(Honor to Us All & The Flik Machine)
“I don’t care if she is stark naked and sprouting a moustache. Find her and bring her here now.” Conductor Flik’s harsh whisper reached Mina as she stumbled to s stop at the foot of the servant staircase. “Maybe dancing au naturale before the entire population of Etris will teach our scurrilous lady the necessity of punctuality.”
Maft. Mina gave up on straightening her skirt’s disarray and snuck a glance around the corner. Several servingmen stood in double row between her and where Conductor Flik stood berating poor Jacqueline. Small mercies… Ignoring amused looks from the opposite side, Mina ran on tiptoe behind the wall of their shoulders.
Raoul drew Flik’s attention away with a gesture and comment Mina couldn’t hear. They stepped to one side of the doors in conference. Giuseppe offered her his arm and she stepped between the men to take it gratefully. For once Jacqueline managed to keep her surprise silent, moving quickly to unravel the twisted mess of layers Mina had made of her gown during her frantic dash down the stairs.
“And here her royal punctualness is,” said Giuseppe. Jacqueline backed away from the now immaculate gown as Conductor Flik turned around. Mina kept her gaze straight ahead and hoped her face wasn’t horribly flushed under the Conductor’s glare. Sweat trickled down her back.
“Indeed. Music.” Conductor Flik commanded.
A single harp cut through the murmuring of the crowd on the other side of the doors. For a few moments, it became the only sound to be heard, a melody of anticipation.
“Lights.”
A thousand candles in mirrored alcoves and crystal chandeliers sprang to flame. Even with the frosted glass barrier of the doors, the light dazzled Mina’s eyes. She welcomed the temporary blindness. The thought of what awaited her kept her heart racing in an uncomfortable rhythm. Giuseppe elbowed her gently and she loosened her death grip on his arm, “sorry.”
“Fanfare.” Raoul and Connor flung the doors open to a crescendo of brass and strings. “Enter the Princess Regent.” Conductor Flik stepped forward and to one side, bowing with a flourish.
