Cantrell Chronicles

The Importance of Diplomacy, Cantrell Chronicles update, Chapter Seven

The Cantrell family arrived at the lounge in the heart of the La Vivace area. All polished and dressed to the nines, only Erik and his father wore the suit of their dynasty. Dark blue with white embellishments, particularly a row of stripes that hinted at a sash going from the left shoulder to the right hip. Aaron looked nice, but he preferred a different style, more Vulcan in flavor.  Joey was simply Joey, after all, your typical fifteen-year-old. He wore a green tuxedo jacket with black bow tie and slacks.

Lady Brianna and her mother were both stunning. All dolled up, as they were.  
For a moment of near panic, the guests were rather slow to arrive.  Erik kept looking around for Kayleigh waiting impatiently. While she did say things hadn’t changed between them, he wouldn’t be surprised if the revelation just hadn’t caught up with her until later. Erik, himself, was still reeling a bit.

Finally, he saw Captain Golden, in full military regalia. Mrs. Golden and Kayleigh swooped into the room. Erik smiled and came over to Kayleigh. “You look stunning, radiant. More beautiful than before, if that’s possible. The color blue suits you, I must say. May I have this dance?”

Sir Joseph Cantrell, Sr., started the grand waltz, couples formed and since he couldn’t find his wife, he chose to seek a partner in the mixologist, who was both flattered and bedazzled at the same time.

After the first waltz, Sir Joseph took a place behind the bar and commenced with a welcome speech. The crowd was pleased and applause rang through the room.  In only a moment, Sir Joseph saw a familiar face.

 He excused himself and met the woman on the dance floor. “Alex, Lady Alexandra, I am so pleased you found it in your heart to come. Let me say up front, I am terribly sorry for the grievance I gave you upon my return to Bellacorde.  My taking the leadership of our dynasty was never meant to cause you harm. If I may, by way of making recompense, I would like to ask you to be my Advisor.

As the evening progressed, Sir Joseph also had a chance to speak to his younger brother, James. He apologized, but James merely stalked off in a huff and left the ball altogether. When going out the front for some air, Sir Joseph was delighted to find his youngest brother, Reginald, standing at the base of the steps. “Reggie, Lord Reginald, I would like you to meet my only daughter, Lady Brianna. I’m so glad you came. We have much to speak about, some fence-mending to do.”

“You mean you have to mend a few fences. What makes you think you can traipse all the way across the universe living your very best life and then when it’s convenient you race back home just to take over everything. Yeah. Good luck with keeping the dynasty intact, let alone Ondarion. No, I won’t offer you any help.”

“But, Reg, you came all the way here. Come inside and dance, have a drink and let’s talk this out. I implore you, for our late father’s sake, don’t take this attitude. We used to be friends.”
“Oh, all right. I’ll give you another chance, but if you dare leave suddenly like you did, that’s it. I’m done.”
“That’s fair, thank you.”

Erik was also busy as the ball came to an end. He found himself chatting with a member of the Thebes dynasty, a very pregnant Sophia Abrantes. 

 Later, he spoke with Dante of the Monty dynasty, doing his best to smooth things over between the three dynasties. Seems Alexandra had clashed with both the Thebes and Monty Clans. 

Most disturbing. Erik couldn’t wait to speak to his aunt, wishing only to give her a rather large piece of his mind. But that wouldn’t do, as he wasn’t certain he could say what needed to be said in a kind, loving manner.

As it was, the guests all left, as his father thanked them all for making this a wonderful and festive evening. “We shall do this again,” He promised. “Good night, everyone.”

All for now, thanks for reading!