Page 48 of Riftborne
“Don’t concern yourself with the details. It’s handled.” A few seconds passed, and I opened my mouth to speak, but he cut me off.
“And now there is just the matter of the ball,” he said, changing the subject. A coy smile played at his lips.
I couldn’t fully register his words. I had seen a glimpse of something within him, but today clearly wouldn’t be the day for a full revelation. General Laryk Ashford was back in full glory.
Wait.The Tribute Ball? Confusion washed over me. I was certainly not the person to discuss such topics with.
“I didn’t realize you were also a party planner. I’m afraid I won’t be much help with that, but best of luck.” I turned back to my things, still unsure about how the conversation diverted so quickly.
“Fia.” He halted me with an exasperated look. “You are going to need to make an appearance.”
“Excuse me?” My eyes widened.
“You’ll be joining the Guard soon. It’s important to start making connections.”
“Be that as it may, I don’t remember agreeing to join you at any of these elitist soirees,” I replied as I turned towards the door. He thought I was going to appease himnow?
He was quick to block my path.
“The agreement we have is contingent upon you doing as I advise–and that includes theelitist soireesyou’re referring to. They build camaraderie.”
I scoffed.
The General crossed his arms and stared at me in contemplation. “You would deny Osta the audience of the Sídhe Nobility?”
“Osta?”
“Of course. I assumed she would accompany you. I can even introduce her to some of the noble houses if she’d like.”
Anger pulsed through me. He had a habit of using Osta as a bargaining chip.
I raised a brow. “And why would you do that?”
“So youdon’twant me to provide her with numerous potentialcareer opportunities? You’re not the friend I thought you were.” He shook his head, mischief playing at the corners of his eyes.
“I was going to ask how you knew so much about Osta, but then I remembered your habit of stalking.” My eyes shot to the back of my head, realizing that further argument would be futile.
He smirked, not even trying to hide his satisfaction. “I’m looking forward to seeing you both this weekend.”
I left the gym with thoughts that continued to churn. The man had a way of twisting my impulses into absolute whiplash. I didn’t know how to feel. But I knew one thing for certain.
Osta was going to lose it when I told her the news.
CHAPTER 18
“Osta. What have you done?”I glared into the mirror.
“I knew you would love it!” Osta beamed as she leaned her head back and fell into the couch, arms sprawled out in accomplishment.
“The gown is beautiful, Osta, seriously… I just. Isn’t it a bit much?” I asked, turning around to get a look at the back. Which was basically nonexistent.
It had been a week since the General had forced this ball upon me. I agreed to let Osta dress me for the evening. She convinced me that showing off her designs in real time would be essential for her to make an impression on the Nobility. A fact I couldn’t exactly argue against.
But she had gone fully and completely mad with the design. Perhaps on someone else, it would have been stunning. On me… Well, I looked like a spectacle.
The gown was made from shimmering velvet, in a shade caught somewhere between silver and white. The long sleeves laced through my fingers with a simple band, and the neckline stretched up past my collarbones, ending just below my chin. The fabrichugged every curve of my body before flaring out at the bottom. The embellishments were clearly a nod to my eyes, opalescent and reflective. They seemed to catch every glimmer of light that hit them.
A part of me wanted to hug Osta for creating something so beautiful for me. It felt like the biggest compliment I’d ever received–to see myself through her eyes, even if they were tainted by rose-coloring I didn’t deserve.
