Page 80 of The Fifth Soul

“What?” Jesse whispers to me with a mouth full.

I flick off a piece of potato that lands on my jacket. I’m about to remind him he needs to act with decorum in public when a rowdy laugh has us both turning to look behind us. A few tables away, we spot the source of the noise. My oldest brother, Roman. He’s talking and laughing with the youngest Kai’s daughter, Rose. Their table is full of guards, all enjoying the food and ambiance. I don’t think Roman has ever talked to Rose, which makes the entire scene odd.

“He’s laughing,” Jesse says in shock. “Rose looks good. She’s grown up. Look at those arms, she’s fit.”

I turn round and gulp down some water as my eyes find Isabel. Her gaze is locked behind me. Her cheeks flushed and there is a tint of pink is covering her skin. I would have wondered if it embarrassed her if it wasn’t for the hard line of her lips. She’s angry. I’ve only seen Isabel angry a few times, and it’s always been directed at me. It happens scarcely, when I ask too much for Lexi Blue, in her opinion.

“They look good together.” My grandfather states to the table, not caring who hears. “Her father asked me to introduce them earlier today. Roman must have escorted her to dinner.” He takes a sip of his drink and looks around. “Are you all acquainted?”

“Yes,” I answer for the table.

Everyone continues eating as Isabel and I look at our plates with disdain. About an hour later, Roman joins us once the staff has cleared the plates. Rose is close behind, with a handful of guards at their backs.

“There you all are. I hadn’t seen you,” Roman greets the table.

“Rose Kai, how nice to see you, young lady.” My grandfather stands, and we follow suit. He extends his hand, and she takes it with a stern shake. “You look so grown up. Doesn’t she look lovely tonight?” he says back to the table.

“Lovely,” Isabel confirms with a tight smile.

“Would you forgive me for being as bold as asking if I can have this dance?” The question comes from one of the guards standing with the Kai soldiers, directed at Isabel.

Her eyes bounce around the people standing by the table before my grandfather clears his throat. “He is growing roots as we wait, sweetheart.”

Isabel is flustered, and the flush on her face deepens. “Of course.” She gets up, and in an instant, the soldier is holding her hand and leading her to the dance floor.

“Sit and talk with me.” My grandfather pulls out a chair for Rose. “I heard you are part of the city’s security team. Are your plans to join us in the Royal Force?”

Rose goes on a long rant with my grandfather about her ambitions. Eventually, she plans to join our ranks once she’s gained more experience and found someone to take her place here. Her intent in asking to be introduced to Roman was to better understand what she needed to make the jump. I watch my brother’s fixed gaze on the dance floor as the conversation continues around him.

“Rose,” Roman interrupts. “Would you like to dance?”

She scrunches her nose in distaste. “I’d rather not.”

Roman hangs his head. Isabel is still dancing with the guard. The song changes, but they keep going on to the next song instead of splitting. Rose looks back at Isabel and then at Roman, putting the situation together.

“We have some wicket cool fish on the fourth floor that shot black ink. We have been trying to mimic their ink. An unreal weapon once it works.”

“Freezes intruders?” Roman cheers up, intrigued.

Jesse mirrors his expression.

“Disorienting to anyone who smells it.”

My brother doesn’t have to hear anything more. He’s instantly on his feet. Jesse tries to get up, but I yank him down by the sleeve of his suit jacket.

“You’re on guard duty,” I remind him.

We both watch as Roman and Rose leave the party hand in hand. We wait for them to return, but after the room begins to empty, we decide to head back.

“I’ll speak to you all tomorrow,” my grandfather says before heading out. “Early morning.” His last statement is directed at Jesse.

I laugh in good humor and walk him out. Shutting the door behind him, I lean my head and take a deep breath. I can’t help but worry, but I need to get some sleep. Tomorrow will be a long day.

I turn back to the room and find Lexi Blue and Jesse staring at Isabel. She’s sitting upright on the couch, but something seems odd. Her spine is straight, and her hands are clasped tightly on her knees.

“Isabel,” I say, trying to get her attention. “Are you okay?”

“I’m perfectly fine.”

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