Page 34 of The Fifth Soul

“This is where the Hue family will welcome us in. Then, dinner will be served,” Isabel continues.

She stands close behind us. A disapproving glance comes from Alejandra, but I ignore it, it’s not like I was loud about asking. Our attention snaps forward when a choir of people of all ages leads the song as they climb onto a small stage in the temple's front.

Three individuals that can only be the Hue family enter from the side door to the small stage soon after. A couple in their late forties and a young woman in her mid-twenties. They simultaneously wave around and smile as they walk down the stage to us. They bow their heads at the king and crown prince. The voices then soften a bit, but don’t silence.

“Welcome, Your Majesty.” The man kisses the king’s hand. “It’s always a pleasure to see you.” His eyes slid to Brandon. “The man of the hour.” He reaches for Brandon’s hand next. His tone isn’t as warm, but it holds a level of respect. “It will be an honor to celebrate you tonight and follow you for the time the Fates will allow.”

Brandon doesn’t respond to the declaration, but inclines his head instead. He stands straight, with his shoulders pushed back. A relaxed expression takes over his face as he paints a slight, amicable smile on his lips. This is so different from the emotional and highly energized man I saw for weeks at the Black Castle. I wouldn’t call him cold now, but he’s definitely different outside his castle walls.

Lord Hue raises his hand, finally silencing the singing. “We will pay our respects to the Fates, then head over to the celebration.”

The Hue family leads the way up to the small altar at the front of the room. Three rocks are up in the stands. One pink, one red, and one blue symbolizing the past, present, and future. The three states of fate in everyone’s lives.

They incline their heads at the stand and then lead the way out of the temple. Only leadership and guards move to follow. Isabel and Lexi Blue say their goodbyes and head in the opposite direction, following a different guide. Alejandra gestures for me to stay behind Brandon. We walk down a hall through two large open doors leading to a ballroom.

As we enter the large ballroom, I can’t stop my eyes from wandering around. Gold accents and cream-colored tables with wood chairs surround a large stage. Servants line the walls, waiting for guests to arrive. I’m captivated by the people on the ceiling. Dancers on top of columns, and some even hanging off drapes, swirling like swings.

“For the love of the Fates, try not to look so shocked.” Alejandra scowls at me.

Brandon looks over his shoulder with the first genuine smile I’ve seen from him today. “I find her curiosity refreshing. Did you see the way her eyes widened in the temple?”

Does the man have eyes in the back of his head? I’ve been walking behind him since we arrived, and I don’t recall him looking back at me. Honestly, I haven't been looking at him since we walked in. Though that’s not something a guard should share, so I keep that to myself.

“Like I could have missed it.” Alejandra huffs disapprovingly.

“I’m sorry,” I say, feeling chastised.

“Don’t apologize, people are hanging from the ceiling. I don’t see that often, either.” Brandon winks at me before turning back around.

I suddenly feel lighter. The pink on my cheeks is unavoidable. This is my first time talking to Brandon since our last interaction, and I can’t help but feel relieved that he doesn’t seem angry toward me.

“At least look serious while looking around. Make it seem like you’re simply observant of your surroundings.”

“Okay.” I drop my smile, but keep taking in the entire room shamelessly.

Brandon takes his seat next to his grandfather, and we stand at a close distance behind him. Jesse joins us for a minute before also taking a seat at the table with the rest of the advisors.

Soon after, numerous servers fill the room with tasty-looking dishes in their hands. They drop off several dishes at the tables, leaving no empty space. Without saying a single word, they leave the room after. The entire thing happens so quickly.

Something inside tells me to pay close attention. I can tell something will happen because the room’s energy is high. When the lights dim down, I turn to Alejandra. She is already watching the room intensively.

“What’s happening?” I ask her.

Alejandra raises her index finger to her lips, shushing me. Her eyes look around, keeping track of her surroundings. I follow her example. Three large spotlights lit the middle stage as a focal point as three girls take the stage.

In unison, the women perform a song. A few other people enter and exit the stage while doing a choreographed dance. They’re good, even if they're cheesy and extravagant. I’m most impressed by the people on stage using wind and light magic to add special effects and sass to their performance. It’s awesome, but the way the main girls focus all their attention on the Oscuro table makes me internally cringe.

At one point in the performance, the oldest-looking girl in the group takes on a solo song and seductively walks toward the table. When she’s close enough, she extends her hand toward Brandon. I’m not sure what she expected, but when he doesn’t move, the girl points her finger in his direction. A spotlight lands on him, bathing him in a soft glow.

Jesse's chuckle is sudden, but he gets it under control quickly. Not quick enough for Alejandra and me not to hear it. I can’t see much of Brandon’s face from my position, but I can only imagine his passive expression. This performance is becoming more entertaining by the second, and even Alejandra holds humor in her eyes.

As the song concludes, Brandon quickly stands and inclines his head toward the stage. Jesse follows right after and claps. Soon enough, the entire room joins them.

The girl doesn’t seem to think this is enough. She gestures for Brandon to join her on the stage with her hand.

“Don’t push your luck,” Jesse says loud enough for me to hear.

I’m sure the girl on stage must have heard, too, because she drops her hand and returns her attention to the center stage.

---