Page 44 of Deadwood
I set the fork down, smoothing a crinkle out on the napkin in my lap. “You’re right. It is interesting. But I’m eager to take part in Torbernite’s festivities today.”
King Bular pasted on a glowing smile. “We do hope you’ll enjoy.”
I returned the expression with ease. “As do I.”
We ate the rest of the meal in silence until the servants returned to gather our plates and clear the table.
Queen Bular sat forward slightly in her chair. “I’m not sure how much Lander has told you about Exitium Lunae, but every year, citizens come together to celebrate the equality in the people of Serpentine by wearing our finest masks and dancing together under the ring-lit sky. As I’m sure you weren’t expecting the festivities during your journey, I had something made specially for you.”
As if on cue, a servant filed into the room holding a small box. He set it on the place mat before me, gave a curt bow, and left. I eyed it, not sure if I should open it in front of them or not.
“Go on.” Queen Bular gestured to the green box. “Don’t be shy. Open it.”
With all eyes on me, I gently slid the lid off the box. A garnet mask sat on an emerald plush cushion. Where it flared up to a point at the tips on either side, it faded from deep red to pitch black with delicate black lace laying over the entirety of the piece. Tiny silver gemstones framed the upper half of the eyes, giving an almost wing-like look. It was far more precious than any mask I’d worn in Amosite, and it felt too great a gift to accept.
“I can’t—” I started.
“You can,” Queen Bular interrupted. “Consider it an engagement gift. With the amount of dances your father will likely throw before and after your wedding, I’m sure it will come in great use.”
After one more look at the mask, I placed the lid back on. “It’s truly beautiful. Thank you.”
The servant reappeared, taking the box back from me.
“It will be brought to your room for when you get ready tonight.” The king and queen both stood, and she crossed to him, hands clasped in front of her as she turned to me. “Enjoy your stay in Torbernite, Lady Auria. We are so ecstatic to be hosting you.”
With that, the two of them left. Paxon stood shortly after they disappeared, facing Lander. “I expect you to be at your best tonight.”
Lander sat back in his chair, draping an arm over the back of mine. “Of course,” he drawled, the response sounding anything but sincere.
Paxon looked at me. “Keep his nose out of the barrel until the festivities begin, will you?”
“That’s hardly my job,” I responded.
He straightened his jacket. “Prepare yourself for a lifetime of it. Lander never matured past the age of twelve.”
“Better that than a stuck-up prick,” Lander murmured before sipping from a glass of water.
“Watch it, brother. The guards only protect from the outside, not from within.” Paxon turned on his heel without another word, leaving the two of us alone.
Lander stood, looking down at me. “I’ll see you tonight?”
“Wouldn’t miss it.”
Then he left, leaving me alone in the dining hall.
I stared out at the empty table and chairs, taking in the stark silence of the room. The dynamic between the Bular brothers was anything but pleasant, and yet, I found myself enjoying their company much more than I thought I would.
Perhaps I preferred a little bit of chaos, and chaos preferred me.
CHAPTER 16
Ispent the day exploring Torbernite, admiring all the decorations that were thrown up in honor of Exitium Lunae. The gardens, beach, and meadows were all set up in preparation for the celebration. Blue and silver tablecloths were draped over tables, cushioned chairs set out around fire pits. There were multiple locations set up with assortments of appetizers, giant banners, and colorful drinks, all of which I wanted to see and taste, but my temporary maid had informed me that the Bulars requested my presence in the meadow tonight.
After returning to the room to get ready, my hands gripped my large skirt as I descended the stairs. I’d weaved the tie on the mask into my hair, keeping the strands around my face held back. The rest flowed down my back in loose waves.
The dress was heavy, the bodice thankfully not too tight, courtesy of my maid heeding my request to give me room to breathe. Already, Torbernite was growing on me, and I was somewhat sad to be leaving here so soon. Lander and I had given our speech halfway through the day to the townspeople, standing in the street in the city, and while they didn’t seem too pleased with my piece, they adored Lander. I had expected that, but thankfully, it had gone much better than Sulphur. No food was thrown, and I survived the day.
The sun had since set, the rings turning their typical purple hue before transitioning to silver. People milled about as I exited the castle, some wearing extravagant attire, and others more casual clothes. The Lunae Festival was all about equality, and wearing whatever felt comfortable was a big part of that. Tonight, people weren’t judged for their clothes or their actions. They were celebrated for their freedom of expression.
