Page 174 of Anathema

“Well, then, I won’t bother to tell you that I’ve already spotted the tyrant.”

“Where?” I asked, not wanting to sound too eager, but my voice betrayed me in that respect.

“The only splotch of black in the back corner.”

I scanned the crowd, and though there were a few clad in black, my eyes fell on the tall figure standing alongside a regally dressed man wearing purple and silver. Zevander wore a black brocade jacket and trousers, the fine clothes making him look every bit a noble instead of an assassin. A full-sized stag mask with horns completely covered his face—as expected, no part of his jaw exposed. Strange that, for as much of him that was covered, I could still tell that it was him, just based on his rigid stance and the way he stood off from the crowd. Watching. Always watching. An unsettling worry left me wondering if he’d recognize me, as well. Perhaps more of a preoccupation than the mages hunting me.

“Beside him is Prince Dorjan. Keep track of the prince, and you’ll always know where Zevander is.”

I’d always know where he was anyway, as wickedly distracting as he looked in his suit and mask. “He’s going to be furious if he sees that I’m here.”

“It so happens I have a spell that can make him forget his anger,” she said with a smile. “If you were to get close, just whisper the words in his ear and all will be forgotten, I promise.”

“You’ve got a spell for everything.” I rolled my eyes. “Well, what is it?”

“Rapiuza’mej et rapellah’mej. Forgive and forget.”

“Rapi-oo-zah-meh. A. Rapell-ah-meh,” I sounded it out in a far less elegant accent.

“Close enough. You whisper that and I promise, he won’t remember a damn thing.”

“Got it. Hopefully I won’t have to use it.” I needed to tear my gaze away or risk that he’d sense me ogling him. “And which is the princess?” I asked.

She pointed across the room, to where a young girl stood, wearing a long, hooded, stark white gown, her hair coiled in soft brown curls. Hers was the only face not covered in a sea of masks, and I could see that she only looked to be about fifteen years old, at most. A somber preoccupation claimed her expression, and the way she fidgeted told me she was nervous.

“She’s so young,” I whispered.

“Yes. As was the goddess.”

“This feels so wrong.”

“Having gone through it myself, I can agree with that. However, if you gave her a choice right now, she’d undoubtedly continue with it.”

“Why?”

Rykaia sighed. “Because men decided that the future of the bloodline was solely a woman’s burden to carry. If she refuses, she will bring both shame and misfortune to her family. And, of course, the entire city of Costelwick will see that as a problem.”

A masked man carrying a tray of champagne flutes strode up to the two of us. Rykaia lifted two from the tray and gave me a nod.

With a small bit of hesitation, I grabbed one of the drinks, as well. “After last night, I’m not entirely sure this is wise.”

“The liquor I gave you last night is far worse. This is practically water by comparison.”

After a quick sniff, I sipped the sparkly fluid, which sent a rush of deliciously crisp apples and a hint of cinnamon across my tongue. “Mmmm,” I said, swallowing it back.

Mixed within the crowd were those wearing long purple robes and black masks, making them all look similar, as their hoods concealed their hair.

One of them passed, and I glanced over, noticing whoever it was looking back at me.

“Who are they?” I whispered to Rykaia.

“The Magestroli. The king’s mages,” she answered casually.

Studying their robes, which set them apart from others in the room, I nodded. “And you’re certain these mages, I’m guessing the most brilliant mages in your world, would have no clue that the one they’re hunting is right in front of their faces?”

“You’d be surprised. The most brilliant minds can be incredibly imperceptive. Come, I’ll show you.” She took my arm, tugging me after her toward one of the robed guests, who stood with their back to us.

Wriggling from her grasp, I ground to a halt. “This is foolish. If I’m going to be here, I’d rather not make that known to everyone.”

---