Part XIII

It wasn't the first time Joel regretted opening this big mouth of his. Sometimes it was just worth to be quiet but no, Joel always had to have his last word. Of all the people the duke was the man he met yesterday in the bathroom, yeep the one whom he called names, what was it again? Shit eater?! Joel's face got all red. He told him more stuff and even boasted having a relationship with the castle owner … wasn't that duke himself? So he knew back then that Joel was lying still he played along having fun with Joel's stupidity. Shit. Shit. SHIT. No matter what, he must stay unnoticed. Duke will not recognize him in women's clothes, right. All he has to do is keep away from the main table and keep his head low. That's it. Hilda summoned the girls to the kitchen and they started to serve the warm dishes. Joel had some roasted meat, he moved quickly sticking to the outer left side of the table. Luckily nobody expected him to serve the food to the main table as he was new and there were girls who were more experienced in it. The beginning went smoothly dishes have been served and people were eating and chatting, a nice music was being played by three men standing in the left corner. Joel was holding a jug full vine and paid attention to whoever needed a refill. As time flew by people were were becoming louder. One of the men sitting close to where Joel was standing raised himself. He was an opulent man wearing green houppelande interspersed with golden thread, next to him was a young woman in pink dress. She looked like his daughter.

"I'd like to propose a toast" The man announced loudly drawing all the attention to him, "Long live our duke and may his path be as successful as his recent victory!"

"Long live our duke" more voices joined and the duke looked at the man proposing the toast and raised his cup before drinking a sip and than all the others followed. Joel filled the empty cups and went back to the kitchen to refill his jug. Proportionally to the consumption of vine the mood became lighter and soon some dances were introduced. The few women were standing in one line and the men were opposite them. According to the soft tunes they men bowed and women bobbed then they approached each other touching their hands turned around and stepped back in the line. Than they switched position and repeated the figure. Joel liked dancing, it was always a good opportunity to flirt and he was pretty graceful while dancing. He managed to pick up a few girls like that and stole a kiss or two in that way. He was smiling recalling that moment.

"Hey girl, mind your work." A grim looking officer with thick mustache was holding his empty cup towards him.

"Sorry sir." Joel came closer and filled the man's cup.

"Would you like to dance like that too hmm." He asked suddenly.

"What, no sir I just like watching." Joel felt awkward and bucked keeping his eyes on the empty cups.

"Your grace, since its party time are my men allowed to dance with the pretty maids here?" The grim officer asked the duke who smiled and agreed. The officer stood up and took Joel's hand a few soldiers took their chance and grabbed the shocked or giggling maids. Joel almost tripped but the officer held his waist firmly.

"Watch out girl." He whispered quietly into his ear. Joel felt really uneasy as he stepped with other dancers right into the hall center. He wasn't supposed to draw any attention right, so what was the fuck going on? If they choose a fancy dance he is screwed as he doesn't know the female moves. The musician were thoughtful though and it was a simple dance where both parties made a circle and moved clockwise. The moved sideways and touching with their hands circled each other than bowed and moved to the next partner. Joel forgot he tension and decided to enjoy the dance despite him wearing a dress. He smiled and danced with all the officers and soldiers. Yes he had fun. The dance finished and he was led back to his place by the same officer who proposed the dance. Walking back Joel noticed duke gazing at him. Joel lowered his head and looked away. The duke didn't recognize him right. He is wearing a dress, has flowers on his head and breasts. Breathe Joel don't overthink it, do your job and than get out of here.

"You danced very lightly." The officer noticed. "What's your name?"

"Joy." Joel answered without thinking.

"I'll remember that name." The officer placed a kiss on Joel's hand and Joel froze from shock.