Chapter 16: Shock

Ambien was still sitting in the council room his head in his hands when Balfor came looking for him to call him to dinner. "Have you been here all this time? Holding your head and not getting anywhere. Sonny boy you will learn that, she isn't going anywhere without you. First we have to get everyone fed. Your parents have decided to get everyone fed and get through the celebration tonight, then come up with a plan to save the babies."

"I had forgotten all about the celebration. I need to go get dressed. My parents are right there isn't anything that we can do about it tonight. We might as well go and enjoy ourselves." Ambien said getting up from the table, gathering his books and heading for the door.

"Boy did you even hear everything I said. That girl will do whatever you ask her to. She has been in love with you for years. If you were to tell her to fly to the third moon cause it would save her and her sister she would. Just as long as you were going with her."

"I know Balfor, It's not that at all. I knew this attack was coming, I could feel it in my bones, and I had dreamt of it for weeks. But I had no idea that this is what they were after all these years. They have been doing this to us for so long and they never went after Atona, or her sister. Why? That is what is bothering me. They always steal the jewels."

"You know my dear lad, I often wondered that myself. I also noticed all those years that it was about the time of the raids that you would send Atona to stay with us. Where did you send Rozelle when you had your premonitions?" Balfor asked scratching his beard.

"We always sent her to Jaspen after some sort of herb or something that we needed and would take plenty of time for her and their mother to find or acquire. It was easier to send Atona to you to learn something. She was so eager to learn everything she could about everything metal. A lot like her father she is. I knew him Balfor. Did I ever mention it to you?"

"No, you didn't. Have you mentioned it to her?"

"No, not yet. He was such a great man. I was young then just learning the ways of etiquette myself. My father decided to have me stand by his side when he made trade deals and the such. It was those times that I met their father. Never knowing he had such beautiful daughters. I think I would have been smitten then, if I had known. I was with my father when they first brought them here. I was smitten with Atona first. The way she stood so boldly, defying the tears that wanted to crawl down her face. You could see the bravery in her then."

"Well, you need to tell her you knew her father lad. Secrets are not to be kept, especially right now."

"Your right. I will tell her tonight. Let's get going. I still have to change. Did Jadens brother make it?"

"Yep, showed up a little while ago. A lot of hustle over his arrival. You would think he was really royalty. Can't believe that Jaden and him are brothers."

"That different are they." he said as he walked out the doors.

Atona was getting dressed for the celebration. Slipping into her blue cotton dress, it had a moderate dip down the front showing just enough cleavage that was appropriate for a lady. Slipped on her dancing slippers. Just putting her hair up into a flip, there was a knock on the door. "Come in, I'm dressed."

"Atona, could you help me. I can't seem to get my hair just the way I want it." Andrianna said as she fussed with her hair.

"Yes, dear. Have a seat." Atona was pulling her hair back the way she wanted and pulling a few tendrils to fall down along the side of her face to frame her fantastic features.

"Aona, Aona." a small voice was saying as it clung to her legs. She looked down and seen her beautiful niece Justine clutching her leg.

"Hold on sweetie. I'll pick you up when I get done here. Where is your momma?"

"She's down the hall with her mother. The little one is glad to see me but she darted in here to you." a deep voice said. A tall tanned man stood in the door, dusty brown hair hanging just below his ears, deep blue eyes and a mustache that hid his upper lip. He was physically fit, and dressed regally in his ball clothes. Dark pants, a purple shirt, dark jacket. He looked a lot like Jaden, if not for the voice Atona would have thought it was.

"Well, Hello. You must be this darling girls daddy. I'm Atona, Rozelles sister. Glad to meet you." she said after picking her up and walking over to the door. She put her hand out to shake his hand.

"Oh, Hello." he said as he took a step back. Took her hand in his and kissed the back of it. "I'm so sorry. I'm just not comfortable here. I don't know how to act. I had all the same teachings as my brother on etiquette but it just doesn't come out the way I want it to."

"Just act natural. You'll do fine. By the way this is Andrianna, Princess of Liasin." She almost laughed as she watched him stammer and stutter. "Look, I'm sorry now. I was raised around these people they are like family to me. So their title doesn't bother me. Except the King and the Queen of course. But Andrianna, and Ambien, they are my closest friends. Rozelle treats them the same way I do. So don't be nervous."

"OK. It was great meeting you both finally. I have heard a lot about you both. But I probably better get her back to her mother. Rozelle, will have a fit." he said taking the baby from her hands. Atona leaned over kissing the baby on the cheek.

"I'll see you both later. I need to go find Ambien." Atona said looking at Andrianna. As she headed down the hall towards Ambiens room. "You will close my room before you take off right?"

"Yes. I will. Tell my brother to hurry he is supposed to walk down before I do." she yelled after her. Atona knocked on Ambiens door.

"Come in, I'm almost ready." she heard him say through the door.

"Oh, I was hoping you would need some help." she said coming through the door with a big grin on her face.

"Well, your just in time then. I do need help with this tie."

"You still haven't figured out how to tie these?"

"Yes, but you do it better and faster." he said pulling her into his arms and holding her close.

"Your sister said to tell you to hurry, something about you are supposed to walk down first."

"Yes, I know. I go down, she goes down, then my parents follow. It's the same processional at all of our festivals. She worries to much. Though your right we should get this tied and get going. I'm already behind." he said bending down and kissing her forehead.

"Ok. Let me get that thing straightened for you then." she said as she tied his tie and straightening it on his beautiful blue shirt. She then looked up and kissed him on the lips just a soft and quick kiss. He was dressed similar to Jerimiah. Dark pants, blue ruffle shirt, tie gold, and dark jacket.

"Atona, there is something I need to tell you. I knew your father. I was young, and had met him a few times when he had come to talk to father about trade. But I didn't know him that well." he said with a hint of fear in his voice.

"You did." Was all she could say it was a shock.

"I'm sorry for keeping that from you. I didn't know him that well to tell you anything about him."

"It's ok. I understand. It wasn't like you and him went hunting together. Did you?"

"No. I was young and learning proper etiquette of the court. So I just stood and observed."

"Let's get going. I'm ready to eat, and dance with you."