Page 37 of Riftborne
“If you want to keep up the disrespect, leave. We’ll see what happens to you then.” His voice was a growl.
My eyes narrowed. “You know what? I think I will leave. I’m done.” I turned away quickly, desperate to escape his gaze.
Racing to the bench, I snatched my bag before storming towards the door, unable to bear another moment in this suffocating room.
“You’re right. This was all a waste of time.”
The finality of his words sunk in as I bolted into the cold, night air.
CHAPTER 14
“This ball is goingto be the death of me,” Osta groaned as she bounded into the living room, dropping garment bags and releasing her golden hair from its knot.
“I’m glad you’re finally seeing reason,” I murmured, toying with the cork from a vial on my apothecary belt.
“Well, it’s not the ball itself. Just Thearna. You have no idea how many needle injuries I have right now. My hands look atrocious,” Osta said, holding them up for inspection, a disgusted look forming on her face.
“You’re being a little ridiculous, Osta. Your hands look fine.” I attempted a small laugh despite my sour state.
“All of this better be worth it. Thearna promised she would try to bring me along with her, but she’s still waiting on her own invitation to come.” Osta plopped down next to me at the brown makeshift box we called a dining table.
“Osta, have we learned nothing? I don’t even know why you would want to go to one of these things.” I was being unfair, but I couldn’t help it. Talking about the Tribute Ball made me think of the General, which gnawed at the growing pit in my stomach.
“You know I don’t want to work under Thearna forever. I need to start building a client list. And events like these are my only way to make a name for myself. It’s the only way I can show off myowndesigns,” Osta asserted, placing her hands carefully on the chipped tabletop.
The Tribute Ball happened once a year and celebrated the advancements of the Guard. Well, at least that was the reason for its creation centuries ago. Now it was just an excuse for a party–another exclusive event that required a royal invitation. I couldn’t understand why anyone would subject themselves to that kind of nightmare.
Surely, the General was frothing at the mouth for the attention such an event would bring him.
I winced at the thought. Even insulting him didn’t bring the dark satisfaction that it used to.
“I just don’t think it’s safe, Osta. Especially after how everything ended with the General,” I said, my tone just above a whisper. I glanced over at Osta as she popped a raisin into her mouth.
“If he was going to retaliate, I think he would have done it by now,” she said, meeting my eyes. “It’s been a week.”
“Maybe.”
I couldn’t bring myself to believe that he was done with me.
“Oh my, have you seen the time?” She shrieked as I peered toward the window. The room had gotten dark, only illuminated by the muted rays of the setting sun.
“We need to get ready! Eron and Jacquelina are expecting us soon.” Osta flew from her chair and ran to the hallway. “Don’t worry, I picked out an outfit for you already,” she chirped before skipping into her bedroom.
Hopefully the General wouldn't choose tonight to show up and arrest me.
Or kill me.
Or both.
I walked over to my bed, eyeing the outfit that Osta had sokindly chosen. The simplicity of it could only mean one thing. She was taking it easy on me. I smiled.
Usually, Osta would take this opportunity to style me, and run with it, hoping to persuade me into one of her more adventurous designs. I had almost fallen into that trap one too many times.
Sighing, I lifted the pale green dress off the bed. With its long sleeves, modest neckline, and flowing knee-length skirt, it was a thoughtful choice. I promised myself to thank her for it later.
Shedding my work clothes, I slipped into the garment and made my way to my tiny desk, stealing a glance in the mirror. My curls framed my face in a wild halo. Groaning softly, I sank onto the stool.
After a few long moments of trying to slick the icy strands back into a neat bun, I gave up. It would just have to stay wild and unruly tonight. Not exactly waves, but not fully curled. It lived somewhere in the static-ridden middle.
