Page 8 of The Sorcerer of Shadowholde

Garlands of fresh flowers had decorated the city forum, as dancers regaled the sun with their sinuous movements. A large, central bonfire burned bright, sweat beading on many a brow with the dual sources of heat. Vita and Rhea had feasted on bread and wine, wandering the crowd arm in arm, laughing at the merriment.

The High Consul was nowhere to be seen, though that wasn’t a surprise, as he was always conspicuously absent from holiday festivities.

Vita had needed a nap before the feast at the palace, the sun—and wine—sapping every bit of energy from her, though she had enjoyed the day.

Now, she stood outside the entrance, waiting behind Praetor and Domina Amulius as the herald greeted them.

“Praetor, it is a pleasure to have you join us at the palace with your lovely wife.”

The short man paused, peering around to look at Vita. He had a gray beard and dark eyes that scrutinized her, but said no more. He led them down the hall to the entrance of a ballroom.

Sounds of revelry floated into Vita’s ears, raucous laughter mixed with stringed melodies. Her heart raced as she stepped into the grand ballroom, the herald announcing their arrival in a furious shout.

“Praetor and Domina Marcus Amulius!”

Curious eyes shot towards them as she followed her employer into the enormous room, continuing to clutch the Domina’s train, her mouth gaping in awe.

Cascading vines and delicate flowers in vibrant shades of pink and red adorned the stone walls, the sweet scent of the blooming rosesfilling the air. The chandeliers above cast a warm light, an enchanting ambiance to accompany the lively music and the guests twirling in their summery attire.

Vita followed Praetor and Domina Amulius as they made their way through the crowd, greeting guests with fake smiles and bows. She froze, letting the silky train slip from her fingers as she locked eyes with someone from across the room.

The strange woman from the market.

She sat in an elaborate silver chair adorned with shimmering jewels. Her golden eyes pierced into Vita once more, that sly smile on her lips. What was even more shocking was who she was sitting next to.

The High Consul.

The air left Vita’s lungs as his gaze turned to her, eyes as red as the roses clinging to the stone walls. His pale skin glistened under the warm chandelier glow, blonde hair so light it was almost white. It laid neatly down his back, chunky pieces framing his beautiful face.

And itwasbeautiful.

Vita let out a breath as the High Consul’s lips curled into a smirk. A smirk directed right at her. She tore herself away from his stare, hurrying to catch up with the Amulius’ as they mingled with fellow guests.

Why was the strange woman sitting right next to the High Consul? Vita cast another glance their way and noticed her whispering in his ear as he lounged on his ornate throne.

She wore another gorgeous navy dress, this one of fine silk, long-sleeved with a deep cutout reaching far down her stomach. A harness of glittering white jewels flowed over her shoulders and across her chest and another golden rose was tucked into her braided hair.

The High Consul was dressed in equal extravagance. A white tunic with finely embroidered roses emblazoned his lithe chest, black pants and leather boots adorning his bottom half. Mirrored earrings dangled from his elven ears as a small silver circlet sat atop his head.

His firm jaw clenched in a smirk, even as the woman spoke in his ear. As she finished her secret words, his ruby gaze turned back to Vitaand she felt a strange pull in her chest, as if his unblinking eyes were drawing her towards him.

A hand at the small of her back interrupted her thoughts. She blinked the High Consul away as she turned to face the person who belonged to the hand, Praetor Amulius, with a sickly smile on his face.

“Are you coming, Vita?”

He led her over to the Domina, who sat in a comfortable armchair surrounded by the wives of council members, each one vying for her attention. She gestured to Vita, and the Praetor finally took his hand off of her, moving to speak with another finely dressed man.

Vita hurried around for much of the evening, delivering glasses of wine and plates of food to the Praetor and his wife. When she had a moment to breathe, she made a small plate for herself, bread and cheese she could eat quickly before she was given another task.

A man eyed her from across the feasting table, a grin on his face. He had wavy auburn hair and the same strange red eyes as the High Consul, which sent a shiver down her spine, though his smile wasn’t unkind. Still, there was somethingoffabout the man and Vita quickly returned to her place near the Praetor, awaiting her next command.

She tried to focus on the twirling dancers, but her eyes were drawn to the High Consul and the mysterious woman. Every time one of them looked towards her, it took everything in her power to drag her eyes away.

Vita was clapping along to a song when a person appeared in front of them. The strange woman. She bowed low to Amulius, a haughty smirk on her beautiful lips.

“Praetor, what a pleasure it is to make your acquaintance.” Her voice was deep and lilting, no less harmonious than the melody of lyres and flutes playing in the background. “I am Aurora Delphi, and I work for High Consul Renatus.”

Renatus. It was the first time Vita had ever heard anyone call him by name.

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