Snippet.

Here's another little piece of my writing thus far. I realize that it may be a tad confusing to keep track of everything that I'm posting because they aren't really connected thoughts. But the point of these posts (for me at least) isn't to present you with the finished novel that I have itself, but rather give you a glimpse into my writing style as well as a hint at the ideas for my novel. It helps me, as well, to see the areas I may need to improve on and gives me motivation to continue writing.

I hope that makes more sense. But, if you do want to know further into the story itself you are free to ask questions. If you have critiques and insights that I may overlook you are more than welcome to enlighten me as well. I appreciate it.

So here's a new little piece for you to enjoy. I hope you like it. And as always, comments are appreciated.

I felt extremely out of place as I walked carefully down the staircase. I had been primped, polished, and sucked into an insanely tight (though admittedly beautiful) dress, my hair curled and piled on the top of my head, small beaded pearls lacing the auburn locks, and makeup applied to my cheeks and lips. All of this done in order to play the part of a courtier here in France. And yet, I still felt like the vulnerable, wary college student from New York. No one would believe this farce. It was absurd to even think that I could pull this off! I could feel my fingers twitching out of nervousness and resisted the urge to smooth out the nonexistent wrinkles of my dress.

                I gazed around me, noting just how many people were here. The women were adorned in voluminous dresses, austere glittering jewelry, and amazingly large and imposing hairdos. The men wore tailored suits that glittered as much as the women. It felt very much like an extravagant costume party. A few people glanced in my direction, giving me inquisitive looks. They were obviously trying to figure out who I was or why I was here. Even in my borrowed finery I still felt extremely out of place. My dress was not nearly as outlandish as the rest of the company here (something that I was both relieved and self-conscious about).

Ugh. I needed to find Adam. I needed a familiar face in this sea of high snobbery. I needed something I could latch onto to keep me from bolting from the room.

                So far, however, I was having no luck in locating him. It figured, really. He was always around when I DIDN’T need him. Now, when I desired his company, he was suddenly absent.

                Typical.

                “Pardon me, ma chére, I’m afraid I’ve never had the pleasure of being acquainted with you,” I jerked my head to my right and was surprised to see a man dressed in bright blues standing before me, his dark hair slicked back meticulously, his green eyes observing me curiously.

                “I, uh, my name is Genevieve,” I replied, recalling Adam’s backstory for my presence, “I am visiting my distant cousin, Adam Rauchard.”

                The man’s eyes lit up and a smile graced his lips, but something about the way he was looking at me seemed all too familiar (and not in a good way mind you).

                “Ah yes of course! Adam is a dear dear friend! What a pleasure it is to finally meet one of his relatives. He never told us how delectably attractive his relations were!”

                The man grabbed my right wrist and brought it to his lips, giving my knuckles a soft kiss. I felt my heard hammer in my chest uncomfortably. This man was creeping me out.

                Clearly not noticing my distress, the man straightened, adjusting the lapels of his blue and gold coat and gave me what I supposed he deemed a winning smile. “I am Nicholas Perdu, mademoiselle. It is a pleasure to meet you.”

                How was I supposed to respond to that? I wanted nothing more than to slink away back upstairs, and hide until this nightmare was over!

                “Uh, yes well—it’s a pleasure to meet you also,” I stumbled over my words, attempting to mimic the language he had used.

                Nicholas chuckled at me, “Ah how delightfully endearing!” He remarked, “You are a shy one! Ah well, don’t fear my dear, I’ll make it my personal quest to break you from your cocoon of timidity.”

                “Ah I see you’ve met my Genevieve, Nicholas,” Adam’s rich voice carried over Nicholas’ simpering appraisal. I inwardly gave a sight of relief.

                Nicholas straightened and took a step back from me, turning to his left, where Adam stood clad in a deep hunter green suit, he gave Adam a tight smile.

                “Yes indeed! I’ve finally met one your lovely relations! You really shouldn’t keep such sparkling gems in your family hidden my dear boy!”

                “Not hidden, merely protected,” Adam replied in a clipped tone, “Now if you’ll excuse us, I believe I need to escort this dear girl to get some refreshment and make some more introductions. Thank you for keeping her entertained in my absence.”

                “Anytime my dear boy. Anytime indeed.”

                Grasping my elbow, Adam gently led me away from the leering man and towards a more secluded corner.

                “I’m away for a few minutes and you’re being pawed at,” Adam snorted, “What am I going to do with you?”

                “Hey!” I remarked heatedly, “It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t seek him out. He came at me!”

                “Indeed. I have no doubt of that. His whole family seems fascinated with you, no matter what time period it is.”

                “What?” His statement confused me. “I don’t quite follow.”

                Adam chuckled lightly, “No I don’t suppose that you do.” He stopped us just beside a few of the surrounding pillars near an archway that led out towards the gardens. “Is there anything that seemed familiar about Nicholas?”

                “How did you—“ I trailed off giving him a suspicious look. Adam nodded at my appearance.

                “I thought you’d recognize it. You see you are actually quite acquainted with his family—in your time at least.”

                “What? Who could possibly be—Michael!” The realization slammed into me light a freight train. “That’s why he seemed so creepy and familiar! He’s the great great…whatever to my boss! Ugh.”

                Adam chuckled at my discovery. “Yes that particular family trait you’ve recognized seems to be one that’s passed down. It’s rather ironic that all the males in that family seem particularly fond of your company.”

                “Shut it,” I ground out, annoyed by Adam’s smirk, “That’s not funny.” I sent him a glare, but the smirk didn’t leave his face.

                “I wouldn’t be so sure,” he snorted, “I found it rather amusing.”

                I rolled my eyes and turned from him, to hide the color that I knew had risen to my cheeks. He knew just what to say to get under my skin and honestly after the last few days I didn’t really know how much more I could take.