Page 78 of In Death's Hands
I shrug. “I don’t think it matters anyway, since I’m not part of your world. Just a passing ship trying not to sink.” It was meant as a joke, but both of them turn sombre. And I guess there is no joke to be found in survival. “What’s going on here exactly? Are they all coming with us?” I jerk my chin to the nosy people dressed to the nines as I ask no one in particular, wanting to change subjects. As I wait for an answer, my eyes can’t help butfall back on Nathan, who is frowning so deeply I question the idea that I ever saw any kind of warmth in him. And if I ever will again.
“We’re waiting to go to court,” answers Turan as she arrives in a flourish of pink tulle and ribbons. I frown, trying to understand her dress. There’s some sort of sleeveless bodice with a dark pink underside covered with pieces of black lace, and the skirt is made of tulle in a lighter pink. But there’s justso muchof it, you can barely see the tiny woman wearing it. I don’t know what to say, so I keep quiet and look to Atys and Nathan flanking me as they observe their friend.
Nathan’s eyes are as wide as his open mouth as he takes her in, and Atys is absolutely no help as he starts cackling like a fiend.
Turan frowns at us and looks down at herself, smoothing some pieces of tulle with her hands. It doesn’t do anything to reduce the volume of the thing. I clamp my mouth shut, refusing to be the sort of person who comments on what another woman is wearing. But the betrayed look she throws me tells me I’m failing pathetically. “I don’t care what you all think! I like this dress.” She crosses her arms and gives a sullen look that breaks my composure, and I sadly join Atys.
“I’m sorry,” I say as I catch my breath. “It does look fancy, if that makes you feel better.”
She looks down her nose at me, which is an impressive thing considering I’m a head taller than she is, and says, “It doesn’t.”
Fair enough. Although, her outfitwouldfit right in if she were about to step on a catwalk to present one of those strange haute couture lines I never understand anything about.
“You look lovely,” says Nathan, completely serious. “As do you,” he adds with a prolonged look at me. Surprise ripplesdown my spine and steals any thinking skills I may have possessed.
“Thank you,” I answer, awkwardly shifting on my feet and glancing down to break his stare. But I can still feel his eyes on me as I look up and focus on Turan. “You do look gorgeous, Turan. I didn’t mean to make fun of you. It’s just that your dress is… unique.”
“Oh, pish posh,” she says, waving her hand in the air. “Not everyone can have my fashion sense,” she adds with a wink. “Is she ready?” she asks the men flanking me.
“Ready for what?” I ask, my stomach tightening all of a sudden.
Turan gasps in outrage as she throws accusatory glances to Atys and Nathan. “What were you doing before I arrived? I told you to prep her.”
They both look somewhat sheepish, which doesn’t do anything to reassure me.
“We got sidetracked,” defends Nathan weakly, scratching the back of his neck.
“We did talk about titles!” adds Atys, puffing up his chest slightly.
“Ah, good! You scared me for a minute,” says Turan, looking very much like pink personified. “Last time was a special circumstance, and, although unfortunate, I’m sure Cel understands.” I frown, failing to see what their leader should understand. Turning to me, Turan adds, “But we can’t have a repeat now. It’s important you show proper manners and address everyone appropriately.”
“Huh?”
For once, my lack of eloquence seems answer enough, and all I see is her red face and murderous eyes before dark envelopsus all and the now familiar feeling associated with Fading takes over.
We reappear exactly where we did the last time we were here. Except this time, it doesn’t look so grandiose. Big staircase in front of us, no natural light, green velvet drapes everywhere. I could almost see an old vampire movie being filmed here. Around me, the group of Origins stays quiet, and I wonder why they came. Their eye colours vary from deep blue to green to brown, making me think they come from different Crowns.
The silence is growing uncomfortable, and I look at my friends for guidance, but Turan is still throwing mental daggers at the men flanking me. As one, the group moves to the door, and I stumble to keep up. I eye the handle of the tiny door but only see gold this time, and I wonder if I imagined the red string around it the last time.
I know what to expect and brace myself as we enter, but the room still manages to send my nervous system into overdrive. I think I convinced myself that my memories were exaggerating, but it’s exactly as I remember it. Golden frames, room full of fancy-looking people. Except this time, they’re all quiet and already fixed on me.
When my feet hit the marble floor, the cold reminds me I’m still barefoot. My eyes widen and I seriously consider running back out.
You know that dream everyone talks about, the one where you realise you’re naked while in class, or during an important work meeting? Well, I’ve never had it. My dreams often bring on stranger horrors, like losing all my teeth or being chased by serial killers, or even fighting monsters while on grand quests.But I’m guessing after today, that naked nightmare will haunt me for the rest of my life. I never thought I’d see the day when Atys was more appropriately dressed than me.
After bowing, the group quickly scatters, letting me, Nathan, Atys and Turan face the ridiculous dais at the centre.
I steel myself, knowing their leader is really not keen on me but that we need her help to find out the truth. I really shouldn’t be surprised by anything at this point, but here I am, barely breathing as I take in Celestina wearing a shimmery white negligee that barely reaches her plump thighs. I audibly swallow as my eyes fail to avoid taking in the garment, which does nothing to hide her large breasts.
And here I was worrying about my lack of shoes…
“Back so soon?” Her voice sends chills down my spine.
Turan, to my surprise, steps forward with a warm smile. “Hello, Supreme.” She bows her head in deference that I don’t think is faked.
Celestina looks at her with a warm smile that turns her face from interesting to lovely in mere seconds. Except I don’t buy it. I still feel cold in my chest and could swear her grey, stormy eyes don’t reflect any sort of warmth.
“We bring good news,” continues Turan. “With Liv’s help, we finally managed to capture one of the Novensiles.”
