Page 19 of Beaux and Dragons

Natalia had the good sense to wait until the last footman walked out the door before saying, “Do you think? Federico has been so attentive, and he is so very kind and handsome. He might be a simple airman, but he’s already bought an estate.”

The reflected glee in Lucia’s expression doused Ana with dread. Should she have confided in her sister about her affections for Federico rather than let the coming-of-age incident reflect her final decision about him? Reminiscing on the past wouldn’t do a thing to change her current predicament, so she opened her trunk and chose the first night’s gown.

“And you.” Lucia rushed to Ana’s side and plucked a more stylish gown than the one she had selected for herself. “Pray tell me, has Julian expressed his intentions to you yet?He has done nothing to hide his affections. Padre will be overjoyed at such a turn of events.”

Natalia rushed to the other side of Ana. “You cannot wear the plain yellow gown. No, the white gown better suits your tan color, and the stitching on this one is lovely. Should I braid your hair into a crown?”

Lucia eagerly nodded.

“No, please.” Ana smiled at Lucia and Natalia, not wanting to seem unappreciative of their good intentions. “I’ll wear the white gown if you both insist, but I prefer a simple updo.”

“You and your sense of simple refinement.” Lucia backed away from Ana and attended to her own trunk.

By the time the ladies arrived at the dinner in the crowded banquet hall, Lucia had woven an intricate hairstyle atop Natalia’s golden-brown waves. Pearls shone from around her slender neck, and an unabashed joy tinted her naturally elegant face. As much as Ana was irritated by Natalia’s insertion into the equation, the girl had no fault in Federico’s and Ana’s tumultuous past. Ana arrived with her sister and Natalia at their seats.

Julian pulled out a chair for Ana, but her attention remained on Federico’s bright assessment of Natalia. Who wouldn’t appreciate such a kind and pretty girl whosefamily had no opposition to her match with an airman born to a dragon keeper? How Ana wished Padre would change his mind about Federico now that he had a good income, but Padre had always been adamant about her suitor coming from the same class in society.

Ana took her place beside Julian.

“You look lovely tonight,” Julian said. “I would be honored if you would accept my request for the first dance?” He pressed his lips into a firm line as if holding his breath for her response.

What excuse could she give for refusing him? Ana smiled at the discomfort of trying to hide her thoughts from sneaking into her expression. “Yes, of course.”

Julian exhaled and settled into a pleasant expression that lasted through each course of the meal. Though the conversation flowed freely across the round table, Ana remained silent, her throat swollen with swallowed words she decided would be inappropriate. Musicians shuffled into their seats across the ballroom, signaling the start of the dances.

“Shall we?” Julian reached for Ana’s hand.

Though she had agreed to this arrangement, she hesitated and resisted the urge tolocate Federico. Instead, she allowed Julian to lead her but itched to return to her table.

Federico grinned at a giggling Natalia as they spun and twisted with every regal movement. The joy between the couple affirmed Ana’s decision to let Federico go from her heart and to neglect the apology she should give. She hadn’t exactly promised Federico not to race, so what would it matter if she found a way to earn her freedom from marrying well?

The dances persisted, and Federico continued to ignore Ana. They exited the hall together in good spirits from all the merriment. Juan and Federico praised the cook for such a (delicious?) meal.

Lucia clung to Ana’s arm. “So, did he declare his affections yet? He danced with you five times.”

Natalia sashayed ahead and climbed atop the ledge of the fountain. “Catch me.” She leaped at Federico, but he had turned right in that instant toward Lucia and Ana as if he had heard the question.

Everyone in the party turned to Natalia as she fell to the floor, hitting her head on the cobblestone ground. Lucia screeched and Juan stood in horror at the sight of his limp sister sprawled on the floor.

Ana dropped to the floor. “Natalia, Natalia, do you hear me?” Blood spilled from beneath Natalia and pooled in the rugged grooves of the stones.

Federico swooped down, appraising the state of the girl’s injuries. “Let’s move her to the bed. Juan, get a doctor.” He lifted Natalia, carrying her up to the ladies’ room and laying her on a bed.

Ana rushed to the innkeeper’s counter. “We are in need of a doctor, bandages, and something to clean a head wound.”

By the time the doctor arrived at Natalia’s bedside, Ana could barely breathe from worry about what might happen to Natalia if she did not recover. She waited inside the ladies’ bedroom and pressed her palms against the railing. “Lord, please protect Natalia. Please heal her.” She prayed to the Creator to intervene for them.

The bedroom door opened behind her, but she didn’t dare twist to see who might have joined her. “Please, step outside with me.” Federico whispered.

She tiptoed to just outside the room but still in view of Natalia asleep on the bed.

Federico’s voice pulled her attention to him. “I think it would be best if I accompany Juan, Lucia, and Natalia on the return to Montenegro.” Federico leaned againstthe railing beside Ana. “I feel most guilty about what transpired.”

“It’s not your fault.” Ana resisted the urge to pat Federico’s hand.

“That’s not of what I speak.”

Ana’s lungs failed to work as her mind gathered what he could possibly mean by what had transpired.