Page 63 of Badmouths & Bards

Ameriden

Seira was a brilliant manager, as always. She had prepared a carriage that arrived at the back of the Golden Manor while Casimine and Ameriden glamoured themselves as an elderly couple. They slipped through the servant entrance and quietly into the carriage.

Granted, Ameriden almost lost his footing as he climbed inside and saw Tala. Bathed in the finest aquamarine silk and lace, she looked more like a noble diplomat than a bodyguard. Her messy hair was combed and partially pinned back, allowing Ameriden a full view of her warm cheeks and ears.

“Do you have your foot stuck in the carriage step again?” Seira asked as she peered over Tala’s shoulder.

Ameriden fumbled, words catching in his throat as his brain provided him with a proper retort in, “Your foot gets stuck in the carriage step.”

Fuck, he was embarrassing.

He recovered quickly, sliding into the opposite seat of the two women and holding a hand out for Casimine. The other man appeared to take Tala’s appearance with a lot more grace. Casimine gently slid into his seat and dropped his glamour, reminding Ameriden to do the same.

“Ladies, you both look enchanting this evening,” Casimine smiled.

“Thank you,” Seira preened.

Her hair was done up in traditional dwarven braids around her temples that looped behind her head. Golden beads and tiny emeralds knotted throughout, descending over her shoulders in bouncing curls. Seira’s gown was form fitting, but professional and befitting for a woman who was in charge of two well-renowned bards.

Tala didn’t say anything, but Ameriden saw her eyes lingering on their joint hands. No rebuttal over the compliment, no telling Casimine to shut his mouth. Even after the carriage had begun to move and the familiar neighborhood began to change, she remained quiet.

Maybe she’s trying to be professional with our manager right next to her?

The silence must have been too much for Seira, because she was already pulling a scroll from her skirts—from where, Ameriden had no idea. She briefly reviewed their itinerary for the event. It was the usual fair, only instead of performing for a group of screaming fans, they would be singing in a more stiff setting in front of nobility and people who thought they were smarter than they actually were.

What had initially been a dinner had quickly escalated to an actual gala, and no matter how much Seira protested that the king hadn’t needed to go to such trouble, it hadn’t changed his mind.

And here we are…

Ameriden had tried his best to prepare for the event. Mentally, at least. He wasn’t a stranger to such things, though it had been ages since he had a performance that wasn’t related to Cashmere Fantasy. Knowing how to navigate in a room of rich assholes was probably the only thing that would save Ameriden from insulting a powerful lord. He doubted much had changed since last time he suffered through soft politics and non-existent humor. The only difference now was that the people he would be forced to converse with would think he had some formal training with high society.

Not that he was actually the—

A gentle pressure on his hand drew his attention and he caught Casimine’s eye. The concern didn’t surprise him and he squeezed his hand back in assurance that everything was all right. That despite their intense conversation back at the inn, Ameriden wasn’t mad at him. The warmth reflected back told him Casimine felt the same.

The coachman’s muffled voice and the slowing carriage alerted him of their arrival. Their hands separated in a way that was much too natural and too practiced. Seira was hurriedly rolling up her scroll with one hand and digging into her skirts with the other. She produced more parchment—invitations by the look of the stylized calligraphy and ink choice.

“Remember, everyone be on your best behavior,” Seira said.

“Naturally,” Ameriden replied, though any of his normal mirth was gone from his voice.

The footman opened the door and Ameriden was the first out. He waved off the footman’s support, feet sure as his boots hit the solid ground. Ameriden’s gaze took in the entrance of what was to be the gala. Massive ivory stone walls stretched high and wide within the enclosure of dismounting nobles and attendees. Banners and glowing torches lit up the area, with a heavy crown of roses that smothered the imposing, heavy wooden doors. And most importantly of all, the grounds were choking with guards.

Well, at least we don’t have to worry about any fans—

Ameriden caught a young looking human woman with blonde hair and large diamonds around her neck staring at him. She blushed prettily, hiding her upturned mouth behind a lace fan as she spoke to her lady-in-waiting.

Or maybe not. Fuck.

A small tap to his side drew his attention to Casimine.

“You aren’t…” the other man trailed, sending a look toward the woman.

“No!” Ameriden protested with flush. “Casi, you and Tala are right here, I would never—”

“I’m teasing, Amer,” Casimine assured with a gentle squeeze to his arm. “I know you’re nervous about… well, all of this—”

Nervous?