mat executed a sharp turn and almost fell as he tried to keep in time with the dancers.

      “But…but you said you didn’t want to learn!”

      “I know. It is interesting though and fairly complicated.” Mat tried another step, then grinned as he almost got it right. “This is fun!”

      Kahl stared at him. His cousin was actually smiling with joy. He watched Mat for a while then smiled in return. Then a thought crossed his mind.

       I never asked Britea if she likes to dance. Maybe I should learn…in case I meet her again.

      “You’re right, it looks like fun.”

       #

      From the helm above, Lanead observed and smiled as he watched the two Dyhaeri laughing while trying to learn how to dance.

       Let them be innocent a bit longer.

       #

      Britea knew something was wrong the moment she stepped into the social studies class. Students had clustered around Lianne and her two lady friends; their voices dropped to a whisper as they frequently glanced in her direction. None of the looks were kind.

       What now?

      She hoped never to find out. Britea had been at the school for six weeks and was still settling in. She knew things would have been a bit smoother if not for Lianne’s antics.

      “What’s going on?” whispered Henrick as Britea sat down next to him.

      She was mildly surprised. “I should be asking you. I thought you knew all the secrets.”

      “Not really. That group has been gossiping like mad since I walked in, but I have no clue what about. I must say though, it sure picked up when you appeared.”

      “Is that so?” Britea tried to hide her despair. She had an inkling of what they were talking about. At that moment, Lianne turned her pretty head and looked at Britea; her smile was absolutely malicious.

      “Good morning, class,” said Instructor Teron Dawn as he breezed into class. Those not seated hurried to their spots.

      “Good morning!” chorused the class.

      “Today we’re going to discuss the structure of the Malaquey government.” Britea forced herself to turn to the front of the class, all the while aware of the girls behind her.

      “We all know who the king is…” he paused and regarded the class. “I hope.” This was met by a few nervous giggles.

      “So, we’ll start from the bottom of the rung this time, shall we? First question: which group of people occupy the lowest rung but hold the most power in Malaquey?”

      Britea

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