Page 90 of The Fifth Soul

King

I am the King of Puerto Quinn.

CHAPTER 38

BRANDON

The celebration is more for the people than the crown. I would much rather meet one-on-one with all the leaders and advisors in private office meetings than this. I make my way through officials and leadership guards. Every one of them offers their services and congratulations. In return, I assure them I’ll do everything in my power to be the leader they need. I mean every word as I shake every hand.

The food hall has turned into a party hall. Banners and balloons decorate the space in festive colors. A dance floor has been placed right in the middle, and many people dance to the music a band made of guards is playing.

The picture this image paints is one I wish to keep in my memories forever. But it’s missing something. Someone.

I look for her as I scan all the faces in the room until I spot Bianca sitting amongst my friends and family on a table off the side of the dance floor. I’m moving through the space high off adrenaline and happiness. The only thing that can complete this memory into perfection is her.

“Hey,” I say right before I’m almost tackled to the ground by Sofia and Santiago.

They squish me from both sides as they hug me, hooking their arms together.

“Congratulations King Oscuro!” Sofia says with a mocking tone before she bursts out in laughter. The happiness is contagious. Flying in the air.

“Sofia!” Alejandra whisper-yells at her sister in a chastising tone. “Let him go. Don’t act this way in public, for the love of the Fates. Behave.” She says the last word in a deadly tone.

Both let go of me, admittedly. Alejandra steps away and walks across the room, checking on her guards stationed inside the castle.

“Thank you both,” I say to them with a smile.

I nod to Isabel and Jesse, who congratulated me earlier. Bianca hesitates before she runs into my arms. A rush of words leaves her lips, and even though I can hardly hear any, I can feel the sentiment.

“Can I talk to you?”

The question comes behind me in a tone that would suggest anger. It’s loud and direct. I turn to find Roman looking at Isabel. The look on his face is the complete opposite. She’s been avoiding him all morning. The business of the day has made it possible for them to keep a distance, but I can see how not speaking to her kills him inside.

“I need to take food to Lexi Blue.” Isabel looks up at a clock on one wall. The shaking of her fingers gives away her nervousness. “She should be hungry.”

Lexi Blue isn’t great with big parties, especially loud ones. I’m not surprised she has departed to her room early.

“I will take food to Lexi. You can go and dance. Enjoy.” Santiago takes no argument as he nudges Isabel up from the table.

Roman wastes no time taking the opportunity offered. He pulls Isabel to his chest and drags her effortlessly to the dance floor.

“What a great idea,” I say, pulling Bianca.

“I’m wearing a guard uniform,” she says, looking down at herself.

“Do the pants constrict you from dancing?” I give her my best smile. “Let’s go.”

I get no more arguments as we make our way to the dance floor. I can feel eyes on me as I take hold of Bianca and sway to the music with her.

We turn in unison to the side, and from the corner of our eyes, an argument catches our attention.

Isabel turns away from Roman, pushing his arms away from her. She turns to leave, but his arms wrap around her body from behind. I can’t hear their words from this distance, but I can see their lips.

“Enough,” Roman pleads, holding tight to her.

“Enough,” Isabel says. Her face falls. She looks exhausted from running away.

She turns in his arms. Her face is no longer facing us, but his is.

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