Heart of the Guardians: Adoring Destiny by Adrianna Adore (best big ereader .TXT) 📗

led her to the feast. “We’re known for our juxtapositions and improbable pairings. I would suggest avoiding the hot sauce pineapple and pickled bananas, though. They’re an acquired taste.”

The food was incredible and by the time everyone had their fill, most of the formality of the occasion had eased. Wine glasses were kept full by the army of waiters, more dishes brought out to replenish those that disappeared and she had to stop herself from going for thirds.

“I’ve never tasted so many flavors, so many wonderful dishes!” Dana exclaimed. “How do they do it?”

“Galadorian Banquets are famous around the world.” Frank proclaimed. “It’s been a good while since we’ve had one but there is a lottery of sorts and twenty chefs from twenty different countries are invited to prepare their best dishes. Your country is represented this time, the president sent the White House chef. He made the roast beef.”

“I can hardly believe it,” Dana said in a low whisper. “I’m sorry, Frank but we’d never heard of Galador until a few weeks ago. It’s not even on most of the maps I looked at.”

“That’s good,” he said with a smile. “We like it like that and it keeps us out of the news. The leaders and heads of states know of us, as do many Europeans, but we try to stay out of the limelight. If you are not interested in horse racing, fine wines or gambling, there is no reason to have heard of our quiet little Duchy.”

A chamber orchestra began playing in the ballroom and men were grabbed by the hands and led out of the dining hall. Some complained good naturedly, but none wanted to miss the occasion. It might be another decade before there was another ball. With the wine and the full bellies, most of the stiffness and formalities of the evening slipped away as couples danced on the hardwood floors under the soft lights. James and Frank were both light on their feet and led the girls in a few waltzes.

The evening passed quickly with pleasant conversations, introductions to important people and the occasional whirl around the dancefloor.

“Get ready,” James said as the musicians started a piece she didn’t recognize, something completely different that was heavy and sombrous.

“For what?” she asked.

“It’s almost midnight,” he answered with a sly grin.

“What happens at midnight?” she asked as Frank and a breathless Dana slipped in beside them.

They had been doing a jitterbug type of dance to an upbeat song.

“They let loose the savages.” Frank said. “You have until the last strike of the clock to make your escape.”

“They what?” Claire asked her eyes going wide.

“Don’t let them catch you!” Frank yelled as the first bong of the clock rang loudly through the ballroom.

She heard the roar of a dozen men waving swords as the doors beside the stage burst open and they charged out.

“RUN!” they crowd yelled and many laughed at the barbarian’s antics as they tried to catch the future King. They were heavily armored, so much so they had a hard time moving and seeing out of their helmets.

The orchestra picked up the beat and men and women threw themselves in front of the marauding men as they tried to find the King in the sea of bodies. James grabbed her hand and led them off on a merry chase, darting around couples who blocked the path of the men in costume.

“I’ll save you, your Majesty!” and “My life for yours!” rang out as men and women diverted the hunting men. The laughter was catching and once she realized it was some sort of game, some ritual with foam swords, heavy padding, bumbling barbarians and everyone wanting to save the King, she began giggling herself.

James led her through the maze of people as the band played louder and faster and the clock sounded its thunderous gongs.

“HURRY YOUR GRACE!” someone shouted as the clock peeled its tenth tolling.

“Save us!” more shouted over the laughter of stumbling barbarians.

James spun around a couple and pulled her through a door as the clock struck its final note.

“Our turn,” he said trying to control his own laughter as he slipped a bear cloak over his head a pair of men were holding out for him. “Come on, Claire. Help me vanquish the invaders.”

James ran out the door with a roar that was drowned out by the cheering of the guests. She had no idea what was happening, was breathless from laughing and let whatever was supposed to happen just happen. She didn’t question anything and didn’t spoil the fun, she rolled with it.

The men grabbed her bear cloak and held it out while a woman quickly unzipped the dress and hurried her out of it. Comfortable walking shoes were slipped on her feet and she pulled the two hair sticks. As promised, the elegant bun fell and her hair bounced around her shoulders. The party dress was slipped over her head, the cloak over her shoulders and the rushing slowed for a second as they placed the mask on her face and made sure her hair was over the straps.

Outside the doors she heard the laughter and roars of James as he vanquished the barbarians who had invaded the lands. She wasn’t sure what she was supposed to do but when she heard the crowds shocked gasps and James cry for help, she realized what her role was. She was going to save the King.

“I don’t know what to do!” she said as the men sprang to open the door.

“Just make some noise and chase after them,” the woman said with a laugh. “They’ll do the rest.”

Claire bounded out of the door with her best roar and ran directly for the barbarians with their swords raised high, ready to cut down the bear king. They fell over themselves in mock panic, stumbled and ran for the exits as she and James chased them away. As the wild men left the hall, the king and his lady paused at the