"Yes, of course," Genevieve said, automatically reaching to take the extended hand. (It swallowed hers.) "It's so nice to meet you in person."
She felt a pang of sympathy as she took in Hui-Bawa's obvious discomfort, the way he shifted in a suit that didn't seem to fit him quite right—a stark contrast to all of the outfits around them that had clearly been custom-tailored, if not custom-made. She'd felt like a fish out of water ever since arriving in Aciras, but her unease clearly paled in comparison to his—and, with her silly rhinestones and stupid trademark lipstick, she had also clearly gone about handling it differently.
"It's not what I'm used to, either," she offered, feeling inadequate even as she said it. Hoping she wasn't too obviously breaking some rule of etiquette—or, worse, that she did not offend him—Genevieve took Hui-Bawa's arm, turning him toward a set of open double doors. "I'm sure it's a little less crowded out on the terrace, if you think that would work?"
x—x—x
The outside was nearly as garish as the inside. Hedge mazes, large as the building itself, dominated large portions of what seemed in all respects to be the palace's backyard. It was true, as Genevieve had said, that the terraces were in fact less densely populated. Marginally. Everywhere he looked was a new face, as carefree and happy as a child.
"I am certainly glad I found you," Hui-Bawa said. "I was getting quite lost. The house of our host is the size of a village. Are all the homes of the northern wealthy the same way?"
x—x—x
Genevieve felt another pang and just barely held back a wince. She was no Princess Ayleanna, but she still had to count as one of those wealthy northerners that baffled him so.
"I couldn't tell you for sure," she said. "This is my first time attending a function like this outside of my home court. But I would assume so, just from the pictures I've seen." Genevieve hesitated, then added, "Lord Hui-Bawa, are you all right?" She was starting to worry about a possible panic attack. "I'm sure I could find you some water, if you need it. This place is a lot to take in."
x—x—x
"Water would be nice, thank you," Hui-Bawa said. In truth, he was becoming quite thirsty. He awoke early in the morning to work out the affairs involved in visiting foreign lands. Renting a car, a suit, getting the proper directions, all made the day pass by rather quickly. He could not recall having had any water since he awoke in the morning. Judging by his very rough guess, it was anywhere between mid-morning to the early afternoon. "Why, do you happen to have any on you at the moment?"
x—x—x
Genevieve startled. "Well, no, but--"
"Allow me, Princess," Christopher said, treating first Genevieve, then Hui-Bawa to a brief bow. Genevieve's stomach turned, but she nodded and allowed him to go. He disappeared back inside for a few moments, leaving her alone with a man she knew only through reputation and a chain of faceless emails.
"They have to be serving something in there besides champagne," Genevieve offered, to fill the silence.
Christopher reappeared with a crystal glass in hand, ice cubes clinking in something that fizzed. "I'm afraid they only had sparkling water on the tables, my lord," he said, offering the drink to Hui-Bawa. "If that doesn't suit, I'd be happy to ask one of the staff for help."
x—x—x
"Thank you very much, Lord . . . " Hui-Bawa said, lifting the glass to his lips. His mistake for not looking within the glass first. He took one sip of the clear solution, and spit it back out in shock. Whatever this was, it certainly was not water! "I'm terribly sorry, Lord," he said. "Forgive me, truly. If you would be so kind as to tell me why this water is . . . breathing?" He gave the glass a shake, watching in near wonder as the solution bubbled merrily away with a hissing noise.
x—x—x
"It's just Christopher, my lord—"
Christopher never got the chance to correct Hui-Bawa, his self-deprecating smile switching to bemusement as the other man almost choked on his drink.
"That's why it's called 'sparkling,'" Genevieve interjected quickly. "Though the more common word is just 'soda water,' because they use the same process to put the bubbles in soda. I'm so sorry it wasn't to your taste—I don't much like it, either." Genevieve was actually fairly convinced that
no one truly enjoyed sparkling water, and that most people were just too proud to admit it.
She bit back a dismayed frown. This was not how she'd imagined her first meeting with Hui-Bawa to go, if they ever met at all.
"Please, my lord," Christopher said smoothly, extending a hand, but refraining from actually taking the glass. "Let me go back and find you something better while you and the princess talk."
x—x—x
"Please, do not worry about it in the slightest, Lord Christopher. I will be perfectly alright," Hui-Bawa said, setting the cup down. Was this man a servant? "Sparkling water, eh?" He let a chuckle escape his lips, which quickly turned into a booming laugh. "Never doubt the ingenuity of the human peoples! Ha ha! My brother, he would love something like this."
Hui-Bawa took a minute to compose himself, and turned to face Genevieve. "On to more serious matters." He smoothed out his suit, as far as it might perhaps be smoothed, and continued. "On behalf of countless families in the city of Du-Tunka, I would like to thank you for your caring nature." He shuffled about on his feet a bit. "You are probably curious as to where your donation is going, yes? I would expect nothing less. It was . . . generous."
x—x—x
Christopher's professionalism slipped as he let a smile escape. Genevieve's professionalism stayed intact—which was good, else she probably would have kicked him. As it was, she was too busy hoping the heat she felt climbing up the back of her neck, prickling her cheeks, wasn't obvious under her fair skin.
"You're more than welcome," she said. "Your reputation speaks for itself—I never had any doubt that you would use the money to do whatever you thought was best to help your country." Swallowing, resisting the uncourtly urge to drop her gaze, she added, "There's only so much I'm able to give each year, so I always do my research first. I wish I could give you more."
x—x—x
"I have spoken to some of Du-Wassi's top economists," Hui-Bawa said. "They think that with your help, they may save the entire city of Du-Tunka, and its population of one million souls, from the ravages of yellow fever. Many of my countrymen are a little . . . close minded, and fear the pale skin. I laugh to think that their lives are owed to one." He let the moment stand for a second, an easy grin touching the corners of his mouth. "But, we have all day to talk about serious matters. At the moment, I think a lunch is just lighthearted enough to think about for the moment." With that, he offered his arm for Genevieve to take.
x—x—x
In a bit of a daze, Genevieve took it. She was glad for the support as they made their way back into the ballroom.
One million lives?Heat rushed under her skin a second time—excitement, nerves, frustration, and still that lingering bit of shame. Just what could Maris accomplish if their altruistic efforts extended beyond one princess's yearly allocation of her birthday money?
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Tim the Yeti
